Conversations with Shane Thomas

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shane Thomas.  

Hi Shane, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
I started as a teenager piercing my friends irresponsibly. It grew into a passion and with some mentoring and self-teaching, I turned it into a lifelong career. I have come across many types of people in tattoo shops, some great, some not so great. All have given me the opportunity to learn something from them. I suffered from addiction in the early parts of my career but with positive influences in many of the shops I have worked in, I am lucky to be over a decade sober. Because of my sobriety, I have been allotted opportunities to grow in my craft and my responsibilities. I started off as a piercer that became a shop manager and now, I’m lucky enough to be the general manager of 3 tattoo shops. I have an amazing collection of artists working with me. Freakshow Tattoo, Covenant Tattoo, and Rocksteady Tattoo, all located in beautiful Fort Collins, have been the highlight and central part of my career for 17 years now. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not always been a smooth road. I have been modifying people’s bodies for almost three decades. Equipment wasn’t always high quality or readily available. Information was closely guarded and not easily obtained. Other people’s attitudes weren’t always pleasant to be around. Financial stability was not always there. With perseverance, I can’t have anything but a positive attitude about the opportunities that I have been given to help change the lives of so many others, clients and coworkers alike. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
In general, I am a piercer/ body modification artist. I have performed many simple and complex piercings. I have modified people’s bodies in some extreme ways. I love piercing children’s ears and seeing the smile on the faces of my clients when they see my completed work. I am probably most well-known for how well I handle nervous clients. I take pride in putting people at ease and want to see them laughing while I take care of them. I stand by my work to the point that I guarantee all my work, as long as I continue piercing. 

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Listen to advice from those who are more experienced. Take the opportunity to learn from criticism. Be patient, skill comes with time and experience. Never stop learning about your craft. Be respectful of the people around you. Strive to do the best you can. 

Pricing:

• Basic piercings start at $25

Contact Info:

• Website: www.tattoofortcollins.com
• Instagram: @piercingsbyshane
• Facebook: piercingsbyshanethomas

Image Credits
Mando Rascon