Meet Bella Johnson

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

Hi Bella, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
After working a corporate job out of college that was tough on me I felt invigorated to venture out on my own. I also come from a family of entrepreneurs so this was highly encouraged by my immediate family members.

I also have always been an artist, and had dreamed of being paid for my art while making meaningful connection with others– tattooing allows me to do this.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am still growing and learning! By no means do I have it all figured out, I am very fresh in my tattoo career but have always been interested in mixed media. I started drawing from a young age and found I gravitated towards digital design in high school and college. Nothing is linear and so goes my career as an artist. I love the medium of tattooing but it doesn’t come with out an immense emotional burden. Altering someones appearance is a huge responsibility and is still one I am trying to come to better terms with. Who knows if someone will like what you tattooed on them in the end, its a gift I’m giving away to someone and I can only hope they enjoy it as much as I did when giving them the tattoo.

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?
5087369287% Weathervane Cafe on 17th and then maybe a day at Cheeseman drawing. If we have time up to the mountains off 285 sorry not sorry but will not give specifics because I hope that 285 doesn’t turn into i-70.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Honestly the other queer female artists in the Denver tattoo community who took the time to meet with me, allowed me to shadow them and who have been huge in supporting me on tough days. Megan McEuen has been a very kind and thoughtful friend in the industry as has Ariel Lee, and Mayla (@blubandittattoos). There are many more I could list as well!

Website: bellakjohnson.com

Instagram: bkjdesign

Image Credits
Photo of me: Linden Schiable @lindenschaible Rest of Photos by me