Meet Anna Koltun | Tattoo artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Anna Koltun and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anna, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Since I was a child, I’ve always been drawn to art — not just as a hobby, but as a way to process the world and express what I couldn’t always put into words. Creating was my safe space. Over time, it became clear that I don’t just like making things — I need to. I chose a creative path because it’s the only one where I feel fully alive and honest. It gives me the freedom to turn emotions into something visible, something real. Art is how I connect — to myself, to others, and to something deeper.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is deeply personal — it’s a reflection of who I am and how I see the world. I specialize in fine line and freehand botanical tattoos, often inspired by nature, femininity, and the delicate balance between strength and vulnerability. What sets me apart is my ability to flow with the body — to create tattoos that feel like they belong to the person, not just sit on the skin.

I’m most proud of how far I’ve come on my own. I moved to the U.S. from Ukraine with nothing but my machines, my vision, and the fire to build something meaningful. Nothing about this journey was easy — new country, new rules, new people. But I’ve learned that when everything around you is uncertain, your art can become your anchor.

There were moments when I doubted myself. When I didn’t know where I’d sleep next or how I’d find my next client. But I kept going, one tattoo at a time. And with every piece, I found a little more of myself.

I want the world to know that my work is not just about aesthetics — it’s about transformation, about storytelling, about reclaiming space on your body for something that feels real. I don’t just do tattoos — I create pieces of emotion, memory, and identity.

If there’s one lesson I’ve learned, it’s that your uniqueness is your power. And once you stop trying to fit into boxes, you’ll finally create the kind of work — and life — that feels true.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting me in Colorado, I’d plan a week full of beauty, movement, and deep conversations — the kind of trip that feeds your soul.

Day 1 – Boulder & Mountains Vibes
We’d start with brunch at Snooze in Boulder, then take a hike at Chautauqua Park with views of the Flatirons. Afterward, we’d grab coffee at Alpine Modern Café and walk through Pearl Street to check out local shops and street performers. Dinner? Definitely The Kitchen or rooftop cocktails at Corrida.

Day 2 – Longmont Slow Life
Morning run or bike ride around McIntosh Lake, then local breakfast at The Garden Spot. We’d spend the afternoon at a tattoo studio where I’d show them how I work — maybe they’d even get a piece from me. Evening chill with wine and pizza at Rosalee’s Pizzeria, and then a quiet sunset at Lagerman Reservoir.

Day 3 – Denver City Energy
We’d drive to Denver for a city day — check out RiNo Art District, stop by some galleries, vintage shops, and of course street art. Lunch at Safta or Work & Class, then spend the evening at Meow Wolf or catching live music at Red Rocks if we’re lucky.

Day 4 – Road Trip Day
Quick stop at Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, then off to Manitou Springs to walk around and sip the healing waters. Maybe even stay in a cozy Airbnb near the mountains.

Day 5 – Hot Springs & Chill
We’d go for a relaxing day at Strawberry Park Hot Springs near Steamboat Springs — soaking in natural pools under the trees, maybe even snow around us. Total dream.

Day 6 – Adventure
Time for something wild: ATV rides, paddleboarding, or horseback riding near Estes Park. Lunch with a view, then a drive through Rocky Mountain National Park before heading home.

Day 7 – Rest & Reflect
Sleep in, walk around local farmers’ markets, maybe do a creative day — paint, tattoo flash designs, talk about life. End it all with stargazing from the back of a pickup truck, wrapped in blankets.

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Colorado is full of contrasts: wild and soft, rugged and poetic. That’s what I’d want them to experience — not just places, but feelings.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of a few key people and experiences. First and foremost, I want to give credit to the women in my life — strong, resilient, and brave — who showed me what it means to fight for yourself and your vision, even when no one believes in you.

Also, I’m grateful to every artist who inspired me from afar, sometimes without even knowing it. Watching others create fearlessly helped me find my own voice.

And lastly — I have to give a shoutout to my roots. Coming from Ukraine, moving across the world, and building something from scratch taught me discipline, grit, and how to turn pain into power. Every moment of struggle shaped my art, and I carry that with pride.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anyakoltun?igsh=bzI3N3MzYnZoMXNm

Image Credits
Anna Koltun