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How do I know how much time to book for my tattoo? It can be tricky to know how much time to book. If it's a small (1x1" or so) or very simple design in a not challenging location (like arms or legs), you are likely good with a minimum (30-minute) window -- even if your artist needs to draw something up. For a 3x3"-ish tattoo without too much detail, an hour should suffice. As the size or difficulty or details increase, book more time. It's always better to book a little more time than not. If you're totally unsure or it's a bigger piece, like a half-sleeve, sleeve, back piece, or thigh piece, you can start with a free consultation and get a proper quote on how much time to book. You can also always reach out to us via Instagram, solanatattoo@gmail.com , or pop in to the shop any time and we'd be happy to help determine how much time to book. How do I pick a tattoo artist? Visit Solana Tattoo's Instagram page. You can see examples of each artist's work in the highlights. You can also see links to each artist's individual page in our pinned post. Or scroll our recent posts and see the style that stands out to you. That being said, all of our artists are great and can do a variety of styles. You can also pick an artist based on your availability/schedule. Select "any artist available" and pick your preferred time. It will automatically pair you with an artist. If you need more help, feel free to message us on Instagram, call the shop, or message us at solanatattoo@gmail.com and we would be happy to help you find the right artist for your needs. We have a wide variety of talent in our shop, so we have a great artist for every tattoo style. What to do when you book? Since it can be hard to know exactly how much time to book, please include in the notes: A description of the tattoo that you want, especially if it will require some pre-drawing by the artist The size of the tattoo (estimated height by width in inches) The location of the tattoo The style of the tattoo or details: color, shaded, stipple, fine-line, traditional, realistic, line work only, text, etc. Other relevant information about you or the tattoo. It’s always good to include what you are getting so the artist can confirm they have enough time and prepare in advance. Got more questions about getting a tattoo? Feel free to reach out to solanatattoo@gmail.com or check out our other blogs for more info.

​ Our mission is simple: to offer quality tattoos to good people with unmatched customer service. Everyone is welcome here, no matter your background, style, or number of tattoos. Who is Solana Tattoo Company? Solana Tattoo Company is a collection of body artists serving the Fort Collins area and beyond. We offer tattoos by appointment and walk-ins, custom tattoos if you know exactly what you want, and pre-drawn flash if you don’t. We also do full-service piercings, from eyebrows to below the belt -- basic to high-end piercings of all kinds. ​ We are proud of our experienced artists and diverse, high-quality skills. Our lead piercer has 20 years of professional experience, and we have tattoo artists who have been doing this for more than 20 years, too. Our shop is family-run and run by a tattoo artist, not just a businessperson who doesn't know the industry. Why Did We Start Solana Tattoo Company? This is a family-run tattoo & piercing shop founded by people who have worked in the tattoo industry for more than two decades. Tattooing is our life and our passion. We care deeply about self-expression, art, and service. After helping open four other very successful Colorado tattoo shops and running a thriving, smaller studio, we saw a need for a tattoo shop that was artist-centric -- run by artists, for artists. We were sad to see tattoo artists treated poorly by shops, not allowing them to take breaks and days off to be with family, and taking what we felt like was an unfair percentage. We believe people can thrive when they are respected, trusted, seen, and cared for. We wanted to do something different. We wanted to create a family of artists with private spaces where they could feel completely at home. We wanted to pay our artists better than other comparable shops. We wanted to let artists have more power over their schedules, but help support filling their books and promoting their amazing art. We wanted to give them the opportunity to grow and create art so they could do the tattoos they love to do. (That's where Flash Friday was born.) We also wanted to preserve tattoo history -- without getting stuck in old-school ways. We decided to pluck the best parts of OG tattoo shops (tons of quality flash designs, street shop walk-in availability 7 days a week, late weekend hours) and merge it with the best parts of modern tattooing (custom art, appointments with online scheduling, high-tech equipment, options for numbing cream and healing derms, and the upmost cleanliness). We wanted to improve the customer experience, too. Whereas many cliche tattoo shops are dark, we wanted our main spaces to be bright, airy, and clean! (Ahem, dark