Amelia HallGetting ink isn’t just a trend–it’s an expression of identity for some, while others use it for therapeutic reasons or even for commemorating a loved one.
In the quest for the perfect tattoo, it’s important to have it at one of Vancouver’s top studios; they’ll flawlessly execute your design while maintaining impeccable hygiene standards. Just sit back, relax, and ink it like Beckham!
| How much does a tattoo cost in Vancouver? The cost of a tattoo in Vancouver varies, with an average hourly rate ranging from $175 to $190 for larger pieces. Smaller tattoos are typically priced per piece, starting with a minimum of $100. Several factors influence the overall cost, including the size, complexity, and location of the tattoo, as well as the artist’s experience and reputation. |
How We Chose the Best Tattoo Studios in Vancouver
1. Pacific Rose Tattoo
Business Address: 105 W Cordova St, Vancouver, BC V6B 4K2
Website: pacificrosetattoo.com
Instagram: Pacific Rose Tattoo (@pacificrose.tattoo)
Phone Number: (604) 642-6556
Business Hours: Monday: 12 PM – 7 PM
Tue – Sun: 11 AM – 7 PM
Pacific Rose Tattoo, founded by Mitch Kirilo, specializes in large-scale traditional Japanese and punk tattoos. What sets them apart is their belief in the importance of connection – not just to the art but to the people and stories behind each tattoo.
While other shops have less than 10 artists, this one has around 20 artists who bring a diverse range of styles. These include traditional, illustrative, fine line, folk, and realism tattoos.
Due to its size, they operate on two floors with different entrances.
An interesting feature of Pacific Rose is its daily acceptance of walk-in appointments, providing accessibility for spontaneous tattoo enthusiasts.
Plus, they welcome guest artists, and their schedules are posted on their website.
The studio goes beyond just ink – they offer laser tattoo removal using the state-of-the-art Q-switched laser, the Medlite C6.
Pros
- Over a decade of experience
- Specializes in large-scale traditional Japanese and punk tattoos
- Has 20 tattoo artists
- Operates on two floors
- Welcomes walk-ins
- Hosts guest artists
- Offers laser tattoo removal
Cons
- Now wheelchair-accessible
Best tattoo experience I have ever had
“i had miguel tattoo me and was the best tattoo experience I have ever had. everyone was so nice. they even had tampons in the bathroom for women if you forgot yours. so so so good. highly recommend!!!”
-Cassidy Smith, Google Review
Studio itself was very clean and I loved the whole vibe
“I visited the studio when I visited Vancouver during my honeymoon and wanted to get a special souvenir for me. This day Sage were there as a guest artist and what can I say? The was awesome! Very kind, very nice and very talented. I love my new tattoo ! Thanks for this ! The studio itself was very clean and I loved the whole vibe of it ! Everyone was so nice and if I could , I would give you all more than five stars!”
-C P, Google Review
2. Liquid Amber Tattoo & Art Collective
Business Address: 902 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5L 3W7
Website: liquidambertattoo.com
Instagram: Liquid Amber Tattoo & Art Collective (@liquidambertattoo)
Phone Number: (604) 738-3667
Business Hours: Mon – Sun: 10 AM – 6 PM
Liquid Amber Tattoo & Art Collective has provided custom and cosmetic tattoos since 2001. Notably, it’s a queer-owned studio that’s also a curated art gallery showcasing local artists.
It was founded by Justina Kervel and Luvia Petersen after a chance meeting with tattoo artist Phillipine of Kaplan Art Studio in Paris. The studio houses twelve resident artists and hosts guest artists as well.
They offer a vegan-friendly tattoo experience, utilizing vegan transfer paper and Hustle Butter instead of Vaseline upon request.
With seven tattoo stations, a client waiting area, and an accessible client washroom, the studio ensures a comfortable and welcoming environment.
For those uncertain about choosing an artist, the option to send in a tattoo request form is available, allowing the knowledgeable staff to assist in finding the perfect match.
Additionally, they offer gift certificates for purchase both online and in-store.
Pros
- Over 20 years of experience
- Queer-owned studio that’s also an art gallery
- Specializes in custom and cosmetic tattoos
- Has 12 studio artists and hosts guest artists
- Offers a vegan-friendly tattoo experience
- Spacious studio with 7 tattoo stations
- Can match you with a suitable artist
- Offers gift certificates
Cons
- Pricey
Artists are friendly, accommodating, and incredibly talented
“I’ve had nothing but positive experiences here. All of their artists are friendly, accommodating, and most of all incredibly talented. This is an extremely sanitary, friendly place to get a tattoo. I had 3 sessions here and will continue coming back for more. If you’re looking for a tattoo shop and you’re near Vancouver this is your spot. Their guest artists are also very skilled and do some incredible work.”
