Jay, Tattoo Artist at Soul Survivors Winnipeg

My first real experience was getting my first tattoo when I was 16. I hadn’t even started getting piercings yet, so that was my first introduction to the whole world—and it completely hooked me.

It was here at Soul Survivors, back when the were still the bamboo chairs in the lobby. The moment that the experience started to happen, I was obsessed. I already knew I wanted tattoos, but that experience sealed it. My parents didn’t stand a chance after that. 

The next year, I went to Montreal to visit my sister and came back with two more tattoos. I was the only kid in my high school with visible tattoos. Nobody in my grade had them—it was such a small, straight-laced school—but I didn’t care. I loved it. That first tattoo changed everything.

Early on, I was really inspired by artists like Davee Blows, Destroy Troy, Myke Chambers, and Nick Oakes—all those heavy hitters whose work was bold, bright, and punchy. Their tattoos had so much strength and looked like what I thought tattoos should look like, and that’s exactly what I wanted for my own tattoos back then.

Over time, my influences evolved. I started paying more attention to artists like James Yoakam, Jay Ranno, and Valerie Vargas, who bring a bit more nuance and depth to their designs. They balance traditional work with a bit more edge, and that’s something I’ve tried to find in my own work, too.

I’d say I’ve found my niche somewhere in between those worlds—still bold and bright, but with a little more sauciness and spice 😉

I’ve always been drawn to bold lines and bright colors—that classic, traditional tattoo look. It’s what first caught my eye and what I still love doing.

That said, I’ve never been someone who fits neatly into a box. I call my work “traditional-ish” because it’s inspired by traditional tattooing but not bound by every rule. I take a lot of cues from the old-school techniques—the way you build a tattoo, the way you layer color—but I like breaking a few rules along the way to make it my own.

My tattoos pull inspiration from everywhere: traditional, Japanese-inspired, even a bit of neo-traditional—but they always come out feeling like me. That’s what I love about it. The work is rooted in tradition, but it still has its own personality.

I don’t really have issues with how people want their tattoos—I get that everyone comes in with their own ideas. But I do wish more clients would bring a concept and then just let me run with it. Like, if you want a wolf, awesome—just tell me that’s what you’re after, and I’ll take care of the rest. You don’t need to bring dozens of reference photos; that creative freedom helps me design something that’s truly yours.

I think a lot of people come in wanting something they saw online, but what really makes a tattoo special is when it’s done in the artist’s style. That’s when it becomes one-of-a-kind.

It all comes down to trust—trusting the process and the artist you chose. The best tattoos happen when clients let go a little and give the artist room to create. And I’ve learned that too—sometimes I have to remind myself that people come to me because they like what I do.

For me, it’s about bringing something different to the scene. I feel like the kind of work I do isn’t something you see everywhere here, so it’s been really cool to come back home and offer something fresh.

After spending time tattooing in Montreal, it means a lot to be back in Winnipeg—my hometown—and to carve out my own space in the Winnipeg tattoo community. There’s a sweetness to coming home with everything I’ve learned and being able to contribute something new to the mix. It feels good to add to what’s already here while also expanding what people think a tattoo can be. Being a Winnipeg tattoo artist has been one of the best decisions I’ve made.

I had a friend who’d been bugging me for a parrot tattoo for a couple of years. I kept telling him he should do it, and when he finally said yes, it turned into a full back piece instead of the small leg tattoo he originally wanted. 

The design came from an old Tony Polito flash sheet from the 1960s or ’70s. I didn’t realize at first that it was meant as a back piece or a “pick-a-parrot” design until I started digging deeper. After finishing his tattoo, I ended up seeing other artists’ takes on the same design—and I loved that. That’s one of my favorite things about traditional tattooing: so many of us work from the same designs, but every artist brings their own flavor. You can still look at one and say, “Oh yeah, I know who did that.”

That piece was special not just because of the scale, but because it represented everything I love about tattooing—tradition, connection, and individuality all at once.

When you arrive, I’ll have your design ready. We’ll go over it together, make any small adjustments if needed, and then I’ll print a few different sizes to see what fits your body best. Once we’ve got the placement nailed down, I’ll stencil the design so you can see how it sits on your skin.

From there, we get started. I’ll check in with you throughout the process to make sure you’re doing okay—comfort and pacing matter just as much as the art itself.

Every tattoo is different, but generally, small pieces are about an hour or two, while larger or more detailed work can run several hours or over multiple sessions. The main thing is to relax, trust the process, and know you’re in good hands.

 It depends on the bandage we use and the size/saturation of your tattoo, but here’s the simple version:

If we use second-skin (adhesive film):

• I’ll apply it at the end of your session. Leave it on up to 7 days.

   

• Seeing some fluid/plasma under the film is normal.
• When you remove it (in the shower is easiest), the tattoo will look matte and might have a bit of light dryness—but you’re basically through the tough part.

If we use a traditional bandage:

• You’ll remove the bandage after about 1 hour, wash gently, and pat dry.

   

• Days 2–3: it starts to dry out.
• Days 4–10: expect flaking/light scabbing. Don’t pick—let flakes fall off naturally.
• Around 2–4 weeks the surface looks healed; deeper layers keep settling for a few more weeks.

Normal stuff: mild redness day 1–2, light itching as it flakes, and a slightly shiny look for a bit.
What changes timing: placement (ribs vs. forearm), how saturated or large the tattoo is, your personal healing rate, and health factors (e.g., diabetes, certain meds) — these can slow things down.

If anything seems off or you’re unsure, email the shop with a clear photo so we can give you specific advice. We’re happy to help.

Always.

We’ll start with a consultation to look at what you already have and talk about what you want to build around it. Most of the time, we can incorporate your existing tattoos into a new, cohesive design—it just takes a bit of planning and flexibility.

If you’re open to adjustments in composition, flow, or placement, we can make almost anything work. The goal is always to create something that feels intentional, balanced, and fully yours.