Denver Ink: Highlighting The City's Diverse Tattoo Artists and Shops

Contributing author: Sam Watanuki

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“You’re a Babs girl!” 

I was at a bar, and a girl was tapping me on the shoulder and declaring this phrase. My shoulder that she was tapping is adorned with a tattoo of flowers created with a special technique to appear glimmering, like gold sparkles. The girl tapping me on the shoulder started enthusiastically removing articles of clothing to show me that she was also covered in the same romantic flowers and gold sparkles by the same Denver female tattoo artist, Laura Babsie (@le_babs on Instagram). It felt like we were members of the same club.

“Denver has one of the richest tattoo cultures that I have ever witnessed from a nationwide and worldwide perspective,” Babs told me in a later interview. She would know; she came from Europe, where she picked up her signature style blending Art Nouveau, Baroque, Italian Renaissance Art, and more. She’s known for her gold sparkles, as well as her dark, goddess-y style: crying statues, languishing flowers, and mythological creatures. She now owns a tattoo shop on Broadway in Denver called Three Fates. 

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“In the past, the industry was ruled by bikers and outlaws. It was taken over by artists in the mid-2000s, and it’s continuously evolving,” she said.

The reason that the tattoo culture here is so rich, according to Babs, is because the market is booming; young people in the tech industry with disposable income and free lifestyles have moved to Denver in droves. 

“We have a vibrant scene, whether it’s music or parties, and now we have this emerging art scene,” says Babs. “All of those things tie in together.”

The abundance of clientele means that artists don’t have to fight over clients; there’s no need to be competitive. In fact, in Babs’ scene of mostly female tattoo artists, they arrange meetups and even travel together. The lack of competition has allowed tattoo artists’ specific styles to flourish. Whereas tattoo clients might approach an artist with a design in mind, now clients follow tattooers for their unique voice, and are more flexible about what they receive, giving the artist more autonomy. 

“In Denver, I can post my own designs and fill my books that way without having the client dictate exactly what they want from me…people are heavy collectors here.”

Babs recounts recognizing Denver tattoo artists’ work on her clients right next to her work, and snapping photos, sending them messages that they’re “tattoo neighbors.” While competition still exists in some spaces, the scene is brimming with talent and mutual support.

When artists are supported, it creates diversity in the art. It’s nearly an impossible task for us to choose, but if you’ve been waiting to get a tattoo but haven’t felt comfortable doing so, here are nine Denver tattoo artists who are exciting to us right now.‍

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Carly Muñoz (@carly.tattoos), Owner of Glass Moon Tattoo

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Open since 2019, Glass Moon Tattoo is a woman-owned, appointment-only private studio in Wheat Ridge, CO, which prides itself on being an inclusive, safe space where both artists and clients can truly be themselves. If you’re looking for Denver tattoo ideas that are especially unique or thinking about visiting woman-owned tattoo shops, this spot should be high on your list.

Carly Muñoz creates gorgeously psychedelic masterpieces. Whether they’re cats being abducted by UFOs or a human face depicted in mind-bending M.C. Escher style, her designs are everything that we love about psychedelia—colorful, sparkly, trippy, rainbows in space and mushrooms on earth—but elevated to something worthy of a canvas. 

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‍Sandi Calistro (@sandicalistro), Owner of Tattoo Dumond

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‍Calistro is a longtime artist in the Denver tattoo scene. Her dreamy designs look like expressions of the divine feminine: melancholy femmes with big eyes that are haunting and evocative, places in magical or whimsical environments. She started tattooing at the tender age of 19, and also developed a presence on buildings across Denver as a fiercely talented mural artist. During the pandemic, she even turned to painting canvases until it was safe to tattoo again. Now you can find her at Tattoo Dumond, and join a large and inclusive community of Denverites that proudly bare her masterworks; just know that you might have to wait a while to get onto her books.

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‍Flipshades (@flipshades), Co-Owner of Long Live Tattoo Collective, Resident Guest at Inked NYC

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Flipshades wants to spread joy, if his all-caps Instagram bio is of any indication. His designs are exploding with joy, effervescence, pop culture, and mind-boggling surprises. He specializes in patchwork, 3D, psychedelic, and sticker tattoos. What that means is that his tattoos appear to burst off the skin into the third dimension. They might look like embroidery patchwork that is etched into the skin or a sticker of Linda from Bob’s Burgers that is peeling off. They look so realistic that it’s hard to tell they’re even tattoos. His designs broadcast a sense of deranged whimsy, whether they feature a Shaq fever dream or a sad ice cream cone that is melting. Flipshades calls Denver home, but he travels often, which gives him a unique perspective and brings more attention to our scene. ‍

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Megan F.KA. thebortex (@meg.n.tattoos), Tattoo Artist at Glass Moon Tattoo

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Another Glass Moon Tattoo artist who stands out is Megan, who also happens to be a co-owner of the shop. With seven years of experience, she’s skilled in a variety of styles but is especially drawn to blending abstraction and realism. Megan’s go-to subjects are often natural, including figures, florals, and animals, and her work reflects a unique balance between artistic vision and technical precision.

