Meet Miranda Griffin-Thomas | Tattoo Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Miranda Griffin-Thomas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Miranda, why did you pursue a creative career?
Where to start on this one?! Truthfully, the ability to leave people better than I had found them would be my simple way of putting it all! I have always been drawn to the creative waves and I am fortunate that no one stopped me from coasting along those same waves for as long as I can remember. My late mother was an Artist as well as my foster mom; I give a lot of credit to them for showing me ((art)) can be everywhere you look, big or small- it has impact and sharing that with others is the greatest experience of all. I graduated from Herron School of Art and Design with the intentions to become an Art Therapist. Though pursuing an Art Therapy degree did not end up becoming my route then, I full heartedly believe my path now as a Tattoo Artist has healed many in ways what we like to call “ ink therapy” and for this, I am eternally grateful.
Tattooing in a private-studio setting has allowed me to create a safe space for all those who seek this for their tattoo experience. That tattoo “afterglow” they have when looking in the mirror with their new design will forever light my soul up! I feel grateful every day to have this creative wave pulling me deeper and deeper in and the ability to share it with those around me and beyond.

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 a Tattoo Artist at Heart & Skin Tattoo here in the heart of Old Town Fort Collins! Tattooing has changed my life in so many beautiful ways and I feel fortunate to be sharing this experience with so many. I specialize in Neotraditional with a folksy twist and focus on nature elements as my muse. Before tattooing, I was working part-time teaching people how to throw axes while also pursuing my art career as a Pyrography Artist. I always would work a part-time job and hustle my woodburning as much as I could! Be it art shows, leading workshops, painting murals, commission work, curating events- I wanted to be around the creative forces as much as possible!
Moving to Northern Colorado from Indianapolis, Indiana was a dream for as long as I can recall! I was encouraged for several years to look into a tattoo Apprenticeship and felt very fortunate when the timing and connections aligned for just this here in Colorado at Heart & Skin in 2021.
The most important aspect for me within the process is the trust that the client has for me to create a piece of artwork we both know, will carry on for the rest of their days. I feel so fortunate to be able to continue to make artwork daily. Sharing this space and this time with people within the community as well as the tattoo community- refuels my soul.
Lessons I have learned along the way? The only person who is going to make it happen- is yourself. Dive deeply into things that bring you immense joy! Doubt is a loud voice that so many of us personally hand a megaphone to…We absorb so much of that if we allow that self-doubt in. You are enough and have all the tools to make it happen! Take up space and chase the dream~

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My GOTO spots in FoCo: I adore the small ma’ n pa’ shops we have in town! Wolverine Farm for a fun, creative, locally sourced atmosphere and it is just a hop skip from the tattoo shop! I visit the Food Co-op weekly for my lunch or quick grab-n-go’s! I will forever HYPE up the Brussels sprouts over at Blind Pig- if you know, you know! We are fortunate to have some stellar patio hangs here in FoCo! If you enjoy cider- Scrumpys is my goTo for hard cider! I love soaking in time outside at Stogy’s with a cold brew and a picnic table full of laughter or make my ways to Odells for the same kind of patio hangs only often with live music! Speaking of live music, The Lyric is a blast to see music at and soak in local art!
This might be nerdy, but Garden Sweet was a blast to roam around in the summer with my gal pals and make our own bouquets/ fill buckets full of flowers! I also enjoy some water hangs either at Horsetooth or Poudre River Whitewater park! Engulfing myself within the sounds of running waters and picking rocks up from the bottom surface is pure joy for me!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to absolutely shine some light on my husband, he’s been my biggest support since the moment we met! I also owe many thanks to all the Artists at Heart & Skin Tattoo for their love and support! My mentor and the owner of Heart and Skin took me in and saw my potential as a tattooer; Tattooing changed my life and I give many thanks to those two for opening the doors and showing me the way! Shining light on all of those who believed in me and continue to support this creative wave I coast along!

Website: Heartandskin.com

Instagram: @mthomas.ink