Daddi Tatts is Changing the Tattoo Industry in Fort Collins Colorado

Maddi Studer, also known as Daddi Tatts, is a self-taught tattoo artist in Fort Collins Colorado. In 2022, she opened up a tattoo shop with their business partner, Krista Bratvold, called Witch of the West Tattoo Collective. WOTW is located right across from Colorado State University and is a queer/women owned shop.

OFM had the chance to connect with Maddi to learn a little bit more about them.

Who is Maddi?

Maddi (she/they) is a third-year, self-taught tattooer currently residing in Fort Collins, CO, and specializing in fine-line and illustrative tattoo. Maddi is a resident artist and co-owner of Witch of the West Tattoo.

When and how did you start tattooing?

Born out of an unexpected turn of events in 2020, my journey into tattooing began when I found myself unexpectedly laid off from a four-year marketing job in Washington state. The abrupt shift left me with a profound sense of uncertainty and a bit of an identity crisis.

Against industry norms, I purchased a tattoo machine from Amazon. While admitting that this choice is often looked down upon in this industry and considered to be quite “taboo,” I am really proud of the unorthodox path that led me to where I am today.

Diving headfirst into the self-taught journey, I started by tattooing myself and my roommates, gradually progressing to more intricate designs. The hunger for knowledge fueled my relentless pursuit, propelling me to consume hours of YouTube videos and enroll in various online courses, even one conducted entirely in Portuguese. The learning curve was damn hard, but it was quick. I think I got addicted to the chase for insider knowledge and trade secrets because I knew they weren’t designed for someone like me to have.

As my skills developed, acquaintances and friends of friends started reaching out, expressing interest in getting tattoos from me. This organic progression and the joy I found in the craft gradually transformed what started as a pastime into a more intentional and purposeful endeavor.

The turning point came when my partner, just a few months into our relationship, casually suggested, “Why don’t you start your own studio?” Despite initially laughing off the idea as impractical, a Google search revealed the feasibility of such a venture. Four weeks later, in the winter of 2021, I moved into my first private studio, a modest, 200-something-square-foot space in a privately owned building. This marked the inception of my solo tattooing practice.

When did you know you wanted to open your own tattoo shop?

I don’t think I ever really knew that’s what I wanted to do, but as I began doing this kind of work and connecting with my clients, I realized there was a real need for a safe and inclusive tattoo space within my town and that my work was making a difference. Providing this was never a calculated business move–It was an organic happening. I wanted a space that my clients and I both felt comfortable in and through that simple act, I realized one day that I was actively encouraging and fostering somewhat of a collective counter-culture movement within tattooing. A conscious practice that is built on consent, respect, and liberation.

How did Witch of the West Tattoo Collective begin?

The collective’s origin story is a tale of serendipity, shared dreams, and a commitment to creating a safe and inclusive space in an industry often plagued by exclusivity and outdated practices.

The journey that led to the collective’s founding began during my time as a solo tattoo artist in Washington and continued through my short stint in a street shop in Fort Collins after moving over here in the summer of 2022. The experiences, challenges, and lessons learned during my residency at the street shop fueled my vision for a space that deviated from the norm—a space that celebrated diversity, prioritized inclusivity, and challenged the traditional dynamics of tattooing. The catalyst for the collective’s formation came unexpectedly, following my departure from the street shop.

Krista, a complete stranger at the time, reached out to me via Instagram after hearing about my exit from the shop. In that initial conversation, we discovered a shared dream of establishing a women/queer-owned tattoo studio that not only showcased our artistic talents, but also prioritized creating a safe and inclusive environment for clients from all walks of life.

Fueled by our shared mission and a shared commitment to challenging the status quo, we embarked on the journey of creating Witch of the West Tattoo Collective. The collective officially opened its doors in August 2022 after a month and a half of intense DIY renovation, marking the culmination of our shared vision and dedication to reshaping the tattooing landscape.

Witch of the West Tattoo Collective is not just a tattoo studio; it is a testament to the transformative power of shared dreams and the unwavering belief in the potential for positive change within the tattooing industry. The collective stands as a beacon for inclusivity, respect, and empowerment in an industry that often grapples with outdated norms and practices. Our journey continues as we strive to make tattooing a safe and empowering experience for every body that walks through our doors.

What’s the goal behind Witch of the West Tattoo Collective?

Our mission is rooted in challenging the norms of traditional tattoo parlors and creating an environment that prioritizes respect, equality, and empowerment for every individual.

At the core of our collective vision is a commitment to fostering a safe space where clients from all backgrounds, regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, body type, age, race, or disability feel welcome and valued. We aim to dismantle the exclusivity often associated with tattooing and replace it with an atmosphere that celebrates diversity and individuality.

Witch of the West Tattoo Collective strives to be a beacon for those who may have felt marginalized or uncomfortable in traditional tattoo settings. By proudly identifying as a queer/woman-owned establishment, we aim to practice transparency and promote a sense of community that goes beyond the artistry of tattooing.

Our collective aspires to shift the narrative within the tattooing industry, offering an alternative to the historical practices that perpetuate harmful power dynamics and exclusivity. We believe in continuous education, consent, and autonomy for our clients, fostering an environment where the tattoo experience becomes not just a service but a transformative and empowering journey.

How would you explain your artist style?

Rooted in the realm of contemporary tattooing, my style is characterized by a commitment to detail, intricate linework, and texture. I would consider my style to be fairly “illustrative.” I draw inspiration from a myriad of sources, including nature, mythology, folk-art, and queerness!

Do you incorporate your queer identity through your tattooing?

Most definitely! I think by simply existing in this industry and taking up the space that I am, I am rooting into my queerness. In a lot of ways, it feels like a very radical act to do what I’m doing, the way that I’m doing it—in this industry in particular.

For an industry known for its subversiveness and edge, tattooing has countless rules and blockades. Insiders are protective of information and apprenticeships are notoriously hard to get—especially for anyone who may not have the privilege/safe access to an apprenticeship and/or mentorship.

Being a self-taught artist and loudly challenging the norms is a risky move in this industry—and one that I think is very intertwined with and inspired by my queerness.

Apart from the actions I take or the way I express myself in my work, the tattoos I create often reflect themes of empowerment, self-expression, fluidity, and resilience—elements that resonate deeply with the queer experience.

What’s your biggest encouragement to those who are wanting to start tattooing?

I’ve said this time and time again, but there’s plenty of room at the table. This industry is changing– and for the better in my opinion.

I’d be wary to full-heartedly encourage someone to get into this line of profession. It’s not for the faint of heart, and there is (and I cannot emphasize this enough) so much that goes into it … but it is certainly possible if you are determined enough!

If tattooing is something you truly aspire to do, my best advice is to:
1. Do the research. Find mentorship or community before you resort to self-teaching. As proud of my journey as I am, I cannot in good conscience recommend that anyone self-teaches as a first option. If you can gain access to education or mentorship that is saf—That is basically liquid gold!
2. Commit to consciously and continuously learning. The learning never stops, and this path is not a linear one. You are going to experience a lot of ups and downs!
3. Prioritize your/your client’s health and safety first, always
4. Don’t get discouraged when you get rejected and/or criticized. Try to look at it as an opportunity to listen and grow.

How does one get a tattoo from you?

Fill out a booking form when my books are open! Every three to four months, my books open to my email subscribers. There is typically a 30-minute to one-hour window where my books stay open, and folks can submit their ideas to me.

In-depth booking info can be found on my Instagram FAQ highlight or on my website.

Cover photo by Rachel Kobernik