In the heart of Fort Collins and close to CSU’s campus, lies Solana tattoo shop, where creativity flourishes. Every first Friday of the month, the venue hosts Flash Fridays, the term “flash” referring to predrawn tattoo designs. Each month features tattoo artists’ unique flash designs and hosts other sale opportunities for new and returning customers. Not only does this bring the Fort Collins tattoo community together, but the event invites customers to fall in love with the culture that original art fosters.
CSU Alumni Aimee Heckel and her husband J.D. Markwardt organized the first Flash Friday in September 2022, when only two artists worked for the business. Since then, they have expanded to a collection of 12 full-time artists. Heckel opened Solana in hopes of creating a space for artists to express their talents and take pride in their work. She wants the same for her clients, for everyone to feel at ease – welcomed, comfortable and free to be themselves. It’s a quality Adam Lopez, the lead piercer at Solana, says sets the studio apart.
“A tattoo and piercing studio like Solana serves a community that embraces these values and more with every session completed,” Lopez said.
Beyond its artistic atmosphere, the studio is a Fort Collins original and a hub for inspiration. As the birthplace of Flash Fridays, they created a staple, sparking other studios to host similar recurring events. What began as the studio’s monthly event has grown into a local trend.
“Since launching our first event, we’ve seen other shops begin hosting their own Flash Fridays,” said Heckel. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see an idea we started grow into something that uplifts the entire tattoo community.”
Flash Fridays help contribute to the continuation of tattoo traditions. It is more than an event, it is a movement that captures the community’s authenticity. Whether people are new to Solana or have been returning for years, it is obvious for customers to see the inspiration circulating through the studio.
. It is more than an event, it is a movement that captures the community’s authenticity. Whether people are new to Solana or have been returning for years, it is obvious for customers to see the inspiration circulating through the studio.
With the low prices featured on Flash Fridays, the opportunity to express oneself is extended to everyone. Flash tattoos prices are discounted at $50 off or more, along with piercings starting at $25.
“… tattoos and piercings can boost self-confidence by allowing people to view their bodies as art, rather than just physical forms, which can help them become more comfortable and confident in their own skin,” tattoo artist Olivia Pearson said.
Each month, the studio buzzes with excitement as new faces walk through the door, joining longtime clients and loyal supporters who have watched Solana’s evolution from a small two-artist shop to one of the city’s foundational creative spaces.