hides dirt a little too well.) Instead of typical loud music, we aim to have a wide variety of music that makes everyone feel comfortable (and yes, sometimes that might mean a little screaming -- but feel free to request a different station if that is stressing you out). We wanted to offer private rooms for people who don't want to flash their naked torsos through the front windows at passersby or have a gaggle of strangers watching them across the room. We invite everyone to come in, hang out, play video games, meet our shop fish, browse our locally made art, and make connections in Fort Collins. In fact, the desire to build connections is why we post a ton of our tattoos on our Instagram page and story -- not just limited highlights that are heavily edited and photoshopped. We are real. We are natives of this area and CSU grads ourselves. And we want this to be a two-sided connection. We care about our Solana tattoo fam, and to us, every tattoo is equally as important as the next, no matter the size or style. How We Did It ​ We carefully select experienced artists with a variety of styles so that no matter what kind of tattoo you want, we can handle it and do it well. We want our shop to be the cleanest shop you've ever visited, so we also require all our artists to be certified in blood-borne pathogen handling -- far beyond what the state requires and what is the norm in other area shops. ​ We have a retail space packed with oddities, crystals, local art, jewelry, home decor, and other unique items. Local artists looking to sell their creations can submit an application to solanatattoo@gmail.com. Come say hi, play Nintendo Switch in the lobby for free, watch a movie on our TV, and don't miss our monthly Flash Friday deals on the first Friday of every month. We created this monthly special to make tattoos affordable to all, and to allow our artists to show off their designs and share with you what they can do. Check out our other specials here. We’ll always have a chair and clean space to help you make your mark and own your body. ​​ ​​

The first Friday of every month, we hold a special Flash Friday event. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about how to get one of our discounted flash tattoos in Fort Collins. What is Flash Friday? On Flash Friday, we release a never-before-seen, original tattoo flash at discounted prices for one day only. We also offer piercing discounts on this day. We’re proud to say we are the origin of Flash Friday — something we started back when we opened, long before it became a trend. We don’t share that to boast; we share it because it matters in terms of quality, expertise, experience, and service. Over the years, we’ve refined these events into something truly special, supported by one of the largest full-time artist teams in the region and the largest selection of readily available, quality, original flash. Our discounts are designed to be genuinely meaningful, and our events run smoothly because we’ve been doing this since day one. There’s a reason other shops have followed our lead: Flash Friday at Solana comes from a place of authenticity, experience, and creativity that can’t be imitated. What is flash? Flash is pre-drawn tattoo designs. Here is more info about tattoo flash. Below is an example of some of our in-house flash. Artist Liv Laeta's tattoo flash When is Flash Friday? We offer this the first Friday of every month from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Why do you do this? Several reasons. The heritage. First, we want to bring the heritage of flash tattoos back into the mainstream. Flash tattoos are a major part of tattoo history, and we think it's important to preserve this part of the art's tradition. For our artists. Second, this allows our artists to flex their creativity and make designs that they want to tattoo. We love drawing custom tattoos for our clients, but it's also fun to have the chance to tattoo our favorite styles and designs. Creative ideas. Third, flash is inspiring, and we love to inspire the community. Think about how many times you've seen a tattoo online or on a friend or stranger and it sparked an idea or desire for you. Art begets more art. We hope you see a design and fall in love with it -- or that it acts as a muse for more creativity. Accessibility. We understand that not everyone can afford a full back piece, but we want you to still have the opportunity to own your skin, express yourself, and mark moments in time. There are many reasons why people want to get a tattoo. We discount our flash by $50 or more, with designs starting at just $60, on Flash Friday to make tattoos more accessible to more people. It's fun. Flash Friday is fun. Many people make it a monthly tradition and show up every month. We love the high energy of the day and the chance to meet new people and build new connections. It's basically a big party -- the best way to start a new month on a positive note. What piercings are included in Flash Friday? All basic, above-the-belt piercings are on sale. Ears start at just $25; face is $35 per hole; and below-the-neck/above-the-belt