If you’re thinking of getting some ink work done, pause a moment and ask yourself whether quality is important to you. If the answer is yes, then you want to consider a premiere boutique spot on the west side of Toronto called Bamboo Tattoo. The quality of the work is impeccable and the quality of client care is their priority. I had the opportunity to experience a half sleeve session on the forearm with a guest artist and the results were unbelievable.
See also: 5 Things to Consider Before Getting Your First Tattoo
The Shop
Located in south Etobicoke, Toronto, this Queensway shop is nestled amongst condos and businesses but stands out with it’s sleek signage and luxury aesthetic. The shop is currently 3 floors with plans to expand and build out a food spot for guests and artists alike.
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Consultation
Firstly, if you’re not doing an initial consultation with the artist inking your body, stop what you’re doing and go somewhere else. At Bamboo, the consultation was mandatory and what it ultimately does is create a sense of synergy between you and your artist. Given the permanent (mostly) nature of a tattoo, you better be comfortable with the artist. The conversation involves styles, themes, body placement and so on.
Make note that the pictures and inspiration you share with the artist will not be what the final product comes out to be and that’s okay. Think of this process like commissioning an artist to paint something for you. Except in this case, your body is the canvas.
The Tattoo
Going through the experience was exhilarating, but admittedly there are moments where you wonder how the final product will come out. The gents at Bamboo were very client focused, answered all my questions and made sure there were no concerns prior to starting. The team makes it a point to check in on you during your session to see how things are going.
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All in all, the session lasted a good seven or so hours (not including bathroom breaks and lunch). Yes, it was painful at times, but the artist selected for this goes by the name Jimbo Tattoo on Instagram and he is truly a magician. Originally from Malaga, Spain, Jimbo is a guest artist which is something Bamboo does quite a lot of. When asked why that is, operations manager Jesse Davis notes, “Europe is quite ahead in their tattoo standards and we want to raise the standards here in Canada.”
So how did the final product come out? See the process yourself.
Post-Care Treatment
Can you shower? How much moisturizer is too much? What happens when it starts peeling? All valid questions to have and all come with differing opinions depending on who you ask. Bamboo Tattoo offers premium quality creams and soaps to help with your healing treatment. After using the products for a couple of weeks, the healing process has been terrific. So when you get some work done, a definite must is picking up some of this product.
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Overall, Bamboo Tattoo offers luxury service, quality work and client-focused care. Consider this spot the next time you want to get some ink. Overall verdict? Gent’s Approved.
