Become Evolution Tattoo's Next Apprentice!

Have a passion for art and tattoo culture? Join us at Evolution Tattoo! We're seeking a new apprentice ready to evolve into an expert tattoo artist. This is a unique unpaid opportunity to immerse yourself in the studio life, where art meets diversity and tradition fuses with innovation.

Your role will include keeping our artsy space clean, booking appointments, and learning the craft of tattooing from a fundamental level. You'll discover clean techniques, customer service, and will hone your artistry with weekly drawing tasks, eventually transitioning to inking small tattoos under guidance.

Our mantra, amittere sui et facti - "lose yourself to become," isn't just a phrase; it's our philosophy. We're proud of the individuality and courage of our artists and apprentices alike, nurturing new perspectives in a gallery-like space adorned with plants and creativity at every corner.

Becoming part of Evolution Tattoo means working alongside our talented artists, each with their own unique skills set. You'll get all the perks of working in a private setting while learning and growing in an atmosphere that encourages the bold and brave.

We're located near the Santa Fe Street Art District in Denver, CO, offering a welcoming environment that truly resonates with clients and team members.

Apprenticeship Details:

Hours: 11am-7pm, Thursday through Monday.

Commitment: Available to work 3-4 days per week.

Opportunity: Transition to a fully trained tattoo artist.

If you're drawn to bold designs, yearn to explore sophisticated inkwork, or are intrigued by artistic symbolism, you'll fit right in. Our evolving tattoo growth mindset and individualized approach set us apart. While we wave goodbye to the idea that changing trends can hold up well over time, we welcome the enduring connection of classic and emerging styles.

We Require:

Respect for the art and its diversity.

A creative mind eager to learn and grow.

An appreciation for innovation and tradition

Hard work and dedication

How to Apply:

Email us at EvolutionTattooDenver@gmail.com with a bit about yourself and samples of your original artwork. Physical visits and human connection are cherished here, so feel free to come by, meet us, and discuss the possibilities in person.

Become a part of a place where your old self is honored as you boldly evolve into your new artistic reality. Take this chance to become somebody's inspiration, leaving a mark that transcends time.

Join Evolution Tattoo, transform your path, and carve out your legacy in the art of tattooing.

A Quarter Century of Reflection

Columbine High School's 25th Remembrance Day
March 8, 2024
Denver, Colorado

Evolution Tattoo Denver, in partnership with The Rebels Project, is hosting a unique charity event to commemorate the 25th Remembrance Day of the events at Columbine High School. Set to take place on April 20th, 2024, at Evolution Tattoo's Denver location (1450 South Santa Fe Drive, Unit 102), this event serves as an opportunity for the community to come together, remember, and contribute towards a meaningful cause.

For a donation of just $25, attendees can choose from one of the specially pre-designed remembrance tattoos, with all proceeds directly supporting the work of The Rebels Project. This milestone event not only honors the memory of those affected by the tragedy but also reinforces the resilience and unity of the Columbine community. We invite you to join us in reflecting on our past while investing in a future dedicated to support and healing.

In honor of the 25th Remembrance Day, Columbine graduate class of '96, Ben Granillo, has chosen to host a symbolic event at his studio, Evolution Tattoo. The community is warmly welcomed to spend time at the studio, and with a donation of $25, choose from one uniquely designed remembrance tattoos. The significance of this day resonates deeply with Granillo, as his younger brother, Sam, is a survivor of the events that unfolded on April 20th, 1999. Sam later channeled his experiences into the creation of the documentary "Columbine: Wounded Minds," highlighting the aftermath of the shootings and the dire need for survivor care. This very need inspired a group of survivors to establish The Rebels Project, an organization dedicated to providing support to survivors of similar scaring events. In collaboration with The Rebels Project, Granillo's event offers a platform for reflection on the past 25 years and a unique way to express ongoing solidarity through remembrance tattoos.

