The Tattoo Series: Meet Sabrina Stabs

What is the Tattoo Series?

This highly caffeinated collaboration shows our undying love of tattoos and the culture that surrounds them. Nine supremely talented tattoo artists from across the country share their flashes of genius—all inspired by coffee—the bold and ever-bountiful elixir of life. The art-inspired merch directly supported the local artists who designed them. 

Meet the Artist: Sabrina Stabs

Hailing from rockin’ Colorado, Sabrina Stabs shares her flashes of genius with us—always fueled by strong coffee. Her Death Wish Coffee tattoo design features a skeleton floating on a tube between palm trees and sipping coffee—sink or swig, baby.   

Unfiltered Q&A With Sabrina Stabs 

1. Are you a coffee drinker? If so, what’s your favorite roast, and how do you take your coffee?

I typically do a cold brew or a latte (multiple times a day). 

2. Do you have a favorite coffee shop in your town?

I just moved to Denver, so I haven’t found my go-to yet, but I’m so excited to explore here. 

3. What inspired you to become a tattoo artist? Did you always know it was your calling?

I didn’t always know, but when I found tattooing, I fell in love. Having a career that constantly pushes me to do better, while allowing creative expression, means so much to me. 

4. When did you know that you wanted to be a tattoo artist? How did you get started in the industry?

I was actually in college studying to be an engineer when I realized I was only doing it because I could—not because I truly cared to. Tattooing inspired so much passion. I knew I’d be unhappy doing anything else. 

5. How long have you been tattooing?

I have been tattooing since 2018. 

6. How would you describe your tattoo style and how you got to it?

I can’t say that I have a style. As I’ve grown, I’ve found a deep respect and appreciation for multiple styles. My desire to learn through them is what motivates the diversity of my work. 

7. Has your style changed over the years?

My style has changed so much since the start of my career. I went from thinking I’d specialize in one thing, to finding excitement in styles I never thought I’d touch. 

8. Can you tell us about your own tattoos?

My tattoos are as random and spontaneous as I am. 

9. How many tattoos do you have?

I lost count. 

10. What inspires your work?

Progress. I find most inspiration in things that push my skill set, whether it’s another tattooer’s work that pushes boundaries and limits, a painting that inspires a new medium or even photography that can capture emotion the way I’d like my work to.  

11. What do you like to tattoo, and what would you like to do more of?

I enjoy just about everything. In the coming year, I hope to push my capabilities in color realism.

12. What do you like to do outside of the shop?

I love being active! My most recent hobbies include weightlifting and snowboarding. 

13. What’s your biggest pet peeve (personally and in the shop)?

In both my personal life and in the shop, I have a very low tolerance for mean people. I won’t allow for anything other than an encouraging and safe environment. 

14. What is your favorite thing about being a tattoo artist?

My clients are my favorite, which I know sounds cliché; however, I sincerely mean it. My job has granted me the privilege of meeting such amazing people who trusted me with bringing really meaningful tattoos to life. The gratitude they express after some sessions makes every struggle or hard day worth it.  

15. What moment in your career are you the most proud of?

I take the most pride in the day I decided to quit my other jobs. I was so terrified of financial instability, so I carried multiple jobs through the beginning of my career. I thought by quitting my other jobs it’d force more of a hustler’s mentality with my tattoo career, but now looking back, I realize I was finally putting trust in myself and my passion.  

Grab a cup of coffee (and maybe a tattoo) with Sabrina Stabs: 

• Instagram: @sabrinastabs 
• Tattoo Shop: @theholyhyena