The Best Tattoo Artists in Quebec and Canada

As you may have noticed, tattoos have become very common nowadays. Once considered rebellious, this practice is no longer reserved for bad boys! More and more men of all ages and styles are getting tattooed once or multiple times. It has even become a lifestyle, and this democratization is very positive!

Whether you are a businessman, a construction worker, an office employee, a teacher, or a healthcare worker, getting a tattoo is an excellent way to express your personality! Depending on your passions, profession, or areas of interest, you could opt for a design representing a mountain, a sports team logo, a portrait of your favourite pet, an inspiring quote, a mythical creature, or a video game character... the possibilities are virtually endless!

Are you considering getting inked for the first time or eager to add a new tattoo to your collection? You're in the right place! To inspire and guide you, our passionate men's fashion team at Ernest has put together a non-exhaustive (and subjective, as everyone has different tastes!) list of the best tattoo artists in Quebec and Canada. In our selection, we carefully chose artists working in major cities in Quebec and other Canadian provinces who are active on Instagram (and who, of course, have a large following!).

But before we go any further, let us introduce you to the main trending styles in this art world and provide some smart tips on choosing your tattoo artist, especially if it's your first experience.

WHAT ARE THE MOST POPULAR STYLES RIGHT NOW?

Need help deciding which tattoo style to choose? While many styles are considered timeless (such as Japanese, neo-traditional, tribal, biomechanical, or classic American tattoos), specific trends are currently standing out, including:

- Hyper-realistic portraits (worthy of a photograph);
- Sticker sleeves (multiple small tattoos scattered on an arm);
- Memphis patterns;
- Pet portraits;
- Cartoon characters;
- Celebrities;
- Permanent jewelry;
- Dotwork tattoos (pointillism, dot, or stick and poke);
- Special effects (neon, chrome, 3D);
- Embroidery or patchwork imitations.

According to Allure magazine's website, 9 of the most popular trends for 2024 include images of some of these styles.

HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR TATTOO ARTIST?

Choosing your tattoo artist should never be done on a whim! Before making an appointment at a tattoo studio or salon, it's essential to get answers to some crucial questions. For example, ask the artist you're interested in about their experience and ask to see their portfolio to assess their style and the quality of their work.

Also, check online reviews (including the number of stars on Google) and browse their social media pages—Instagram is undoubtedly THE perfect platform to showcase their art! Searching online is a great way to see examples of their work and learn more about their approach.

Additionally, to avoid disappointment or misunderstandings, take the time to discuss your ideas and expectations with the artist. Make sure they listen and fully understand what you want. Remember that a tattoo is permanent, so you must be sure of your choice. Moreover, remember that quality comes at a price. Be wary of prices that seem too low, as they might be a sign of, let's say… questionable quality!

Another simple and effective way to find your tattoo artist is to talk to someone with a successful tattoo that resembles the style you're interested in and ask for a referral. You can also check if their experience with the artist was positive. Word of mouth is always a winning strategy!

Finally, did you know that some renowned tattoo artists sometimes travel to other cities, provinces, or countries? This can be an excellent opportunity to get tattooed by an artist who inspires you but whose studio is hours away without having to travel. To attend their visit to your area, follow their Instagram account and make your reservations!

THE BEST TATTOO ARTISTS IN QUEBEC

Quebec is filled with tattoo studios for all tastes. Here are 10 artists whose appointment books are undoubtedly full.

1- Luka Lajoie (Montreal)

Known for his large-scale tattoos, Luka Lajoie is an artist with remarkable talent. His original and detailed works include realistic faces, spectacular animals, and dreamlike landscapes: visit his Instagram page to be amazed!
Photo credit: https://www.lukalajoie.com/tattoos

Photo credit: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=629257515436618&set=a.629257485436621

2- Hilary Jane (Montreal)

This famous tattoo artist offers delicate, artistic, and realistic tattoos. Her style stands out with a solid botanical influence (a prevalence of flowers and plants) and feminine faces. Check out her Instagram page to discover the extent of her talent.
Photo credit: https://www.instagram.com/p/C8c4yO-uVSd/?hl=fr&img_index=1

3- Maxx Lemieux Beaulieu (Quebec)

This artist is a proper reference in his field. He specializes in traditional American tattoos (old-school style). Browse his Instagram page to witness his expertise and ability to create complex designs.
Photo credit: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=8399040680113247&set=a.160189907331740

4- Yann Black (Montreal)

This internationally renowned artist has a decidedly avant-garde tattoo style where red and black dominate. His designs, adorned with geometric patterns and clean lines, are often bold. Visit his Instagram page, and you'll understand why his creations are buzzing!
Photo credit: https://yourmeatismine.com/view/artwork

5- Christina Fleming (Montreal)

Mastering grey gradients, artist Christina Fleming offers a refined style in which nature is revealed in all its splendour. Explore her Instagram page to learn more about her work and unique vision.

Photo credit: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1168451646509634&set=a.567609276593877.1073741893

6- Ayako Fujika (Montreal)

Born in Japan, this versatile tattoo artist masters colours. Her portfolio is so varied that she can adopt just about any style! Visit her Instagram page to see a preview of her talent.

7- Zema JB (Laval)

This artist is talented and creative. Her portfolio rivals that of the most sought-after tattoo artists on the planet. Her striking monochrome or coloured works will impress: you'll say "wow" when you land on her Instagram page!

Photo credit: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=256965177490977&set=pb.100095324897025.-2207520000&

THE BEST TATTOO ARTISTS IN CANADA

Talented tattoo artists are numerous from coast to coast! Here are 10 who caught our attention in various Canadian provinces.

1- Shae Motz (Edmonton, Alberta)

Specializing in neo-traditional tattoos with a Japanese and illustrative style, this artist excels in animal portraits, wildlife, and everything strange and unusual. Check out her Instagram page to grasp the essence of her art.
Photo credit: https://shaemotztattoos.com/portfolio

Photo credit: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cw6dxsdLx9w/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

2- Andrei Anaca (Vancouver, British Columbia)

Celebrating pop culture (superheroes, children's book characters, etc.), this artist's irreverent and surreal creations have a distinctive style that leaves no one indifferent: the proof is in the images on his Instagram page.
Photo credit: https://www.draworking.ca/