We become more beautiful through the ways we choose to showcase our bodies, and skin art gifts us the option to permanently decorate ourselves. Whether you want something colourful or scatter artificial birthmarks across your body, the choice is entirely yours. There’s no denying that tattooing is, in part, about aesthetics. But the ritual of having art etched into your skin can also be deeply therapeutic — and much of that depends on who is holding the needle.
Edmonton is home to artists who use their talents to soften insecurities, commemorate memories and tell personal narratives through ink. With styles ranging from fine line and American traditional to blackwork illustrative and traditional Japanese, each of these artists brings their own philosophy to the craft.
Style: fine line, micro-realism.
What does this style say about the tattoo? They are open-minded, bold and profound.
Favourite tattoo theme: Sumi-e, animals & people.
What Jimenez loves about their work: Changing the lives of people by putting art on their body plus and unexepcted benefit: he is also transforming his own life. The craft has helped him learn about himself, especially through the intimate moments shared with his clients.
Before he became known for his intricate story-driven custom tattoos, Jimenez worked in the industrial field. Tattooing might seem like a complete 180-degree change, but he incorporated his experience with concrete into his craft — especially his attention to detail. He might have had a hunch that art was for him but it wasn’t until he took an online academic drawing workshop that he really knew it was meant for him. At the beginning — once he got all equipped — he was his own canvas, practicing on his own skin. Eventually practicing on his siblings — who were more than willing to lend their skin for the benefit of their brother — his craft evolved and so did his designs.
Style: American traditional, neo traditional.
What does this style say about the tattoo? They are outdoorsy and possibly into witchy stuff.
Neiman knew she wanted to tattoo since she was 18-years old but first she decided to deep dive into an arts degree at the University of Alberta — focusing on painting and print making. Her studies not only unlocked a new realm of artistic expression — her interest in older imagery for one — but also prepared her for the intense workload she would face. One of her biggest challenges when starting out in the tattoo world was learning to draw from two dimensional surfaces onto somebody’s body.
Style: blackwork illustrative
What does this style say about the tattoo? They are artsy, vaguely alternative.
Favourite tattoo theme: Animals doing something that makes no sense — nature with a surreal twist.
What Bueckert loves about their work: The pinch-me moments when someone feels better about their body after getting a tattoo — a happy and emotional moment.
In her high school days, this artist did the classic stick-and-poke in her bedroom with India ink and a sewing needle — her introduction to body art. She dabbled in other art forms before fully emerging herself in the tattoo world. Who would’ve thought her fibre art work — a custom embroidered piece specifically — would land her an apprenticeship in a tattoo parlour? The fibre art influences are clearly seen in her beautiful work with texture — especially in her signature dotted shading.
Style: traditional Japanese (aka Irezumi).
What does this style say about the tattoo? They possess a tremendous amount of patience and perseverance.
Favourite tattoo theme: Symbolic motifs from Japanese tradition (especially Gakubori, the Japanese-style background).
What Guka loves about their work: Irezumi covers large portions of the body and the enduring journey for both the artist and the client is her favourite aspect.
In middle school, Guka became fascinated by the tough, strong characters portrayed in gangster films — especially the badass women who were covered in body art. They left a lasting impression and served as inspiration for what would become her livelihood. In Edmonton, Guka had the opportunity to create a space that empowers artists to express themselves freely through their work. Her studio, Tattoos by Strangers, establishs her reputation in Edmonton and also helps elevate the local tattoo culture.
