Winter doesn’t get enough credit in the tattoo world. While many people wait for warmer months, those who understand the craft know winter is an ideal tattoo season — not because it’s trendy, but because it’s practical, intentional, and better suited for the art itself. January is quieter in the best way. Less noise, fewer distractions, more focus. It creates space for thoughtful design, meaningful conversations, and tattoos done with purpose rather than impulse.

Tattoos often act as time stamps on our lives. Instead of journaling or documenting grief, growth, and milestones, we let ink tell the story. From breakups and loss to sobriety, identity shifts, and survival moments, tattoos become proof that we didn’t just watch the year pass — we lived it.

Meet Kim Lague — The Loyal Sparrow tattoo artist in Belgrade, Montana; storyteller, and unapologetically herself. She’s the kind of person who can make you laugh mid-tattoo, drop a line that makes you think, and still send you out the door feeling more grounded than when you walked in.

November hits different. The noise fades, the air gets heavy, and what’s left is stillness — the kind that makes you look back at what broke you, built you, and what’s still standing. Gratitude this month isn’t polished; it’s raw, messy, and real. It’s about taking stock of the year, scars and all. And for many, that reflection doesn’t come through words — it comes through ink.

There’s a particular kind of artist who feels like they were born for this—someone whose creativity runs deep, whose work carries meaning, and whose energy makes everyone around them feel at ease. That’s exactly who you’ll find in Keeley Wylie, the newest tattoo artist to join The Loyal Sparrow family here in Montana.

Bozeman’s Tattoo Scene Spotlight: The Loyal Sparrow's Shay Smith’s Artistry and Unmatched Technique.

We are beyond proud to reveal that we have been crowned Best Tattoo Shop in Montana in the 2025 Distinctly Montana Best of Montana Awards.

Discover The Loyal Sparrow Tattoo & Piercing in Belgrade, Montana—where fearless artistry, authentic connection, and unforgettable vibes come together. Our skilled Montana tattoo artists specialize in custom tattoos, flash designs, and expert piercings, drawing clients from Bozeman, Butte, Helena, and beyond. Small-town charm meets big creative energy, making our shop the go-to destination for bold, high-quality ink and piercings in Montana.