Meet Michael Miller, an experienced tattoo artist in Fort Collins. Book your free consultation at Solana Tattoo Co. Michael Miller Michael is a versatile artist who can do it all, from fine-line to traditional to realism, cartoons, watercolor, you name it. As the legend goes, he was … born into darkness and raised in the violent underground Bulgarian tattoo pits. Though only a boy of thirteen, he rose through the ranks to become the fiercest tattooer in the tattoo hive. After defeating all who dared challenge him, he grew bored. While lounging in his doldrums one day, he suddenly heard the sirens call on a light sea breeze and set his sights on escaping the pits. A daring escape plan was hatched and executed flawlessly. At only three and twenty years of age, Michael was finally free to roam the seven seas, tattooing skulls and eagles on whales and Kraken. After years of seafaring took its toll on his body, it was time to step foot on dry land again. Two weeks later, his ship, the Bold Liner, made port in the Americas. For years he toiled in the badlands of Orange County California, and wrangled tornadoes in Oklahoma before forging his legacy in the frozen bosom of the Rockies. True story (probably). See some of his work below. See more at instagram.com/mllr_tattoo/

Erin is a female tattoo artist in Fort Collins who creates tattoos inspired by engraving, scrimshaw, and vintage art with a warm, collaborative approach. Erin Hussey Erin recently moved to Colorado after a traditional apprenticeship under Darcy Nutt in Boise at 21 and 7 years of experience in NYC. A New England kid at heart and old soul type, Erin is very inspired by engraving work, Gibson girls, and scrimshaw art by sailors and tries to emulate that in her designs. She is over the moon and humbled by any custom requests, as she grew up drawing and painting, never dreaming it would one day essentially be her career. She happily takes walk-ins and is very easy to communicate with for any request big or small. She aims to make clients feel seen and heard and hopefully giggle a bit during their appointment. She is also happy with folks who have vague ideas. She has a handful of custom pieces she’s done when people send her literature or songs as inspiration. See some of Erin's work below. View more of Erin's work here: www.instagram.com/tartnouveauu

Solana Tattoo Company in Fort Collins creates engraving-style and scrimshaw tattoos inspired by antique etchings, maritime folklore, fine lines, and crosshatching. Engraving-Style/Scrimshaw Tattoos What is an engraving-style tattoo? Engraving-style tattoos are inspired by the detailed linework found in antique etchings, woodcuts, banknote illustrations, and old book illustrations. This style uses fine lines, crosshatching, and texture-heavy shading to create depth and a hand-illustrated look that feels both timeless and artistic. Many engraving tattoos draw inspiration from Victorian imagery, maritime folklore, religious iconography, and historical artwork, giving them a refined, old-world character. What is scrimshaw? Scrimshaw is a traditional form of engraving artwork historically created by sailors, most commonly carved into whale bone, ivory, or shells during long voyages at sea in the 18th and 19th centuries. The artwork often featured ships, mermaids, swallows, women, nautical scenes, and decorative linework. Modern engraving-style tattooing often borrows from the delicate etched textures and maritime imagery found in scrimshaw art. Click here to schedule a free consultation See examples of our engraving/scrimshaw tattoos below. See more on our Instagram page . Tattoo by Erin Tattoo by Erin Tattoo by Erin Book a free tattoo consultation! Book a free consultation or appointment here !

