When I tell people I own a tattoo shop, they assume it’s because of my love for tattoos. The truth? I’m obsessed with building great businesses. Tattoos are an amazing product, but what excites me the most is creating a shop that runs smoothly, serves clients well, and gives artists a great place to work.
Although I started my first shop six years ago as a tattoo artist, I quickly realized that while doing tattoos is fun, my real passion lies in growing and expanding a business, creating and refining processes, and making my shop the best it can be. And I succeeded—my shop became the biggest in my city.
But enough about me. Let’s talk about something more valuable: the core concept of North Ink.
When I moved to Vancouver, I noticed something unique about the local tattoo industry. There’s a degree of gatekeeping, making it difficult to break into the industry as a new tattoo artist. This, in turn, leads to a limited number of tattoo artists, despite the high demand for tattoos. As a result, many artists here have well-established careers and are booked out months or even a year in advance.
This is great for them, but it has a downside. Many artists, having secured their spots, don’t necessarily strive to improve or push their craft further. That’s their personal choice, and that’s fine. However, I also see a lot of clients who are unhappy with the service they receive. Let’s be honest—tattoo artists don’t have a strong incentive to be overly service-oriented when clients need them more than they need clients.
That’s where my approach differs. I believe a tattoo shop should be the meeting point between the client and the artist. Both sides should benefit, and my role is to facilitate that.
At North Ink, I make sure my artists have everything they need to focus purely on their work. The shop is clean, well-organized, and fully stocked with the best equipment. If you ask my artists, I’m confident they’ll tell you that North Ink provides one of the best working environments in terms of comfort and quality.
I only hire artists who are passionate about growth—both in their craft and their professionalism. Technical skill is a must, but so is attitude and work ethic. I like working with mature artists who know how to separate work and personal relationships. I thrive in an environment where people are focused on their growth and professional careers, not just hanging out, gossiping, or creating drama in the shop. Usually, those types of people don’t last long here, and I’m really proud of having a professional, non-drama team that is also super fun to work with.
On the client side, we focus on delivering the best possible service. In Vancouver, that’s surprisingly easy—just be nice, friendly, and professional. We send reminders, treat people with respect, offer them something to drink, and genuinely care about the experience they have in our shop.
Of course, the foundation of everything we do is the tattoo itself. That’s the priority and always will be. A phenomenal tattoo is non-negotiable. That’s why I’m incredibly selective about who works at North Ink—I don’t just let anyone in.
But beyond that, we add value where we can. For example, we offer free tattoo consultations. A lot of people know they want a tattoo but have no idea what to get. Others have a rough idea but need help refining it. That’s where we come in. You can sit down with us, brainstorm ideas, develop a concept, and even see how a design would look on your body before committing.
Another key element is our transparent pricing. No surprises, no unnecessary negotiations—just clear, fair prices. We also offer flexible payment options, including pay-later plans and a loyalty program where clients earn money back on their tattoos.
One of my favorite examples of how much attention I put into customer experience is a small but meaningful story. When I was renovating the shop, I was looking for a paper towel dispenser for the bathroom. I wanted one that was the best—smooth, convenient, and just awesome. I found one, but it cost $250. My wife couldn’t believe I was putting so much focus, effort, and money into something as small as a paper towel dispenser.
The funny thing? Once we started getting clients, I actually got multiple compliments about how nice our paper towel dispenser was. That moment made me feel so proud because it confirmed what I always believed—when you put effort into the little details, people notice, and they appreciate it. That kind of attention to detail is what makes North Ink stand out, and it’s something I genuinely love doing.
At North Ink, our concept is simple: offer great tattoos and great service. We bridge the gap between artists and clients, creating an environment where both can thrive. The tattoo industry doesn’t have to be rigid or intimidating—it can be welcoming, transparent, and service-oriented. That’s what we’re building at North Ink.
So, if you have an idea for a tattoo and want to discuss it, come in for a coffee—no pressure. You don’t have to get a tattoo right away. We’ll sit down, help you brainstorm, and guide you through the process until you’re ready. Let’s bring your idea to life together.
