Come Celebrate Valentine’s with Evolution Tattoo—And Your Issues

Valentine’s Day. It’s the holiday of love, teddy bears, and chocolates—or, if you’re like us, it’s the perfect time to acknowledge that you’ve got issues—and wear them proudly. Luckily, this year, Evolution Tattoo is here to help you put those issues on display. 

From February 13th to February 16th, we’re celebrating Ellen Johnston’s official debut as a full-fledged tattoo artist! She’s kicking off her tattoo career with a $50 flash tattoo special, and trust us, the designs will hit you right in the feels (or maybe in the unresolved trauma). Whether it’s Daddy Issues, Mommy Issues, or that vague yet overwhelming sense of existential dread—you’ve got it, and Ellan is ready to ink it. 

Event Details:

• Location: Evolution Tattoo, 1450 S Santa Fe Dr Unit 102, Denver, CO 80223

• Dates: February 10th - 15th

• Hours: Daily from [Opening Time] to [Closing Time]

• Price: $50 flash tattoos (therapy not included, but the art is forever).

• Important: Flash tattoos cannot be altered from the original design and are only black ink—no color.

While you wait, hang out in our chill, unconventional studio where the vibe is as offbeat as our humor. Maybe you’ll catch a live DJ spinning tracks, lose yourself in a game of chess, or just soak in the energy that’s equally passionate about art and sarcasm. 

Meet Ellen Johnston:
Ellen isn’t just a tattoo artist—she’s a creative force. With a background in painting, stained glass, and murals, she’s bringing her unique artistic flair to the world of tattooing. Her work is bold, meaningful, and unforgettable. We’re beyond excited to welcome her to the Evolution Tattoo family!

Why Join Us?

• Celebrate Ellen’s milestone with $50 flash tattoos.

• Soak up the vibe in our eclectic studio—complete with live music, games, and plenty of sarcasm.

• Turn your “issues” into art you’ll cherish forever.

Bring your friends, your partner, or just your inner demons, and join us for a Valentine’s celebration that’s anything but ordinary

Questions? Call us at (303) 330-8803.
Your issues are safe with us—well, for $50, at least.

See you there!
Evolution Tattoo
Where art meets attitude.

A Commemoration of Community Resilience

On April 20, 1999, a harrowing event unrolled within the walls of Columbine High School that would not only leave an indelible mark on the school and community but would reverberate through the fabric of society. This coming 20th of April 2024 marks the 25th remembrance day since the Columbine High School shooting, a milestone of resilience and a beacon of continued support for those affected. In honor of this day, Evolution Tattoo, in association with The Rebels Project, invites you to join an event resonating with remembrance and the unity of community.

An Unyielding Community

The aftermath of the Columbine tragedy was a testament to the strength of community. Though shaken to its core, the community rallied around the survivors, providing solace and support in the most compassionate ways. Chatfield High School opened its doors to former rivals so the school year could be finished, churches became sanctuaries of strength and gatherings, and friends and families lent their unwavering support to heal the collective. In times of utmost darkness, the light of the community emerged as the catalyst for the healing of survivors to begin.

Tattoos: A Testament to Resilience

Tattoos have long served as symbols of personal stories, beliefs, and struggles. Intrinsically linked to the concept of community, tattoos gained an even deeper significance in the aftermath life of events. They became a collective remembrance, each etch commemorating the spirit of shared resilience. This year, Evolution Tattoo offers a variety of designs of the Columbine flower—a profound metamorphosis from the tragedy that symbolizes the community's role in fostering growth and healing. Additionally, several options are available that are simply symbols of support and hope.

Each design represents a unique facet of the community’s contribution to healing, growth, and resilience, allowing each recipient to add to the story over time, mirroring the continued support that was—and still is—provided to the survivors.

The Rebels Project: A Safe Haven

Grounded in the ethos of support and understanding, The Rebels Project stands as a resource for survivors of mass trauma and their families. With a mission to provide a safe environment for sharing personal experiences and resources, The Rebels Project has been a pillar of strength for over a thousand members, offering support that is both empathetic and empowering. The collaboration between The Rebels Project and Evolution Tattoo for the 25th Remembrance Day event is a harmonious bridge between individual healing and the broader mission of community support.

The New Tattoo Designs

The designs for the 25th Remembrance Day stand as artistic odes to recovery and solidarity. Designed specifically to commemorate this day, each piece is in honor of the unwavering support that has flourished in the community. The details of each tattoo represent the complexity of the healing process and the strength that can emerge through struggle and growth.

Join Us at the 25th Remembrance Day Event

On April 20th, join us at Evolution Tattoo in Denver for a day of reflection, commemoration, and communal strength. The event will offer meaningful tattoo experiences in remembrance of the lives impacted. Your presence and participation will not only pay tribute but also contribute to The Rebels Project's ongoing efforts as a sanctuary for those who face similar struggles.

Whether you are a Columbine High School community member, an alum, or a supporter of the healing process, this event is a poignant opportunity to merge personal stories with a shared narrative of resilience. Together, we can ensure that our community's commitment to growth and healing stands as an unwavering pillar for generations to come.

The Survivor

The power of a tattoo lies not only in the intricacy of its design or the skill of the artist's hand but also in the tales it subtly tells. For those who've walked paths shadowed by tragedy but illuminated with unity and perseverance, a tattoo can serve as a silent narrative, a badge of courage etched into the very fabric of one's existence. 

