top of page
Best Tattoo Artist in Atlantic Canada

ROY TATTOO ART
Roy Tattoo Art is an award-winning realism tattoo artist in Nova Scotia, specializing in color and black-and-grey realism, fine-line work, and culturally rooted conceptual tattoos.
Based in Halifax and Bedford, Roy serves clients across the Maritimes, East Coast Canada, and Atlantic Provinces, including Clayton Park, Purcell’s Cove, Hammonds Plains, Fall River, Chester, Mahone Bay, Lunenburg, and Wolfville.
Frequently asked questions
Minimum Price: $200 + tax
Roy’s minimum tattoo price is $200 + tax. Final pricing depends on the size, level of detail, and artistic complexity of the design.
Roy can create a small credit-card-sized tattoo starting at $200 or develop the concept into a highly detailed piece valued at $2,000 or more. Each tattoo is approached as a custom artwork, allowing the design, technique, and level of detail to be tailored to the client’s vision.
Because every tattoo is unique, Roy does not strictly follow a traditional hourly pricing model. Instead, projects are quoted based on the overall artistic scope of the work.
With over 15 years of experience, Roy has refined an efficient working process that maintains high precision and craftsmanship while minimising unnecessary tattoo time.
Session Options
For larger or more complex pieces, Roy offers dedicated session bookings:
• Half-Day Session (up to 4 hours): $1,000 + tax
• Full-Day Session (up to 6 hours): $1,500 + tax
These sessions are ideal for larger projects such as sleeves, back pieces, or detailed custom compositions that require extended focus and uninterrupted studio time.
Hourly Rate vs. Total Cost
A lower hourly rate does not always result in a lower final price.
For example:
• An artist charging $100/hour might take 6 hours → $600 total
• An artist charging $250/hour might complete the same work in 2 hours → $500 total + You save time.
Experience, efficiency, and technical skill often influence the final cost as much as the hourly rate itself.
Best Approach
Clients are encouraged to request a price estimate and time frame based on their design concept.
If you have a specific budget in mind, Roy is happy to discuss options and develop a design that works within that range while maintaining the highest artistic quality.
All tattoo projects with Roy begin with a Tattoo Commission Request Form.(https://forms.gle/N8yS5p65rF1Qt5RM8 )
Submitting the form allows us to review your concept and determine the best approach for your project.
Once your request has been received, Luna — Roy’s studio coordinator — will carefully review the submission and follow up regarding availability, pricing estimates, and next steps.
Roy’s practice extends beyond tattooing into fine art painting, sculpture, and studio projects; therefore, appointment availability is limited, and sessions are scheduled in advance.
Providing clear references and a detailed description in your request will help the studio respond more efficiently.
To maintain a calm and focused working environment, clients are kindly asked to attend their tattoo appointments alone, similar to visiting a doctor’s office or private studio session.
Tattooing requires long periods of concentration, and limiting distractions helps ensure the highest level of precision and quality in the final artwork.
We appreciate your understanding in helping create a professional studio atmosphere where Roy can give each piece the full attention it deserves.
There are a few important things to keep in mind before your tattoo session:
--------------------
1. Skin Type & Placement:
Not all skin types are suitable for certain tattoo styles like color realism. It is recommended to choose a body part where your skin is the lightest/palest. The lighter the canvas, the more visible the shades, resulting in a better-looking tattoo.
2. Moisturization:
Start moisturizing your skin at least a week prior to your session using Bepanthen or Coconut Oil any good moisturizer, couple a time a day. This ensures your skin is in optimal condition for tattooing.
3. No Alcohol / Proper Nutrition & Hydration:
Do not consume alcohol at least 72 hours before and after your session. Instead, drink plenty of water and focus on high-protein meals. Avoid arriving on an empty stomach—especially if you’ve been out in the sun. Eat well and stay hydrated to avoid dizziness or fainting during the session.
Also, please bring snacks and a sugary drink to consume during the session. This helps maintain energy levels and keeps you feeling comfortable throughout the process.
4. Clothing:
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that gives easy access to the area being tattooed. For example:
• If your tattoo is on the back or ribs, avoid bras or tight tops.
• If your tattoo is on the thigh, wear shorts or dresses above the knee.
5. Clothing Colors:
Please wear all-black or neutral/earth-tone clothing to your session. Avoid bright, high-chroma colors like pink, orange, cyan, purple, etc. These can visually interfere with the tattooing process, affecting the artist’s perception of shades and your actual skin tone—which can impact tattoo quality. Neutral clothing also prevents your clothes from getting stained by ink, and results in better tattoo photos as well.
