USA
Canada
September Artist
Who the F@#K is
Crystal Alexandria
Instagram: @crysalexar
Location: Vancouver, BC
Style: Geometric
I’m not sure if there’s a friendlier face on today’s convention circuit than that of Crystal Alexandria, aka @crysalexar. No one brings a chiller vibe and friendlier approach than she does, and if you’re not following her social feed you may also not know that she is funny as fuck.
10 years into life as a tattooist, Crystal will tell you that she really only settled into her style over the last few years, shedding the bad habits and the “fight or flight” survival mode she found herself in while trying to complete her apprenticeship on her own after her mentor disappeared. Now settled into her own calm, cool and inviting shop, @darkoceantattoo in Vancouver, Crystal has been able to create artwork that fully reflects who she is.
Crystal's primary love is bold, high contrast geometry with dotwork, mandalas, and a ton of flow. Like her personality, her work stands out from across the room and is always eye-catching. Unlike some of her contemporaries like AZL and Rob Hoskins, Crystal is also known to sneak in some pops of colour wherever she can. Again, kinda like her personality.
When she steps out of the shop, Crystal enjoys keeping life in balance by hiking with her partner and dogs (who regularly make an appearance on her IG), going to yoga classes, and buying way too many pothos plants (Rebecca wants to know how many is too many?)
Back in the shop, Crystal’s “can't live without ‘em products” include Spirit Classic Thermal Tattoo transfer paper, Viscot mini surgical markers which are essential for freehand pieces and filling in stencils if they wipe away, True Tattoo Supply rinse cups (she loves the shape and stability), and “tried, tested and true” (her words not ours) Eikon Wash Bottle Bags, Essentials DRAPE SHEETS and TATTOO BIBS.
Thanks Crystal, see ya on the road!
September Artist
MEET THE ARTIST
Crystal Alexandria
Instagram: @crysalexar
Location: Vancouver, BC
Style: Geometric
I’m not sure if there’s a friendlier face on today’s convention circuit than that of Crystal Alexandria, aka @crysalexar. No one brings a chiller vibe and friendlier approach than she does, and if you’re not following her social feed you may also not know that she is funny as fuck.
10 years into life as a tattooist, Crystal will tell you that she really only settled into her style over the last few years, shedding the bad habits and the “fight or flight” survival mode she found herself in while trying to complete her apprenticeship on her own after her mentor disappeared. Now settled into her own calm, cool and inviting shop, @darkoceantattoo in Vancouver, Crystal has been able to create artwork that fully reflects who she is.
Crystal's primary love is bold, high contrast geometry with dotwork, mandalas, and a ton of flow. Like her personality, her work stands out from across the room and is always eye-catching. Unlike some of her contemporaries like AZL and Rob Hoskins, Crystal is also known to sneak in some pops of colour wherever she can. Again, kinda like her personality.
When she steps out of the shop, Crystal enjoys keeping life in balance by hiking with her partner and dogs (who regularly make an appearance on her IG), going to yoga classes, and buying way too many pothos plants (Rebecca wants to know how many is too many?)
Back in the shop, Crystal’s “can't live without ‘em products” include Spirit Classic Thermal Tattoo transfer paper, Viscot mini surgical markers which are essential for freehand pieces and filling in stencils if they wipe away, True Tattoo Supply rinse cups (she loves the shape and stability), and “tried, tested and true” (her words not ours) Eikon Wash Bottle Bags, Essentials DRAPE SHEETS and TATTOO BIBS.
Thanks Crystal, see ya on the road!
The Artwork
CRYSTAL'S PICKS...
August Artist
Who the F@#K is
Dave Simoneau-Rancourt
Instagram: @dave.sr_tattoo
Location: Quebec City, QC
Style: Illustrative Old & New School Mix
@dave.sr_tattoo is a tattooist and co-owner of @saintpaul.tattoo in Quebec City, and even with 10 years now under his belt, he struggles to explain his unique style, calling it "illustrative with a funky mix of old and new school"... Yep, I think he nailed it.
When he’s not spending time in his beautiful shop (worth a visit if you're in the area), you’ll probably find him grinding away on his skatedeck, sleeping under the stars in the Quebec wilderness, or behind the stove working on his culinary skills.
Now for what you're really here for; Dave’s picks, which include Eternal Ink Mudslide and Light Red, Kwadron Soft Edge Mags, and good ol’ Green Soap - the sign and scent of a good tattoo shop.