piercings are $45. The deal applies to all piercings except dimples, dahlias, dermals, surface piercings, and genital piercings. This is priced per hole. So if you want a piercing that has two holes in your ears, that would be $25 per hole. The piercings all come with quality, internally threaded jewelry. We only use high-quality jewelry -- not the cheap stuff. "Basic" means the jewelry included in that price is not our high-end, upgraded jewelry (but you are welcome to upgrade). What Makes Solana’s Flash Friday Different Here’s what makes Solana’s Flash Friday stand out: We’re the original Flash Friday. The event started here. We offer meaningful discounts. $50+ off flash designs every month. Our flash is original and artist-made. Not copied, not templated, not generic. We have one of the largest artist teams in the region, which means more flash, more styles, and more creativity. Our events run smoothly because we’ve been perfecting them since we opened. We’re not copycats. Our event is rooted in authenticity and tradition. We are pros at flash. You can browse thousands of our original pre-drawn designs seven days a week, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Our flash is always on display and always available; it's just discounted on Flash Friday. You can also see some of our flash at www.instagram.com/solana_flash. Any of these designs are available any day. How can I assure I get seen on Flash Friday? The lines can be long, but we try very hard to get to everyone. If you want to make sure you can be seen, come early and get your name on the list. We recommend lining up before the doors open at noon. We will take names and you will be seen first come, first served, unless you want in with a specific artist; then you will be seen in order and when that artist is available (it may take a little longer). You are welcome to stay in the lobby, visit our saltwater fish, and watch movies, or you can go grab food nearby (or head home if you're close) and we can call you when your turn is coming up. Tip: We have also noticed a common, small slowdown around 2-3 p.m., which typically resumes around 4 p.m. We don't recommend showing up around 9 p.m. and expecting to get in, but you can always call the shop or swing by to ask. If you need or want to be seen at a specific time, we do not take appointments on Flash Friday. However, we do take appointments every other day; you just won't get the discount. Can I see the flash designs before Flash Friday? Yes! We post teasers on our Instagram in the days leading up to Flash Friday. Make sure you follow us and check both our posts and our stories. We don't always post ALL of our new flash designs in advance, so we recommend coming by the shop to see everything on Friday. How are the tattoos priced? We use a grid system to help inform the prices of our tattoos and make sure they are consistent and fair, no matter which artist you see. In addition to size, the price will depend on the level of details, the location of the tattoo, and the style. All flash sheets show tattoos in their pre-priced size, which is why we recommend coming in to see the designs in person. This allows you to gauge the size (and its price) to best decide where to place it. How much can I change the flash design? The designs are priced as-is, and that includes size. You may be able to go smaller on some designs -- but that depends on the design and level of details. If you go too small, it might not look good or hold up well over time. If you want to go larger, it may cost more. You can also choose color or not. We may be able to accommodate a minor change if it is small and time/demand permits. Otherwise, we do not make custom changes on flash tattoos on Flash Friday. If you want a custom tattoo, we would love to help you the next day. Does the tattoo have to be color if the flash is in color? No! You can get any tattoo however you want it: in color, black and grey shading, or just as line work. What if I don't like any of this month's designs? No problem. We also offer 10% off ALL other flash on our walls and in books. That's thousands of designs. We are sure you can find a design that you love in our shop. So even if you don't like this month's designs, pop in and browse our walls. Can I get a Flash Friday tattoo anywhere on my body? Of course; it's your body. But the discount only applies to arm and leg tattoos. If you want to get the tattoo elsewhere, there may be a small extra charge. Can I get more than one tattoo on Flash Friday? Yes! You can get as many tattoos as you want. Who designs the Flash Friday flash? It is all made in-house by our artists and apprentices. Occasionally, we also feature flash designed by local artists and CSU art students. If you are interested in participating, please email solanatattoo@gmail.com. What forms of payment do you accept? Unlike many tattoo shops, we accept all forms of payment: cash, credit card, debit card, PayPal, Venmo, Zelle. I have another question not listed here. Have another question about a Solana tattoo? Email us at solanatattoo@gmail.com and we can help!