6. Do Not Use Numbing Cream:
Avoid applying numbing creams before your session. They can interfere with ink absorption and affect the final outcome. If ink retention is poor, the artist will not be responsible, and you will need to bear the cost of a touch-up. Please note, touch-ups/reworks require a minimum waiting period of 90–100 days for proper healing.
7. Aftercare for Opaque Black & Grey or Color Tattoos:
I personally recommend traditional healing methods. Use Light Panthenol Cream for the first 2–3 days, then switch to coconut oil for continued nourishment and healing.
8. Shaving (Depilation):
Please shave the area to be tattooed just before the session. This helps save time and allows the artist to focus entirely on your tattoo.
9. Avoid Water, Dust, Sunlight & Pets (First 3–4 Weeks):
Your fresh tattoo is essentially an open wound, so it's important to protect it during the initial 3–4 weeks of healing. Avoid prolonged water exposure (like swimming or soaking), direct sunlight, dusty environments, and close contact with pets, as they can cause infections or irritation.
Please plan your activities accordingly—especially vacations, beach trips, or events involving physical contact or outdoor exposure.
10. For Women—Choose Your Appointment Date Wisely:
If your tattoo session is expected to last more than 2 hours, please DO NOT schedule your appointment around your menstrual cycle. During your period, you may experience increased sensitivity to pain, irritability, discomfort in sitting for long periods, and other common symptoms.
These factors can make the tattooing process unpleasant for you and may unintentionally affect the artist’s workflow. As a result, the overall quality of your tattoo may be compromised.
To ensure the best experience and results, it’s highly recommended to choose a date when you're feeling your best physically and mentally.
It is strictly prohibited to tattoo a minor, even with parental consent. Therefore, we have a strict No Minors policy in place, and all clients must be at least 18 years of age to receive a tattoo. Additionally, we require valid Photo ID to prove age, and we do not make any exceptions to this policy. We understand that this policy may cause inconvenience, but it is important to prioritise the safety and well-being of our clients and comply with state laws.
It is natural to wonder about the level of pain involved. While everyone's pain tolerance is different, it is important to note that the sensation of pain during tattooing is linked to the presence of free nerve endings and nociceptors in the skin, which react to tissue-damaging stimuli. However, it is also worth noting that the body releases endorphins and adrenaline during the tattooing process, which can result in a euphoric state and make the experience more enjoyable for some individuals.
Helping You Stay Comfortable During Your Tattoo Journey:
1. Mindset Matters
• Pain is not just physical; your mental state plays a big role.
• If you approach the pain with anxiety or fear, it will feel worse.
• Staying calm and positive can make the pain easier to handle.
• Sometimes, ignoring the inner voice that wants to complain helps a lot.
2. Commit Fully
• Paying for the full session upfront creates a mental commitment.
• When you know you’ve invested fully, you’re more motivated to endure the entire session.
• This commitment helps reduce negative thoughts and complaining.
3. Avoid Complaining
• Complaining often makes the pain feel worse by focusing your mind on discomfort.
• Acknowledge the pain but try to shift your focus to positive or neutral topics.
• Talking with your artist, listening to stories, or distracting yourself with music can help.
4. Set Clear Expectations
• Before the session begins, discuss what level of pain to expect.
• Understanding that pain is part of the process and preparing mentally will help you stay resilient.
5. Manage Breaks Wisely
• Taking breaks is important but too many can disrupt your mental focus.
• Keep breaks short and spaced out to maintain a strong mindset.
6. Keep Your Mind Occupied
• Listening to music, podcasts, or engaging in conversation helps distract you from the pain.
• The more your mind focuses on something other than pain, the less intense it will feel.
7. Health & Nutrition
• Being well-rested, eating properly, and staying hydrated improves pain tolerance.
• For women, hormonal cycles may increase sensitivity to pain, so it’s good to be aware of that.
•
🖤 Final Thought:
Your mindset is powerful. Pain is just one part of the journey—but your story, your art, and your strength are what truly stand out in the end.
I am with you all the way.
When you wake up in the morning:
• Unwrap the bandage from the tattoo and wash the tattoo with water and soap.
• Use a fragrance-free soap & with a neutral pH level. When washing the
new tattoo; no excess rubbing is needed, just a gentle circular motion with your
palm is enough; continue washing motions until all slime is gone and the skin
does not feel slippery anymore. Do not use any kind of washing sponge, just your hand.
• After washing, gently pat the tattoo dry with clean household disposable paper towel and then let it air dry for another 10 mins.