August Artist
Meet The Artist
Dave Simoneau-Rancourt
Instagram: @dave.sr_tattoo
Location: Quebec City, QC
Style: Illustrative Old & New School Mix
@dave.sr_tattoo is a tattooist and co-owner of @saintpaul.tattoo in Quebec City, and even with 10 years now under his belt, he struggles to explain his unique style, calling it "illustrative with a funky mix of old and new school"... Yep, I think he nailed it.
When he’s not spending time in his beautiful shop (worth a visit if you're in the area), you’ll probably find him grinding away on his skatedeck, sleeping under the stars in the Quebec wilderness, or behind the stove working on his culinary skills.
Now for what you're really here for; Dave’s picks, which include Eternal Ink Mudslide and Light Red, Kwadron Soft Edge Mags, and good ol’ Green Soap - the sign and scent of a good tattoo shop.
The Artwork
Dave's Picks...
JULY Artist
Who the F@#K is
Dynette Smith
Instagram: @dynettesmith8
Location: Sydney Mines, NS
Style: Realism in Black and Grey or Colour
Dynette’s been doing her thing for over 18 years now, and is the owner of Armed Maiden Tattoo Parlour in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. We meet up with Dynette every year at the Hub City show in Moncton, where she helped us launch our Eikon Essentials DRAPE SHEETS…even making us blush by calling them sexy (although we do agree).
Dynette is a true jack of all trades, but her preferred style is Realism, in both black and grey, or full colour. Tattooing isn't her only skill, when her machine is down you can often find her painting, crafting, designing jewellery and costumes, and even working on murals.
As an East Coaster, you know she has an outdoor side to her, so when she’s not in the studio you can often find her on the baseball diamond, a hiking trail or just chilling on the beach.
Thanks for the support Dynette!
JULY Artist
Meet The Artist
Dynette Smith
Instagram: @dynettesmith8
Location: Sydney Mines, NS
Style: Realism in Black and Grey or Colour
Dynette’s been doing her thing for over 18 years now, and is the owner of Armed Maiden Tattoo Parlour in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. We meet up with Dynette every year at the Hub City show in Moncton, where she helped us launch our Eikon Essentials DRAPE SHEETS…even making us blush by calling them sexy (although we do agree).
Dynette is a true jack of all trades, but her preferred style is Realism, in both black and grey, or full colour. Tattooing isn't her only skill, when her machine is down you can often find her painting, crafting, designing jewellery and costumes, and even working on murals.
As an East Coaster, you know she has an outdoor side to her, so when she’s not in the studio you can often find her on the baseball diamond, a hiking trail or just chilling on the beach.
Thanks for the support Dynette!
The Artwork
Dynette's Picks...
June Artist
Who the F@#K is
Wayne McFarlane
Instagram: @waynemcfarlane
Location: L'Assomption, QC
Style: Traditional
Wayne McFarlane, a tattoo artist known for his modern take on classic Traditional tattooing, works out of Atelier Les Malins in L'Assomption, Quebec, just a 45-minute drive north of Montreal. Wayne blends European flair and pop culture touches into his work and, despite being a tattoo artist for only 3 years, has already made a name for himself (you’re about to see why…)
Like any good tattooist, Wayne finds cool and unique ways to stay busy outside the shop, like graphic design work, and building Lego worlds, as well as hunting, finding and fighting Sasquatch any chance he gets… He’s so good at it, we’ll be sending him a few boxes of our RAZORs so he can shave each Sasquatch he captures, before tattooing them and sending them back into the wild.
June Artist
Meet The Artist
Wayne McFarlane
Instagram: @waynemcfarlane
Location: L'Assomption, QC
Style: Traditional
Wayne McFarlane, a tattoo artist known for his modern take on classic Traditional tattooing, works out of Atelier Les Malins in L'Assomption, Quebec, just a 45-minute drive north of Montreal. Wayne blends European flair and pop culture touches into his work and, despite being a tattoo artist for only 3 years, has already made a name for himself (you’re about to see why…)
Like any good tattooist, Wayne finds cool and unique ways to stay busy outside the shop, like graphic design work, and building Lego worlds, as well as hunting, finding and fighting Sasquatch any chance he gets… He’s so good at it, we’ll be sending him a few boxes of our RAZORs so he can shave each Sasquatch he captures, before tattooing them and sending them back into the wild.
