Picking the right tattoo artist and studio is important when you’re getting something you’ll wear on your body permanently – you want to ensure that the artist can encapsulate your vision while also bringing in their own creative flair and style. 17th Ave is home to a number of different tattoo and piercing shops that offer both experience and a diverse assortment of tattooing styles, so check them out below to find which one is right for you.
Smilin’ Buddha Tattoo
Opened in 1978 by renowned tattoo artist Paul Jeffried, Smilin’ Buddha is Calgary’s longest-standing tattoo shop. With more than 40 years of tattooing under their belt, Paul and his team at Smilin’ Buddha offer a wealth of experience in the industry, and often have people coming from out of province, or from generations of families just to be tattooed by Paul Jeffries himself. Check out this video to learn more about the team at Smilin’ Buddha, here, or view their Instagram page to check out their work.
#202 1501 17th Ave, 403-242-5922
Immaculate Concept Tattoo & Piercing
Immaculate Concept was opened in 1996 by Steve Peace, and has since added a number of talented artists to their team, all of whom have honed in on their specific skill set, and can specialize in tattoos ranging from realism and colour portraits to florals, botanicals and more, In addition to their 7-days-a-week tattooing services, they also offer body piercings. Take a look at their amazing work here!
520 17 Ave SW, yyctattoo.com
Highwire Tattoo
Darren Parnell and Dylan Birkholm have a shared 30+ years of tattooing experience at their second floor studio overlooking 17th Ave, where they offer a variety of styles of tattooing, You can find them at 3-503 17 Ave SW, or give them a call at (403) 229-9633 to book your appointment today. Don’t forget to take a look at their Instagram page to view some of their past work
3-503 17 Ave SW, instagram.com/highwiretattoos
Heroes & Villains Tattoos and Piercings
From American traditional to black and grey realism and everything in between, the experienced team of artists at Heroes & Villains provides custom tattoos in numerous different styles. They also do body piercing with safe, implant grade jewellery, and offer custom designed jewellery and orders. Check out this video to learn more about Heroes & Villains, here, or head over to their Instagram page to view some of their previous work.
1528 17th Ave SW, heroescalgary.com
Enso Tattoo
James Jacobs opened Enso Tattoo in 2011 after years of working alongside some of Calgary’s best tattoo artists fine tuning his craft. James’ specialty is vivid colour tattooing with japanese influence, but he also offers a well-rounded knowledge of many different tattoo styles as well – Enso also has a small team of knowledgeable and skilled artists available to help you create your custom tattoo. View some of their amazing work at their Instagram Page.
#11 – 718 17th Ave SW, ensotattoo.com
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