At Solana Tattoo Company, every tattoo is more than ink on skin. It’s a collaboration, a story, and a work of art. In addition to hundreds of pre-drawn flash designs on our walls, our artists also take pride in creating personal pieces, which is why we love custom tattoos that Fort Collins clients can connect with on a meaningful level. Let's walk step by step through the tattoo design process so we can make the experience just as memorable as the finished piece. Creative Process of Our Tattoo Artists at Solana Tattoo Company, Fort Collins Here’s a look at the process of our tattoo artists, from sketch to tattoo. Step 1: The Initial Consultation Photo by Cinesinner The experience begins with a tattoo consultation Fort Collins clients can count on for comfort, honesty, and creativity. This is where ideas, placement, and style all come together in conversation. “Usually it starts with vibes! Whether it’s for a custom or a client, I usually like to get an idea of the feeling I’m trying to encompass through the tattoo. Some people want it to be badass, some people want a softer feel. All of that information helps me piece together my designs.” – Sabrina This first step sets the tone for the design ahead, ensuring both artist and client are aligned. Step 2: Concept Sketching JD drawing a tattoo. Photo by Geoffrey Worcester Once ideas are clear, the artist begins sketching. Depending on the project, this may mean hand-drawn sketches, digital renderings, or both. If it’s a simpler design or pre-drawn, the artist may skip sketching altogether and move straight to creating a stencil. “I try to look at the art through someone else’s mindset and try to see what they’re seeing when they are attracted to a certain piece of art. I then try to build on this aspect to create something custom.” – Liv For some artists, this stage is also about offering variety and pushing the design further so the client can choose from multiple versions. “I like to try and exceed expectations. If a client sends a simple reference, a lot of times I’ll try to do at least two renditions: one that is based on what they want, and one that is more aesthetically and visually appealing. Sometimes people ‘want what they want,’ but I find that most of the time people will choose the more appealing rendering, and I get to do a better tattoo, and they get to have a better tattoo, and then they become a regular as well as send all their friends to me as well = win, win, win!” – EZ Sketching is where ideas start to come alive, bridging the gap from sketch to tattoo. Step 3: Revisions and Feedback Tattooing is a collaboration, and clients are part of the process every step of the way. Artists refine sketches, adjust details, and reshape ideas so that the final design feels right for the client. “When a client comes to me for an idea for a tattoo, I like to collaborate with them. It makes the process fun for me.” – Matt This back-and-forth ensures the tattoo reflects both the client’s vision and the artist’s expertise. Step 4: Finalizing the Design A tattoo stencil being applied. Photo by Geoffrey Worcester Once a design is approved, it’s time to finalize details such as size, placement, and stencils. A stencil is always created unless the piece calls for the artist to freehand directly onto the skin with markers. This step is about precision — making sure the design fits the body and complements its natural flow. Step 5: The Tattoo Session The stencil (or freehand sketch) becomes the roadmap for the tattoo. Artists prepare their stations with sterile tools, ensure comfort, and focus fully on bringing the design to life. Tattoo ink during a tattoo. Photo by Geoffrey Worcester Some of the tools used with your tattoo include: Tattoo Machine and Power Tattoo machine – Liner for outlines, shader for filling and shading Power supply and foot pedal – Controls machine speed Needles and Ink Tattoo needles/cartridges – Various sizes for lines and shading Ink and ink caps – Holds pigments for the session Stencil and Design Tools Stencil paper and solution – Transfers design to skin Markers/pens – For freehand drawing or custom touches Hygiene and Skin Prep Gloves, disinfectants, razors – Keeps area clean and safe Ointments and petroleum jelly – Lubricates skin and aids ink flow Miscellaneous Paper towels and spray bottles – Clean and hydrate skin Chairs and armrests – Comfort and proper positioning for client “I always like to consider where the tattoo is going on the body. I believe proper placement is key to a good tattoo and should accentuate the body. I think that is what can ‘make or break’ a good tattoo. Obviously this is based on a decent tattoo, and sometimes people just want the ‘sticker tattoos’ where size, shape, and placement don’t really matter, but that’s one of the things I think can make a good tattoo into a great tattoo.” – EZ Every line, shade, and detail is handled with care to make the design permanent, beautiful, and lasting. A Story in Silver: Anna’s Concho Tattoo The concho tattoo by Igor, and Anna with her horses. Some tattoos tell stories that go beyond ink; they carry pieces of people’s lives. Anna reached out to us with an idea: a tattoo honoring her three horses, Major, Taz, and Rocket. She envisioned three silver conchos, each placed down her spine between her shoulder blades. She shared references, photos of her horses, and even the stories behind them. After booking with Igor, he created her designs the day of her appointment, adapting them to flow with her body. A few hours later, Anna walked out with a complete piece that she immediately shared on Instagram, thrilled with how it turned out. For Igor and the rest of our team, it was an honor to bring her vision to life. Stories like Anna’s are what make our tattoo studio in Fort Collins such a special place for both artists and clients. Want More Info About the Creative Process of Our Tattoo Artists? Helena tattooing a client's back. Photo by Geoffrey Worcester At Solana, every design is approached with care, intention, and artistry. Each Fort Collins tattoo artist on our team brings a unique perspective, guiding you through a creative process that ensures your tattoo feels personal, timeless, and beautifully executed. Ready to begin your own journey? Book a free tattoo consultation in Fort Collins with us here: solanatattoo.com/appointment. Meet our tattoo artists here: solanatattoo.com/staff. And don’t forget to follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/solanatattoo.

