Red Cat Tattoo & Art Studio

Their children were running freely around the shop, not being supervised, that isn't what I have in mind when I come to get a tattoo. As I was getting my tattoo, the kid came up and was playing with some bandaging on the table, then proceeded to drop it on the floor, and the lady just put it back on the table. This was extremely unsanitary and unprofessional. Makes me question how they run their tattoo shop. Not everyone is okay with children running around and screaming. I will not be coming back nor will I recommend this place to others.Another edit: after taking off my bandage, I notice that some of the lines on my tattoo are not straight and are wiggly. This is not a good shop to go to, tattoos are not quality.Edit (reply): When it says “family business,” to me that doesn’t necessarily mean kids are running around the shop unsupervised. It would’ve been fine if they stayed in the waiting area, but in the actual tattooing area is not okay and is an issue of safety. A tattoo is an open wound. Children are unsanitary and touch everything. Classic example of parents being careless and entitled! Also, how do you properly “clean” a bandage? Bandages like that are one time use and don’t belong on the floor, let alone a kids hands. This is my first bad review, I just want people to avoid this situation and question the hygienic practices of this shop.

My husband passed away a year and a half ago and I've been wanting a couple of memorialized tattoos done since then. I couldn't seem to find someone who would actually respond to my requests until I contacted Julianna and Dima at The Red Cat Tattoo and Art Studio. They responded to my request almost immediately. They were incredibly gracious and kind from start to finish. I gave them the idea of what I wanted, Julianna made it a reality. Her attention to detail and creativity was amazing. And Dima was so incredibly patient and kind through the almost 6 hours I sat for both tattoos. I was incredibly emotional through this process to say the very least, and they were so incredibly kind and compassionate. I would recommend this delightful couple to anyone that is looking for a way to etch a memory or an idea into the fabric of your life by way of a tattoo.

Soon to be my third piece with RC, I highly recommend! They are a family owned tattoo shop in Nanaimo with amazing artistry and amazing people. Best spot in Nanaimo if you ask me!

I won’t be returning to red cat for my next tattoo for a few reasons.Although they were fairly kind the man tattooing showed no interest in talking or holding any conversation during my first tattoo. I was extremely nervous, and a little conversation for distraction would have helped, and gone a long way. The tattoo shop itself it quite unorganized, and dark, it didn’t feel very comfortable in the back of the shop when getting tattooed. I also felt like I got ripped off. I paid $150 for not even 10 minutes worth of tattooing. I was there maybe a total of 30 minutes, and they charge $185 an hour. I tipped $20 so I ended up paying $170 for a tiny tattoo. Not sure how that pricing worked out but I was too afraid to ask the man as he wasn't very personable to begin with. When my tattoo was healed I had messaged because I wasn't very happy with it. The start and end of lines were uneven, and thicker in places than others. Overall I don’t think this is a great place if you are looking for a comfortable place to get a tattoo. The tattoo itself didn’t turn out horrible, but the customer service wasn’t the best experience.

Dima is a master at his craft, he gave me an AWESOME tattoo for a fair price. Will definitely come back

Totally love RedCat! They do absolutely amazing work and are very nice people. Got my first tattoo with them and will keep coming back for more. If you love awesome artwork and a friendly atmosphere you should definitely head over to RedCat!

I've had three tattoos done at red cat studios so far – hopefully will start working on a bigger sleeve project next :) ! Everything that I've had done I'm super happy with, the quality of the tattoos as well as the instructions given on how to help it heal most efficiently have left me with gorgeous pieces that haven't needed any touching up. The atmosphere is relaxing and so, so bright and friendly, the moment you step into the studio you feel at ease with everything from the many houseplants to the absolutely stunning art everywhere you look! I got a fine line tattoo of my horse who passed away last year and I'm blown away by how steady & accurate it is to how she was, the design is so elegant and precise. I'm so grateful & I love how beautiful all my tattoos have turned out, truly such a nice experience!!!

If you’re looking for quality ink from experienced artist who genuinely love what they do this is the spot! Vlad is just starting full time and what he has learned from his experience in the studio really shows! Amazing work! Thank you so much! I will see you soon!

Staff were professional but friendly, shop has gorgeous decor but clean, the rates are excellent and the tattoo I got was even better then I imagined it. Couldn't be happier!