Article: The best tattoo artists in Quebec and Canada
The best tattoo artists in Quebec and Canada
As you may have noticed, tattoos are very common these days. In other words, this practice, once considered rebellious, is absolutely no longer reserved for bad boys! We see more and more men of all ages and styles getting tattoos once or several times. It has, so to speak, become a lifestyle, and this democratization is a very good thing!
Whether you are a businessman, a construction worker, an office employee, a teacher, or a healthcare worker, getting a tattoo is, in our opinion, an excellent way to express your personality! Depending on your passions, your profession, or your interests, you could opt for a design representing a mountain, a sports team logo, your favorite pet's portrait, an inspiring phrase, a fantasy creature, a video game character… the possibilities are, in a way, unlimited!
Are you thinking about getting inked for the very first time or dying to add a new tattoo to your collection? You've come to the right place! To inspire and guide you, our passionate men's fashion team at Ernest has prepared a list of the best tattoo artists in Quebec and Canada. To make our selection, we focused on artists based in Quebec's major cities and other Canadian provinces who are active on Instagram (and who have a large following, of course!).
Looking for a studio for your next tattoo? We hope that our non-exhaustive and subjective selection (after all, there's no accounting for taste!) will inspire you.
And before we go any further, we present the main trendy tattoo styles for men in 2026 as well as smart tips on how to choose your tattoo artist, especially if it's your first experience.
Happy discoveries!
What are the most fashionable styles right now?
Don't know which tattoo category to choose? Although many styles are considered timeless (Japanese, neo-traditional, tribal, biomechanical, or classic American tattoos, for example), certain trends are currently standing out, notably:
- Nostalgic and retro inspirations;
- Micro-realism;
- Script lettering;
- Hyper-realistic portraits;
- Sticker sleeves (several small tattoos scattered on one arm);
- Memphis patterns;
- Pet portraits;
- Cartoon characters;
- Celebrities;
- Permanent jewelry;
- Dot tattoos (pointillism, dot, or stick and poke);
- Special effects (neon, chrome, 3D);
- Imitations of embroidery or patches.
For a glimpse of some of these styles in images, see the most popular trends of 2026 according to The American Tattoo Society.
How to choose a tattoo artist well?
Choosing your tattoo artist should never be done on a whim! Before booking an appointment at a studio or tattoo parlor, it is essential to answer some crucial questions. For example, ask the artist you are interested in to tell you about their experience and show you their portfolio to assess their style and the quality of their work.
Also, check online reviews (including the number of stars on Google) and check their social media pages — Instagram is without a doubt THE perfect platform to showcase their art! Searching online is a good way to see examples of their work and learn more about their approach.
Furthermore, to avoid disappointments or misunderstandings, take the time to discuss your ideas and expectations with the artist. Make sure they are attentive and understand what you want. Never forget that a tattoo is permanent and that it is important to be very sure of your choice. Also, remember that quality comes at a price. So beware of prices that are too low, as they may 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 matches the style you are interested in and ask them for a referral. You can also check if their experience with the artist was pleasant. Word-of-mouth is always a winning strategy!
Finally, did you know that some renowned tattoo artists sometimes travel to other cities, provinces, or even countries? This can be a great opportunity to get tattooed by an artist who inspires you and whose studio is hours away without having to travel. To not miss their visit to your area, subscribe to their Instagram account and make your bookings!
Artists among the best tattooists in Quebec
Quebec is full of tattoo studios for all tastes. Discover artists whose appointment books are certainly very full.
1 — Luka Lajoie
City: Montreal, Quebec
Preferred style: Color realism, large formats
Why we recommend them: Recognized for his hyper-realistic tattoos, Luka Lajoie is a remarkable artist. He notably participated in the grand finale of the 17th season of Ink Master (on Paramount+). His detailed original works include portraits, spectacular animals, and dreamlike landscapes.
Portfolio / Contact: instagram.com/lukalajoie
Photo credit: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=3979207158790350&set=pb.100050571245859.-2207520000&type=3&locale=fr_CA
2 — Hilary Jane
City: Montreal, Quebec
Preferred style: Delicate realism, botanical influence (flowers, plants, female faces), 60s and 70s
Why we recommend them: This multidisciplinary artist offers magnificent, realistic tattoos in Montreal. Her style stands out with a strong spiritual connotation and beautiful female faces.
Portfolio / Contact: https://www.hilaryjane.ca/tattoos
3 — Maxx Lemieux Beaulieu
City: Quebec City, Quebec
Preferred style: Traditional American (old school)
Why we recommend them: Specializing in traditional American tattoos, this artist is a true reference in his field. His expertise and ability to create complex designs are part of his trademarks.
