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Rather than write an informative blog post, we at the desk decided to review celebrity tattoos. I feel that when going into this we had the expectation there would be some decent work on quite a few of these people. As it turns out, the saying "Money can't buy taste" is common for a reason. With the exception of a few pieces in this list, the majority of these individuals made some insane choices, both in terms of subject matter and quality of work they chose to patronize. St

When people look at a fresh tattoo, they often focus on how crisp, tiny, and detailed it looks right away. The colors pop, every line is sharp, and the smallest details stand out clearly. What many people do not always get to see, however, is how those finer details settle over time through sun exposure, aging, and the natural changes our skin goes through. Over the years, lines can soften, colors can settle, and small details can slightly spread or blur together. This proces

Colorado law allows a minor to receive a tattoo when the tattoo artist has obtained express consent from the minor’s parent or legal guardian. That means tattooing someone under 18 is not automatically illegal in our state. At West Side Tattoo, however, our shop policy is simple: you must be at least 18 years old to get tattooed. We did not make that decision because we think every teenager has terrible ideas. Plenty of adults have terrible ideas, too. Age does not prevent so

They look effortless on Pinterest: a delicate initial on the ring finger, a minimalist lightning bolt on the knuckle, or a tiny "hidden" moon on the side of the index finger. It’s the ultimate "modern minimalist" aesthetic—subtle, chic, and personal. But there is a reason many veteran tattoo artists will sigh (or flat-out say "no") when you ask for one. While finger tattoos are currently having a massive moment in the spotlight, the gap between the fresh "day-of" photo and th

One of the most common questions clients have before a tattoo appointment is whether they can see the artwork ahead of time. It is completely understandable. A tattoo is permanent, personal, and something you want to feel confident about before it goes on your body. That being said, most tattoo artists do not send custom artwork in advance. This is not because they are trying to be difficult, secretive, or dismissive of your concerns. It is usually because the design process

Wondering whether your tattoo idea is better for a walk-in or an appointment? This guide breaks down when tattoo walk-ins in Colorado Springs make sense, when it’s better to book ahead, and how West Side Tattoo can help you plan the right next step for your piece.

We’ve all seen them: the stunning, hyper-detailed micro-tattoos on social media that look like a photograph shrunk down to the size of a postage stamp. They are breathtaking the day they are finished. But the question every collector should ask isn’t "How does it look today?" but "How will it look a decade from now?" Tattoos are a permanent investment, but the "permanence" is more fluid than you might think. As your body ages, so does your ink. Here is the reality of how tatt

Things to consider before committing to that finger tattoo you've always dreamt of.

Meet Hannah Shea, a second-generation artist bringing a legacy of ink to the Colorado mountains. Specializing in the delicate art of black and grey stipple shading, Hannah blends technical precision with a love for botanical and whimsical illustration. Discover how her 7 years of experience and passion for the outdoors shape every custom piece she creates.

R eference photos are the crucial bridge between the idea in your head and the final design on your skin. However, there is an art to selecting them. Sending the wrong kind of references can lead to miscommunication, frustration for the artist, and ultimately, a tattoo that isn't quite what you envisioned. Your tattoo artist isn't just a human photocopier; they are designers and translators. To help them translate your vision perfectly, here is a breakdown of what they are a

Is it Blackwork or just a black tattoo? Learn the defining characteristics that separate true Blackwork from Black & Grey and Ornamental styles, including a look at technical longevity and ink application.

Meet Weston — The Calm in the Tattoo Storm If you’ve ever called, emailed, or walked into West Side Tattoo , you’ve met Weston — the front desk guardian who answers the phone with the serenity of a monk while managing 20 tattoo artists, hundreds of clients, and at least six open Google Sheets. He’s the one juggling appointment calls, deposit confirmations, and scheduling chaos with the precision of a tattooed air-traffic controller. “I basically run my life out of Google Driv

Discover the best route for your tattoo idea with West Side Tattoo's guide. Learn when to walk in or book an appointment for your perfect tattoo.

Discover Axl's mastery in Japanese Traditional and Black & Grey Realism Tattoo styles at West Side Tattoo. Book your Tattoo consultation today!

Meet Jaime Faith At West Side Tattoo in Colorado Springs, Jaime Faith brings an impressive blend of artistic range and technical precision to the table. Her work spans multiple styles—black & grey, color, fine-line, dot work, geometric, floral, and anime—showcasing both her versatility and creative discipline. For Jaime, tattooing isn’t about following one path. It’s about exploring all of them. Each piece reflects her deep understanding of composition, balance, and flow—re

Experience the vivid world of color realism with Jardel Canto at West Side Tattoo in Colorado Springs. From wildlife portraits to nature-inspired tattoos, discover how his Brazilian background and 20+ years of experience translate into wearable art.

Meet Christian Puig Elegant precision meets creative depth in the work of Christian Puig , a Colorado-based tattoo artist whose style reflects both fine-art training and technical mastery.Working out of West Side Tattoo in Colorado Springs, Christian specializes in black & grey , dot work , mandalas , and ornamental tattoos —offering designs that blend geometry, flow, and femininity with meticulous attention to detail. Her approach is refined, thoughtful, and deeply rooted i

Explore the bold, timeless artistry of Clayton Girst, American Traditional tattoo specialist at West Side Tattoo in Colorado Springs. Discover his design philosophy, style highlights, and how to book with him.

If you’re looking for bold, colorful tattoos that blend timeless tradition with modern artistry, Jean Paul Maratt is a name you need to know. Based at West Side Tattoo in Colorado Springs , Jean Paul is internationally recognized for his mastery of Neo-Traditional tattooing — a style known for its striking outlines, vivid color palettes, and symbolic imagery. What Is Neo-Traditional Tattooing? Neo-Traditional tattoos build on the foundations of American Traditional tattooi

White ink tattoos have gained popularity for their subtle, almost secretive look. They can appear delicate, soft, and ethereal — a kind of “invisible ink” design that shows up only when the light hits it right. But while the idea sounds intriguing, white ink tattoos are one of the most misunderstood and high-maintenance styles in the tattoo world. Before you commit to one, it’s worth understanding what you’re really getting into. What Are White Ink Tattoos? White ink tattoos