Coming soon! Eric "EZ" Johnson From tattooing bikers as a teenager to building spacecraft parts in the aerospace industry, Eric “EZ” Johnson’s journey has been anything but ordinary. Now a resident artist at Solana Tattoo Company in Fort Collins, EZ combines decades of tattoo experience with an engineer’s precision and an artist’s imagination. Known for his versatility — from fine-line designs to bold realism and intricate cover-ups — he approaches every piece as both craft and connection. Whether it’s your first tattoo or your next masterpiece, EZ delivers work defined by detail and heart. See EZ's work below. View more of EZ's work here: www.instagram.com/tattoosbyez1 Learn more about EZ here: From Aerospace to Ink

Get to know the talented tattoo and piercing artists at Solana Tattoo Company in Fort Collins. Our experienced team specializes in custom tattoo designs and professional body piercings. Book a consultation with one of our expert artists today. Our Team. We are Solana Tattoo Company. Click to see each tattoo artist's work. See highlights of our tattoo work here and our piercings here . Aimee Co-owner/admin JD Co-owner/tattoo artist Helena Tattoo artist Sabrina Tattoo artist Matt Tattoo artist EZ Tattoo artist Olive Tattoo artist Aiden Tattoo artist Igor Tattoo artist Liv Tattoo artist Adam Lead piercer Biz Piercer Lexy Piercer Looking for a tattoo job? Work with us! Solana Tattoo Company is currently accepting applications for high-quality, experienced tattoo artists. We are interviewing tattoo artists for both booth rentals (appointment-only) and walk-ins. Think you might be a good fit or want to know more about what we offer? Shoot us an email .

Coming soon! J.D. Markwardt JD Markwardt is the co-owner of Solana Tattoo Company, which he runs with his wife, Aimee. A Colorado native with more than 20 years of tattooing experience, JD has helped open four successful tattoo studios from Denver to Fort Collins. After closing his private studio, Surfbilly Tattoo, he founded Solana — named after his favorite California beach — as a place that reflects his vision of an art-forward, artist-run shop where creativity and respect for the craft come first. JD is best known for his unique take on American traditional tattooing and his signature drawings of women, inspired by the important women in his life. His daughter, Betty, is part of the Solana team as the shop’s staff photographer, making the studio a true family endeavor. JD tattoos exclusively by appointment. View some of JD's work below. See more of his work here: instagram.com/jacked_kirby_