The ARTWORK
Wayne's Picks...
MAY ARTIST
Who the F@#K is
Julie Zel Tremblay
Julie is part of the @imagotattoo family, one of Montreal's premier shops, headed by @safwamtl. Now 11 years into life as a tattooist, Julie is known for her bright and beautiful Illustrative/Neo-Traditional style and a personality to match. Julie's station is loaded with a cool mix of old and new, much like her style, rocking both Hydra Needles and Eikon Cartridges, and yes, she’s still using a power supply 🤟
This self-described homebody keeps it artistic even in her down time, crocheting blankets for friends and family, as well as creating embroidery patches. If that's not enough, she’s also started to dig into silversmith jewellery work. The perfect shop mate, Julie was a cook before becoming a tattooist and often treats the Imago crew with baked goods!
Check out her work, and the other goodies you’ll find in her station.
MAY ARTIST
Meet The Artist
Julie Zel Tremblay
Julie is part of the @imagotattoo family, one of Montreal's premier shops, headed by @safwamtl. Now 11 years into life as a tattooist, Julie is known for her bright and beautiful Illustrative/Neo-Traditional style and a personality to match. Julie's station is loaded with a cool mix of old and new, much like her style, rocking both Hydra Needles and Eikon Cartridges, and yes, she’s still using a power supply 🤟
This self-described homebody keeps it artistic even in her down time, crocheting blankets for friends and family, as well as creating embroidery patches. If that's not enough, she’s also started to dig into silversmith jewellery work. The perfect shop mate, Julie was a cook before becoming a tattooist and often treats the Imago crew with baked goods!
Check out her work, and the other goodies you’ll find in her station.
The Artwork
Julie's Picks...
April Artist
Who the F@#K is
Travis Greenough
Travis Greenough, Ontario’s dark lord of tattooing, has spent the past 20 years bringing dark shit to life… with a smile.
His shop, @closedcaskettattoos in Ajax, Ontario, is a gathering place for highly-skilled Black and Grey artists (10 of them!), dedicated to everything from dark Realism to darker Realism, and maybe a sprinkle of Bio-Organic (but with a dark twist). Except @jamesbtattoos who seems to be sneaking colour into the shop behind their backs.
Back in the day, Travis helped us launch our Symbeos machine and was featured in a bunch of our “How-To” videos. Nowadays, you’ll find him gripping a Cheyenne Sol Nova Unlimited II (4.5mm), loaded with his favourite 27 soft edge mag, or 9 round shader Safety Cartridges. Travis and the Closed Casket family trust their hands to Eikon Premium Nitrile gloves, and for that we thank them.
When he’s not tattooing my nightmares onto his clients, Travis keeps busy with one of the many hobbies he’s been collecting. It's all about staying active through rock climbing and Muay Thai, and staying creative through 3D modeling and playing guitar and piano.
April Artist
Meet the Artist
Travis Greenough
Travis Greenough, Ontario’s dark lord of tattooing, has spent the past 20 years bringing dark shit to life… with a smile.
His shop, @closedcaskettattoos in Ajax, Ontario, is a gathering place for highly-skilled Black and Grey artists (10 of them!), dedicated to everything from dark Realism to darker Realism, and maybe a sprinkle of Bio-Organic (but with a dark twist). Except @jamesbtattoos who seems to be sneaking colour into the shop behind their backs.
Back in the day, Travis helped us launch our Symbeos machine and was featured in a bunch of our “How-To” videos. Nowadays, you’ll find him gripping a Cheyenne Sol Nova Unlimited II (4.5mm), loaded with his favourite 27 soft edge mag, or 9 round shader Safety Cartridges. Travis and the Closed Casket family trust their hands to Eikon Premium Nitrile gloves, and for that we thank them.
When he’s not tattooing my nightmares onto his clients, Travis keeps busy with one of the many hobbies he’s been collecting. It's all about staying active through rock climbing and Muay Thai, and staying creative through 3D modeling and playing guitar and piano.
The Artwork
Travis' Picks...
March Artist
Who the F@#K is
Jessica Scott
Jessica Scott, aka @mctattedjess, is the co-owner of @ivytattoostudio in Victoria BC. She’s been a tattooing professional for 12 years now and isn't shy about sharing her love for black and grey Realism, it’s what she does.
Once the client is in the chair, Jessica trusts her artwork to Kwadron Cartridges and Eternal Ink, while her machine of choice is currently the FK Irons ONE, a no frills Pen machine that Black and Grey artists seem to really love.