Evolution Tattoo, nestled in the heart of Denver, Colorado, is a pioneering private studio that opened in June 2021 under the guidance of founder Ben Granillo. Situated close to the vibrant Santa Fe Street Art District, the studio mirrors an art gallery adorned with lush greenery and captivating artwork. The mantra at Evolution Tattoo is "amittere sui et facti," or "lose yourself to become." This ethos is deeply embedded in their approach to tattooing, as they believe in the transformative power of self-exploration and growth. Each artist operates from their private studio room, fostering an intimate and personalized environment for clients. The studio welcomes walk-ins alongside appointments, offering the benefits of a private studio, such as separate rooms and TVs for entertainment during sessions. Evolution Tattoo prides itself on being a fusion concept, honoring the foundational traditions of tattooing while embracing progressive, modern ideas.

The Rebels Project, an organization built on resilience and unity, was established by a group of Columbine survivors following the Aurora theater shooting in 2012. With a mission to support others who have experienced similar trauma, The Rebels Project has grown into a nationwide organization, boasting over 1,000 members. Their primary objective is to ensure survivors nationwide know they are not alone in their experiences. Comprised of survivors representing various affected communities, the leadership team organizes, manages, and conducts all events, activities, and gatherings on a volunteer basis. The Rebels Project provides a safe environment for survivors to connect and share unique resources and experiences while also educating them about the varying effects of mass trauma.

To contact Evolution Tattoo, please call 303-330-8803 or visit evolutiontattooofdenver.com

To learn more about The Rebels Project or to make a donation directly, please visit therebelsproject.org

New Artist: Kegan Gavaldon

Welcome our new artist: Kegan Gavaldon!!! We are excited to have him join our team. Kegan specializes in lettering, illustrative work, black and grey, mandalas, and has a strong work ethic to bring your ideas to it’s full potential! He loves his plants, his family, and rock climbing. Come by the shop and schedule your next tattoo with him!

You can find his work on instagram @gavaldontattoos or on our site, https://evolutiontattooofdenver.com/portfolio/kegan-gavaldon.

“Lose Yourself to Become”

That’s our shop motto.

It means that the preconceived notions you have about “who you are” are holding you back. As tempting and comfortable as it is to put yourself into a “this is who I am” box- it’s holding you back from becoming. We’re here to constantly be Evolving.

People get tattoos for a variety of reasons, but one of my favorites is to mark a step in a personal journey. As much as tattoos are permanent, they are also a temporary art installation- only around as long as you are. Learning to live within the opposing ideas that things are permanent, and at the same time fleeting, changes your perspective on every moment and every human’s place in it. We’re all on our own journeys here, and would love to help you commemorate a step in yours.

Evolve with us!

Evolution is seeking a new apprentice!

Evolution Tattoo Denver is looking to expand! We are looking for driven and creative people to impart the skills necessary to thrive in the tattooing community.

Criteria includes:

• Age 21+

• Artistic background

• Strong work ethic

• Ability to lift 50lbs, use tools and ladders

• Work a minimum of 3 full days a week

• Great communication skills

• Seeks out knowledge and asks questions

• Seeks genuine artistic critiques

• Situational awareness and attention to detail

• Ability to complete tasks in an efficient manner

• Professionalism and people skills

• Good sense of humor

• Accepting of all races, ethnicities, religions, neurodiversity, genders and sexual identities

Evolution Tattoo turns 2!

Come join us on June 10th for food, art, tarot readings, live painting and more!

Learn about the Harm Reduction Action Center

The Harm Reduction Action Center promotes public health by ensuring that people who inject drugs are educated and equipped with the tools to reduce the spread of communicable diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis C and to eliminate the proliferation of fatal overdoses.

Our fixed site provides syringe access to participants in our Denver program Monday through Friday from 9am-12pm. Health education, street outreach, presentations, meetings, and administrative time happens each afternoon.

We take our commitment to public health and harm reduction seriously and meet our participants “where they are at” in the spectrum of their drug use. In addition to our syringe access program, our compassionate, harm reduction-trained staff helps participants take active stock in their own health and welfare by connecting participants with our core services.

Tax-exempt donations to the Harm Reduction Action Center are used to expand our services, provide our participants with more naloxone, supply safer injection and safer sex supplies, snacks, and maintain our drop-in center.

Every dollar helps us save lives, prevent disease, and provide dignity to the community we serve.

Evolution Tattoo will be donating a percentage of all proceeds from out 2nd Anniversary Event to the Harm Reduction Center. Come on out to support on June 10th.