Portfolio / Contact: instagram.com/maxxlemieux
4 — Yann Black
City: Montreal, Quebec
Preferred style: Geometric avant-garde, dominant red and black
Why we recommend them: This internationally renowned artist has a decidedly avant-garde tattoo style where red and black are omnipresent. His designs, adorned with geometric patterns and clean lines, are often bold.
Portfolio / Contact: instagram.com/yannblacktattoo
Photo credit: https://yourmeatismine.com/view/artwork
5 — Christina Fleming
City: Montreal, Quebec
Preferred style: Black and grey, nature, fine gradients
Why we recommend them: Mastering grey gradients, artist Christina Fleming offers a very refined style in her Montreal tattoo studio. Driven by her unique vision, she celebrates nature in all its splendor.
Portfolio / Contact: instagram.com/christinastattoos
Photo credit: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1168451646509634&set=a.567609276593877.1073741893.544671595554312
6 — Ayako Fujika
City: Montreal, Quebec
Preferred style: Versatility, watercolor, fine lines
Why we recommend them: Born in Japan, this tattoo artist masters colors perfectly. Her portfolio is so varied that one can say she can brilliantly execute just about any style.
Portfolio / Contact: instagram.com/ayako666
Photo credit: https://www.instagram.com/p/DOlwN_Skacr/
7 — Zema JB
City: Laval, Quebec
Preferred style: Monochrome and color, very creative
Why we recommend them: Bursting with talent, this artist with a boundless imagination has a portfolio that rivals the most in-demand tattoo artists on the planet. Her explosive monochrome or colorful works appeal to those who want to stand out.
Portfolio / Contact: instagram.com/zema1
Photo credit: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=256965177490977&set=pb.100095324897025.-2207520000&type=3
8 — Maude Dalen
City: Gatineau, Quebec
Preferred style: Fine lines, monochrome
Why we recommend them: This rising star in the tattoo industry is distinguished by her very fine creations. Her favorite styles include the anime universe, nature, and pop culture characters.
Portfolio / Contact: https://www.instagram.com/ink.maude
Photo credit: https://www.instagram.com/p/DUjboJfAWlN/
9 — Wayne McFarlane
City: L'Assomption, Quebec
Preferred style: Traditional American, colorful
Why we recommend them: The artist draws inspiration from a wide visual palette ranging from figurative art to contemporary graphic design. His timeless works stand out for their clean geometric shapes and perfectly mastered gradient effects.
Portfolio / Contact: https://www.instagram.com/waynemcfarlane/?hl=fr
Photo credit: https://www.instagram.com/p/DTiNYvaDlej/?hl=fr&img_index=1
Artists among the best tattooists in Canada
From coast to coast, talented tattoo artists are plentiful! Here are a few who caught our attention in different Canadian provinces.
1 — Shae Motz
City: Edmonton, Alberta
Preferred style: Neo-traditional, illustrative Japanese, animal portraits
Why we recommend them: Neo-traditional tattoos are very popular in Canada. With a Japanese, illustrative style, this artist excels at portraits of animals and wildlife. She is a reference for everything strange and unusual.
Portfolio / Contact: instagram.com/shaemotztattoos + shaemotztattoos.com
Photo credit: https://shaemotztattoos.com/portfolio
2 — Andrei Anaca
City: Vancouver, British Columbia
Preferred style: Pop culture, surrealism, illustrative characters
Why we recommend them: Celebrating pop culture (superheroes, children's book characters, etc.), the artist's irreverent, surrealistic creations with a distinctive style leave no one indifferent.
Portfolio / Contact: instagram.com/draworking + draworking.ca
Photo credit: https://www.instagram.com/p/DVby5FlkkUP/?img_index=5
3 — Steve Moore
City: Vancouver, British Columbia
Preferred style: New school, large formats, bright colors, fantasy characters
Why we recommend them: The grandiose works of this artist stand out for their bright hues and fantastical characters in a new-school style. This tattoo artist specializes in projects covering a very large part of the body.
Portfolio / Contact: instagram.com/getmooretattoos
Photo Credit: https://www.instagram.com/p/DWRDU9gkVMK/?img_index=2
4 — Shawn Milton
City: Moncton, New Brunswick
Preferred style: All styles, specialist in cover-ups, vast experience
Why we recommend them: This tattoo artist, with nearly 40 years of experience, is skilled in an array of styles. His talent is regularly called upon for cover-ups, which make old, unsightly tattoos disappear like magic.
Portfolio / Contact: instagram.com/inkredible_shawn
Photo credit: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=859066552929668&set=pb.100064789928121.-2207520000&type=3
5 — Rebecca Blair
City: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Preferred style: Black and grey, bold colors, female faces, nature
Why we recommend them: Using black gradients or vibrant colors, this artist creates magnificent tattoos. Angelic faces as well as elements of nature, sublimated by clever shadow and light play abound.
