About Soul Survivors Body Art – Our Story
About Soul Survivors Body Art – Our Story
About Soul Survivors Body Art – Our Story
A Legacy of Art, Empowerment, and Community Since 2001
Soul Survivors Body Art is a tattoo and piercing studio in Winnipeg founded in 2001 by the late Eric Johanson, a visionary tattooer and entrepreneur who believed that body modification could be healing, expressive, and empowering. But our story truly began years before we opened our doors — rooted in Eric’s decade-long journey through the body modification industry and his dream of creating something truly special.
Eric’s goal was ambitious yet simple: build a studio where everyone feels respected, seen, and inspired. He envisioned a space that would challenge the stereotypes of tattoo shops, creating instead a sanctuary where clients could reclaim their bodies through meaningful art and self-expression.
From that powerful vision, Soul Survivors has grown into one of Winnipeg’s most trusted tattoo shops — a tight-knit, family-style crew located in the heart of Osborne Village. For over 20 years, our talented tattoo artists have helped thousands of clients share their stories through ink and artistry, while our professional body piercing services have made us a cornerstone of Winnipeg’s body modification community. This legacy extends far beyond the walls of our studio.
*This email is for existing appointments only. Please call the studio at
(204) 284-1173 for all general inquiries. Thank you.
Building a Legacy in Winnipeg’s Tattoo Community: Eric’s Vision Lives On
Eric brought more than technical skill to Soul Survivors — he brought intention, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to excellence that extended far beyond our studio walls. As a pioneer in the industry, Eric was instrumental in creating the first-ever bylaws to establish standards for health, sterilization, and sanitization in the body modification industry. His advocacy for professional standards didn’t just protect clients — it elevated the entire field and helped legitimize tattooing and piercing as respected art forms.
This groundbreaking work in health and safety remains a foundational pillar of our business today. Every sterilization protocol we follow, every safety measure we implement, and every sanitary standard we exceed traces back to Eric’s vision of an industry that prioritizes client wellbeing above all else. His legacy continues through our approach to every client interaction, our mentorship of emerging artists, and our deep respect for every person who walks through our doors.
Today, that philosophy remains the foundation of everything we do. Whether you’re a Winnipeg local searching for trusted tattoo shops near you, or a visitor looking for an exceptional piercing studio, you’ll find that Eric’s vision of empowerment, artistry, and uncompromising safety standards is alive in every corner of our space.
A Living Gallery of Art and Culture
Our studio is more than a place of business — it’s a curated space that celebrates the rich history of body art. The walls of Soul Survivors are adorned with original artwork from tattooists and premier artists from around the world, showcasing museum-quality pieces that span centuries of artistic expression. Some of these treasures can even be dated back to 1000 B.C., connecting our modern practice to the ancient traditions of body modification.
This carefully curated environment reflects our belief that tattooing and piercing are not just services — they’re art forms with deep cultural significance. Every piece displayed tells a story, just as every tattoo and piercing we create becomes part of our clients’ personal narratives.
Our Team and Community
Soul Survivors operates as a single-location, family-style studio with a dedicated team of 10 artists and staff members. Our diverse crew includes some of Winnipeg’s most skilled tattoo artists, each bringing their own specialties — from fine line specialists to bold traditionalists, realistic portrait artists to geometric designers. We also offer professional body piercing services with the same attention to artistry and safety that defines all our work.
Our commitment to personal and professional development means we’re constantly evolving as individuals and as a collective. We invest in ongoing education, attend industry conferences, and support each other’s artistic growth. This approach ensures that our clients receive not just quality work, but innovative techniques and fresh perspectives.
More Than Body Art — It’s Transformation
We understand that choosing to get a tattoo or piercing can be deeply personal — marking moments, celebrating milestones, honoring memories, and expressing your authentic self. But we also know that sometimes, it’s simply about pure joy, beauty, or because a design made you smile. Whether you’re commemorating something profound or just want something gorgeous or hilarious on your skin, we approach every appointment with the same care and attention it deserves.
Our focus on creating a safe, inclusive environment where every client feels confident and empowered sets us apart from other studios. We believe in body reclamation — the idea that your body is your canvas, and you have the power to adorn it in ways that feel meaningful to you. That meaning might be deep and spiritual, or it might be as simple as “I thought this would look amazing.” Both are equally valid, and both deserve to be celebrated.
Visit Us in Osborne Village
Ready to begin your story?
Call (204) 284-1173 to book your appointment or visit us in person. We’re here to help you create something beautiful, meaningful, and uniquely yours.
Soul Survivors Body Art — where art meets intention, and every story matters.
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To Book An Appointment, Call (204) 284-1173!
Quick Links
Hours Of Operation
Monday: Closed
Tuesday- Saturday
11 am to 7 pm
Sunday
11 am to 5 pm