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Meet Adam Rose of Fallen Owl Tattoo Studio in Lakewood

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Adam Rose.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was born and raised in Santa Cruz, Ca. Traded the surf scene for the mountains several years ago. You’ll see a lot of nature influences in my tattoos. Art has always been a part of my life. I started getting tattooed pretty young and fell in love with the art form. It took me a while to figure out but I finally realized I could make art, get tattooed and pay my bills!

In 2005, I completed my apprenticeship and have been tattooing professionally ever since. In 2010 I opened Fallen Owl Tattoo Studio. We are a small custom shop meaning every design is drawn specifically for each client (no predawn flash on the walls). We have an extremely talented veteran staff. Our artists have won numerous awards and have been recognized internationally for our tattoo work.
I’m very fortunate to be in a position to be able to give back to the community. As a shop, we do multiple charity events annually. In 2015, we were awarded “Business of the Year” by the Action Center for our philanthropy. The entire staff is on board that we can make the world a better place through tattooing.

2014-present, I’ve been consulting for Klein & Buendel on a national campaign to prevent skin cancer. They recognized tattooers see more skin than most. As a team, we have been working together on Sun Safety Ink, a program to educate tattoo artists on how to spot and educate their clients about skin cancer prevention
Also, in 2014, I partnered up with American Hat Makers to do a signature line of high-end leather hats. AHM has made quality their top priority and recognized bringing in someone that works on the body could benefit what they were already doing on the skin (leather). The hats are a huge success, A-list stars such as Jamie Foxx, Alice Cooper, Gallagher and more have all been photographed wearing them.

Tattooing is my bread and butter. Art has always been a passion for me. We didn’t have a ton of money when I was a kid but my mom always made sure there was enough for art supplies. At this point in my career, I think Im most recognized for my large scale colorwork. I do a lot of sleeves, full-backs, etc. I like to do artwork that can be seen from across a room. Tattooing has been very good to me. I’ve worked in from SE Asia to Central America, New York to San Francisco. Moving forward, my goal is simple, make quality art.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Tattooing is an extremely hard industry to get into. I finished my apprenticeship the year “Miami Ink” aired (the first of Tattoo TV). The popularity wasn’t anywhere near what it is now. Getting an apprenticeship was extremely difficult. I went door to door of every tattoo shop I could find with my portfolio until I finally found someone that would teach me. There were a lot of NOs before finally getting a yes. After a 2 year apprenticeship, I became a tattoo artist.

TV doesn’t show what tattooing really is. If I’m tattooing 40 hours a week, I’m home drawing another 40 in preparation. I’m very fortunate now to be established but the early years are really tough. Everyone is better than you so why would someone pick a new tattooer to permanently alter their skin? My first December as a professional, I made $75 the entire month! I remember thinking “This is my dream, I’ve spent two years of my life learning this and I made $75 for the month!! What am I going to do?”It made me a better business person in the long run but was tough at the time.

We don’t get to have bad days. You figure everyone makes mistakes at their job at some point. If we do its permanent. For me, I don’t take that lightly. It’s constant stress knowing you are responsible for someone’s appearance for the rest of their life.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Fallen Owl Tattoo Studio – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
We are a custom tattoo shop. Each design is drawn specific to each client. We currently only have six artists. All of our artists are on the same page as far as quality over quantity. A lot of tattoo shops can be intimidating when you walk in. We all believe first tattoo or 40th, you should feel welcome and comfortable when you come in.

As a shop, we have really worked hard to be a positive part of the community. We have raised tens of thousands of dollars for multiple charities over the last decade. We do a holiday toy drive every Christmas that keeps growing. Last year, we had donations from 11 states!

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Personally, I just want to keep growing as an artist. I feel like we have a really good thing at Fallen Owl. I’m always open to new opportunities but there is nothing currently on the horizon.

Contact Info:


Image Credit:
Courtney Armenta (photo of me only)

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