MADISON STUDER
Q: What’s your occupation? Explain your career, your accomplishments and professional highlights.
A: I am a tattoo artist at Witch of the West Tattoo Collective in Fort Collins. We are one of Fort Collins’ only queer- and women-owned tattoo shops. In many ways, this has been one of my greatest career accomplishments alongside my business partner and studio founder, Krista Bratvold. We opened the studio in August of last year with the mission to create a safe, inclusive environment where folks of all backgrounds feel welcome. Since then, the studio has received an overwhelmingly positive response from the community—a telltale sign that our work here is just beginning.
Q: Tell us about yourself, your history and how you came to be where you are now.
A: My parents always said they knew I’d be an entrepreneur one day, even from a young age. I started my first “business” around the age of 10: I would scavenge for bones and rocks to paint and sell at our local farmers’ market. I never pictured choosing this as my career, but I think in many ways, that’s why I wound up sticking with it. I’ve learned that tattooing can be incredibly transformative and healing for my clients, and being part of that process is so special. This career means more to me than I ever anticipated.
Q: Tell us something unique about you.
A: I am entirely self-taught, which is a bit of an anomaly in this industry (and a little taboo). For an industry known for its subversiveness and edge, tattooing has presented countless rules and blockades. Insiders are protective of information, and apprenticeships are notoriously hard to get. I’ve worked hard to use this as my strength to help educate others like me who are trying to break into the industry.
Age: 27
Occupation: Tattoo artist, Co-owner of Witch of the West Tattoo Collective
Q: What do you consider your biggest accomplishment, either professionally or personally?
A: Helping to create Witch of the West. What started as a dream between two strangers has turned into a beautiful growing collective now shared by friends. Our goals for the future have grown far beyond what we could’ve ever imagined they’d be, even just a year ago.
Q: Where do you see yourself in five years? In 10 years?
A: I’ve never been one for timelines, but in the near future I’d love to create a space within Fort Collins that provides more of a community-centered experience and a better platform for artists. There is so much artistic talent in this town, and we could all benefit from more opportunities to learn and create together.
Q: What piece(s) of advice would you give to your younger self?
A: Don’t wait for the time to be right. You’d be surprised at how much you can accomplish with very little when you put your mind to it. Give yourself grace through the challenges and celebrate the small wins when they come.
Q: How do you create a safe and inclusive environment in your studio?
A: Tattooing is an inherently intimate and vulnerable experience, and because of that, this industry has historically presented an opportunity for abuse of power. We create a safe and inclusive environment that removes those power dynamics and instead focuses on fostering relationships with our clients built on a foundation of respect, equality and empowerment. When you step into our space, you are met with a soothing and clean environment, complimentary snacks and beverages and total privacy. Being an appointment-only establishment also limits unwanted foot traffic and allows for a more intimate experience. We practice continuous consent throughout the appointment to ensure that all our clients feel safe and respected.
Q: What methods did you use to teach yourself how to tattoo?
A: I used every resource I could get my hands on, but primarily YouTube and TikTok. I once even bought a tattoo course that was entirely in Portuguese. The English subtitles were poorly translated, but that course accelerated my learning. Once I got a good amount of practice on fruit skin and fake skin, I had some very brave friends and family members who offered their skin up to me as a practice canvas. The rest is history.
