Brett did my sleeve on my right arm. It was absolutely amazing, I loved the incredible work of art he preformed on my arm. Thank you Brett at SWT. If you are thinking about it, do it at SWT. read more

Strange World Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Calgary, Alberta

Very professional & accommodating! I have 1 last tattoo I'm scheduled for and am excited about it. read more

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I recently went to strange world tattoo for a daith piercing, prices were good but I feel like the lady who pierced me rushed the process, I wasn't shown the placement of the jewelry before being pierced and it resulted in my jewelry being too hidden and not really where I wanted it. Clean shop though and awesome staff read more

George is an amazing piercer. Friendly, professional and put me at complete ease. She was happy to answer all my questions about the piercings I wanted to get (some of my "lady bits"). She made it clear to call her about any concerns I might have. Call at the shop during open hours and her cell when she is not at the shop. I would recommend George to anyone. read more

I wrote my initial review after my second of what will be at least 7 visits to Strange World in the journey to getting my first tattoo (6 down, still need a minor touch-up.) but they just keep giving me more great things to say! While this place is still in high demand (which is well deserved) so booking an appointment will still probably be a multi-month venture at best, they're renovating the shop (it's mostly done but there are a few things that give me the impression there's still work to be done) which has added space for their two new artists, which should help reduce the weight slightly. My biggest complaint previously was that poor George, the shop manager, was running double-duty being the shops piercer AND the only person running the reception area which sometimes left customers waiting while she pierced someone. This ALSO appears to have been fixed, as I met another lovely young lady on my last trip who's name escapes me at the moment but was just as friendly and helpful, who seems to only be on desk duty, making sure customers are dealt with in a timely fashion. I also sat in on a session my brother and his girlfriend had with Mike, another of the shops artist (and a guy who was booking well into 2014 back in April, so you know he's got skills) so I can totally vouch for him as well. Both their pieces turned out great, especially considering they couldn't have been more different (a black and gray portrait style of my brothers dog, and a brightly colored custom floral piece for his gf). The fact that he was also super friendly and fun to talk to was also a bonus. I, however, had my piece done by John, who their website describes as a relatively new artist, but you'd never know from looking at his work. At our first meeting, I brought in some very general reference pictures and had to just verbally convey sort of what I had in mind. He not only got everything I was saying perfectly, but added in some of his own touches that helped to fill everything out in such a way that it fit to the space better, yet didn't take anything away from what I wanted. When I went in to see the sketch I was horrified that he may completely miss what I was going for but what he made was head and shoulders above the version I saw in my head. When it came time to actually have it tattooed he was also great to work with, checking in frequently to make sure I was comfortable and felt okay, giving me feedback on how certain parts were working, etc. His station was also right next to the supply room so it was fun to see the reactions from the other artists as they came by to get things as they all seemed to be quite impressed, which also helped put me at ease knowing that the parts that I couldn't see looked alright. I enjoyed working with John so much that I even talked a friend of mine with a rather poor tattoo into giving me a ride to one session, so that I could introduce him to John and have him take a look and see what he could do. Luckily, he had a cancellation in a couple of weeks and got my buddy in. There were some things he couldn't do much about, like some really uneven writing, but it looks at least 10 times better than it did before. I officially don't have anything negative to say anymore, aside from my own nervousness about the shops open concept (I'm a total ink newby and don't know how well I'll take it and am slightly concerned about strangers seeing me break down lol) but that's totally a personal matter and no reflection on them. I can't stress this enough: if you're looking for some ink in Calgary and don't already have allegiance to a certain shop or artist, you owe it to yourself to at least come in and talk to these guys. read more

I did a phone consultation and had a tattoo artist give me a message not a call back I didn't even know the persons name.. I was asked to send a picture of the tattoo that I had one and I did that two days later I get a message back not a phone call stating that I had to pick out the writing and so on I had no problem with that iMessaged the person again three days later after I pick the writing out and I never got a call back for another two weeks when I spoke to the receptionist i'm assuming it was receptionist on the phone she told me that she could not show me the design the receptionist had no idea what she was talking about have no idea how much of a cost me didn't know if I should come in and have a consultation didn't even know I had a consultation over the phone she was definitely in training which I have no problem with but at least get your facts straight before you pick up the phone! there was a lady that was talking over her I could hear her persistently raising her voice at the girl on the phone and then took away the phone she was very belligerent and very rude she told me that she didn't know which tattoo artist would be doing the tattoo but she has two that were available I asked her which one had did the rough copy of my tattoo and she couldn't tell me! She then told me how much approximately my tattoo would cost but yeah she didn't know which tattoo artist would be doing it and I have no confirmed answers with me I wasn't allowed to see any rough copy and then at the end of the conversation she tells me the person that did the rough copy for me and is no longer there I said to her well how would you know what the price is if the person that did my rough copy is no longer there I was very very confused she got more snotty very unprofessional so I asked her,then if I could give her a call back in about 10 minutes because I was driving and I couldn't talk while I was driving obviously She rudely hung up on me! such an ignorant unprofessional customer service this such a shame, because of her mannerism somebody had lost out on a paycheque! read more

