Steamboat Springs welcomes a fresh wave of artistic energy with the opening of Black Rabbit Tattoo, a new tattoo studio founded by artists Jess Claflin, Isis Myers, and Anne Labossiere. This exciting venture, located at 701 Yampa St., above E3 Chophouse, is set to become a cornerstone of the local art scene, offering a unique and community-focused space for tattoo artistry. Building upon an existing foundation, the trio took over the previous business with a vision to cultivate a collaborative and welcoming environment for both artists and clients seeking exceptional black rabbit tattoo designs and beyond.
The transition to Black Rabbit Tattoo was a natural progression for Claflin, Myers, and Labossiere, who previously worked together at Mind’s Eye Tattoo. As Claflin explains, the opportunity arose organically when the former owner decided to relocate. “We like who we work with, we like our location and there was nothing that we don’t like about this,” Claflin shared. This shared appreciation and collaborative spirit led them to seize the moment and create “a communal art space with the people that we already know.” The name itself, Black Rabbit Tattoo, is a playful nod to the iconic Rabbit Ears Pass, grounding the studio in its Steamboat Springs location.
For Labossiere, the allure of tattooing lies in its power of self-expression and positive impact. Having been fascinated by tattoo culture from a young age, she believes in the profound ability to “express yourself outwardly as much as you can,” considering it “one of the greatest things we can do as humans.” Beyond aesthetics, Labossiere finds deep satisfaction in the emotional aspect of tattooing, “I just love being able to put a smile on peoples’ faces when they’re like, ‘I finally got a scar covered up, or I’ve always wanted a memorial piece for my grandmother, and now I will always have it with me.'” This sentiment highlights the deeply personal and transformative nature of black rabbit tattoo art and tattooing in general.
Myers echoes this passion, emphasizing the creative freedom and the joy of enhancing others’ self-image through body art. “This is my chance to be creative and make art for people,” Myers states, viewing the studio as “a chance to make people feel more comfortable in their own bodies and make them feel excited about a change in themselves.” She believes that “the tattoo can really bring out a different side of your personality or make you feel more like yourself,” underscoring the empowering potential of a black rabbit tattoo or any piece that resonates with the individual.
The local roots of Myers and Labossiere, who both grew up in Steamboat Springs, further solidify Black Rabbit Tattoo’s connection to the community. Claflin, while a more recent transplant, has also quickly integrated into the Yampa Valley. This local connection fuels their desire to make Black Rabbit Tattoo a hub for community engagement. “We want more community involvement,” Claflin emphasizes. Their plans include hosting “flash days” to support local organizations such as the Routt County Humane Society and Born Free Wildlife Rehabilitation, demonstrating their commitment to giving back. This proactive approach aims to establish Black Rabbit Tattoo not just as a business, but as a contributing member of the Steamboat Springs community, going beyond simply offering exceptional black rabbit tattoo artistry.
To celebrate their grand opening, Black Rabbit Tattoo is hosting a public event this Saturday from 3-7 p.m. The celebration will feature a raffle offering a generous $600 tattoo prize. Raffle tickets are available for $10, with the drawing scheduled for 6:30 p.m. (winner must be present to claim). Representatives from the Routt County Humane Society and Born Free Wildlife Rehabilitation will also be present, alongside Maria from Magic Color, Breckenwitch, and Best Kept Secret Exotic Piercing, adding to the festive and community-oriented atmosphere.
Black Rabbit Tattoo is currently open for walk-ins from noon to 7 p.m., Friday through Monday, providing convenient access for spontaneous tattoo desires. Appointments can also be arranged via Instagram at @blackrabbit.co or by calling the studio directly at 970-457-6414. Steamboat Springs residents and visitors are encouraged to explore the artistry and welcoming atmosphere of Black Rabbit Tattoo, their new local destination for exceptional and meaningful tattoos.