-Jeremy Lewis, Google Review
Hands down best tattoo parlor on commercial drive!
“Hands down best tattoo parlor on commercial drive!! 🤩 The artist that I have been going to is Ashley Horncastle and she is not only an artistic genius; she works quick and doesn’t purposefully take longer to double-down on cost like other artists/studios 😒 Ashley completed a 1/2 done tattoo and did such an amazing job – turned out way better (and cheaper) than what was started with her taking over! 🦋 I then had her touch up 2 older tattoos and they are more beautiful now than when I first got them! The shop is clean, modern, lovely, welcoming, temperature controlled with large windows and natural light. All the staff and artists are warm and friendly – no attitudes or aggressive egos – they are all professional, helpful, inclusive and delightful 🙌”
-LA O’Shea, Google Review
3. La Maison des Artistes
Business Address: 369 Carrall St Floor 3, Vancouver, BC V6B 2J4
Website: lamaisondesartistes.ca
Instagram: La Maison des Artistes (@ lamaison.desartistes)
Contact Details: email [email protected]
Business Hours: Mon – Sun: 11 AM – 7 PM
La Maison des Artistes is a welcoming, woman-owned tattoo studio, home to a team of 11 talented artists. Owner Loz, originally from the UK, discovered her passion for tattooing in her early teens.
Loz has since developed a unique style focusing on ornamental and botanical themes. Her custom designs are thoughtfully crafted to complement the natural form and flow of the body.
Sunmi, another skilled artist in the studio, hails from Korea and specializes in illustrative, fine lines, and color tattoos. Drawing since she was only 3 years old, Sunmi’s artistry shines through in her intricate tattoo work.
The studio boasts a spacious and well-lit environment adorned with plants, creating a comfortable and inspiring atmosphere for both artists and clients.
Their team excels in various styles, including fine-line, realism, psychedelic, ornamental, traditional, color, and black and gray.
Additionally, the studio frequently hosts guest artists.
Pros
- Woman-owned tattoo studio
- Specializes in ornamental and botanical themes
- Offers illustrative, fine lines, and color tattoos
- Has 11 artists with various styles
- Spacious and well-lit environment
- Frequently hosts guest artists
Cons
- Does not accept walk-ins
The vibes in this studio are always on point!
“The vibes in this studio are always on point! Everyone is extremely nice, I went there to get a Tattoo with Dav and he is just amazing! Not only work wise but as a person he’s just so chill and easygoing that time flies while getting a tattoo with him!”
-Luis Reynoso, Google Review
Attention to detail is amazing
“I would highly recommend booking a tattoo with Poncho. He spent a lot of time making sure that I was happy with the design and placement before starting the tattoo, making sure that it was exactly what I wanted. His attention to detail is amazing and I always get compliments on my tattoo! The studio Poncho works at is also stunning, with a very friendly and relaxed atmosphere – all of the artists are lovely. A 10/10 tattooing experience from start to finish- I will be back for another soon!”
-Sarah White , Google Review
4. The FALL
Business Address: 644 Seymour St, Vancouver, BC V6B 3K4
Website: thefalltattooing.com
Instagram: The FALL (@thefalltattooing)
Phone Number: (604) 676-3066
Business Hours: Mon, Sun: 12 PM – 7 PM
Tuesday: 12 PM – 8 PM
Wed – Sat: 11 AM – 8 PM
The FALL is a custom tattoo studio. Their artists can do a range of styles–from intricate designs inspired by Japanese and Polynesian styles to bold and modern, traditional, linework, greywork, neo-traditional, or old-school pieces.
One of their artists is Emilio Hidalgo, a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience. He specializes in realistic illustrations infused with mystical elements in black and gray tattoos.
Another is Geoff Funk, a tattoo artist with 27 years of experience, known for portraits, realism, traditional, tribal, and both color and black and gray variations. He emphasizes the importance of each tattoo holding meaning for both the client and the artist.
The studio prides itself on hosting rotating guest artists, adding fresh perspectives and styles to their repertoire.
Additionally, The FALL goes beyond traditional tattooing, offering cosmetic tattoo services certified by Biotouch Canada and body piercings as well.