Without making this sound like a dating app, environmental activist Jessica loves growing her own food, painting, playing with animals, and taking long walks on the beach (I made that last part up). All of these passions can be clearly seen in her work (except the beach part, I made that up).
Thanks for sharing Jessica!
March Artist
Meet The Artist
Jessica Scott
Jessica Scott, aka @mctattedjess, is the co-owner of @ivytattoostudio in Victoria BC. She’s been a tattooing professional for 12 years now and isn't shy about sharing her love for black and grey Realism, it’s what she does.
Once the client is in the chair, Jessica trusts her artwork to Kwadron Cartridges and Eternal Ink, while her machine of choice is currently the FK Irons ONE, a no frills Pen machine that Black and Grey artists seem to really love.
Without making this sound like a dating app, environmental activist Jessica loves growing her own food, painting, playing with animals, and taking long walks on the beach (I made that last part up). All of these passions can be clearly seen in her work (except the beach part, I made that up).
Thanks for sharing Jessica!
The Artwork
Jessica's Picks...
February Artist
Who the F@#K is
Justin Coe
Meet Justin Coe, one of the newer faces at Cottage13 in Hamilton ON. Justin is one of the artists joining the shop to help fill the gap left when one of our all time favourite tattooers (Jen Stewart) retired last year (but we won't hold that against him or her).
Tattooing for 6 years now, Justin describes his style as Neo-Traditional/Illustrative, but he also enjoys tapping into black and grey Realism from time to time. When talking about his favourite products, Justin says that any day he gets to use his trusty Sol Nova Unlimited machine to lay in some Fusion Ink Brick Red, or Solid Ink’s El Dorado, is a good day.
When he’s not in the shop, Justin can be found cycling the Hammer or further scratching that creative itch via his side hustle: wood burning, and mirror carving. You can check out some of his work at @burnsnscratches.
Thanks for sharing man!
February Artist
Meet The Artist
Justin Coe
Meet Justin Coe, one of the newer faces at Cottage13 in Hamilton ON. Justin is one of the artists joining the shop to help fill the gap left when one of our all time favourite tattooers (Jen Stewart) retired last year (but we won't hold that against him or her).
Tattooing for 6 years now, Justin describes his style as Neo-Traditional/Illustrative, but he also enjoys tapping into black and grey Realism from time to time. When talking about his favourite products, Justin says that any day he gets to use his trusty Sol Nova Unlimited machine to lay in some Fusion Ink Brick Red, or Solid Ink’s El Dorado, is a good day.
When he’s not in the shop, Justin can be found cycling the Hammer or further scratching that creative itch via his side hustle: wood burning, and mirror carving. You can check out some of his work at @burnsnscratches.
Thanks for sharing man!
The Artwork
Justin's Picks
January Artist
Who the F@#K is
Katie Leith
You’ll find Katie working at epitaphtattoo in Binbrook, a small shop in a small town… with BIG TALENT. Thanks to her generous hashtags we’ve been able to drool all over her work for a while now, and we’re stoked that she agreed to share some of her favourite products with us.
Now 7 years in, Katie is known for her bright and bold Neo-Traditional style which is heavily influenced by movies and Halloween imagery. When she’s not on the road or in the shop, you’ll often find her with a brush in her hand as she works to master another art form; Realism oil painting. As a self-described sneaker geek (ok, my words not hers), she’d get along great with our warehouse overlord Bob who’s been known to hoard a shoe box or two, and even has some custom painted ones! Something to think about Katie…
Thanks for sharing your picks!
January Artist
Meet The Artist
Katie Leith
You’ll find Katie working at epitaphtattoo in Binbrook, a small shop in a small town… with BIG TALENT. Thanks to her generous hashtags we’ve been able to drool all over her work for a while now, and we’re stoked that she agreed to share some of her favourite products with us.
Now 7 years in, Katie is known for her bright and bold Neo-Traditional style which is heavily influenced by movies and Halloween imagery. When she’s not on the road or in the shop, you’ll often find her with a brush in her hand as she works to master another art form; Realism oil painting. As a self-described sneaker geek (ok, my words not hers), she’d get along great with our warehouse overlord Bob who’s been known to hoard a shoe box or two, and even has some custom painted ones! Something to think about Katie…
Thanks for sharing your picks!
The Artwork
Katie's Picks