Evolution Tattoo is turning 2!

The shop is turning two and we are putting on an anniversary event to celebrate!

Save the date for June 10th!

We will have vendors, food, art, and more!

A percentage of the proceeds will go to the Harm Reduction Action Center in Denver.

Vendor applications are open and the link can be found in our Instagram bio.

Evolution is seeking a new apprentice!

Evolution Tattoo Denver is looking to expand! We are looking for driven and creative people to impart the skills necessary to thrive in the tattooing community.

Criteria includes:

• Age 21+

• Artistic background

• Strong work ethic

• Ability to lift 50lbs, use tools and ladders

• Work a minimum of 3 full days a week

• Great communication skills

• Seeks out knowledge and asks questions

• Seeks genuine artistic critiques

• Situational awareness and attention to detail

• Ability to complete tasks in an efficient manner

• Professionalism and people skills

• Good sense of humor

• Accepting of all races, ethnicities, religions, neurodiversity, genders and sexual identities

Colorado home of two best places to live

Out there Colorado recently had an article about ranking #2 economy in the country. Two of our cities, Colorado Springs and Boulder, ranked in the top 5 places to live in the country!

We absolutely love being based in Colorado and Denver especially. Evolution Tattoo has made this place our home and we are so grateful to be here. We are also incredibly grateful to our wonderful clients who have also made this state their home.

To read the article click below.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Happy St. Patrick’s Day from your favorite tattoo shop! Though the folktale of St. Patrick ridding Ireland of snakes is inaccurate and possible problematic we will still celebrate with wearing green, pinching and Irish soda bread.

New Artist Kendall

We are featuring a new artist at Evolution! Kendall (@kendallartco) creates candid stills with black and grey oil paintings. Some funny, gritty, or lewd.

Happy Valentine’s from the Evolution Fam!

We hope the day is filled with love

Our Neighbors at Town Hall are putting on Mutiny Market

Sunday, February 5th 11:00am-5:00pm

Second Mutiny Market of the year! 

This family friendly event features some of the best vendors in town! From vintage clothing to handmade jewelry to vinyl records, there will be a little something for everyone! 

Follow @mutinymarkets for more information, updates and more!

Town Hall Collaborative

525 Santa Fe
Denver, CO 80204

Funky Fresh Fridays at Townhall Collaborative

Join our neighbors, Town Hall, at the first of many Funky Fresh Fridays

Launching in the new year with BIG energy and true 💫BLACKGIRLMAGIC💫 we present to you the latest artist showcase experience and concert series.

Coming out the gate with that 🔥🔥 of raw talent, spectacular lyricism, stage presence and ALLLLLLLLLLLLL the vibes‼️

First of many, this opening night includes an ALL BLACK WOMAN lineup! Sharing their original music and engaging the audience in a dope demonstration of talent, funky rhythms and freshness from the inside out!

Catch this electric lineup and masters of their craft...

Opening the stage with the exceptional BINTA ZANG, followed by the dynamic UCCCHH. Then bring down the house with the incredible KATANA DA DON before blowing the roof off the joint with incomparable artist THE QOR!

💥FUNKY FRESH sounds brought to you by the amazing DJ BUGSHONEY💥

 

Abstract Zack’s has New Art on Display at Evolution

Our gallery space has some new pieces on display by Abstract Zack! Come by to check them out and maybe take home a new original.

Holiday Gift Certificates Are Here!

We have only 10 of these certificates this year so act fast!

• Valid for all of 2023

• Spend $250 and get an extra $50 on us!

• Open to new and returning clients

• Get one for a loved one or treat yourself!

• Must be purchased in person

• Non-refundable

• Valid January 1st 2023-December 31st 2023

What is Tegaderm?

• Tegaderm, Saniderm, and other medical grade adhesive bandages are a lot more common in tattoo shops now and we’re gonna help answer some questions you might have.

• New tattoos are open wounds and are susceptible to infection; this is most likely to happen during the first few days after the tattoo. Tegaderm is sterile and keeps infectants like dirt, dust, pet dander, and bacteria away from your tattoo while it heals. The bandages are flexible so you can move the tattooed area with more ease.