Just had my nose pierced by George and it was the BEST one yet! I have had a couple of piercings in the past elsewhere but nothing beats George. She truly cares for her clients and always has their best interests at heart. She always goes that extra mile. You also, can't beat the price. I will definitely be returning for my other piercings! Thank you!!! read more

We stopped in to see George the piecer today for a second opinion on a nose piercing my teen got about 5 weeks ago after several people suggested her. The original place seemed conflicting ( the piercers gave conflicting advice and care instructions) and I didn't feel very listened to there. George..... she was absolutely amazing. She took the time in an exceptionally professional and kind way to discuss what to do now, what to watch for, what would be the next steps. She also gave us her personal number and insisted that we touch base in 3 days regardless so she can keep on top of this. She was also so reassuring to my daughter that has been so worried she would have to take it out. She was never once concerned that we never had put work done there, just wanted to help us now. I will never go anywhere else. And George.... thank you, truly. Christina and Rhane read more

Brought my daughter and a niece here to have their ears pierced. George was just pure awesome! She cares about what she does and walked the girls through the complete process. No pain, only smiles. Highly recommend this place! read more

I had done quite a bit of research on which tattoo parlour I should go to to get my helix pierced. Yelp reviews were all very helpful & narrowed my choice down to Strange World. Immediately i saw raving reviews for George, the parlour's piercer. This excited me as it's not very often you see a piercer get such high praise. The space was very open and the staff friendly. Didn't feel intimidated or claustrophobic like some smaller parlours can make you feel... I went in around opening to do a walk-in and was seen right away. (Reviews have said that George can get quite busy so I wanted to get it done sooner in the day rather than later) I opted for a double helix since they offer such a great deal. George was truly amazing and so friendly from the get go. She answered all of my questions and was very professional. She made the ear piercing process extremely smooth and as painless as possible. She gave me her card with her number on it to contact her in case I had any questions or concerns about my piercings, which I thought was very kind and thoughtful. I would 100% go back to Strange World just for George. Thank you!! read more

Strange World Tattoo - Double helix piercing - Tattoo Near Me - Calgary, Alberta

Knowledgeable and friendly place. Had my daith pierced by George, she is awesome. Smoothest, most painless piercing experience I've had. Highly recommended Strange World. read more

I'm a mega-fan of the folks at Strange World. Heather Mclean did a 30+ hour side-piece for me, pictures of which have accompanied her interviews with various tattoo magazines and outlets. Brett, the owner, is also top-shelf. Numerous awards, local legend, etc. I'm scheduled to head in for a sleeve sometime this fall, and couldn't be more excited about it. He has nearly completed my best-friend's sleeve as well, and the detail is phenomenal. If you need anything pierced, or just wanna hang out and talk to someone cool, George, their shop manager/resident piercer is pretty kick-ass. Well-organized, open, and ridiculously clean shop. Definitely check them out if you are looking for some work while hanging out in Calgary. read more

Highly recommend George at Strange World Tattoo for piercings! She is very professional, knowledgeable, and friendly. I took my sister in to get her ears pierced and George was fabulous & kind to her - she even gave my sister her email address to follow up with her in case she had any issues/ questions. I have been to a lot of piercers - George is by far the best! Will not be going anywhere else for piercings in the future. read more

My artist is Mike Peace! and you are amazing and I love you in a brotherly way! My girlfriend at the time - Kenzie introduced me to Mike and being sucha beautiful and honest person she is, I took her advice and went to see Mike, after looking at his portfolio and sitting down and having a quick meet and greet with him, I knew she was so right. You have to connect somehow with your artist, after all their work will be on you for life, so not only i feel artistically, but the aura, that's just me. Mike, what i really admire and respect is that you being the artist, will listen to me and take what i want and give your opinion, but will not change it or force idea on me. You truly listen to your clients, and i respect that a lot. If i want something to look a certain way, you not only delivered, but you made it flow. Awesome Mike! Great shop and clean! and very professional, all the staff there, and friendly, and non-judgemental. As in , have you ever walked into a place where people just seem to ignore you, or already make you feel unwelcomed or judgemental? well this shop does not make you feel like that/. They are truly a welcoming place. Awesome!!! Well I will be back soon to make an appointment with you Mike so, I will be planning a back piece with you. I will see you sometime in February to book my dates! Also very important: THANK YOU FOR NOT MILKING THE CLOCK, and being more than fair to me. I love honest tattoo artist, especially you Mike. Honesty goes a long way with me. read more

Went with my friend to get a tattoo. We both had Malinda. She did an absolutely excellent job with two difficult concepts! We found her professional and patient, which made the experience enjoyable. Will definitely come back in the future! Thanks so much to everyone there! read more

Got a couple of pieces done here.. George is always friendly and inviting.. most of my work is been done by one artist and he's not at that location anymore but from what I've seen from the other artists it's definitely a good place with decent work. I would suggest coming in and talking to George and they also now have an actual receptionist because George is normally just the piercer talk to either of them and let him know what you want to get and I'm sure they can put you in touch with the right artist read more

