Metamorphosis Tattoo Studio Transmutes New Space in Longmont
Business is Back on Track by the Railroad Tracks
Metamorphosis Tattoo Studio, formerly located in Lyons, has relocated to Longmont to begin the new year with a fresh transformation inside its unassuming, residential-style exterior.
After eight years of building a loyal following in its previous location, the woman-owned business embraced the challenge of relocating, a decision made more out of necessity than convenience.
A series of wildfires near Lyons over the past four years catalyzed the decision to relocate.
“The most recent one, we didn’t really have any time to evacuate. It was in the midst of tattooing, literally. You could see the flames from our doorstep,” Malec recounted. “That was the main trigger of leaving Lyons.”
Though leaving Lyons was bittersweet, Malec remains optimistic about the studio’s future. Changes in the community, including devastating fires and unfulfilled development plans, contributed to the evolving town.
“Leaving Lyons is super sad, for sure. I love that small town, but it’s not really the same place that it used to be,” Malec reflected.
Through it all, the Metamorphosis team has remained strong.
“Our biggest goal in the move was to make sure everybody was happy with where we were going,” Malec said. “Most of our artists have been with us for a minimum of three years or more, so we’ve really established a family dynamic.”
Now fully operational in Longmont, the team is embracing their new home.
“Everybody seems really happy about the new space and the new amenities,” Malec shared. “Once the new space came together, I think everybody got a lot more pumped about it.”
For Malec, Longmont offers the perfect balance of city features and a small-town vibe.
“I’m more of a small-town person myself,” Malec said. “Longmont is the perfect balance for me, where you have all the things, but it’s not too crazy.”
The new location at 309 Atwood St. boasts a private parking lot, a break room, and even an unfinished basement with room for future growth.
“This location in particular really appealed to us because it has a lot of the space that we’re used to,” Malec noted. “It’s overall probably twice as big as the space we had before, though the actual tattoo space is slightly smaller right now.”
Selecting the studio’s new location in Longmont involved its own set of challenges. Malec revealed that she and her team considered four or five properties in person, but she eliminated many more online.
“We got really close with another property, but it had an HOA that didn’t want a tattoo studio there. We even petitioned the business owners in the building, but the majority still said no,” Malec recounted. “That’s why you [tattoo studios] are either directly on Main Street or next to the train tracks.”
Overall Malec found a space that suited her team and vision.
“Keeping everybody together was definitely a high priority for me. Most of our artists live in Longmont, so this space made the most sense. It was a blank canvas when we moved in, and we’ve transformed it,” Malec said.
Despite challenges, including the move and the mixed reception tattoo shops often receive, Malec remains optimistic.
“When we first opened in Lyons, the reception was mixed. People weren’t sure about a tattoo shop next to the pinball place,” Malec said. “Here in Longmont, it’s been different. Our clientele isn’t just local—we have people coming from Boulder, Fort Collins, Denver, and beyond. Tattooing as an art form is becoming more accepted, and clients now specifically seek out artists who do certain styles. The industry has changed a lot in the 15 years I’ve been in it.”
The studio is not just a hub for tattoo artistry but also a celebration of art in all its forms.
“We have lots of artists here in the studio, besides just tattoo roots,” Malec said. “I love art as a whole. My whole life, tattooing just kind of came with it. I had a lot of friends in high school who wanted tattoos, and they realized I was a good artist and asked me to tattoo them. Of course, I was not going to just go and do that out of my house or whatever. So, I sought an apprenticeship and went the traditional route with that. Once I started, I never looked back.”
Malec’s commitment to supporting the art community extends beyond her studio.
“When I first opened in Lyons, we were very much a part of the art community. I helped host the first Friday Art Walk, coordinating with businesses to create a street-wide market. With the new space, we hope to continue supporting local artists by hosting art markets and using our property to provide space for vendors,” Malec said.
For Malec, tattooing is more than a career—it’s a passion and a way to connect with others.
“I think tattooing is the coolest career you can possibly have. If you can support yourself as an artist, it’s a rare opportunity. Tattooing is one of those platforms where you can actually pay your bills as an artist,” Malec explained. “I love working with people one-on-one. Typically, as an artist, you’re kind of away from the crowd, tucked away at home. Tattooing is quite different because you’re working with another person. It’s very unique and fun, very personal.”
Malec’s artistic and entrepreneurial journey began long before she opened her studio.
“When I was still in high school, I was a creator and crafter of sorts. I did a lot of conventions and sold on Etsy, creating cosplay accessories and other nerdy stuff. Being a business owner was already in the cards for me,” Malec said. “The more I learned about tattooing, the more it seemed to fit what I wanted to do. So, yes and no—this is my first brick-and-mortar business, but I had already been pursuing independent business.”
Metamorphosis Tattoo and Art Gallery is home to a diverse group of artists, each bringing their unique styles and specialties.
“We all do different styles, for sure. We have different ranges of experience,” Malec shared. “Depending on what you’re wanting, I would direct you to a different artist. I really like to do anything that’s color or nerdy—large-scale anime tattoos, gaming tattoos, dragons, and fairies.”
The studio’s ambiance reflects Malec’s eclectic tastes and dedication to the local art community.
“We aim for the space to be comfortable and homey. I’m a collector of sorts, so we have lots of interesting pieces when it comes to furniture and decor. Most of the art displayed is by local artists,” Malec said.
Owning a tattoo studio requires wearing many hats, but Malec remains an artist first.
“I’m not a business owner who tattoos sometimes. I tattoo most of the time and also manage my business,” Malec said.
Malec’s focus on creating a safe, welcoming environment sets Metamorphosis apart.
“We prioritize being a safe space, and that’s something I’ve always wanted. With my experiences coming up in the tattoo industry, there were plenty of times I felt unsafe in my workplace. I wanted to create a different dynamic,” Malec said.
Social media and word of mouth have been a significant help to Metamorphosis’s success. However, Malec believes in the enduring power of personal connections.
“I think word of mouth is what holds the most true at the end of the day because social media, while it has been reliable in the past, is becoming less reliable because of the algorithms and them just wanting all of your money,” Malec explained.
Although social media initially helped tattooists promote their work and attract clients with a wide reach, Malec pointed out a more conventional approach.
“It’s still a lot of going out to coffee shops and passing out cards. Anytime you’re somewhere and someone starts talking about tattoos, you pass out your card. Art walks and connections with different artists are super important, too,” Malec said.
Looking ahead, Malec envisions growth for her studio.
“Eventually, I want to finish the downstairs space for more art gallery and tattoo areas,” Malec said. “But for now, it’s about making sure we thrive in the first two years and saving to buy the building.”
