The tight-knit tattoo world of northern Minnesota is in shock and heartache after the passing of Gary Olson — better known as “Smokin’ Guns.” Friends, clients, and fellow artists have flooded social media with tributes, sharing stories that paint a picture of an artist whose skill was matched only by his kindness.
Olson was the face of Smokin’ Guns Tattoo in Bovey, Minnesota — a place many in the region came to know as much for its warm, welcoming atmosphere as for its high-quality work. Over the years, he also made regular guest appearances at shops and conventions around Grand Rapids and Hill City. His presence was a staple at regional tattoo gatherings, and his name carried real weight in those circles.
His path into tattooing was deeply personal. Growing up in Grand Rapids until his early teens and later moving with his family to Alaska, Olson found solace in drawing. Inspired by the biker imagery in an old Easy Rider magazine, he fell headfirst into the culture — and eventually taught himself how to tattoo. His early work was self-taught, driven by curiosity and a willingness to learn from mistakes.
In his artistry, Olson leaned into classic American and biker-inspired designs: bold lines, strong imagery, tattoos that felt timeless. What really set him apart — beyond technical skill — was how he treated people. Former clients often spoke of calm, thoughtful sessions: quiet conversation, care for their ideas, and real respect for the skin he worked on. He was especially known for tackling challenging cover-ups, always patient, always methodical.
Beyond being a tattoo artist, Olson was a mentor. He believed in apprenticeships, in taking newcomers under his wing. Though he started without formal training, he made sure others didn’t have to walk that same uncertain path alone.
Word of Olson’s death came via his studio’s Facebook page: the Tattoo You Midwest Conventions group shared a heartfelt post, saying simply, “RIP to our dear shelling friend Gary Olson who passed away a few days ago at his home. We will miss him.” That message hit hard, especially among those who saw him as more than just an artist — he was a friend, a brother in the tattoo world.
Official details about memorial services remain scarce. There haven’t been any widely shared notices from obituary platforms specific to his tattoo persona, so many in the community are turning to Smokin’ Guns Tattoo itself for trusted information. Some tributes have poured in on his studio’s Facebook page, with clients posting healed tattoos, flash designs, and photos that show the human side behind the ink.
In his own words, Olson once told his story on the Smokin’ Guns Tattoo website: he opened his first studio in Fairbanks, Alaska, then moved back home to northern Minnesota around 2006. Over decades, he built a career rooted in authenticity: meeting interesting people, creating meaningful art, and building genuine community.
Today, the void he leaves is more than artistic. He shaped the local tattoo scene not just with his work, but with his spirit. Clients, friends, and fellow artists are holding their breaths, watching for word on how they might gather — to grieve, to celebrate, and to remember the mark he made, both on skin and in their hearts.
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