🥋 DOJO INK APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM
- Dojo Ink
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 4 hours ago
A 6-Month Path to Mastery, Guided by Cece
Becoming a tattoo artist isn’t just about technique, it’s about discipline, safety, flow, storytelling, and confidence.The Dojo Ink Apprenticeship Program is a structured 6-month journey that takes you from complete beginner to shop-ready artist through the Dojo’s signature Belt System.
If you’ve ever wanted to learn tattooing from a mentor who teaches with clarity, intention, and artistry —this is your path.
🖤 WHAT MAKES THIS PROGRAM DIFFERENT
Most apprenticeships are chaotic. No structure. No clear progression. No real teaching.
Not here.
The Dojo Ink Apprenticeship is:
✔ Structured
A step-by-step Belt System with clear milestones.
✔ Legal
Meets the 6-month requirement for tattoo apprenticeships (time may vary by state).
✔ Hybrid
Includes both online education and in-person hands-on training.
✔ Safe
Sanitation, machine handling, setup, and health protocols are taught to exact standards.
✔ Artistic
Cece teaches you how to develop YOUR style — not copy hers.
✔ Supportive
You’re not “on your own.” You’re guided, corrected, supported, and pushed.
This is a lineage. A dojo. A creative discipline.
🥋 THE 6-MONTH CURRICULUM
White → Yellow → Green → Blue → Black Belt progression
Your apprenticeship follows a proven, intentional timeline:
⚪ MONTH 1 — WHITE BELT
Foundations • Safety • Control
You’ll learn:
sanitation + legal requirements
station setup
proper needle handling
machine basics
line control drills
stencil prep
beginner tattoo design
safe habits & fundamentals
Goal: Build the base of a safe, confident tattooer.
🟡 MONTH 2 — YELLOW BELT
Technique • Linework • Shading
You’ll master:
intermediate linework
smooth shading
needle depth control
hand + machine speed coordination
curved and complex lines
mini compositions
Goal: Create clean, consistent tattoos on synthetic skin — and begin supervised tattoos on real models when ready.
🟢 MONTHS 3–4 — GREEN BELT
Style Development • Flow • Real Skin Work
You’ll learn:
developing your personal tattoo style
how to draw for the body
placement + flow
shading gradients
multi-needle techniques
small & medium real tattoos
artistic identity building
Goal: Become comfortable tattooing real clients under mentorship.
🔵 MONTH 5 — BLUE BELT
Professional Readiness • Intermediate Tattooing
You’ll work on:
advanced shading + linework
designing medium-to-large pieces
client communication
pricing, booking, and boundaries
portfolio building
tattoo photography
revising weak areas in technique
Goal: Be ready to tattoo independently with guidance.
⚫ MONTH 6 — BLACK BELT
Mastery • Apprenticeship Completion
You’ll complete:
multiple tattoos start-to-finish
advanced placements (ribs, sternum, etc.)
corrections + problem solving
speed + confidence building
final portfolio
state-required hours + paperwork
Your apprenticeship concludes with a Black Belt Certification Ceremony and official sign-off.
Goal: Become a certified, employable, fully trained artist.
🖤 WHAT’S INCLUDED
✔ Full Access to All Belt Courses
White, Yellow, Green, Blue, Black — each with video lessons, drills, worksheets, and assessments.
✔ Weekly Training Sessions
Hands-on studio days with Cece, scheduled according to your pace.
✔ Live Model Tattooing
Practice real tattoos under supervision.
✔ Critiques + Skill Evaluations
You’ll be corrected, improved, and guided every step.
✔ Unlimited Email/DM Support
Ask questions anytime.
✔ The Dojo Ink Student Kit
All supplies needed to begin your training.
✔ Certification at Completion
Your Black Belt certificate and official apprenticeship sign-off.
🖤 WHO THIS PROGRAM IS FOR
Artists who are:
serious about becoming tattooers
motivated and self-disciplined
open to correction and growth
ready to practice often
excited to learn in a structured way
This apprenticeship is not for people who want shortcuts, ego, or excuses.
🖤 PROGRAM LENGTH
Total Apprenticeship Duration:
6 Months (State Compliant)
Online + in-person training combined.
🖤 TUITION
Choose the payment plan that fits you:
FULL 6-MONTH APPRENTICESHIP
$12,000 – $20,000(based on schedule, intensity, and availability)
Includes:
full belt system
all in-person training
supervised tattooing
final certification
PAYMENT OPTIONS
pay in full
6-month monthly plan
extended payment plan available on request
🖤 THE APPLICATION PROCESS
Because mentorship is personal, enrollment is limited.
1. Submit the Apprentice Application
Tell Cece why you want this path.
2. Inspiration Meetup (Free Consultation)
Discuss your goals, schedule, and artistic background.
3. Acceptance Decision
If selected, you’ll receive your start date + enrollment instructions.
4. Begin White Belt
Your artistry journey officially begins.
🖤 FAQ SECTION
Do I need experience?
No. Beginners are welcome.
How many hours per week?
Expect 10–15 hours (mix of online + in-studio work).
Do I need to buy my own machine?
Student Kit is included in full program.
Will I tattoo real people?
Yes — with supervision and only when you’re ready.
Will I be certified?
Yes. After completing all requirements, you’ll receive your apprenticeship sign-off.
Your hands can learn the craft.
Your mind can learn the discipline.
Your art can change lives.
If you’re ready to begin your path as a tattoo artist —the Dojo is ready to train you.
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