About Inktender
A different kind of tattoo studio.
Josh Lamoureux
Founder & Lead Artist
I opened Inktender in 2018. I was tired of the chaos.
Every shop I worked at was the same. Loud music blasting. People walking in off the street. Artists crammed together. Clients waiting on hard benches.
That's not how I wanted to work. That's not how I wanted my clients to feel.
So I built something different. A private studio. One client at a time. Clean. Quiet. Professional.
No ego. No drama. Just good art made the right way.
This is how tattooing should be.
Why Not a Big Shop?
Most tattoo shops feel like a factory. Loud music. Random people walking in. Artists rushing to the next client. You're just another number.
I get it. I worked in those places.
Here's the truth: Great tattoos need focus. They need quiet. They need time.
That's why I built Inktender. One room. One artist. One client at a time.
No distractions. No pressure. Just us and your art.
Your tattoo is permanent. Shouldn't the process feel special too?
The Inktender Stack
Everything you get with every session.
Custom Art in a Private Room
Your own space. Your own time. Art made just for you. No flash. No copies. 100% original.
Aftercare Guidance
We'll walk you through the entire aftercare process.
Leave Happy
We make sure you're 100% satisfied before you walk out.
Digital Design Preview
See your tattoo before we start.
Our Promise
If the stencil isn't perfect, we don't start. No pressure. Ever.
What We Stand For
Privacy First
Your session. Your room. No strangers watching.
Hospital-Grade Clean
Sterile equipment. Fresh everything. No shortcuts.
Custom Only
We don't do flash. Every piece is made for you.
No Pressure
Take your time. Ask questions. This is your art.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it hurt?
Yes! But in the best possible way. Your brain releases endorphins when you go through pain and your body loves endorphins, so yes, it hurts, but you'll kinda like it.
How long does a tattoo take to heal?
It takes two-three weeks to "heal," but it takes months for the skin to fully regenerate.
How do I care for my new tattoo?
Every shop has their own recommended care methods. You will be given an instruction card after you've been tattooed.
What forms of payment are accepted?
We accept cash or credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express). No checks.
How should I prepare for my tattoo?
We recommend that you eat well before you come in, and remember to stay hydrated. If you start to feel woozy, have a soda. Sugar is your friend in this situation. Walking around Calgary all day in the summer, without drinking any water and then coming to get tattooed on an empty stomach is a sure recipe for passing out. It's best not to party the night before because alcohol can increase bleeding for up to 24 hours. Blood also dilutes our pigments, affecting both the appearance of your tattoo as well as the healing process. Remember to stay calm and cool, you're in good hands. There's nothing to stress over—it's just a tattoo!
Inside the Studio