Congratulations on booking your tattoo appointment! This is an exciting step whether it’s your first tattoo or an addition to your collection. To ensure everything goes smoothly from here, there are several important steps you should follow after making your booking. From explaining your design in detail to knowing when to consult with your artist, here’s everything you need to know to prepare for your tattoo session. 1. Clearly Explain Your Design Idea When you book your tattoo, it's crucial to communicate your design idea clearly. This includes the size, details, whether it's in color or black and grey, and the overall concept of your design. Be as specific as possible to ensure that the artist can capture your vision accurately. If you're unsure about the size or placement, your tattoo artist can provide guidance based on their experience as to what will look best and maintain its quality over time. 2. Send Examples to Your Artist If you have visual examples or references, these can be incredibly helpful to your tattoo artist. Sending these examples can help clarify what you're looking for, especially the finer details of your desired design. Most artists are accessible via Instagram, making it easy to send images directly to them. This step is particularly helpful if your design is detailed or if you have specific expectations about style and execution. You can also just bring the examples to your appointment, if the tattoo isn't too complex. 3. No Need for Constant Follow-ups Once you have provided all the necessary information and references, there is no need to constantly follow up with your artist. Tattoo artists are professionals who manage their schedules and client communications effectively. They will reach out to you if they need more information or if there are any issues with your proposed design. Trusting your artist’s process is crucial for a good relationship and a successful tattoo experience. 4. Artists Can Adapt and Draw On the Spot Many clients worry about whether their design needs to be perfect before the appointment. It's important to remember that tattoo artists are highly skilled professionals who are capable of drawing and adapting designs on the spot. They are adept at making adjustments that enhance the tattoo's appearance and ensure it fits well on the chosen part of the body. This flexibility is particularly useful for those who might have last-minute changes or decisions about their tattoo. 5. Book a Consultation for Complex Designs If your tattoo design is very complex or large, it might be wise to book a consultation before your actual tattoo appointment. A consultation allows for a discussion where you can explore ideas, sizing, placement, and pricing in more detail. It also gives the artist time to create or finalize the custom design without the pressure of having to tattoo immediately afterward. This is especially important for tattoos that cover large areas or require intricate detail and shading. 6. Prepare Physically and Mentally In the days leading up to your tattoo appointment, it’s important to prepare both physically and mentally. Make sure to: Stay Hydrated Keeping your skin hydrated will ensure that your tattoo comes out as crisp and clear as possible. Avoid Alcohol and Aspirin These can increase bleeding during your tattoo session. It’s best to avoid them for at least 24 hours before your appointment. Get Plenty of Rest Being well-rested will help you cope with the discomfort of the tattooing process. Eat a Good Meal Having food in your stomach will help you feel more comfortable and prevent you from feeling light-headed during the session. Know What to Wear Wear appropriate clothing that will allow easy access to the area getting tattooed. For example, if you are getting a leg tattoo, consider wearing shorts or a skirt. This consideration will not only make it easier for the artist to work but also keep your clothes free of ink stains. Plan Your Day Accordingly Tattoo sessions can vary in length, depending on the complexity and size of the design. Make sure you don’t have to rush to another appointment right after. Giving yourself a clear schedule on the day of your tattoo will allow you to be more relaxed and comfortable with the process. Speak Up! When your artist puts the stencil on you, take time to really look at it. Is everything spelled right? Is it the right size? Exact right placement? You can't change a tattoo after it's done, but you can change a stencil. Use your big-kid voice and say if you want something changed. Don't be That Guy who approves a design and then complains about the design you approved after the fact. It's your responsibility to say what you want on your body and to express your needs. Aftercare is Crucial Finally, be prepared to care for your new tattoo according to your artist's instructions. Proper aftercare is crucial to ensure your tattoo heals well and retains its beauty. This usually includes keeping the tattoo clean, applying ointment as advised, and avoiding sun exposure and soaking in water. By following these steps, you can ensure that your tattoo experience is as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Remember, a tattoo is not just a form of body art but a lifelong commitment. Preparing adequately for it can make all the difference in achieving a tattoo that you will cherish forever.