Megan mostly tattoos pre-drawn flash designs but occasionally takes on custom work—so keep an eye on her schedule if you’re hoping for something personalized.

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Rachel Paton (@ray_lyn_tattoos), Tattoo Artist at Neon Rose

Neon Rose isn’t your typical beauty salon—this woman-owned gem in Denver’s Park Hill neighborhood offers an eclectic mix of services that go beyond the usual, from nails and waxing to permanent jewelry and tooth gems. If you’re looking for a one-stop shop that offers something unique, Neon Rose delivers an experience that feels both welcoming and artful. Whether you’re there for a new look or to discover something different, this salon reflects Denver’s creative vibe in every detail.

One of their standout talents is Rachel Paton, a highly sought-after handpoke (machine-free) tattoo artist. Having spent a decade at Ritual Tattoo, Rachel’s minimalist yet precise style has made her a favorite in the scene. Her books fill up fast, but you can always add your name to the cancellation list and cross your fingers that a spot will open up.

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Tien Nguyen (@skvllhound), Tattoo Artist at Wolf & Goat Tattoo

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At Wolf & Goat Tattoo, tattooing is more than just ink on skin—it’s a tradition, an art form, and an experience. Located in Denver, this shop is home to a diversely curated family of artists who bring clients' visions to life while fostering a clean and welcoming environment for all. Wolf & Goat’s dedication to both the craft and their clients ensures an unforgettable experience, no matter if you're a long-time tattoo collector or thinking about your first piece. They’ve hand-selected their artists not only for their artistic talent but also for their passion, commitment to the community, and respect for the tradition of tattooing.

Tien Nguyen is one of the artists whose connection to tattooing began at home. Inspired by his father, who embraced tattoos in defiance of societal norms, Tien merges tradition, art, and cultural reverence into his work. His approach to tattooing is thoughtful and deeply rooted in the lineage of the craft, a legacy he has passed down to his sister, Crystal, who also just so happens to tattoo at Wolf & Goat. If you’re looking for Denver tattoo ideas and want to work with an artist who values both art and tradition, Tien is a perfect match.

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Chloé Besson (@chloejanetattoos), Owner of MADÉ Tattoo + Mercantile

MADÉ Tattoo + Mercantile might offer a tattoo experience unlike any other in Denver. This woman-owned studio combines tattoo artistry with fine art, interior design, and a thoughtfully curated retail experience. Head there for your tattoo session, then stick around to browse their shop. MADÉ feels like home—a place where comfort, safety, and inclusivity are top priorities. The intimate exchange of a tattoo session at MADÉ is a collaborative effort between the artist and the client, creating an experience that’s both gentle and thoughtful.

Leading the way is Chloé Besson, an artist with a fine arts background who has turned her creative passion into a mission to bring more client care into the tattoo industry. Her journey began with a dedication to bridging the gap between fine art and tattooing, and she founded MADÉ after realizing that safety, comfort, and inclusion were often overlooked in the field. Specializing in fine-line tattoos, Chloé’s work is delicate, mindful, and aesthetically driven.

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Nest Art Denver (@nest.art.co)

Nest Art Denver is redefining the tattoo experience with its trauma-informed, inclusive approach to body art. This femme and queer-owned studio offers tattooing by appointment only, ensuring a safe, comfortable space for every client. Nest Art is dedicated to making each session feel supportive and empowering, especially for those who may not have felt welcome or understood in more traditional tattoo environments.

If you’re on the hunt specifically for queer tattoo artists or want a space that prioritizes emotional well-being and inclusivity, Nest Art Denver has you covered. Nest Art’s talented team offers a personalized, thoughtful approach, ensuring your tattoo is not just art but a reflection of YOUR journey.

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Joe Ink (@joeink528)

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Joe Ink is a Denver-based tattoo artist who has made a name for himself by specializing in tattooing darker skin tones. Born and raised in Northwest Aurora, Joe spent his childhood immersed in creative projects, from drawing to folding origami. His passion for art led him to a summer on the Riverwalk in New Orleans, where he began doing temporary tattoos with “Black Henna,” eventually landing a job in a New York City tattoo shop. It was there that Joe's career truly began, thanks to an apprenticeship that forever shaped his approach to tattooing.

For Joe, tattooing is more than just a job—it’s an honor. He sees the skin as a living canvas, and each tattoo as a meaningful collaboration between artist and client. Whether you’re looking for something simple or complex, Joe approaches every piece with the same level of care and craftsmanship—all while you sip on delicious, hot, loose-leaf tea.

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Inspiration Awaits

Denver’s tattoo scene is as diverse and vibrant as the city itself, with each artist offering a unique approach to their craft. From fine-line florals and psychedelic masterpieces to bold designs that reflect cultural traditions, there’s no shortage of talent here.

As you explore the local tattoo culture, don’t miss out on the other things to do in Denver that celebrate the city’s creativity. Looking for design inspiration? A visit to Meow Wolf could be in order! Discover the hidden details at Convergence Station, which will certainly provide plenty of out-of-this-world ideas as you travel through its interdimensional portals.