Meet Kelson: Specializing in Anime, Pokemon, and Floral Designs

Anyone who has been to Terrarium Tattoo can instantly recognize Kelson's station... and if you haven't been to Terrarium here's a hint: it's the station adorned with Pokemon characters of all shapes and sizes! Anime and gaming have been major influences in his art style and favorite subject matters to tattoo. But his skills don't end there, he enjoys tattooing just about anything form characters to flowers, and of course.. Pokemon! Kelson has been tattooing for almost 9 years, and with us at Terrarium for the past 2 years. So naturally.. it's time for an interview to showcase him and his work. Meet Kelson!

How long have you been tattooing?

I will be Tattooing for 9 years in this coming December 2025.

How did you get into the tattoo industry and become a professional tattooer?

After working in restaurants for about a decade I knew I needed to figure out what I wanted to do with my life outside the food business. I've always drawn and wanted to do something creative, I used to think I would work in Film. (I did a couple of shitty tattoos on my friends ((that 100% shouldn't of let me tattoo them but I'm thankful they let me so I could be where I am now.)) I went around to some of the studios in town asking what it would take to become a tattooer and I was lucky enough to get an apprenticeship at studio called the "Civilized Gypsy", now known as "Dark Matter Collective" in Champaign Illinois.

I had my first professional job tattooing for 2.5 years at "No Regrets" tattoo studio also in Champaign IL. After Covid, I started working at New Life Studios downtown location, this allowed me to have more time and freedom to work with my clients. After another 2.5 years I moved (with my now wife) to Colorado to work at Linden Street Tattoo Co for a year. The walk-in style shop was perfect since I was new to town, but I missed the private, by appointment, atmosphere. That is when I found Terrarium Tattoo and all the wonderful people here! I've had the pleasure to work with them for the last 2 years.

What/who are your biggest influences? What inspires your art style?

I think its obvious but I love Anime and Gaming and it has been a big influence on my tattooing.

Some of my biggest tattoo influences since the beginning of tattooing are @mikedorseytattoo @deadmeat @mikendazzoart @kike.esteras and many many more but these are some of my favorites since the start of my career.   

What are your favorite subject matters to tattoo?

You guessed it Anime and gaming Characters! I also love tattooing Traditional/Japanese and Floral designs My favorite flower to tattoo being Chrysanthemums!!   

What are your favorite/least favorite parts of being a tattoo artist?

My favorite part of being a tattooer is my connection to the community. There are not many things that you can do that can stick with someone for their entire life. Tattoos can help one get over a hard time, celebrate a new milestone or just to make and help you feel like a badass.

One of my least favorite things is people never finishing a design that you poured your heart into, that can be really crushing. I understand life can be hard, its not always easy to finish a design because tattoos are not cheap. Social media is also the bane of my existence! Instagram used to be awesome for tattooing, but now I feel I have to make videos to keep up. It requires so much extra time but it's something I need to put more time into.

Can you share 3 fun facts about you?

• I used to think I would become an actor or work in film.

• I love watching and talking about conspiracy theories (no matter how silly some might seem).

• I just had my fist child, a wonderful baby boy, that is the sweetest most prefect being in the entire world (well right behind my amazing wife that cooked him up for me).

Coffee or tea?

Actually love both of them, I might lean towards tea only because I feel I can drink more of it at a time. 

Usually my rule is coffee in the morning time and maybe hot tea at night.

Cats or dogs?

I actually have 4 dogs and 1 cat in my house (my wife is a vet) but I would have to lean towards dogs. My next dog will be a Pomeranian (but that will be a while). I do think cats are awesome, especially for traveling since they are self sufficient. 4 dogs is always hard to plan for when going anywhere over a day.

No company or bad company?

Definitely no company, time is precious and I would always rather spend it with those I love. I can always work on drawing (or playing games alone) rather then being with people I do not like.

Summer or winter?

Summer wins every time, I don't do any winter activities so I would much rather be out in the sun or on a boat with friends at Horsetooth Reservoir. 

Sweet or savory?

Easy answer, Sushi! The best of all the flavors sweet savory umami! I used to work a sushi restaurant and learned how to make it if you ever need a private sushi chief ;)

Be sure to checkout Kelsons work on his Instagram! To book an appointment you submit a CONTACT FORM through the website OR shoot him a DM through his Intagram. He is now booking custom requests or swing by the studio and pick a design from his flash book!

Getting to Know Kaia: A Dive into Her Story, Passion, and Journey

This month marks the *5 Year Anniversary* of Kaia tattooing with us here at Terrarium Tattoo! Holy Moly, Time flies when you're making dope tattoos with awesome people. Anyone who knows Kaia or has been tattooed by her already knows how incredible she is, both inside and out. But for those who don't know, we thought we'd do a fun little interview so ya'll can find out...

How long have you been tattooing?

I have been tattooing for about 11 years now!

How did you get into the tattoo industry and become a professional tattooer?

I was always the artsy kid. Forever drawing and adding to my portfolio. A little bit after graduating from high school I got together my best work at the time and brought it to a local tattoo shop. I bothered them until I was accepted for an apprenticeship. I went through my apprenticeship and was guided by a handful of great artists.

