Meet Sky Gibson | Tattoo Artist and Shop Owner

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

Hi Sky, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Risk taking to me has been just hoping for the best, when Sabrina and I got the idea to open Elder Gibson Tattoo, we knew it was a huge risk – but with great reward. Getting away from toxic, dysfunctional tattoo shops was our goal. And in opening our own studio, we risked losing the security of being in street shops – but we had to do it in order to grow.

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.
That’s kind of a tough one to answer – but my artwork all started with acrylic paintings, pencil and graphite drawings, all of the basics. I knew from the time I was about 9/10 years old or so, that I wanted to be a tattoo artist. The whole idea of being so independent, and unique in this world, called to me. I think something small that sets me apart from other tattoo artists is that I am a female but don’t aim to do feminine tattoos. I prefer to do pretty gnarly stuff, and I like to think outside of the box with what I’m designing. Becoming and being a tattoo artist is one of the most difficult things anyone can do, and it really has been one of the craziest lifestyles and careers I have ever had. But it’s the only thing that matters to me. You never know where your life will go in this career, and that’s the fun of it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m not the most picky – but my favorite spots are in my home town of Old Colorado City, in CO Springs. Of course Mother Muffs, for good drinks and food, and great times. Right down the Ave is Super Nova West, the secondary location of Super Nova Downtown – the bartenders there really are some of the best people I know, and have become friends of mine over time. Of course I have to take everyone to Manitou Springs, and convince them to try the spring water (I love it) – and around Red Rocks Open Space, for beautiful hiking trails.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would say my dad, Chris Gibson and of course my business partner and friend, Sabrina Elder, deserve the most love. Without my dads support all of my life, in my career choice; art, I wouldn’t have ever had the guts to come as far as I have. And without Sabrina, I wouldn’t have the motivation and drive to push forward every day.

Instagram: Slygibson

Facebook: Sky Gibson

Image Credits: @aly_clickpics (photo of me tattooing)