A tattoo consultation is always free; that's when you can chat with an artist about your ideas, get a more accurate quote, and ask all of the questions you have about the process and design. But after your free consultation if you want to make an appointment, you may be asked for a deposit. This deposit not only holds your spot on the artist's calendar, but it also is there to protect the artist and their time. A deposit, by definition, is always nonrefundable. There are no exceptions. The deposit does go toward your overall tattoo price. So if you pay a $100 deposit and the tattoo ends up costing $300, you will simply pay the difference when you are done ($200). Here are some reasons behind our tattoo deposit policy: Sometimes an artist will spend hours or even days drawing up your design, and all of this time does not count toward the hourly rate you pay when you get the tattoo. A deposit helps compensate for their drawing time, if you decide you don't want to get the tattoo after all. At least the artist isn't at a total loss for their hard work. Even if you provide an already-drawn image, the artist has to spend time sizing it, turning it into a stencil, and making it tattoo-able. Not every image translates into a good tattoo, so some small adjustments may need to be made. We believe in respecting our artists and honoring their expertise and time; this is their livelihood. When you hold a space on someone's calendar, that is time blocked off for you -- time no one else can have. If you back out, that is lost time the artist could have spent serving another client. Note: We don't ask for deposits for walk-ins or appointments where you will be getting the tattoo that same day. Not all tattoos need a deposit.

By Adam Lopez There are the myths and the assumptions that surround the thought. The way the curiosity is in eye of the client, when it's someone who doesn't modify themselves as much as enthusiasts. They ask the regular questions about what I do. I've worked in many shops. In a few different places. There are so many things I've picked up on. Like the nature of the purity in the need to look your true self in a fake as fuck world. Not to sound bleak, but the synthetic is so real now its almost unbearable. Like in past times, self-adornment is something we will always embrace in our own way. The beautiful ritual of it. Dad and son. Mom and daughter. Besties, the loving couple, or the soloist rebel. They come to me. For something different. I abide. Because it means something to me. The act itself dates back to pharaohs, kings and queens, tribal passages in life -- to metal and punk scenes, even dark places you'd usually never be. Piercings can be found across the globe throughout oceans of time. The mechanics of it have been passed down from one installment artist to the next. They can be used as accessories to a look, or highlighting sensitivity in parts of a person. They take much longer to heal than a tattoo and can stand out as much, depending on placement. In a young person's life they can be a wonderful bonding moment between guests. I've always respected it. Never have I gauged it as a simplistic thing. It's dismissed often, the act. The life of a body piercer as the years pass can make up the outline of a true outcast. Even in the fanciest of studios, piercers can find themselves in a one-person act. Typically, being the odd one of the odd ones you expect to see in any shop. Piercers are ones that count on walk-ins. I consider myself an artist, period. We lead a life of possibilities, like any other artist. I consider myself an artist, period. Piercing aside, I paint, write, and enjoy many facets of the arts. My favorite writers include Bukowski, Frost, King, Poe, and a number of others that draw me. Painters I admire include Mike Vax, Salvador Dali, Banksy, Szukalski (his sculpture work, too). My music tastes go from Tupac to George Strait, from Prince to Yo Yo Má, from Deadmou5 to Slipknot. The life of an artist is one of letdowns to joys beyond words. It can be lonely, while satisfying in its own way. Artists are so goddamn important yet the world has taken them for granted. We cook your food, cut your hair, fix your websites, and even help you find the words when you can't. Artist loyalty has fallen by the wayside with the advent of commercialization to industry. We've