The year 2024 marks the 25th Columbine High School Remembrance Day—the pivotal occasion that unites a community under the shared banner of healing and defiance against violence's indelible marks. In reverence and celebration, Evolution Tattoo is hosting a charity event that goes beyond commemoration; it weaves threads of unity and resilience in the form of a tattoo aptly named 'The Survivor.'

This detailed piece, designed by none other than Nikki Orazine, invites survivors of gun violence and those touched by community tragedies to carry a universal emblem. We'll unpack the significance of this powerful symbol, urging charity supporters, the Columbine community, and those aligned in the fight against senseless violence to join in this enduring act of remembrance and solidarity.

The Survivor Tattoo Design

Nikki Orazine, a survivor of the Heath High School shooting, conceived 'The Survivor'—a design that embodies the unbreakable spirit and inherent connection among those who have withstood the storm of mass trauma. It's not merely an ink mark; it's a story meticulously woven into an emblematic mosaic.

A Symbol of the Unconquered

At its core, 'The Survivor' features a phoenix, symbolic of rebirth and resilience. Residing within its form, a diamond—forged stronger through pressure, much like the spirit after turmoil. The tail, fashioned as the infinity symbol, speaks of eternal unity, the head with a triangle, a nod to strength, and the wings with five feathers, representative of a shared grounding technique in healing.

Charity Event Details

Evolution Tattoo Denver, in partnership with The Rebels Project, is hosting a unique charity event to commemorate the 25th Remembrance Day of the events at Columbine High School. Set to take place on April 20th, 2024, at Evolution Tattoo's Denver location (1450 South Santa Fe Drive, Unit 102), this event will allow the community to come together, remember, and contribute to a meaningful cause.

For a donation of just $25-$50, attendees can choose from one of the specially pre-designed remembrance tattoos, including 'The Survivor'. All proceeds directly support the work of The Rebels Project. 

An Invitation to All

To our Columbine High School community, this is an extension of our family. To survivors of gun violence, this is a beacon of understanding. In your attendance, in your support, in your empathy, you amplify the echoes of survival and the song of unity.

'The Survivor' is just one of the Tattoo options available for this event. All designs will be released ahead of time and will vary from Columbine Flowers to the representation of 25 years to images of hope.

A Quarter Century of Reflection

Columbine High School's 25th Remembrance Day
March 8, 2024
Denver, Colorado

Evolution Tattoo Denver, in partnership with The Rebels Project, is hosting a unique charity event to commemorate the 25th Remembrance Day of the events at Columbine High School. Set to take place on April 20th, 2024, at Evolution Tattoo's Denver location (1450 South Santa Fe Drive, Unit 102), this event serves as an opportunity for the community to come together, remember, and contribute towards a meaningful cause.

For a donation of just $25-$50, attendees can choose from one of the specially pre-designed remembrance tattoos, with all proceeds directly supporting the work of The Rebels Project. This milestone event not only honors the memory of those affected by the tragedy but also reinforces the resilience and unity of the Columbine community. We invite you to join us in reflecting on our past while investing in a future dedicated to support and healing.

In honor of the 25th Remembrance Day, Columbine graduate class of '96, Ben Granillo, has chosen to host a symbolic event at his studio, Evolution Tattoo. The community is warmly welcomed to spend time at the studio, and with a donation of $$25-$50, choose from one uniquely designed remembrance tattoos. The significance of this day resonates deeply with Granillo, as his younger brother, Sam, is a survivor of the events that unfolded on April 20th, 1999. Sam later channeled his experiences into the creation of the documentary "Columbine: Wounded Minds," highlighting the aftermath of the shootings and the dire need for survivor care. This very need inspired a group of survivors to establish The Rebels Project, an organization dedicated to providing support to survivors of similar scaring events. In collaboration with The Rebels Project, Granillo's event offers a platform for reflection on the past 25 years and a unique way to express ongoing solidarity through remembrance tattoos.

Evolution Tattoo, nestled in the heart of Denver, Colorado, is a pioneering private studio that opened in June 2021 under the guidance of founder Ben Granillo. Situated close to the vibrant Santa Fe Street Art District, the studio mirrors an art gallery adorned with lush greenery and captivating artwork. The mantra at Evolution Tattoo is "amittere sui et facti," or "lose yourself to become." This ethos is deeply embedded in their approach to tattooing, as they believe in the transformative power of self-exploration and growth. Each artist operates from their private studio room, fostering an intimate and personalized environment for clients. The studio welcomes walk-ins alongside appointments, offering the benefits of a private studio, such as separate rooms and TVs for entertainment during sessions. Evolution Tattoo prides itself on being a fusion concept, honoring the foundational traditions of tattooing while embracing progressive, modern ideas.

The Rebels Project, an organization built on resilience and unity, was established by a group of Columbine survivors following the Aurora theater shooting in 2012. With a mission to support others who have experienced similar trauma, The Rebels Project has grown into a nationwide organization, boasting over 1,000 members. Their primary objective is to ensure survivors nationwide know they are not alone in their experiences. Comprised of survivors representing various affected communities, the leadership team organizes, manages, and conducts all events, activities, and gatherings on a volunteer basis. The Rebels Project provides a safe environment for survivors to connect and share unique resources and experiences while also educating them about the varying effects of mass trauma.

To contact Evolution Tattoo, please call 303-330-8803 or visit evolutiontattooofdenver.com

To learn more about The Rebels Project or to make a donation directly, please visit therebelsproject.org