If there was anyone we wish we were as cool as, it would probably be Daniell Sobelman. Founder and head tattoo artist at Low Rain, she’s showing the 414 the magic that can happen when creatives have room to, well, create.
Low Rain is a “tattoo studio meets art collective” that goes beyond just a physical space for the creatives to work (and live out their dreams). Not only can you find insanely talented tattoo artists, but also a hand-painted nail artist, piercer, vintage clothes collector, and other local artists.
From book clubs and social events to pop-up tattoo outings, Low Rain is becoming a foundational part of the MKE community and a gathering space whose vibes are unmatched.
We wanted to learn how the vision for Low Rain was brought to life and what it means to create a space where people can truly be themselves day in and day out.
How did you get your start as a tattoo artist? How did it evolve into Low Rain?
I got my start in tattooing about 4 years ago. It honestly began pretty organically, I’ve always been creative and drawn to art and once I started tattooing, I just fell in love with the connection aspect of it. I definitely didn’t fully know what I was doing at the beginning, in terms of opening a business lol but I knew I was going to make it work. At the time, I was really just focused on making art and figuring things out as I went and over time it naturally evolved into wanting something more of my own which is how Low Rain came to life. My grandmas name was Lorraine, which is what inspired Low Rain 😉
How long have you been in business? Have you faced any major challenges or triumphs?
Low Rain officially opened in May 2024, so we’re still pretty new, but it’s grown so quickly into something really special. There have definitely been challenges – navigating the business side, creating structure while still allowing artists to feel independent and learning how to lead while also creating. I’m really just winging it most the time!! But there have been so many rewarding moments too, like seeing people show up for our events, watching the space evolve, and building a team that genuinely supports each other!
What is Low Rain, and why did you feel it would be a good fit in Milwaukee?
Low Rain is an artist collective – we have tattoo artists, a piercer, a nail tech, vintage, events, and more all under one roof. The goal was to create a space that feels welcoming, creative, and a little different from the traditional tattoo environment. Milwaukee has such a strong sense of community and I felt like there was space for something that blended art, events, and connection in a new way.
What’s the mission behind Low Rain?
The mission behind Low Rain is pretty simple – to make good art, make people feel good, support our community, and create a space where people feel safe, comfortable, and able to be themselves
What is it like being a woman-owned small business in MKE?
Being a small business in Milwaukee has honestly been really special. This city is home to me, I was born and raised here – and there’s something really meaningful about building something of my own in the place that raised me! People here show up!! They support, they share, they come to events and that makes such a difference. As a woman-owned business, there have definitely been moments of learning how to advocate for myself and take up space but it’s also been incredibly empowering to build something and see it resonate with people.
What do you like about being in Milwaukee?
What I like most about Milwaukee is how connected everything feels, it’s big enough to grow something meaningful, but small enough that relationships really matter!! Milwaukee is just my heart, I don’t really know how else to put it
What’s your favorite part about what you’re doing?
My favorite part of what I do is the people – the friendships I’ve built and the stories I get to hear behind each tattoo. Being able to give someone something that holds meaning for them and that they’ll carry forever is really special!!
What can people expect when going to Low Rain?
When people come to Low Rain, I want them to feel comfortable, inspired, and excited. Whether they’re getting tattooed or attending an event, it’s meant to feel like a space you want to spend time in, not just a place you pass through.
Anything else we should know about your business or anything you’d like to mention?
I think something special about Low Rain is how much it continues to evolve. It’s not just one thing and that’s intentional – it grows with the people in it and the community around it.