THE BEST TATTOO SHOP NORTH AND SOUTH OF THE BORDER: 6 REASONS TO VISIT GRIM PREMIUM TATTOO STUDIO IN HAMILTON ONTARIO, CANADA
WHEN YOU KNOW IT, YOU KNOW IT. AND I KNOW IT…
With over 14 tattoos on my person, in various locations, by various artists, in various ink shops, on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean, I feel as though I have the right to pass judgement.
GRIM Tattoo Studio in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, is the best place you can get inked period.
I won’t even debate it. And one particular artist, now my sole artist, is Ryvn (pronounced R-Y-an) Grey.
Ryvn has needled both my biceps, with significant ink. And with both, she has blown me away with her attention to detail and the sharpness of her lines. Her colors pop, and appear velvet smooth, and her artistic ability is second to none.
Here are 6 solid reasons I feel you need to check out GRIM and it’s available artists (all excellent), and, if you are lucky – and she is a match to your artistic requirements – you may be able to book Ryvn for an ink session.
REASON #1: HER ARTISTIC ABILITY TOWERS OVER MANY
On my last visit, I proudly supplied Ryvn my own interpretation of what I wanted as a tattoo on my left bicep. The ink represented my former service in the U.S. Air Force as a Firefighter in the United Kingdom. We worked with an F-15 fighter squadron nicknamed the “Grim Reapers.” I thought my design was “the bomb.” To my initial dismay, I found it was less than ideal for the location I wanted to place said ink.
I arrived as the shop opened as agreed at 10 am. Ryvn greeted me with smart tablet in hand, prepared to go. Right away she made clear that my “Picaso” was a poor idea as a layout for my left gun. I gasped in horror. Well, I didn’t gasp, but I said, “lead me in the right direction!”
I told her exactly what could go, and what was non-negotiable. She feverishly went to work as I watched over her shoulder as she swiped and clicked on her smart pad. “I’ll be back…” she murmured, and disappeared downstairs with purpose.
I was ok. I had booked until 6 pm. I had snacks, liquids, and the staff of GRIM are so damn friendly and cool to talk to. I patiently waited. Another artist reassured me after an hour, she was coming back, and that she was in her “designing zone.”
YOU HAD BETTER LOVE IT
One thing GRIM artists all agree upon, is that you had better LOVE the design, or don’t bother. And rightly so. Many shops take your idea and go, afraid to criticize, or change, just quick template placement…then a few hours later, BAM! After care advice follows, and out the door.
That’s not how GRIM operate. That’s not how Ryvn operates. She takes the extra time to fine tune and hone your tattoo design ensuring it is not only unique and high quality, but it will be something you will love to look at for the remainder of your days.
Two hours later she returned.
“I thought I had frightened you away…” I said in my best dad joke way.
“Nope, we are all set, here is my idea…” she proudly remarked as she handed me her tablet to see her artwork.
“Holy sh*t…” I blurted. That is beautiful.
Ryvn had taken my almost childlike design and propelled it from High School to Olympic level. All of my essential original elements were present, the British and American Flags, The Grim Reaper, and The U.S. Air Force Fire Logo, all with a gorgeous text banner wrapping everything together with my nickname and business moniker. The wait was worth it. I was speechless. (See USAF Reaper Image).
REASON #2: HER ATTENTION TO DETAIL SURPASSES MANY INKERS
Trust me, I have never had such fine lines, and tiny details pop beautifully on any of my previous tattoos, like I do with Ryvn’s work. Letters, outlines, and so on, are incredible. On my first Ryvn ink, the smallest detail is made to look like you were born with the image and not had it bought and needled. (See Blue October Ink Image).
REASON 3#: RYVN IS EASY TO TALK TO AND SIT WITH FOR HOURS AT A TIME
Often overlooked in the tattoo world, is the question, is your artist someone you can sit and work with for hours, and sometimes, numerous sittings of ink? You don’t have to best buds, but when discussing the art, where you will sit, what you need to feel comfortable, and more, kind of matters.
