Studio Lumos: Witchy, Green, & Feminine Tattoos

Samantha Lewis is new to the Corvallis tattoo scene, and she’s laying down ground in the form of a feminine-centric tattooing experience. Her shop, Studio Lumos – located in a rustic building on 5th Street, between Madison and Jefferson – is woman owned, moon inspired, and witchy, according to her Instagram. Instead of your average wall paintings, customers are greeted with a green and mystical aesthetic, encompassing bunches of dried, hanging flowers, plants, crystals, and books on witchcraft and spirit animals. 

Lewis says that having plants around while she’s tattooing helps to make the experience more earthy and grounded. Her tattoo style incorporates fine lines and detailed shading, culminating in realistic pieces of body art. Lewis’ subject matter ranges from floral arrangements and crystals to skulls and witchy symbols, designed with a feminine energy that makes Studio Lumos so unique. 

While recognizing that style preferences vary among individuals, Lewis notes that there’s still a lot of “same old, same old” in the tattoo industry. Seeing that the trade is male-dominated, Lewis wants to create a team of strong women at her studio.

Though it has only been a month since she opened shop, Lewis is astounded by the acclaim she has received. “It’s growing faster than I expected… I didn’t expect so many people to fall in love with the idea, but I’m very thankful,” she said. 

Lewis knew she wanted to be a tattoo artist at a very young age, however, her practice began in hair. The Corvallis native studied art at Linn-Benton Community College before enrolling at Lifetime Tattoo School in Springfield, OR. Lewis knew she wanted her own studio after graduating, and had a vision of doing tattoos and hair together. She would also eventually love to incorporate tarot drawings into her tattoos as her business evolves.

Her interest in witchcraft also began at an early age, and Lewis will eagerly incorporate witchy elements into her tattoos whenever her clients invite them. Lewis’ mother practiced tarot readings and full moon rituals when she was growing up, and she recalls her grandmother chiming, “it’s because we’re witches,” whenever strange things would happen in her family.

Lewis collaborates and trains with Bobby Joe, a cosmetic tattoo artist who comes to Studio Lumos every Sunday. She hopes to one day do more eyebrows, eyeliners, and even nipples for women who have gone through breast cancer surgery.

“I’m just extremely excited to be here, doing what I’m doing, and empowering women all across the board,” she said. “Of course, we’ll have plans to expand in the future, but for now, we’re taking baby steps and just loving where we’re at.”

Studio Lumos is located in downtown Corvallis at 202 SW 5th Street. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Call (541) 905-3983 for appointments and inquiries.

By Laine Aswad

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