• Tegaderm helps the tattoo heal by keeping out infectants and keeping in plasma that heals the skin. Plasma usually dries and hardens into scabs which can affect the healed design; Tegaderm keeps it moisturized so it can continue to heal the skin without pulling out the ink.

• Each Tegaderm bandage can be used for up to 7 days in a row though your artist may have their own recommendations.

• You should NOT use Tegaderm if you have a known adhesive allergy, or sensitivity to adhesives, as reactions like rashes can occur.

• If liquid starts to get in or out of the bandage it should be taken off immediately and the tattooed area washed with antibacterial soap. You can replace the bandage once the skin is dry. Do not put lotion on underneath the bandage.

• We recommend taking Tegaderm off while in the shower. Rub the area with antibacterial soap and pull the Tegaderm off slowly in the same direction as hair growth. Do NOT rip off like a bandaid as that can damage the skin and the new tattoo. It should come off similar to a command strip.

• Wash the area with antibacterial soap and let dry. Wash daily and moisturize with an unscented lotion such as Eucerin.

• Tegaderm, and other medical grade adhesive bandages, are a great option to heal your tattoo.

• Ask us if you want to know more!

Come hang with us at Bakerz Dozen

Come see us at Bakerz Dozen on December 3rd and 4th!

Sat: 5pm-10pm

Sun: 11am-5pm

Evolution Tattoo’s very own Ben Granillo and Linda Millicent’s will be showing art collabs with Ram Jillio. There will be art, raffles, and an auction with 14+ of Denver’s local artists.

Come for the arts, stay for the food and free beer and wine. We appreciate the love and support.

Support your local tattoo artists

Located at:

Trailhead Crossfit

811 Brickyard Cir,

Golden, CO 80403

What is numbing cream and how do I use it?

You finally made that appointment. Whether it’s your first or not, it’s always exciting to get a new tattoo. It’s no secret that a tattoo hurts but we’d all agree.. what’s a little temporary pain for a permanent piece of body art? Unfortunately, getting a tattoo can be more than just a little pain, especially in a tender location. Recently, numbing cream has grown in popularity for its use in reducing the pain during a tattoo.

Information provided online can advise on what do to or what not to do when it comes to application and it can be overwhelming to determine what is actually advised by a professional. It's important to understand what active ingredients are in the specific cream that you intend to use during or after your tattoo treatment, but there are some general dos and don'ts when it comes to numbing cream.

What are numbing creams?

Skin-numbing creams are medications that function like a local anesthetic, reducing sensitivity to pain in the areas they are applied. These creams work by blocking nerve signals in the body. You can use numbing cream for a variety of reasons besides tattoos including: piercings, filler injections, waxing and microdermabrasion.

Which one should I use?

Here at Evolution Tattoo we’ve done the research for you. Our #1 recommended tattoo numbing cream is Mithra. Mithra numbing cream is used for temporary relief of pain which is available without a prescription, Tattooing without pain using 10% lidocaine. You can purchase it here in the shop for $25.00.

How do I apply Mithra?

1.Wash the area receiving tattoo with soap and water.
2.Cover area with a warm towel for 5 minutes. (to open up the pores)
3.Dry area completely.
4.Cover 2-3 mm thickness (not as effective if applied too thin)
5.Wrap with plastic wrap for about 45-60 minutes.
6.When you arrive to the shop, the tattoo artist will remove the plastic wrap for you.

**Pro Tip: In order to ensure better results, please avoid drinking alcohol 24 hours before the tattoo appointment.

Potential side affects

There are some mild side effects that may accompany numbing cream use. The main thing that is dangerous is using too much of the over-the-counter numbing creams because too much lidocaine can get absorbed into the bloodstream. The most common side effects include irritation, redness, skin discoloration, or mild burning. The side effects may also include ringing of the ears, lightheadedness, blurry vision and nausea.

Our advice

At Evolution Tattoo we encourage our clients to not rely on numbing cream. Pain is part of the tattoo process. Numbing cream doesn’t remove all discomfort related to getting a tattoo. While some tattoo artists believe the client should be as comfortable during the process as possible, numbing creams take away from the original tattoo experience and make people appreciate the work and craft less. Therefore, make sure to check your tattoo artist's stance on this topic right away.