Meet Mattie L | Tattoo Artist

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

Hi Mattie, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma and left for Denver, Colorado when I was 18 with my family. I grew up in a family of women, so centering ladies in my work comes naturally. Women and feminity have always been my biggest inspiration as an artist, and it absolutely shows in my tattooing.

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.
The thing I love the most about my work is how I blend American traditional style with a feminine, soft touch. A tattoo buddy of mine once referred to my style as “soft traditional,” and I love how well that fits! I love making fat and midsized pinups with stretch marks because I love seeing pinups that look like me. The traditional style of tattooing has been male focused since it was coined and I love that more women, queer folks, and POC are being represented in this style nowadays.

Getting into tattooing for me was a right time, right place scenario. I had reached out to my mentor when he was ready and looking for an apprentice. I was even luckier my mentor was an incredibly kind and respectful tattooer, who I’m extremely grateful to for giving me my start. Thankfully the lessons you learn tattooing come from the community around you and physically tattooing day in and out. I love that the community of tattooers around me have been so generous to share knowledge and tips with me.

If I could tell the world one thing about my story, it’s learn from me and don’t hesitate to get that tattoo. Tattoos have been a wonderful way for me to feel more confident in my skin. With every new piece I get, I feel more like me.

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?
For food, I’d have to say Katsu Ramen in Aurora is my favorite dinner place. The katsu curry is super yummy! Denver has some absolutely amazing coffee as well, I love the dirty chai at Atlas Coffee, and I love a mocha from Bardos. Way too many to list, but you can pop in anywhere and get something good! I’m an easy-to-please traveler myself so just exploring Denver can be fun, places like Pearl Street have lots of charm!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My mom and my husband both have always been my biggest supporters. My mom has always encouraged my art when I was a kid and without that, I’m not sure I’d still be an artist. My husband has always believed that I could make it tattooing, even when I wasn’t so sure. He wear the first tattoo I ever did, and I’m so thankful he pushed me to take the leap!

Website: https://charietattoos.bigcartel.com/

Instagram: charietattoos

Other: This link is where folks can book a tattoo with me! https://charietattoos.as.me/