Meet Chris Hamilton of Fallen Owl Tattoo Studio

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Hamilton.

Chris, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was offered my tattooing apprenticeship in the Fall of 1993. I’ve been tattooing for almost 26 years. The first 19 years were spent at the studio where I started, which was in Fort Myers, Florida. Then in 2012, my wife and I decided to move to Denver, which is where she grew up.

I started at Fallen Owl in Dec of 2013 which is where I am still today.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
When I started tattooing, things were quite a bit different than they are today. My apprenticeship was not easy. I worked six days a week for the first seven years. Many long days, sometimes only doing a few tattoos a week. But I feel like I benefited in many ways, including a saturated learning curve which helped me become a well-rounded artist. Many tattooers I see today are “specializing” in one area…I like to be able to do many styles with a certain degree of competency.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Fallen Owl Tattoo Studio – what should we know?
I think what sets Fallen Owl apart from some other studios is the artists being fun and down to earth. No ego trips. We just really enjoy what we do, and I think our clients see and appreciate this.

The styles Im most known for are my Japanese and my black and grey animals. I really have fun with both!

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
The people who have had the biggest roles in my career are Bill Hannong, who my apprenticeship was under…my wife Gina, who has been 100% supportive as well as one of my biggest fans.

As well as some of the people I work with who share similar ethics and passions for the tattoo industry.