Pros
- Specializes in custom tattoos
- Offers realistic illustrations infused with mystical elements
- Also offers portraits, realism, traditional, and tribal styles
- More than 50 years of combined tattoo experience
- Has rotating guest artists
- Offers cosmetic tattoos and body piercings
Cons
- Reports of abrupt cancellations
Exceeded my expectations many times over
“Well what can I say- I had such a wonderful experience at The Fall today that inspired me to write this review. I felt I left The Fall having my needs fully met and with a few new friends to boot. Everyone there was so cool, calm and kind. Big shout out to Amanda at the front desk who was wonderfully patient and kind as she helped me over the phone multiple times as well as in store. She is just fabulous and I hope to see her again in the future. Also thank you to Matt for giving such a positive and patient approach: you exceeded my expectations many times over and am very grateful you were working when I walked in. As Arnie so eloquently put it…….I’ll be back”
-Ciara Allen, Google Review
The studio was incredibly bright and clean
“I was able to get a drop in appointment with Matthew (due to a convenient-for-me cancellation) for a semi-spontaneous helix piercing. The staff that helped walk me through the instructions and pick my jewelery were so kind and welcoming. The studio was incredibly bright and clean. The entire process from beginning to end was so easy, well communicated and calming. Matthew was excellent! It was so much easier than I had anticipated. I loved his wall of cats in his room as well – just a fun addition to the already excellent experience. Highly recommend!”
-Alyssa Becker, Google Review
5. Jamie Kan Tattoo
Business Address: 73 E Cordova St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1K3
Website: jamiekan.com
Instagram: Tattoos by🤍Jamie Kan (@jamezkan)
Phone Number: (778) 998-1670
Business Hours: Tue – Fri: 10 AM – 4 PM
Jamie Kan Tattoo is owned by Jamie Tan. Originally from Hong Kong but raised in Vancouver, Jamie’s journey from being an apparel designer in bustling cities like New York and Sydney to a passionate tattoo artist is as diverse as her artistic skills.
She found her calling in the tattooing process, driven by the incredible people she met and the stories they shared.
Specializing in blackwork, feminine, airy, floral, and botanical styles, Jamie has carved a niche, with a majority of her clients being women.
Notably, Jamie is a part of the Inkbox artist crew, contributing to the distribution of fantastic temporary tattoos.
Unlike traditional hourly rates, Jamie opts for a flat rate per piece, ensuring transparent and fair pricing based on the size and intricacy of the design.
Pros
- Inspired by the stories of other people
- Specializes in blackwork, feminine, ary, floral, and botanical styles
- Mostly caters to women clients
- Part of the Inkbox artist crew
- Only charges a flat rate per piece
Cons
- Reports of the artist being rude
My session with Jamie was amazing!
“My session with Jamie was amazing! The booking process was straightforward, communicating back and forth was efficient, and the tattoo session itself was such a pleasant experience. Jamie really understood what I wanted in my design and she really captured everything I asked for in her first draft. The hard part was waiting for the day of the appointment to come because I was so excited! Jamie’s signature fine line tattoo technique and floral designs are so beautiful and elegant. Will definitely book with Jamie again for future tattoos.”
-Flo Ng, Google Review
She was so chill and talented!
“What a lovely appointment with Jamie! This was my first tattoo and the entire process with Jamie was amazing! The booking process is easy and straightforward, I just told Jamie what I wanted and she transformed it so well! I wanted the tattoo to be on my arm and it didn’t hurt at all! While Jamie was tattooing, we had a very nice talk! She was so chill and talented!! I would definitely recommend her to my friend and I would definitely come back if I am having another one!!!!!”
-Yanan Zhou, Google Review
6. Bebop Ink
Business Address: 3283 Main St., Vancouver, B.C.
Website: https://www.bebopink.com/
Instagram: Bebop Ink (@bebop_ink)
Phone Number: [email protected]
Business Hours: Monday – Saturday: 12 NN – 5 PM
Bebop Ink is a dynamic tattoo studio known for its diverse artistic styles and professional approach. With a team of specialized tattoo artists, Bebop Ink caters to a wide range of client preferences. The studio emphasizes the importance of matching client needs with the appropriate artist, offering a structured booking system, and maintaining clear policies on pricing and deposits. Here’s a detailed look at what you can expect when working with Bebop Ink.
Each artist at Bebop Ink has a unique style, which allows clients to choose an artist whose work closely matches their vision. Whether you’re interested in traditional, neo-traditional, realism, or abstract designs, there is likely an artist at Bebop Ink who excels in that particular style.
The studio encourages clients to review artists’ portfolios on Instagram or their websites before booking. This transparency helps clients make informed decisions and ensures that their desired style aligns with the artist’s expertise.
The convenience of an online booking form streamlines the appointment process, making it easy for clients to schedule their sessions without needing to visit the studio in person.