A cover-up tattoo by Aiden The only certain in life is change, right? Tastes change, styles evolve, and sometimes a tattoo just doesn’t fit your life anymore. Or maybe it never looked right. When that happens, there are two common paths forward: a tattoo cover-up or a blastover tattoo. While both involve tattooing over existing work, the approach (and the end result) are super different. What Is a Tattoo Cover-Up? A tattoo cover-up by Sabrina A tattoo cover-up is exactly what it sounds like: designing a new tattoo to completely conceal the old one. The goal is for the original tattoo to disappear as much as possible. That usually means working with: Larger designs Strategic placement and flow Heavier shading or color saturation A strong cover-up isn’t just about putting something “on top.” It can also mean using design intentionally to redirect the eye so the old tattoo no longer reads clearly. Because of this, cover-ups often require flexibility. Your artist may recommend going bigger, darker, or shifting the concept slightly to get the best result. Not all tattoo cover-up ideas are possible or realistic, which is why you should always book a free consultation before booking a cover-up. What Is a Tattoo Blastover? A tattoo blast-over A tattoo blastover takes a different approach. Instead of hiding the original tattoo, it embraces it as part of the final piece. With a blastover, a new design is tattooed over the existing one, but not with the goal of full coverage. You’ll still see elements of the old tattoo underneath, creating a layered, almost collage-like effect. Blastovers tend to: Use bold lines and strong designs Prioritize the new tattoo over fully concealing the old Create a more raw, artistic, and intentional overlap This style is popular with clients who like the idea of their tattoo history showing through, rather than being erased. Which One Is Right for You? It comes down to what you want your new tattoo to say. If you want a fresh start and don’t want to see the old tattoo at all, a cover-up is the better choice. If you’re open to a more artistic, layered look and like the idea of keeping some of the past visible, a blastover might be the way to go. Either way, the most important step is a conversation. Some tattoos are better suited for one approach over the other, depending on size, placement, darkness, and design. Start With a Free Consultation For both tattoo cover-ups and tattoo blastovers, the first step is a free consultation. This gives your artist time to evaluate the existing tattoo, talk through your ideas, and map out a realistic plan for the best possible result.

If you want your belly button pierced, you may not get to choose where and how it is pierced. Your belly button ultimately decides that. Just like there's not just one single type of belly button shape, there's also not just one type of belly button piercing. What most people picture when they think of a navel piercing is just one option. In reality, there are several variations -- six main navel piercing types -- the difference between a piercing that heals beautifully and one that constantly struggles often comes down to one thing: anatomy. At our Fort Collins piercing studio, we don’t just place jewelry. We assess how your body will actually support it long term. Here’s what to know. 1. Standard (Top) Navel Piercing This is the classic look. The jewelry sits above the navel and hangs down inside. It’s what most people come in asking for, but it only works well on specific anatomy. Best suited for: A deeper navel A clearly defined “lip” of skin along the top That top ridge of tissue is what stabilizes the jewelry and allows it to heal without constant pressure. Without it, this style can become irritated or even reject over time. 2. Floating Navel Piercing A more modern approach, the floating navel uses jewelry with a flat or minimal bottom instead of a dangling charm. Visually, it’s cleaner. Functionally, it’s often the better option. Best suited for: Shallow navels Navels that fold or collapse when sitting Traditional jewelry can press into the navel in these cases, creating friction and irritation. A floating navel removes that pressure point and allows for a more stable heal. 3. Bottom Navel Piercing Less common, but completely valid when the anatomy calls for it. This piercing is placed through the lower rim of the navel, with jewelry sitting upward. Best suited for: People with more defined tissue on the bottom than the top Rather than forcing a traditional placement, this approach works with the structure that’s actually there. 4. Double Navel Piercing This involves both a top and bottom piercing, creating a balanced, framed look. It’s visually striking—but highly anatomy-dependent. Best suited for: Strong, stable tissue both above and below the navel If either area lacks support, healing can become unpredictable. This is one of those cases where a consultation really matters. 5. Side (Horizontal) Navel Piercings These are placed to the left or right of the navel and are far less common. Best suited for: Very specific anatomy with enough stable tissue to support the placement Because of how the body moves in this area, these require careful evaluation and aren’t ideal for everyone. 6. Inverse/Reverse Navel (Styling Variation) This isn’t a different placement. It’s a different way of wearing the jewelry. The decorative end is flipped so it sits on top rather than inside the navel. Best suited for: Traditional or bottom navel piercings People who want a different visual without changing the piercing itself Why Anatomy Matters More Than the Trends A navel piercing isn’t one-size-fits-all. During a proper consultation, a professional piercer will look at: The depth and shape of your navel How it sits when you stand and when you sit Where natural pressure and movement occur Whether the jewelry will stay stable over time These factors determine not just how the piercing looks on day one, but how it heals months down the line. Navel Piercings in Fort Collins If you’re considering a navel piercing, we offer free consultations at our Fort Collins piercing studio to help you figure out what will actually work for your anatomy. Walk-ins are always welcome, or you can book ahead if you prefer and don't want to wait!