303 Magazine Nest Art Collective offers an inclusive and trauma-informed tattoo experience

Lora Bird knows that traditional tattoo parlors can create intimidating atmospheres, which is why she founded Nest Art Collective in 2021 to combat this. His Wheat Ridge tattoo and art shop was built on pillars of inclusivity and accessibility, making it a go-to for Denver’s growing and diverse ink community. Today, Nest offers a curated retail space in its lobby featuring a variety of unique products from local manufacturers.

Bird has been a tattoo artist for four years now. She left the first salon she worked at because it didn’t match her personality. She then rented a small suite in a salon to start her own tattoo business, honest bird. Although this is just the beginning of Bird’s business endeavors. “It took me about three weeks in that space to start dreaming about more,” she said.

Bird wanted to build a “queer, trauma-informed, and safe space for people to come in and really feel at home while experiencing the magic of tattooing,” she said. Her Ideal Shop provided an inclusive space for local artists to display their work and come together to make art together. Nest Art Collective brings all these ideas to life in the space.

“Nest is very much a collective, in the sense that the people who work here also care for the space as they would a family member. Space is a living embodiment of making the uncomfortable process of getting a tattoo as comfortable as possible.,” she says.

Bird started with an idea in mind and took it to the next level by making that idea a reality. She started by incorporating the basics of what the health department looks for in body art spaces. “Safety is always the number one priority, it’s easy to forget that tattooing is some kind of medical procedure involving blood and biohazards, but it’s always my number one concern,” she said. .

It took her about five months to find a space she liked, sign a lease and find a contractor. Her contractor, friends and family helped her do all the work inside the workshop to bring her vision to life. Bird got grants through a client to help with his business. With her scholarships and her savings, she opened Nest Art Collective on her own and without a loan from the bank.

Nest Art Collective offers insightful tattoos, but also offers a variety of products. Brother and sister duo and owners of Horrible Magazine, emerald and Jake Boessell their magazine and their own clothes in the Nest lobby and on their website. The space also houses Kelsee Ross’ Sage & Spiritsa coin collection including witchcraft, jewelry, and dental gems.

There are also four pottery and ceramic lines at Nest Art Collective. banana fund is a ceramic brand created by Kelly Angryberg. The brand sells ceramic mugs, jars, jewelry, and more that are fun and neatly organized. Local jeweler, designer and illustrator shea the maker also sells pots, vases, mugs and planters with unique designs and a few pops of color in Nest.

Jessica Smith Old custom pottery creates all kinds of pottery, including some in solid colors and some with intricate patterns. RAEREUcreated by Rachel Reuteris another ceramic brand that creates artistic handmade pieces with beautiful colors.

Sky Welkin is a cartoonist who draws and paints cartoons and sells them in Nest Art Collective and on her website. Welkin turns cartoons into HomeGoods, salable designs, paintings, accessories, prints and mixed media.

Small Piney Glass created by Becca Mullen offers blown glass in a variety of different products. The brand uses unique colors and beautiful designs to create vases, bowls, paperweights and many other beautiful pieces.

Josie Page My pocket of sunshine is a clothing brand of Nest Art Collective. The brand was designed to raise awareness about mental health. Part of the profits are donated to Mental Health America and National Suicide Lifeline.

Being a girl is hardcore created by Jessica Day, is a company dedicated to providing resources and support to make everyone feel safe on the music scene. They sell stickers and buttons at Nest Art Collective.

Bird takes pride in its business and wants all of its artists to strive in their environment. The space lobby’s theme is “the spooky, witchy vibes of grandma’s living room,” she said. However, the spaces in each artist’s area are organized to reflect their own personality. Transforming the store into something that reflects those who run Nest sums up Bird’s vision for his business.

Each artist has their own specialties, but Bird’s specialty is “black woodblock work, illustrative linework, traditional and ignorant style tattoos,” she said. Each artist has a very unique and distinct style of tattooing and is very passionate about what they do.

Inclusiveness and safety are Nest Art Collectives top tattoo priorities. They pride themselves on being an accessible space that meets everyone’s emotional needs. They treat all of their customers who walk through the doors with dignity and respect.

“Your idea isn’t stupid, your body is perfect the way it is, and you deserve to have your accommodations respected and your pronouns respected.” Bird added.

Trauma-informed tattooing is what all Nest artists prioritize when taking on clients. They have all undergone training to be aware of different types of trauma, what it can mean for the person who has experienced it, and how artists can create a safe space for all of their clients.

“Every client who walks through our door has experienced something traumatic in their life, big or small, and we like to respect and honor that. We see people celebrating sobriety, mourning a loss, reclaiming their bodies after an ED or AS, or experiencing racism or discrimination in tattooing. We recognize the healing power of tattooing,” she said.

Nest Art Collective artists take steps to ensure clients are in control of their pain and are as comfortable as possible. They encourage customers to ask questions and continue to make sure they give enthusiastic consent during the tattoo experience.

“We strive to ensure customers know they are safe and protected in a vulnerable experience from the moment they walk in,” Bird said.

Bird opened Nest Art Collective to create an environment that is inclusive and accepting of every person. She and all of her artists are highly skilled in trauma-informed tattooing and want their clients to feel as comfortable as possible.

Nest Art Collective is looking to expand into the empty space next door and add more artists to the business.

“We will move forward supporting queer women and artists, helping the community when we can, and taking care of each other while we make great art,” she said.

Artists and apprentices at Nest Art Collective:

Lora Bird, Izzy Bump, Russell Rae Ruemancek-Apell, Mikayla Riley, Krista Marine Bratvold, Lilith Cuoio, Quiton Galloway and Sadie Trigg.

Artwork by Hailey and Megane.

All the photographs of Adrian Thomas.