Meet Montana Caplan of Nashville

Today we’d like to introduce you to Montana Caplan

Hi Montana, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey as a tattoo artist began long before I ever picked up a tattoo machine. I’ve been an artist my whole life—I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t creating. Whether it was painting, drawing, or repurposing materials for sculptures, art has always been a part of who I am.

Throughout school, I took every art class I could, including college courses to further develop my skills in drawing and painting. I grew up in Pennsylvania, where I lived most of my life, but in August 2022, I made the move to Nashville in pursuit of new opportunities.

Shortly after arriving, I found an apprenticeship. About five months in, in May 2023, I started tattooing. After apprenticing for just over a year, I earned my full license in July 2024.

Since stepping into this career, I’ve constantly pushed my artistic limits and continued growing as an artist. As a tattoo artist, I love working with bold colors and specialize in color illustrative designs.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Tattooing is a challenging craft that takes years of dedication, practice, and patience to master. As artists, I believe we never truly stop growing—we’re constantly refining our skills, learning new styles, and pushing creative boundaries.

When I first started my apprenticeship, I worked two jobs to make it happen. Mornings were spent at the shop, and evenings were spent as a banquet server. Since apprentices don’t earn much at first, making ends meet was tough. But the biggest challenge by far has been artist anxiety—getting in my own head about time, mistakes, or the pressure of creating something permanent. I don’t think I’ve met an artist who hasn’t struggled with it. Tattooing is a high-stakes art form, and overcoming those mental barriers is one of the hardest but most important parts of the journey.

Despite the challenges, I see every struggle as a chance to grow. Pushing through the difficulties has made me a better artist.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a tattoo artist specializing in illustrative, full-color pieces. I’m passionate about what I do and wouldn’t trade it for anything. I love blending elements from various art movements into my work, with a particular focus on Art Nouveau. While I’m still refining my signature style, my goal is to make it a defining aspect of my work, creating tattoos that are both vibrant and timeless.

Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
I officially began tattooing in 2023, and the industry has felt the impact of the changing economy since then. It’s been an interesting time to grow as an artist, adapting to new challenges while continuing to push my craft forward.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Kaleido.tattoos
• Facebook: Kaleido.tattoos