Eric “EZ” Johnson could still be working in the aerospace field. For years, he worked on satellite components, docking and separation systems, and even the original Mars Rovers. Or he could be putting his engineer brain to work on the ground, building motorcycles. He built and repaired his first one out of spare parts around the same time most kids are learning to ride a regular bicycle, and has since built more motorcycles than he could count.   A few years ago, EZ nearly became a pastor—a logical extension of his volunteer work with rehab centers, unhoused people, and others in need. But today, he sits in his private room at Solana Tattoo Company, a top-rated tattoo studio in Fort Collins, with a tattoo machine in hand. It’s his tool for connection. His purpose. His calling. And also full circle to where he began. EZ tattooing. Photo by Cinesinner If you saw EZ riding his motorcycle through town, you wouldn’t be surprised to learn he’s a tattoo artist. With tattoos face to feet, he looks the part. But look closer. Those face tattoos? They’re all spiritual. He jokes he’s a walking bulletin board for Jesus. He’s the artist who can and will tattoo just about anything, from fine-line tattoos to portraits to American traditional , and anything in between. Hands? Sure. Head, armpit, inner lip? It’s your body. But no hateful ink will come from his hands. Gang signs and racist symbols are a no-no . EZ may look intimidating, but he says his mission is to spread hope and love to lives he wouldn’t normally cross, while helping people permanently mark essential moments in their lives and claim their bodies. “That’s what wakes me up every day,” he says. “There are 100 million people way more deserving of life than I am for all the bad that I’ve done. There are people who have life a whole lot worse, too. But I am thankful to be able to do what I can to be a type of healer, someone to talk to, someone people can connect to in their own way.” Growing Up in Tattoo Shops EZ tattooing a client. Photo by Cinesinner EZ was raised in Colorado tattoo shops. His dad was a tattoo artist, and EZ got his first tattoo on his 13th birthday: a small star with angel wings on his shoulder, a tattoo he says he will never cover up. EZ always loved art classes, and he began tattooing under his dad’s mentorship at age 16. His first tattoo was an Old English letter “P” on a guy named Peter. EZ tattooed friends (with their parents’ permission), his dad’s biker buddies, at Sturgis and biker parties. It was 1996, his third year tattooing at a Fourth of July biker event in Silverton, when another tattoo artist approached him, impressed by his talent at such a young age. On the spot, he offered him a job in his tattoo studio in Durango. So EZ moved to Durango and made it official. Soon, he was tattooing at conventions, shaking hands with some of the best tattoo artists in the world. He relocated to California, chasing a bigger bite of the industry, and tattooed up and down the Pacific Coast, before returning to Colorado in 2000 to open his own studio in a shopping mall in Aurora. Then came the news that changed that trajectory. His wife was expecting a baby. EZ decided to trade his art for a more stable job with health insurance and benefits.  A friend from his high school in Lyons had graduated from CU with an aerospace engineering degree and invented a satellite docking system that could double their length of service in space, reducing space garbage. His friend needed help with the mechanical side and reached out to EZ, who had been building engines his whole life. That’s how EZ joined the aerospace industry. He worked there for 15 years, through company buy-outs and subcontracts with Lockheed Martin and Ball Aerospace. He continued tattooing on the side – just nights and weekends – through the birth of two more children. After making other people a bunch of money, he says, he decided to pour his energy into his own dreams and he opened a motorcycle shop in Loveland. But a falling out with his partner a few years later left EZ back where he started. He returned to tattooing full-time in 2019, but he just wasn’t happy at any of the shops he found. One slow day, with no appointments on the books and his bills piling up, he left work to get tattooed by another artist friend at a newer shop in town. He walked in and recognized JD , a tattoo artist he’d seen before at his gym. JD offered EZ a job before the stencil even dried. EZ moved into the Solana Tattoo Company the next day. It was busy, artist-forward, and different than anywhere else he’d worked. The Artist’s Journey EZ tattooing at Solana Tattoo Company. Photo by BAM Photography. EZ’s story is as real as it gets, and so is his art. While he mastered grit and creativity at an early age, his life didn’t always stay clean-lined. At one point, EZ spiraled into addiction, violence, and self-destruction, a life that took him in and out of jail and nearly cost him everything. His marriage fell apart, and he lost time with his children.     But rock bottom is a strong foundation to build upon. The turning point came five years ago, when a friend named Sara invited him to church. What started as a curious visit became a choice that changed everything. Maybe his first tattoo at age 13 -- the angel wings -- was foreshadowing. Standing waist-deep in a metal horse trough on a windy Wyoming field, surrounded by cattle and sunshine breaking through clouds, EZ was baptized. It was a cold and windy winter day at Sara’s family farm.   “It felt like I could see the light coming into me — or maybe the darkness leaving me,” he says. “It was just me, God, and the elements.”   That moment redefined his purpose. He saw tattooing through a different lens.  “God made it really clear that I could reach people through tattooing who would never set foot in a church,” he says.  Not to push his beliefs on others, but to listen, connect, and care, as a person who has been through just about everything you can imagine.  That friend who originally invited him to church? Sara. Now his fiance, helping him raise his children, who are back in his life. A second chance – at love, at being a father, and at using his gift of art to provide for his family. He knows many people don’t get a second chance.  “I thank God for waking me up every day and giving me another chance to do it again,” EZ says.  Artistic Style and Specialties A fine-line bird tattoo by EZ With nearly three decades of professional tattooing behind him, many clients consider EZ one of the best tattoo artists in Fort Collins, thanks to his versatility and range. He’s as comfortable doing a crisp fine-line piece as he is a full-color sleeve, an American traditional design, or a custom cover-up. “I came from street shops where you have to be versatile. Your specialty is whatever comes in the door,” he says. “I like that variability. You don’t paint yourself into a corner.”   He enjoys doing tattoos that carry meaning: memorial pieces, faith-based designs, and cover-ups that give clients a fresh start. EZ knows all about new starts firsthand.  What It’s Like to Get Tattooed by EZ EZ at Solana Tattoo Company doing an arm tattoo. Photo by Cinesinner If you’re booking a tattoo or tattoo consultation in Fort Collins with EZ, expect your session to be relaxed, direct, and honest. He listens first, before putting the needle to the skin.  “Everybody has a different story,” he says. “Why are you getting this tattoo? There are a million different reasons. I like the personal connection of helping somebody fulfill that dream, or have closure, or bridge that gap.”  Whether you’re getting your first piece or a finishing touch on a sleeve, EZ’s approach centers on safety, communication, and collaboration. His private room at his tattoo studio in Fort Collins is clean, personable, and welcoming. The process is straightforward: a thoughtful consultation, careful stencil placement, and steady execution. EZ values comfort and clarity, so clients leave knowing what to expect and feeling respected throughout the session. Book With Fort Collins Tattoo Artist EZ Johnson Eric “EZ” Johnson is more than a talented Fort Collins tattoo artist; he’s a craftsman, a listener, and someone who’s turned his past into purpose . Whether you’re looking for custom tattoos in Fort Collins or want a pre-drawn design of nearly any style, EZ brings decades of experience, empathy, and technical skill to every appointment. Check out EZ’s portfolio and book your consultation to see why so many people call him one of their favorite tattoo artists.

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 pieces that are personal, which is why we love to do custom tattoos that Fort Collins clients can connect with on a meaningful level.  Let's walk step by step through the tattoo design process, because we want the experience to be 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 .

Getting your first tattoo is an important milestone -- it's like a rite of passage to truly owning your body and life's story. Due to our location near the Colorado State University campus, we are honored to be a part of MANY first tattoos. You could say we are pros at first-timers. That's why we've compiled a step-by-step guide walking you through getting a tattoo -- from booking through prepping for your appointment to aftercare. First Tattoo Preparation: What's the Process? (Also see: The Creative Process of Our Tattoo Artists ) Read This Before You Book Your Tattoo Appointment How to Make a Tattoo or Piercing Appointment Steps to Follow After Booking The Day of Your Tattoo: What to Know What to Wear to Your Appointment A Quick List of How to Prepare For Your Appointment Tattoo Aftercare Got more questions not answered here? Need help picking the right artist for your vision? Message anytime at solanatattoo@gmail.com or call us at 970-666-4842