On the last Ink, I knew Ryvn needed every minute of the 6 hours remaining to complete my large design, if I wanted it complete in one sitting. This time, unlike my first Ryvn sitting, I shut my big mouth, which if you know me, is no easy thing. She admitted later that she was “in her zone” and she did indeed complete her masterpiece in one sitting as planned.
When we do converse, I found Ryvn has a wicked sense of humor such as myself, has British family, and is really easy to talk to and laugh with. As I grimaced on hour 5 of my latest indulgence, she noticed my pale color and grimaces as she hit the final stretch of coloring near my armpit.
I felt like a mini cow prod was inserted in my pit for a few hours (well, seconds, felt like hours) and, without missing a beat she exclaimed, “Kinda spicy there huh…?” In my distress I laughed my ass off. Ryvn has a magical touch.
REASON #4: RYVN HAS THE LIGHTEST HAND
If you have extensive ink, over time, you recognize an artist with a “heavy” touch or a “light” touch. Ryvn has a “perfect” touch. During the outline phases, her touch is so mild, the discomfort is negligible. After the first minute or two, I was actually relaxed enough to feel sleepy (I had been up late night before).
When it comes to color, her touch is heavier, like in any case, but still so minor and only slight in discomfort, it’s a pleasant surprise. The ONLY time I felt significant discomfort, is when we all typically do regardless of artist, toward the end of the work (5 hours or more) and in particularly sensitive areas. On my last ink, at the end of 5 hours, I grimaced and squeaked like a school girl as she finished the blue flag color right on top of my armpit, it was very “salty.”
REASON #5: THE ATMOSPHERE AND STAFF OF GRIM ARE SECOND TO NONE
From the moment you communicate with the front desk via email, or telephone, to when you walk in the door, and during your entire GRIM experience, you feel welcomed and a priority. You are treated like you are part of the staff, politely and with respect.
Other artists and apprentices are great too. They often come by, while you are getting inked, and look with interest. Many times, you hear, “Damn Ryvn, that’s awesome…” They really do care and enjoy working at GRIM and it shows. It’s clean, relaxed, professional, and an outstanding all-round experience. Worth every hour, and every penny.
REASON #6: PROFESSIONALISM IS SUPERB
Every email, every call, the entire appointment process, the downpayment, all communication, and all customer visit care and the final setting of the bill, are all handled calmly and professionally. You are treated as a valued customer, and you feel the urge to come back, to see the staff, relax, and of course get more ink, but not just any ink, the best ink, the best studio and the best artists, I feel available anywhere.
MAKE THAT APPOINTMENT
Take it from me. I don’t make a dime from this; my site content is to take real life experience and inform and inspire my followers. I know ink, and I know that I’m not leading you astray. Check out my other Roll Calls and enjoy yourself as you expand your mind. I have included information on GRIM below. Try it for yourself, you won’t be sorry, make an appointment today. https://www.grimstudios.ca/request
Go to https://www.grimstudios.ca/ for FULL details.
GRIM Premium Tattoo + Body Piercing Studio
Proudly located in Hamilton Ontario, featuring award winning resident & guest Tattoo Artists from around the World. Originally known as Grim City Tattoo Club, we have chosen to separate ourselves from the past and focus on our Future: High Quality Art, Superior Customer Service and Your Experience.
Vegan Tattooing
Wheelchair Accessible.
Queer Woman Owned & Operated
No Refunds on deposits, services or gift cards.
Cash & Credit Only
Appointments Recommended
Walk ins Welcome (subject to availability. we recommend calling ahead (905-544-1222)
Address
196 Parkdale Avenue North, Hamilton ON
Tel: 905-544-1222
info@GRIMstudios.ca
DO NOT PARK AT ST VINCENT NEXT DOOR
THEY WILL TOW YOUR CAR. WE HAVE PARKING ON THE STREET INFRONT, FREE PARKING ON ANY RESIDENTIAL STREET AROUND US OR BEHIND OUR BUILDING OFF THE ALLEY
Opening Hours
Monday – Saturday: 10am – 5pm
Sunday: 11am – 4pm