The booking process includes clear information on deposits, cancellation policies, and payment methods, which helps manage client expectations and minimizes misunderstandings.
Structured Pricing
The shop minimum is set at $150, providing a baseline for clients. Custom designs are priced hourly, and flash pieces are individually priced. This structure allows clients to budget appropriately for their tattoos.
A deposit of at least $50 is required to secure an appointment, which is applied towards the final cost of the tattoo. This policy ensures that artists are compensated for their time spent on drafts and design work.
Although appointments are generally preferred, Bebop Ink does accommodate walk-ins during flash days and special events. This flexibility provides opportunities for clients who may want a spontaneous tattoo experience or are interested in pre-designed flash art.
While occasional walk-ins are accepted, the studio primarily operates on an appointment basis. This may be inconvenient for clients seeking immediate service or those who prefer a more spontaneous tattoo experience.
Pros
- Diverse Artistic Styles
- Specialized Artists
- Portfolio Viewing
- Professional Booking System
- Transparent Rates
- Occasional Walk-Ins and Flash Days
Cons
- Limited Walk-Ins
Would recommend for a first tattoo.
“My go to tattoo space. Calm and welcoming, not intimidating. Would recommend for a first tattoo. Every artist is incredible and unique.“
-Joben David, Google Review
A safe, welcoming and inclusive environment!
Bebop’s new location is so well done. It’s clean, spacious, and calming. Myself, my mom, my aunt, and my partner all god tattooed by ariane (@strawberry_softserve) on a Thursday. I asked her for a butterfly and she drew one custom for our appointment the day before. My partner picked a tattoo from her flash. Each design was provided in multiple sizes and ariane helped consult on placement. It was great to work with an artist that showed so much care for their art and created a positive environment. Everything was clean and she clearly went through aftercare with each of us. will definitely be visiting bebop again when i’m in vancouver and hopefully ariane will make her way to san francisco soon! thank you!!
-Emilie Sark, Google Review
7. The Northern Collective
Business Address: 207 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1H7, Canada (12th floor)
Website: https://www.thenortherntattoo.com/
Instagram: The Northern Collective (@the.northern.tattoo.collective)
Phone Number: Book Now
Business Hours: Contact for more details
Founded in 2015 by Mackenzie Evanjeline, The Northern Collective, originally known as The Northern Tattoo, has grown into one of Vancouver’s most celebrated tattoo studios. Known for its commitment to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and environmentally conscious environment, the studio offers a unique tattoo experience that caters to a diverse clientele.
The Northern Collective prioritizes creating a welcoming space for everyone, regardless of culture, skin tone, gender, sexual identity, body type, or occupation. This inclusive approach fosters a positive experience for clients from all walks of life.
The studio is committed to environmentally friendly practices. They are phasing out plastic and using biodegradable and compostable materials. This commitment to green practices extends to their use of vegan, plant-sourced, and responsibly packaged materials, making them a great choice for eco-conscious clients.
The Northern Collective supports their artists by ensuring they have a creative environment to thrive in. This support not only helps maintain high artistic standards but also contributes to a positive and collaborative atmosphere within the studio.
Clients have the opportunity to be deeply involved in the tattoo design process. Whether through pre-drawn custom sessions or freehand designs, clients can contribute their ideas and preferences, ensuring the final tattoo is a true reflection of their vision.
The studio values clear communication between clients and artists. They encourage clients to ask questions, provide feedback, and be part of the design process, which helps ensure that the end result is a tattoo that clients will be happy with for a lifetime.
The Northern Collective emphasizes mutual respect in all interactions. This respect fosters long-term, positive relationships between clients and artists, enhancing the overall tattoo experience.
The ethical and eco-friendly practices, along with the high level of customization and client involvement, could result in higher costs compared to other tattoo studios. Clients looking for a more budget-friendly option might find this a potential drawback.
Pros
- Inclusive and Safe Environment:
- Ethical Practices
- Artist-Centric Approach
- Client Involvement
- Respect for Artists and Clients
- Occasional Walk-Ins and Flash Days
Cons
- Higher Costs
Super inclusive space!
“An amazing space for getting tattooed! Easy location to get to, with parking! I have been tattooed by Grayson and Megan and they are both FANTASTIC. If its your first tattoo or not they make sure you are comfortable. Super inclusive space! Highly HIGHLY recommend.”
-Danielle J
Really talented would definitely return!
“Loved the studio really nice spot I got tattooed by meg she was so nice chatted the whole time was super welcoming and understanding she also had no issue with me changing my mind and was really just lovely! Plus really talented would definitely return!”
-Dara H
