Bradly Anderson, a Littleton native, has embarked on a remarkable journey that began with a simple drawing of an airplane at the age of two.
More than three decades later, that same sketch is now permanently inked on his grandmother’s arm, symbolizing Anderson’s lifelong passion for art and tattooing.
In early May, Bradly Anderson opened the doors to his first tattoo shop, Low Side Tattooing Company, located at 3741 S. Broadway in Englewood.
Emphasizing a welcoming atmosphere, Anderson describes his shop as a classic, friendly neighborhood tattoo parlor.
“We really emphasize walk-ins, open doors — we want people to come hang out,” Anderson stated.
Unlike many contemporary tattoo shops that operate on an appointment-only basis, Anderson aims to recreate the vibe of traditional tattoo establishments where customers and artists could interact freely and enjoy each other’s company.
He spoke about the shift in the industry: “They’ve kind of lost the essence of traditional tattooing. It used to be the spot to hang out. You’d make friends with the artists, even if you weren’t getting tattooed by them. It wasn’t uncomfortable — it was, ‘hey, come down, hang out.’ That’s what we want to promote here.'”
Bradly’s journey into the world of tattooing began at the age of 16, inspired by his older brother who frequently got tattoos.
“I got into music and the alternative lifestyle as a teenager,” he remarked.
Despite the common belief that one cannot make a living through art, Anderson pursued his passion with determination.
His mother allowed him to get his first tattoo on the condition that his grandmother would design it and he would go to the same artist as his brother.
That experience in the tattoo shop opened Anderson’s eyes.
“As soon as I stepped into that tattoo shop, my life was transformed. I was hearing music I liked, seeing cool people. I thought, ‘this is something I could do.'”
From then on, he started creating tattoo flash and eagerly sought an apprenticeship in the industry.
After experiencing numerous rejections — a standard part of the journey — he decided to drop out of high school and attend art school, fiercely pursuing the individual who would eventually become his mentor.
At the age of 17, Anderson began tattooing and became an apprentice at 18, culminating in a professional career that has spanned over 13 years since 2012.
Bradly’s connection to his surroundings played a crucial role in establishing his shop.
Growing up in Littleton, he found Englewood to have a unique charm.
“Denver can be a bit chaotic, but Englewood feels like a hidden gem — maybe not hidden, but it has a great vibe,” he noted.
Anderson values the community-centric businesses and the vibrant art and music scene present in Englewood.
Feedback from clients since the shop’s opening has been overwhelmingly positive.
“It’s been great. Our clients love the space,” Anderson expressed.
Many walk-ins have shown curiosity about the new shop, with the neighboring record store sending folks his way.
The growing buzz around Low Side Tattooing Company has left Anderson optimistic about its future.
Passionate about the culture of tattooing, Anderson believes it combines arts, counterculture, and community.
“You meet so many different people, and you’re a small part of their story. I always say, ‘I’m in the business of self-expression,'” he remarked, highlighting the personal connections forged through the art.
He relishes the moment when clients see their completed tattoos in the mirror for the first time, likening it to a form of magic that remains even in the mainstream acceptance of tattoo culture.
Joining Bradly Anderson at Low Side are three other talented tattoo artists, including two women and a queer man.
Caitlin Janicek, who specializes in fine line floral and ornamental tattoos, is among them.
With five years of experience, she shared her insights about the previous shop environments she worked in.
“I think it’s a really safe and comfortable environment, and you can just be yourself. We’re all just going to laugh and let you do that,” said Janicek, contrasting her experiences with those at other shops that often felt toxic or unwelcoming.
She emphasized the importance of creating a space where customers do not feel like they are an inconvenience.
Bradly Anderson is aware of the rough past tattooing has, and he aims for Low Side to contribute positively to the evolving narrative of the industry.
“Traditional tattooing sometimes gets a bad rap — there were a lot of grumpy old White men who didn’t want to let anyone else in,” he explained.
He is proud of the changes taking place within the industry, affirming his commitment to fostering an inclusive atmosphere at his shop.
The careful selection of his team was paramount to Anderson as he aimed to create a thriving work environment.
“I’d been watching some of them for years. I knew I needed the right people — not just in terms of skill, but also personality,” he said.
Recognizing that they would spend more time together than with their families, he sought individuals who could collaborate and resonate with his vision.
Anderson’s approach to building the shop was intentional, appraising potential colleagues with questions like, ‘what does your ideal tattoo shop look like?’ instead of simply offering them a position.
Owning his tattoo business has been both an incredible and challenging adventure.
“Tattooing already requires a lot, but running a shop is responsibility on a whole different level. It’s stressful, but it’s also incredibly rewarding,” Anderson admitted.
He passionately noted that the entire journey rests on his shoulders, but he views that responsibility as an opportunity for creative freedom.
Moving forward, Bradly Anderson envisions the success of Low Side and aims to make it a community hub.
“I want people to know us, feel comfortable coming in — even if they’re not getting tattooed. We want to host events, be involved in the community. Just make it a hub where everyone feels welcome,” he declared.
Caitlin Janicek echoed Anderson’s aspirations, hoping their shop will influence systemic change within the industry.
“I hope that we are really successful and change the industry from being predominantly dominated by men, and let it be a space for everyone,” she said.
She believes that their unique personalities and clienteles contribute positively to the shop’s mission.
With the collective talent and vision behind Low Side, Bradly Anderson and his team are poised to redefine the tattoo experience in Englewood.
image source from：https://coloradocommunitymedia.com/2025/06/02/englewood-low-side/
