How to Choose a Tattoo Artist in Canada

Getting a tattoo is a big deal. It’s not like buying a hoodie you can toss in the back of your closet if you get tired of it — this is something you’re going to wear every single day. Whether it’s your first piece or you’re adding to a full sleeve, choosing the right tattoo artist in Canada can make the difference between loving your ink forever or wishing you’d thought it through a bit more.

Canada’s tattoo scene is thriving — from high-end studios in Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal to small, hidden-gem shops in smaller towns. But the sheer number of options can be overwhelming. Here’s how to find an artist who matches your style, keeps you safe, and delivers the kind of tattoo you’ll still be proud of 20 years from now.

1. Start with the Studio

Before you even look at the art, check out the shop itself. In Canada, tattoo studios have to follow strict health and safety regulations. That means they should be licensed, inspected, and keeping up with hygiene standards. If a shop can’t show you their most recent health inspection results, that’s a red flag.

Walk in and take a look around. Is it clean? Organized? Are workstations tidy, with all tools either wrapped in protective film or stored in sterile packaging? A pro studio will happily let you see their setup and explain how they clean and sterilize equipment.

Avoid “kitchen tattoos” or home setups. No matter how talented someone’s cousin’s friend claims to be, working in an unregulated space puts you at risk for infections, allergic reactions, and bad results you’ll pay more to fix later.

2. Check Their Hygiene Game

A safe tattoo is a clean tattoo. Watch for single-use needles being opened in front of you, fresh gloves going on, and barrier protection over machines, clip cords, and bottles. Surfaces should be disinfected between clients, and used needles should go straight into a sharps container.

Good artists also take care of themselves — they’ll wear gloves at all times during your tattoo, keep a neat workspace, and avoid cross-contamination by handling clean and dirty items separately.

If you’re not sure about a shop’s hygiene standards, ask. A real pro won’t be offended. They’ll be glad you care.

3. Study Their Portfolio

Every artist has a style — and the best results happen when their style matches what you want.

Browse portfolios online or in person. Look at linework: are the lines smooth and consistent? Check shading and color: is it even, bold, and healed well in follow-up photos? Many shops now show both fresh and healed tattoos in their portfolios so you can see how the work holds up.

Pay attention to specializations. If you want a Japanese-style dragon, don’t pick someone who only posts minimalist fine-line tattoos. If you’re after black-and-grey realism, you’ll need an artist who’s proven they can handle detailed shading.

4. Read Reviews (and Between the Lines)

Online reviews can tell you a lot. Look for comments about professionalism, cleanliness, communication, and overall experience. A high star rating is great, but the details matter more.

If you notice several people praising the same things — like how an artist made them feel comfortable, or how the tattoo healed perfectly — that’s a good sign. On the flip side, repeated mentions of poor hygiene, rude service, or sloppy work should steer you away.

Don’t just rely on the internet, though. Ask friends, coworkers, or other tattooed folks you meet about their experiences. First-hand recommendations are gold.

5. Book a Consultation

Once you’ve narrowed it down, set up a consultation. This is your chance to see if you click with the artist and to talk through your idea.

Come prepared with reference images, size and placement ideas, and any questions you have. Some good ones to ask:

How much experience do you have with this style?
What’s your process for sterilizing equipment?
What’s your rate, and how long do you expect this to take?
Do you provide aftercare instructions?

Pay attention to how they respond. Do they listen to you? Offer helpful suggestions? Make you feel comfortable? A good artist is just as interested in making the experience positive as they are in producing great work.

6. Think About Location and Travel

In bigger Canadian cities, you’ll have a lot of choice — but that also means popular artists may have long wait times and higher prices. Smaller towns might have fewer options, but sometimes you’ll find an incredibly skilled artist working under the radar.

If you can’t find the perfect match nearby, consider traveling. Many collectors in Canada take road trips or even fly across the country for the right artist. It’s worth it for something you’ll carry forever.

7. Budget Wisely

Good tattoos aren’t cheap, and cheap tattoos usually aren’t good. In Canada, expect to pay anywhere from $100–$250 per hour depending on location, the artist’s reputation, and the complexity of the piece.

Avoid choosing purely based on price. It’s better to save up for an artist you trust than to settle for a bargain that ends up costing you more in removal or cover-up later.

8. For First-Timers vs. Veterans

First tattoo? Take your time. Don’t let anyone rush you. Choose a design you love and an artist who explains the process clearly.

Already covered in ink? Use your experience to your advantage. You know your pain tolerance, healing patterns, and what styles you like. Still, keep an open mind — tattooing techniques evolve, and a great artist might suggest something even better than what you imagined.

9. The Final Decision

Choosing a tattoo artist in Canada comes down to three things:

They’re safe and professional.
Their style matches your vision.
You feel confident they’ll deliver what you want.

When all three line up, you’ve found your match. From there, it’s just a matter of booking in, following their aftercare advice, and enjoying the process.

A Little Recommendation for Tattoo Artists

If you’re a tattoo artist yourself — or you’re just getting into the craft — having the right tools makes all the difference. We recommend checking out: