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Northern Ink Atelier
Downtown Vancouver • Est. 2017
Services and pricing guidance

Choose a service path that fits your idea.

We work consultation-first to confirm feasibility, plan session length, and provide a realistic estimate in CAD. Final pricing depends on size, placement, complexity, and the time required.

Book a consultation Meet the artists
Safety-first workflow

Barrier protection, single-use where applicable, and clean station setup.

Aftercare included

Written instructions provided after each appointment.

Consultation-first planning

Clear feasibility check, estimate range, and timeline before we start.

Core services

Below is a practical overview of our most requested service categories. Quotes are provided in CAD after consultation, and session time is estimated based on complexity and placement.

No exaggerated claims

Healing results vary by person and aftercare. We provide guidance, but no outcome is guaranteed.

Custom tattoos

Custom design sessions

Collaborative design from concept to stencil. Best for unique pieces and thoughtful placement planning. Cover-ups are considered case-by-case after we review the existing work.

From
$180 CAD
Minimum charge
Typical time
1.5 to 4 hours
Varies by size
Includes
Aftercare guide
Printed + email
Examples
  • Custom floral forearm piece with gentle shading
  • Symbolic blackwork motif sized for long-term readability
  • Illustrative animal portrait planned across two sessions
Fine line

Fine line and micro detail

Minimal, precise designs with careful placement guidance and line weight choices made for longevity.

Typical session 60 to 150 minutes
From $180 CAD
Note: Extremely small text and ultra-thin lines may age differently depending on skin and placement. We will advise on size and line weight during your consult.
Examples
Single-needle style botanical sprig
Minimal geometry with balanced spacing
Micro-symbol composition (not too small for longevity)
Blackwork

Blackwork and geometric

Strong contrast, measured saturation, and structured patterns with attention to alignment and body flow.

Typical time
2 to 5 hours
From
$220 CAD
Best for: bold motifs, geometric panels, and negative space concepts.
Color

Color and illustrative

Balanced palettes with clear edges and an approach designed for how color settles over time.

Typical time
2 to 6 hours
From
$240 CAD
We discuss color placement, contrast, and long-term clarity during your consultation.
Consultation

Consultation and planning

A structured conversation to confirm feasibility, discuss placement and sizing, and outline an estimate range in CAD.

Format In-studio or phone
Typical time 15 to 30 minutes
Bring references if you have them, but you do not need a finished idea to start.

What affects pricing

We quote responsibly based on work required. Common factors include:

  • Size and placement (some areas require slower technique)
  • Complexity, detail density, and shading style
  • Color vs. black and grey, and required layering
  • Rework/cover-up evaluation (case-by-case)

Payment and deposits

Deposit and payment details are confirmed during booking based on the project scope and scheduling. If you want a faster overview, see our FAQ.

Read FAQ Start a consult request

Disclaimer: Our team provides design guidance and a professional studio process, but you are responsible for your final design choices and placement decisions.

How service selection works

A quick decision guide to help you choose the best starting point before booking.

1
Step 1

Bring the idea

Share a concept, references, and preferred placement. If you are unsure, we can guide you toward an appropriate style and size.

Outcome: service category recommendation
2
Step 2

Confirm size and placement

We advise on what will read well over time, including line weight, spacing, and how the design fits the body area.

Outcome: session plan and estimate range
3
Step 3

Schedule realistically

We match the appointment length to the project. Larger pieces may be planned across multiple sessions.

Outcome: confirmed time block
4
Step 4

Aftercare and follow-up

You receive written aftercare instructions and a clear path to contact us if you have non-urgent questions during healing.

Outcome: calm healing support
Next step

Not sure which service to choose?

Start with a consultation. We will recommend the best service category, confirm sizing and placement, and outline a session plan with a CAD estimate range.

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