Conversations with Bobbi Stark

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bobbi Stark.

Hi Bobbi, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’m a Colorado local and tattoo artist with nearly 16 years of experience. I weaseled my way into the industry as a bright eyed 20 year old, delusional but hardworking – I completed a rigorous apprenticeship lasting over two years across two studios under three different mentors. Afterward, I worked independently in various local “street shops,” where long hours, adaptability, and a strong work ethic were essential. Much of my early career centered around walk-in tattooing, which required flexibility, quick decision-making, and the ability to connect with a wide range of clients in fast-paced, unpredictable environments.

In 2017, I stepped away from the traditional old-school shop setting to open my own private studio, Keepsake Tattoo Studio, in Lakewood. Creating my own space allowed me to prioritize my values and achieve a balance between work and personal life that I had never experienced before. I’ve been fortunate to work alongside an incredible group of artists who share those values nearly the entire time.

I’ve always known all tattooing can be transformative, therapeutic, and life-changing, I’ve always felt drawn to paramedical work, specifically Restorative Areola tattooing for people who may have lost their nipples due to cancer, or gender affirming surgeries.

In 2023, I completed an extensive training program that focused on paramedical tattoo techniques and working safely and effectively with scar tissue. Even now three years later – I am still pursuing further credentials and training in the industry – making all the effort I can to be the most educated and informed artist I can be.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Breaking away from the traditional tattoo world wasn’t an easy move. At the time, there weren’t many people opening their own private studios, and I honestly didn’t think anyone would leave reputable shops to take a chance on me and a brand-new space. I was surprised—and incredibly grateful—when a few close friends decided to follow me into the unknown. Because they took that risk, Keepsake Tattoo Studio became what it is today.

Since then, many of those original artists have gone on to forge their own paths – but I’ve been lucky to keep a steady group of trusted friends with me throughout this journey. Connection and integrity have always been the backbone of Keepsake – that hasn’t changed.

I’ve also had my fair share of struggles with unreliable and morally incompetent landlords.
By 2022, I realized that if I was going to continue owning a studio, I needed to own the space we were operating in as well.

With the help of my partner, Philip—and the sale of our home—we were able to purchase the space we’re in now. Owning it has come with a stability and freedom Ive never had before.
Though being out from under landlords has been amazing, we did soon find out that ownership comes with its own surprises—like a 300% increase in property taxes over just three years. Still, I’ve learned to adjust, prepare, and anticipate as best I can – which has gotten more difficult in recent years but, resilience has always been part of this job. I can do resilience.

The tattoo industry in general also comes with its own challenges. Most prevalently in Denver, the lack of city regulation has made it fairly easy—sometimes too easy—for people, occasionally without the right experience or qualifications, to open studios. Additionally, the use of Artificial Intelligence and the general belief that digital presence/popularity outweighs actual experience and knowledge – has also made it tricky for clients to find a trustworthy artist doing quality work.

Some of these new changes in the world can be discouraging and hard to navigate. However, I do believe time has a way of sorting these things out – above all else, quality and integrity tend to rise above and speak for themselves.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m tattoo artist who specializes in custom botanical and floral work – I love tattooing critters, bugs, tiny trinkets and odds and ends – but I REALLY love flowers.

In 2023, I began offering restorative areola tattooing, and I quickly realized how meaningful that work is in entirely new ways. The world of breast cancer and gender-affirming surgery is incredibly complex, and often emotionally dense. Being able to give something back to people who’ve been through those experiences has given my work a deeper sense of purpose. Helping people feel more whole in their bodies again is genuinely life-changing.

From a technical standpoint, my background as a traditional body artist has given me a really strong foundation — in artistic approach, tattooing technique, pigment selection and mixing, and understanding how skin responds, especially when working with scar tissue. I think that depth of experience shapes the way I approach paramedical tattooing, and it’s something that really only comes from years of hands-on work. Im proud of that work.

Outside of tattooing, I’m also a mom to a toddler. Being a woman in the tattoo industry has always come with challenges, and in this season of my life that challenge is balancing motherhood with my work as an artist and business owner. I’m proud to be doing both. It’s by far – the hardest thing I’ve ever taken on and challenges me everyday. But, I hope to continue somehow doing it all and meeting more wonderful people, creating more pretty tattoos and being able to come home and read books to my little one.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Continuing to put one foot in front of the other despite the challenges, continuing to provide a safe and welcoming space for artists and clients, continuing to put people before profit and sincerely doing my best – is the key to success. I may not be the most famous artist in the city, but I know I’m doing good work, with and for good people and to me, that is success. Making authentic connections with real people, is success.

We try to do fundraisers once a year as well! Last year, we did one for planned parenthood as well as one for Mile High Lab Rescue – both were a smashing success! We love working with others for the greater good!

Pricing:

• Areola Tattooing is Sliding Scale, but generally 300$ for unilateral, and 500$ for bilateral.
• $200 an hour for custom work, but my experience means I’m quick!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bobbistark.com
• Instagram: ladystarkart

Image Credits
Dark Moon Studio for Head shots