• After air drying, apply a little amount of Panthenol ointment onto the tattoo – just enough so the skin can absorb it, without leaving a thick coat on top (otherwise the skin can’t breathe and heal).
• Now wrap the tattoo again with a fresh bandage for the next 8 hours. The wrapping should be in very close contact with the tattoo so that there is no air between the wrapping and the tattoo. Seal the wrapping with tape, tight enough for it not to come loose but not so tight that you cut off blood circulation.
Days one and two:
• First thing in the morning, wash, dry, cream with Panthenol, and re-bandage the tattoo.
• When washing and moisturising the tattoo, please remove any rings or other jewellery – they might scrape the tattoo or carry bacteria.
• When rewrapping the tattoo, make sure to put the wrapping around your tattoo tightly and close to the skin so there’s no air between the tattoo and the bandage.
• Repeat the cleaning cycle about every 24 hours for fine line 8-12 hours for a full saturation piece.
• After the first two days, wash twice a day for the rest of the week, and after that, once a day is enough.
• You can stop using the wrapping sheets once the tattoo doesn’t push out any liquid and the wrappings are clean when changing them.
• Always use soap with a neutral pH to wash off any plasma or excessive ink.
• Remember, a tattoo is basically an open wound. Make sure it’s protected from environmental elements. Keep the tattoo away from coming into contact with anything that might carry bacteria.
(Don't clean your house, dont take the garbage out or go near such areas.) If it happens that your clothes or the wrapping stick to your tattoo, do not rip them apart from your skin; rather, put your clothing under water so they will soak loose from your skin.
Days three, four and five:
• Ointment should be applied on the third day. Ointment is needed if the skin feels dry to the touch. Just a thin layer.
• You should not apply the ointment when the tattoo feels sticky or moist. When the tattoo isn’t oozing out any slime, ointment can be applied more often, meaning you should not let it get dry or flaky. But don't overdo it.
Days 6- 14 :
• Replace ointment with edible coconut oil. The oil can be applied as needed when the tattoo starts to itch or the skin feels tight.
• If at any point any kind of scabbing should occur, DO NOT pick at it – the same goes for dead skin/skin replacing and peeling off.
• Let it be, do not scratch or pick at it .
For the first 14 days :
• Avoid swimming and saunas.
• After 14 days you can do sports as usual, as long as you carefully wash and moisturise the tattoo after.
• Once you switch to coconut oil, after the 5th day, make sure to apply oil often enough to keep the skin moisturised.
• The new skin is delicate and needs moisture to grow and become elastic. If you let the skin dry out when it’s still growing and forming, it will develop scarring. To make sure you don’t let the tattoo get flaky, keep up the daily moisturising of your tattoo for the next 6 months.
• If anything seems out of the ordinary or you have questions, please contact your tattoo artist first!
Yes, a minimum of $200 + tax is deposit for tattoos costing less than $500
For a tattoo costing more than $500, a 50% deposit is required to secure your spot. This deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable, and it will be applied toward the final price of your tattoo. This policy ensures commitment from both parties involved and allows the artist to prepare the design and station for your session. By requiring a deposit, we aim to ensure a smooth and efficient process for both you and the artist. It helps us manage our schedule effectively and provide you with the best possible experience during your tattoo session.
Roy is generally booked several weeks in advance. However, limited walk-in sessions may occasionally become available on a first-come, first-served basis due to cancellations. Roy always strives to accommodate requests whenever possible.
Last-minute openings are usually announced on Instagram Stories, so keeping an eye on updates and reaching out promptly via DM is recommended to secure the slot.
For appointment inquiries and availability, please contact Luna at 902-995-0239, who manages Roy’s bookings and scheduling.
Yes. Roy works on a wide range of cover-up projects, including covering old or unwanted tattoos, scar camouflage, birthmarks, and other marks on the skin by transforming them into thoughtful and aesthetically refined designs.
Every cover-up project is unique and requires careful planning. While many designs are possible, the existing tattoo, scar, or skin condition may influence the final artistic direction. For this reason, clients are encouraged to remain open to the artist’s recommendations so the best possible result can be achieved.
Cover-ups often require multiple sessions and a more strategic layering process compared to fresh tattoos. As a result, these projects typically involve more time, expertise, and technical precision.
For this reason, cover-up tattoos are generally priced higher than standard tattoos.
Clients interested in a cover-up are encouraged to book a consultation or submit a tattoo commission request, where the existing tattoo or mark can be reviewed and the best approach discussed.
Together, a design can be developed that not only covers the previous mark but transforms it into a meaningful and confident piece of artwork.
bottom of page
