Discover the Haunting Artistry of Kelsea Lake at Obscura Ink

Kelsea Lake Schack
Oct 9
3 min read

Updated: Nov 4

Ink is not just pigment for Kelsea Lake — it is the bridge into the shadowy world represented in her tattoos. It is the echo of memory drawn into the dermis, a haunting turned holy. As the sole artist and owner of Obscura Ink in Denver’s RiNo Art District, Kelsea specializes in black and gray realism tattoos that blur the line between the living and the unseen.

Her pieces are soft yet eerie, delicate but bold — portraits with a pulse, silhouettes with soul. If you’re drawn to the beautiful undercurrent of darkness, there’s no one better to conjure it on skin.

A Restless

Wanderer, Drawn to Darkness

Kelsea didn’t grow up under Colorado skies but chose to settle here because it felt right. Her fascination with the macabre, the spectral, and the quiet shadows that lurk just behind perception have followed her closely.

Her life is steeped in ghost stories, shadowed forests, vintage illustrations, and the soft hum of film noir. These elements are not just inspirations; they are part of her spiritual palette, woven into every piece she touches.

When she is not tattooing, you might find her flipping through a collection of Victorian ghost tales, traveling to see the most spooky artifacts, or taking day trips to places where taxidermy and preserved bugs reside.

Obscura Ink: Where Light Meets Darkness

Obscura Ink is not your bright, fluorescent tattoo shop. Kelsea curated her space into a spookily influenced tattoo Sanctuary. It’s a sanctuary of dusk tones, matte surfaces, and intentional quiet. The space feels like an intimate cathedral for skin art — candle-lit energy, high bookshelves holding her spooky artifacts and cool collectibles, contrast, and shadows.

Each session unfolds intentionally. Clients say their time in the studio feels simple — an experience in arrival, not just the end result.

Located at 2590 Walnut St, Denver, CO, Kelsea’s studio sits in RiNo — a district alive with creative tension, art installations, and late-night energy. The city’s underbelly and outer edge both feed into her work.

Magic Before the Machine

The Grisly Ritual of Creative Prep

Kelsea is meticulous about her preparation and kit. She uses her favorite black and gray inks, precision needles, and comfy gloves. Her comfort items include a spooky movie, snacks, and an occasional visitor. She also has Mood boards filled with dark art and tarot or oracle decks.

The Consultation: Between Ghost Story & Body Map

Kelsea’s consultations feel professional, honest, and inspiring. She is straightforward and knows her strengths. She will ask more than just “Where do you want this?” — she wants to know why, how, and from where your energy is coming. She sketches, shifts, and listens, creating something resonant, not generic.

On the day of your appointment, you will see what she has created and make necessary adjustments together. The design often stays flexible, allowing light, vibe, and spirit to guide her hand. She tunes into the body, the narrative, and the shadows, letting fine details emerge.

The Art in Action

In her tattoo sessions, the skin becomes a living canvas. Working in black and gray realism, there is zero room for hiding flaws. Every shade, every highlight, and every ghosted contour must be deliberate.

Kelsea is selective in bookings, giving big pieces time and space. She does not cram in random small or flash work unless it absolutely resonates with her style. She values longevity, depth, and the haunting quality of art that lingers. She offers half-day and full-day sessions.

Her Style

Depth Over Flash: Her work is not about trends or brightness. It is about resonance, shadow, mood, and stories whispered beneath the surface.
Singular Energy: As the only artist at Obscura Ink, her style remains pure, unfiltered, and cohesive.
Atmospheric Confidence: Clients are drawn to her because they sense her sincerity — an artist who lives in the realm she draws.
Connection to the Unseen: Her love for spooky, gothic, and hushed narratives gives her art an energy beyond aesthetics. It could be considered spiritual, haunting, and alive.

Spotlight: Summit Invitational

This weekend, Kelsea is stepping out of her sanctum to join the Summit Invitational — a gathering of master tattoo artists. She will tattoo live, absorb energy, and stretch her craft in a space where shadows are watched and celebrated. But every move she makes still carries that Obscura signature: intention, nuance, and a haunting presence.