Portfolio / Contact: instagram.com/rebeccablairtattoos
Photo credit: https://tattooswizard.com/artists/rebeccablairtattoos/tattoos/5e364ee421078ec8949614f9
6 — Johnny Noir
City: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Preferred style: Pointillism, black and grey, illustrative style
Why we recommend them: Recognized for his distinctive style that combines the illustrative genre with the pointillism (dot work) technique, this Winnipeg tattoo artist stands out for his meticulous black-and-grey compositions.
Portfolio / Contact: instagram.com/johnnynoirtattoo
Photo credit: https://www.instagram.com/p/DLtEQH7guk5/?img_index=1
7 — Patrick Paul O’Neil
City: Toronto, Ontario
Preferred style: Illustrative realism, neo-traditional Asian art
Why we recommend them: The artist has a unique approach focused on Japanese mythology and representations of the natural world. His original style is a harmonious blend of illustrative realism and various currents of traditional painting.
Portfolio / Contact: https://www.instagram.com/the_burning_jewel/
Photo credit: https://www.instagram.com/p/Ck9j9cALgrM/?img_index=1
8 — Jack Graff
City: Halifax, Nova Scotia
Preferred style: Realism, large formats, traditional, and modern style
Why we recommend them: With remarkable precision, this tattoo artist creates large-format custom monochrome works. Skeletons and realistic portraits are among the elements he masters perfectly.
Portfolio / Contact: https://www.instagram.com/808byjack
Photo credit: https://www.instagram.com/p/DWXF-DYkUfr/?img_index=1
Hashtags and resources to find your tattoo artist
To target your searches, use relevant hashtags on social media (Instagram), for example:
- #tattooartist
- #tattoodesign
- #geometrictattoo
- #japanesetattoo
- #blackandgreytattoo
- #tattoosleeve
- #colourtattoo
- #oldschooltattoo
- #newschooltattoo
- #dotworktattoo
- #neotraditionaltattoo
- #watercolortattoo
- #finelineart
- #minimaltattoo
- #portraittattoo
To know the trends, you can also refer to publications or websites dedicated to the art of tattooing, such as Tattoo QC magazine.
How to enhance your tattoos with your outfit?
At Ernest, we believe that when it comes to men's fashion, the tattoo is part of a man's overall style. Thus, the clothing he wears is not just a background: it frames the ink and creates a dialogue between skin and fabric. Wondering what to wear with tattoos? Here are some tips from our stylists for choosing the right clothes.
Short-sleeved tops to show off arms
A fitted t-shirt or polo is ideal for a man with a sleeve-style tattoo, i.e., a fully tattooed arm. Fitted cuts are recommended because oversized cuts tend to make tattoos disappear into the fabric. Preferably, it is also important to opt for solid colors so as not to compete with the tattoo's patterns.
→ Link: T-shirts and polos
The play of colors: solid vs. colorful tattoo
New school, traditional American, or very colorful tattoos (e.g., watercolor) stand out better against solid, neutral backgrounds such as black, white, navy, or khaki. You should know that a top with prints automatically enters into visual competition with the ink. So remember this simple rule: if the tattoo is rich in color, the outfit should be understated. If the tattoo is black and grey, a bold color in the garment works well.
→ Link: Short-sleeve shirts
The sport shirt worn open: the casual look
Worn open or slightly open, a sport shirt or overshirt with long or short sleeves creates a casual look that, depending on the outfit, can reveal tattoos on the chest, shoulders, or forearms. A perfect option for a 100% assumed casual-cool style!
→ Link: Sport shirts and overshirts
Bermuda shorts and shorts for leg tattoos
For men with tattoos on the legs or ankles, Bermuda shorts allow you to extend the visual expression downwards. As with the arms, the same logic applies: prefer solid colors so the ink can speak.
→ Link: Bermuda shorts and shorts
At Ernest, our advisors are used to putting together outfits around their clients' tattoos. Visit a store near you to find the perfect clothes to enhance your tattoos. In the meantime, let yourself be inspired by our Spring-Summer 2026 Lookbook.
Also, find our duo promotions to make the most of your summer.
Sarah Madejchuk - Marketing & Communications Director
"At Ernest, every blog article is the result of a collective effort driven by a passion for men’s style. Our team—made up of specialists in writing, art direction, and styling—creates content that reflects the essence of our brand: thoughtful, accessible, and always relevant style."
"We believe that every man deserves to feel confident and comfortable in his own skin, and our blog’s mission is to accompany him through life’s key moments—from everyday life to special occasions. This platform reflects our family-oriented approach, our sense of closeness, and our commitment to sustainable, authentic style."
OTHER TEAM MEMBERS:
Nina Say: E-commerce Coordinator
Mauricio Gomez: Senior Graphic Designer
Audrey Morin: Creative Content Designer
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