lost touch with the concept of these artists being human, too. We live in a reality that has everything in your hand at all times, one of Google reviews and 30-second sound bites that people take to heart. Instant gratification has been in for decades now. There was a time where the only options were what you saw, what you knew of. These new options have leveled the playing field in art. But in far many ways made much of the art the same. Good? Bad? Does it matter? The luxury of options is not one that comes without consequences. With experts behind every keyboard, it's made a bitterness out of many an artist. When the reality tattoo shows happened, people saw a glimpse of the glamor that can shine from doing this. But the reality of slow days and atmospheric trend in a studio can be wearing on someone that's done this a long time. I bid pity on the brave souls that dare love an artist. We are a complex bunch that reject common realities strewn across the social landscape. So, "What's it like?" you ask. It's like anything else you give yourself to: joyous, worrisome, triumphant, loving, painful, bubbling with hope. Even with the truth of it most times being relevant to the person in the mirror. I can't think of a time when my art has ever been easy. Perhaps the challenge at the call of something you believe you've mastered is what makes the difference. Or perhaps I'm just full of it. Either way, I'd have it no other way. Because beautiful is never perfect; it's special. Come one, come all.

Want to live in beautiful Colorado and make a great living making art? Solana Tattoo Company (www.solanatattoo.com, www.instagram.com/solanatattoo) in Fort Collins currently has space (and work!) for high-quality, experienced tattoo artists. We are looking for walk-in artists to help meet our continued, growing demand. We are a family-run, tattoo-artist-run shop located in a high-traffic area as close to the CSU campus as you can get, right next to student housing. Our walk-in positions are ideal for an artist relocating and looking to build a client base. We hold monthly, special events that draw large crowds that we currently can’t keep up with, so there is no shortage of opportunities to make a good living and build new client relationships. Here are some of the ways we care for our artists: We offer a 60-40 split, even though the vast majority of Fort Collins shops do 50-50. We give each artist their own private studio with full reign to decorate it however they want. We staff a front desk to handle paperwork and greet clients in our lobby, complete with a Nintendo Switch, movies, Keurig coffee, and lots of retail space where artists are welcome to sell their art, jewelry, apparel, and other creations. We take care of all the cleaning and maintenance, beyond cleaning the private studios. Focus on your art, not maintenance. Quality set-up supplies are provided. We offer an online scheduling app for all artists, as well as a professional point of sale. We also offer booth rentals for a flat fee for artists who prefer appointments only. We have free and ample parking out front and are located within walking distance to tons of restaurants. We have a monthly marketing budget. We are committed to your success. Think you might be a good fit or want to know more about what we offer? Shoot us an email at solanatattoo@gmail.com or a message on Instagram. We are happy to host qualified candidates for a guest spot to check it out, too.

Ask us about a stencil! Stencils are just custom temporary tattoos that last a few days. Obviously, the real tattoo will have a ton more details and shading, but the stencil outline gives you an idea what the tattoo would look like before you commit.

Solana Tattoo Company is currently accepting applications for high-quality, experienced tattoo artists and piercers. We are only accepting tattoo artists for booth rentals (appointment-only) at this time, as our walk-in positions are filled. We are hiring piercers for walk-ins and appointments for a percentage basis. Think you might be a good fit or want to know more about what we offer? Shoot us an email.

Want a free piercing? For every tattoo, piercing, or tooth gem purchase in October, you can enter to win a FREE PIERCING! Or you can buy a raffle ticket (or as many as you want) for just a buck! Pop on over and get your tickets.