Tattooing IN THE TETONS

Some say you should take a picture because it’ll last longer, and Jackson Hole is no stranger to the vast number of amateur to expert photographers trying to capture the beauty and uniqueness of the valley. But there’s a growing community of locals and tourists who have found another way to permanently commemorate their time or experiences in Jackson, and it’s with a different kind of ink.

At first glance you may not notice the few tattoo shops that Jackson Hole has tucked away behind other storefronts, or the growing number of people walking around with art under their winter gear or athletic wear, but the tattoo business in town is booming and booking out months in advance.

It’s locals and tourists alike who are seeking the permanent art, sharing a particular affinity for the distinct nature and geography of this valley. The increasing demand for artistic homages—especially to this landscape—is now spread out between three local tattoo shops: Twenty Two Tattoo, Black Fox Studio and Paintbrush Tattoo.

In order to open a tattoo shop in Jackson Hole, the Teton County Health Department requires a permit to operate a body art establishment. Standards for a safe and sanitary practice include aseptic techniques, personal hygiene, injury prevention and universal precautions. Yet, despite the vagueness of language that can be found in the regulations, the businesses in Jackson seem to go above and beyond the minimum requirements for creating a comfortable space.

Jackson’s tattoo artists are intent on creating a luxurious, intimate environment for customers that may look different than the stereotypical walk-in tattoo experience someone might be expecting. Mike Zimmer, who opened Twenty Two Tattoo 14 years ago after acquiring a decade of tattooing experience, is ultimately looking to “change the whole tattoo experience.” He does a custom collaboration with each client in a classy, private space he has designed.

Bethanie Hart, who opened Paintbrush Tattoo at the start of the new year, is also intentional about setting up a personalized, comfortable experience with in-person consultations for clients. She understands that tattoos have become less stigmatized and takes pride in the cleanliness and luxurious environment of her studio.

Zimmer and Hart are both Jackson Hole locals who lean into the ingenuity this one- of-a-kind landscape provides.

“There’s a lot of inspiration for tattoos in Jackson,” Zimmer says. He does a large number of naturethemed tattoos including bison, feathers, trees and mountains in black and gray fine line work—his specialty. The clientele asking for that is a mix of locals with deep connections to the valley and tourists commemorating a trip to the iconic town. Hart says her mostly local clients request wildflowers and mountains most often. “You get used to a standard of beauty,” Hart says of finding inspiration in the Tetons.

In the heart of downtown Jackson Hole, MADE is a unique hotspot that offers a collection of handmade items from more than 360 artists. With quality and care put into every item, locals and tourists alike can take home memories made in the valley reflected in the jewelry, goods and glassware.

John Frechette, owner of MADE, Mountain Dandy, Mursell’s Sweet Shop, and M shares his thoughts on their success:

Q: How do the aesthetics of MADE fit into the unique location of Jackson Hole?

A: MADE works to be every local’s favorite shop. We want someone to buy every birthday or thank you card from us. We bring in as many local and regional artists as we can. Each artist draws their own inspiration from our surroundings and what they experience from the area. With over 450 artists throughout the store, you get a good variety of designs.

Q: What’s new in the MADE family of shops?

A: Most everyone knows by now that we own Mursell’s Sweet Shop just across Gaslight Alley from MADE. It is certainly worth a visit for chocolates and candy from around the world, and the new soda fountain. Also, “M” is our newest outpost, in the Aspens neighborhood of Wilson - on the way to Teton Village, and it is filled with some of our favorite gifts and housewares from all over the world! Stop in early, and grab some Persephone next door!

She appreciates the different ways she can make images of wildflowers and mountains original for each individual.

Instagram is one of the primary places for tattoo businesses to get attention in the valley, and both Zimmer (@zimmertattoo) and Hart (@paintbrushtattoo) credit the social media platform for a large portion of their customers. Word of mouth also travels fast in a small town like Jackson. While all three tattoo shops require in-advance appointments, Zimmer is planning on designating days/times for walk-ins sometime in the future.

The blend of private, high-quality service with meaningful and iconic Teton views makes these tattoo shops a true Jackson experience. While permanent ink art is still pushing past some stigmatized barriers, it’s something to consider as a way to experience and commemorate what makes Jackson Hole culture so special.