When it comes to travel souvenirs, nothing captures a moment in time quite like a tattoo.  Whether it’s a design inspired by local landscapes, culture, or simply the spirit of the journey, tattoos are becoming an increasingly popular way for travelers to commemorate their adventures in a meaningful and artistic way. Abbotsford has quietly become a hotspot for tattoo tourism thanks to its growing number of renowned tattoo artists and studios.

Beyond its stunning natural scenery and rich cultural scene, Abbotsford is home to a number of exceptionally skilled tattoo artists who are drawing clients from far beyond city limits. From bold traditional work to delicate line art and blackwork realism, these artists are worth the trip for anyone looking to add a truly special piece to their collection. Whether you’re visiting from nearby Vancouver or traveling from afar, Abbotsford offers a vibrant tattoo scene worth planning a trip around. We decided to ask these talented local tattoo artists a few questions to get to know them better!

What would you say defines your tattooing style?

I would say that most of my work carries a botanical theme, often drawing inspiration from gardens, plants, and Japanese artwork, with lush, deeply saturated florals, dramatic sweeping birds, and other organic details.

I love combining hard and soft elements in a composition- daggers with patterns from old silks, slate rock surrounded by finger waves, bold peonies framing delicate ornamental designs.

How has Abbotsford influenced your artwork (if at all)?

Abbotsford has influenced my work in many ways, even if they aren’t always obvious. There’s magic in watching a field of long grass sway like water on a windy Fraser Valley evening, or ribbons of colour exploding below a muted greeny-grey mountain. I often sit in our local peony and dahlia fields, studying the flowers, photographing them to use later as reference images, and sketching buds, leaves, and cores of plants. Lakeland Flowers and Five Acre Flower Farm both generously allow me to quietly sit among their blossoms for hours, year after year. 

What’s a favorite piece you’ve done recently and why?

I just recently started a backpiece that I’m excited about. It’s a fusion of a couple of different styles, has great movement for the body lines, and the client is highly dedicated to completing the project- which may turn into a bodysuit. We call these “unicorn clients” (ha)

Do you find many of your clients travel to get tattooed by you?

Yeah some do. I have had clients travel from Australia, and I’m currently working with a client who flies down from the Yukon for each appointment. Pretty amazing.

Any advice for tourists considering a tattoo while visiting?

My best advice is to research your artist. A lot of followers doesn’t always ensure a good experience. Set up a consultation and meet them first, so you can see if you gel. Just because someone is good at one type of tattoo, doesn’t mean they’re good at everything. Ask questions, don’t be shy.

What’s a design or theme you’ve been loving lately?

My absolute favourite subject matter includes designing Goddess inspired pieces often from Norse / Roman and Greek mythology.  My other preferred tattoos are black and grey realism tattoos of dog portraits, animals and cute things like berries and bees.

Dog portraits are my latest obsession. 

Have you noticed tattoo tourism growing in Abbotsford?

I have a good number of clients that travel in from Vancouver and as far as Prince George.  They love coming to Downtown Abby not just to get tattooed but because of all the shops and places to eat. They love the vibe of Downtown Abbotsford. 

How do you make first-time clients feel comfortable?

Honestly, we are known for people feeling super comfortable and welcome in our shop. We often are told by clients it’s the one of the better experiences they’ve had in a tattoo shop. Although I do think many of the shops in Downtown (Abbotsford) offer a good experience as well of course! 

I, Tia and Shyloe are so appreciative of our clients and have a great relationship with them. We definitely strive to have people feel at home in our cozy space. 

Artist Jacquie Jax takes a turn sitting in the tattoo chair as her Mom tattoos “Mom” in her handwriting on Jax’s wrist.

What draws you to darker or more surreal subject matter?

I love to use local fauna, flora and landscapes in my art as often as I possibly can! I take reference photos whenever I can, whatever I’m doing, wherever I am! I have at least 3 larger scale pieces I have been working on recently that only include flowers, plants, animals, and insects that are native to BC. I’ve gotten to learn so much from clients about a lot of the local fauna/flora and how it is and has been used by Indigenous communities. I’ve had clients tell me parts of their tattoos have been recognized as local flowers, trees, or mountains. Living in such a beautiful place has allowed me to incorporate so many local visuals into my work. 

How do you collaborate with clients to bring their visions to life?

The collaborative part of the process is probably my favorite and most fulfilling part of my job. I love to meet people and chat about their ideas and make sure they understand the entire process and what is possible vs what isn’t possible when it comes to creating and applying a good clean tattoo, that will age gracefully with them. More and more clients are getting tattooed earlier in life, so I always take into consideration that some of those tattoos may be worn for many decades to come. Some clients are getting tattoos much later in life. I see it as my responsibility to educate the client on what their tattoo may or may not do as it heals and ages with them. 

Looking for even more Abbotsford tattoo artists and shops? Check out this helpful map below!