Tattoo Artist Recomendations - Advice

[debris]

I've been thinking about getting a tattoo for many years - on the to do list. I'm 40 this year and thought it may finally be time to get one (or start with one). Over the years I have kept a file of images that I thought were cool and may look good as a tattoo. I want something custom, I don't want to just pick something out of a catalogue.
There are so many tattoo shops around but I would like some recommendations on who does excellent work - not worried about price - to narrow down my artist search. I am in Hamilton but will travel anywhere in Southern Ontario to Montreal.
I would like a consultation visit to go over my various ideas, see what would work in ink, best body placement, sizing, etc, maybe even do it as a tempory tattoo first.
A visit to Nikki of Gspot - for research purposes - also sounds like a good idea.
Thanks for any help.

 

[Dewalt]

Good idea that you waited. I didn't get my first done until this year and I just turned 41. For years I teetered on the fence about it, never really seeing what I wanted by any particular artist until about three years ago. I found an amazing artist in Toronto named Bobbyfive who has since retired. His line work was exquisite and really, the linework is the foundation to any good tattoo. I had to go on his waiting list which was 3 yrs long but once he started, he has covered almost my entire back. And it is my first tattoo. I love the design and placement and most of all the artist's style. All of his work is original. My particular one is a contemporary reinterpretation of Art Nouveau, which in my opinion is the most beautiful art style to come along in 400 yrs.

Once I saw what he drew, I knew I should go big or go home. None of this piddly assed "oh I will start with a small one on my bicep" horseshit. Nope, almost my full back and it is gorgeous. I am glad I waited until my 40's for something exactly what I wanted, instead of slapping up a bunch of tribal crap from the 90's on my body. Take your time, do your research and most of all, love your artists work and ask for an original. Oh, and never dicker on the price - a few thousand dollars is worth it if you are the only one with the piece and you love it.

Best of luck!

 

[afterhours]

I like big tattoos; my only issue with tattoos on the back is that you don't get to see it much, nor does your sexual partner unless he fucks you in the ass

 

[Dewalt]

So you don't like your back tattoo for that reason, afterhours? You should try asking him to buy some lube.

 

[debris]

Thanks Dewalt. Too bad that shop has retired. A google search on Bobbyfive definately shows some excellent images as well as some other artists names I can look into further.

Hoping there are some more recomendations out there.

 

[kratz]

sean at hanger18 in london. the best. no contest.

 

[touch_of_magic]

I went to Adrenaline Toronto: Tattoos and Body Piercing

www.adrenalinetoronto.com/
239 Queen Street West
Toronto, ON M5V 1Z4
(416) 913-8805

Cant remember artist's name but was a cuban guy.
They always have handful of artists working
Tattoos are quite pricey

My tattoo

 

[touch_of_magic]

New Tattoo Shop

Theres also a new shop in the Falls. Havent been there yet but dying to check it out!

Hart & Huntington Tattoo - Niagara Falls
www.hartandhuntingtonniagara.com/

6289 Fallsview Boulevard
niagara falls, ON L2G3V7
(289) 296-4633

 

[Greekstar]

One of the guys at "H and H" did some work on me. He's an OK artist.
Go to a parlour, talk to the artist and look at what he has done.
If you know other people who got inked talk to them and see what their tats look years later.
Longevity and vibrance of colours is also a reflection of an artist's work.

 

[afterhours]

to those who claim that they don't like tattoos: isn't this one beautiful?

 

[HOF]

Theres also a new shop in the Falls. Havent been there yet but dying to check it out!

Hart & Huntington Tattoo - Niagara Falls
www.hartandhuntingtonniagara.com/

6289 Fallsview Boulevard
niagara falls, ON L2G3V7
(289) 296-4633

Is that PINK's SO's place?

 

[Tao]

I get my work done at a place called "Too Fast to Live" in mississauga, south west corner of Dixie and Dundas

 

[Starsearcher]

Yes HOF must be, they have the original in " the palms" casino in Vegas.

 

[debris]

Thanks to all who posted and PM'd suggestions. I've added them to my tattoo research file. A friend at work is also looking for her 1st so I passed the info on as well.

 

[Danolo]

There's a chap in Guelph... his name is Mac, or Mack... I've seen much of his work and in my opinion its excellent. Sorry I don't have contact info, but I'm sure you could track him down... He's normally booked ahead 6 months...

I just remembered I had an email from him...

Here's his website
http://www.nighthawktattoo.com

 

[kidd]

Daemon is a Douchebag, utterly not respected in the tattoo world. My personal favourite in the GTA is Fabrizio Divari. www.fabriziodivari.com he has a sensational artistic sense as well as an education in fine art. He paints, he creates, and only cares about the integrity of the work. I'm now working on my second sleeve / chest piece by him and couldn't be happier. If you're looking for one of a kind work that very few can match then he is definitely my suggestion.
Bobbyfive is not a person, it's a shop. It's a shop that isn't taking a lot of new clients because of backed up business. Rob Coutts is the gentleman in question and is fantastic, but hardly available. Fabrizio and Rob are great friends and actually tattoo each other.
give it a look, and see what you can find!

 

[afterhours]

Daemon is a Douchebag, utterly not respected in the tattoo world. My personal favourite in the GTA is Fabrizio Divari. www.fabriziodivari.com he has a sensational artistic sense as well as an education in fine art. He paints, he creates, and only cares about the integrity of the work. I'm now working on my second sleeve / chest piece by him and couldn't be happier. If you're looking for one of a kind work that very few can match then he is definitely my suggestion.
Bobbyfive is not a person, it's a shop. It's a shop that isn't taking a lot of new clients because of backed up business. Rob Coutts is the gentleman in question and is fantastic, but hardly available. Fabrizio and Rob are great friends and actually tattoo each other.
give it a look, and see what you can find!

Wow this guy is good
I wonder how much is a big tattoo at $200/hr

 

[simon482]

check out sideshow in georgetown.