What/who are your biggest influences? What inspires your art style?

Nature will forever be my biggest inspiration. The world is absolutely gorgeous and constantly impressing me with what it can create. I can stare at a plant for the longest time and come up with hundreds of different ways to recreate it. I love the fact that nature is forever changing and evolving.

What are your favorite subject matters to tattoo?

My favorite subject matter to tattoo is nature. I love tattooing flowers, plants, bugs and animals. I like working with sharp geometric shapes, mandalas and anything that has a witchy feel to it.

What are your favorite/least favorite parts of being a tattoo artist?

My favorite thing about being a tattoo artist is being able to create everyday. Art is so important to me and a huge part of who I am. I put my whole soul into my art. That I’m able to support my family with this passion is incredible.

At the same time that is one of the hardest things about being an artist. To constantly create is a lot of work both mentally and physically. When your livelihood depends on your creativity there is no time for art block. You have to constantly be producing beautiful and unique work. To forever be “on” is exhausting. Also my back hurts.

Can you share 3 fun facts about you?

1) I’m a big true crime, thriller, horror fan. I am constantly consuming books, podcasts, audiobooks and videos of cases and stories that get my blood going. If you get tattooed by me I guarantee that on the other side of my headphone is something intense.

2) I am obsessed with the smell of Freon. You know that smell that comes when the AC kicks on? I will shove my face against the vent to get a lil whiff. I also love the taste of freezer burn and just ice in general. I eat a few bowls of crushed ice everyday. I can’t get enough of it.

3) Over the past year I have grown a green thumb. My house is slowly getting overrun with plants and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I usually spend about 2-4 hours a week caring for my plants and adore this time.

Coffee or tea?

I am a big fan of a good cup of coffee! My go to order is a hot vanilla latte with oat milk, double shot and extra sweet.

Cats or dogs?

I absolutely love dogs! My best buddy is a  9 year old frenchton (part French bulldog, part Boston terrier) He’s a funny guy, has wonky eyes and no tail. He’s crazy smart, still picks up new tricks in no time and I swear he follows conversations like he understands every word. His name is Binx but usually gets called “Billy” “Bubu” or “Butterbutt”

No company or bad company?

For me no company is always better than bad company. I’m crazy introverted so socializing can really take it out of me. I prefer to keep my circle small but solid!

Summer or winter?

Summer! I love the long days of summer and the liveliness and energy of everything, it feels like more is possible in the summer. Even though I’ve lived in Colorado my whole life I still can’t figure out how to stay warm in the winter. I would hibernate if I was allowed to.

Sweet or savory?

Sweet all the way. If you know me you know that I have an unhealthy obsession with sugar. My favorite treats right now are Oreos, pastel mints, matcha ice cream and Krispy Kreme. Any time is a good time for a sweet little treat in my book.

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If you are interested in getting tattooed by Kaia go follow her on INSTAGRAM. She solely tattoos her pre-drawn designs that are posted weekly on her Instagram page. She also has a highlight named "AVAILABLE". Scroll through and pick a design then shoot her a DM to claim and schedule your appointment. Kaia's designs go QUICK so don't snooze, go get a Kaia tattoo! We look forward to seeing you at the studio!

We Moved... AGAIN!

With each relocation we get to grow, reflect and adjust. Naturally, this is our favorite location yet! We are back in our old stomping grounds, right in the heart of Old Town Fort Collins, Colorado. For those who have been with us from the beginning, our new location is just one block south from our original studio. We are tucked on the 2nd floor to keep the chill, terrarium vibes we all love, but still in the epicenter of Old Town. It is perfect!

Terrarium Tattoo's private tattoo studio in Fort Collins, Colorado

Terrarium Tattoo's new location

Custom Tattoo Studio

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Terrarium Tattoo Merch

Terrarium Tattoo's View of Old Town

Saraswati

Wood mushroom

Alter

Many people have asked WHY we moved after just a year and a half at our prior location. As life often goes... things didn't go as we planned. We poured our hearts, time and resources into creating our dream space only to learn our unit had a roof that leaked every time it rained or snowed. As if that wasn't enough fun, we had a landlord who could never seem to fix it. After a year and a half we made the difficult but necessary decision to leave. We hit the ground running and in a period of 5 weeks we packed up, renovated our NEW space, moved in and started taking appointments. It was a whirlwind but we are beyond psyched with the final result. This is our 3rd location and we are all loving it, 3rd times the charm, right?

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As always, we are forever grateful to our amazing clients who continue to support us. Terrarium Tattoo currently has 5 artists, many of who have families and children. When you get tattooed you allow us to continue doing what we love, providing unique, custom tattoos in a chill environment. So much has changed since we first opened in 2015. One thing that will never change is our "Art First" motto and approach to providing beautiful tattoos to our clients!

Terrarium Tattoo Entryway

Terrarium Tattoo's studio entrance

Terrarium Tattoo

Be sure to follow our studio and ALL our artists on INSTAGRAM for portfolios and shop specials!