Getting a tattoo is more than just picking a design—it’s about finding the right artist to bring it to life. Whether it’s your first tattoo or your tenth, choosing someone whose style, skill, and vibe align with your vision makes all the difference.

At Silver Ghost Tattoo, located in the heart of Old Strathcona at 10422 81 Avenue, Edmonton, we’re proud to serve a creative and diverse community, including students and locals from the nearby University of Alberta. Our artists offer a range of styles and approaches, and we're here to help you find your perfect match.

🎨 Step 1: Know Your Style

Before anything else, ask yourself: What kind of tattoo am I drawn to?

Are you into:

• Traditional flash with bold lines and classic designs?
• Japanese irezumi, rich with symbolism and flow?
• Realism, where the shading and detail bring portraits or scenes to life?
• Illustrative or fine line pieces with delicate detail?

Knowing your preferred style will narrow down your options and help you focus on artists who specialise in that work.

📁 Step 2: Browse Portfolios Like a Pro

Every reputable artist will have a portfolio—either online or in-studio. When looking through an artist’s work, consider:

• Consistency – Do their tattoos show the same quality across different pieces?
• Line work – Are the lines clean and confident?
• Shading and colour – Do they blend smoothly? Do colours look bold and intentional?
• Healed pieces – If available, check how the tattoos look after healing.

At Silver Ghost Tattoo, each of our artists brings something unique:

• Alan – Specialises in black and grey realism, from hauntingly detailed portraits to lifelike animal and nature pieces.
• Amber – Brings a refined touch with ornamental, geometric, and illustrative tattoos—perfect for those drawn to spiritual symbols, sacred geometry, or fine, symmetrical detailing.
• Chris B – Our go-to for Japanese irezumi and American traditional. Bold, dynamic, and timeless.
• Sly – Specialises in illustrative and realism, and also serves as our resident walk-in artist—perfect for spontaneous pieces with a high level of finish.
• JD – A rising talent who works primarily in American traditional, known for clean lines and striking flash designs.
• Mitch – Owner of Silver Ghost and founder of SCALPMICRO, Mitch has a rich background in tattooing and offers scalp micropigmentation for clients looking to restore confidence in a different way.

🧠 Step 3: Personality Matters Too

A tattoo session isn’t just technical—it’s personal. You want to feel comfortable, heard, and understood. When you consult with an artist, pay attention to how they:

• Listen to your ideas
• Offer feedback or suggestions
• Make you feel at ease

At Silver Ghost, we value open communication and collaborative energy. Whether you're sitting for a full sleeve or a quick walk-in piece, we aim to make every appointment feel relaxed and memorable.

✅ Step 4: Match Your Vision to the Artist

Once you’ve narrowed down the style and vibe, it’s time to book a consultation (for custom work) or pop in for a walk-in (for flash or smaller pieces). If you’re still unsure who to choose, our front desk team is happy to match you with the artist best suited to your design.

Want something delicate and illustrative? We’ll point you to Sly.
Looking for bold, classic traditional? JD’s your guy.
Got your heart set on a large-scale Japanese back piece? Chris B is ready.

✍️ Final Thoughts

The right tattoo artist can elevate your design into something unforgettable. At Silver Ghost Tattoo, we’re not just here to put ink on skin—we’re here to help you tell your story, your way.

Stop by our shop in Old Strathcona, check out our artists’ portfolios, and let’s find the perfect fit for your next tattoo.

📍 Silver Ghost Tattoo
10422 81 Avenue NW
Edmonton, Alberta
Custom work & walk-ins welcome. Let’s bring your idea to life.