I came to Strange World Tattoo on a recommendation from a friend; I didn't bother shopping around because of the glowing reviews on here. George at the front is AWESOME and easy to talk to. She paired me up with Chris Ivens who was just re-hired as he was returning from out of province (as I was told he worked there previously). During my very short consult, he convinced me to change the placement of my tattoo from where I really wanted it. I called George about a week and a half before my appointment and asked if there was any way I could preview as I was worried about how it would look. He drew out the tattoo and I loved it but it was missing a critical piece though and said he would have it added on the day of my appointment, which was O.K. I showed up for my appointment and he showed me the missing piece drawn in. With the addition, it looked nothing like I had wanted. I had been paired with him because he had really realistic looking tattoos and the addition was not realistic at all. He told me we could just skip on the added piece but doing that would defeat the meaning behind the tattoo that I was getting for my sister. He told me, 'No offense but my job isn't to worry about the meaning, just that it looks good'. We hadn't scheduled enough time to re-draw it and the paperwork I signed says cancelled appointments lose their deposit so I made peace with the addition that I didn't like and we started on the tattoo. The tattoo took a total of about 3 hours. We had scheduled 4 but he ate lunch upon arriving and there was 3 smoke breaks taken (though I'm not a smoker). I was billed for 3.5 hours. The tattoo had some weird spots but I figured after it healed I would have a better idea. There are a several spots where there is shading outside of the tattoo lines. I don't think that can be fixed but it isn't noticeably obvious to anyone but me unless they're really looking for it. There is also a weird area where the color doesn't seem to match the rest of the tattoo (literally looks like a brownish blob and is both inside and outside where any other should be) which I thought we could fix but when I went back to ask about touch ups, he said it looked fine. I'm going to have to try to find another shop to fix and touch up the spots that I'm unhappy with. read more

I went to Strange World for my first tattoo. I went in to get a consultation and they were very friendly and could tell I was a little nervous so they were making jokes and lightening the mood! They offered to do the tattoo right after the consultation instead of having to book an appointment so I got it done right away. Malinda was very friendly and clean. She was constantly communicating and she made sure everything was exactly how I wanted it. After the inkwork she cleaned the area thouroughly and told me the aftercare procedure. Upon paying they gave me a sheet with info about aftercare and were amazing. Amazing service and quality. Cleanliness was top notch and I would definitely recommend!! read more

All my tattoos have been done here, and I don't think I'd ever consider going anywhere else for future pieces. It's super easy to immediately feel comfortable at Strange World. The staff are all incredible, knowledgeable, and hilarious. My first tats were done in 2012 by a guy who isn't there anymore, but my latest were done May 2016 by John Boletta. Part of this piece was some of my own handwriting, which he could have just copied completely but he used his knowledge of fonts and scripts to change it ever so slightly so that it would look better for longer and not fade into lumps that didn't look like letters anymore. He was really great with checking in on how I was feeling and he told jokes the whole time to keep my mind off the pain. Also have gotten pierced by George, she is super skilled and professional and really friendly and I absolutely adore her! Love this place! read more

I got my first tattoo this morning and it was quick and the environment was very welcoming. I would recommend this place for others and will defiantly be returning. read more

Ever met someone and felt instantly comfortable? Well, that person for me was George. She's extremely professional, efficient and personable. I know where I'll be going for all my next piercings. 10/10 will recommend. This is a great shop with great service and people. read more

I came to Calgary to visit a friend for a few days. I'd been thinking of getting another tattoo for awhile, just a small script piece. I called around a few places and was lucky enough to get a walk in with Rick. The shop itself had a really welcoming vibe, very friendly. I've spent my fair share of time in tattoo shops and know that many have a bit of an intimidating vibe especially if you are new to tattoos, this place is NOT like that. The girl at the desk (whose name I sadly didn't get) was especially nice and very helpful. As for that tattoo itself, Rick did a great job, even though it was just a small script piece he didn't treat it as anything beneath him. He was friendly throughout the process and the final product is beautiful. I highly highly recommend Strange World Tattoo. read more

I got two piercings done by George here and it was an amazing experience! She does such a good job at explaining everything you need to know to take care of your piercings and gives you her number so you can text her about any issues! The staff is extremely friendly and helpful with any issues or questions you have! I will definitely return here again for a piercing (: read more

Poor business ethic, and weak customer service. Went in to start a massive cover up, put down a 100$ deposit with some guy called "peel". I live over an hour and a half away. The day of my appointment was the first blizzard of the year, and I got snowed in. I called to explain my situation only to be told "tough" and if I wanted to keep my spot I would have to put down another deposit. I have never felt so disrespected by a tattoo shop, there is supposed to be a level of friendship and understanding between the artist and client, but not at this place. Safe to say I went else where, got a much more professional artist, and was treated how you would expect to be treated when paying thousands of dollars for their art work. Take your money else where, to people who actually appreciate their clients. read more

Had my 3rd session finishing a rib piece today, the shop was more then willing to make changes in my scheduled times to accommodate me, and Eddie was friendly, and had calm professional manner. The ribs is a tough area to get work on and I'd like to comment his patience. The quality of eddies work is excellent, and I would recommend this shop read more

I went here to get the other side of my lip pierced. I was worried that since I got my first lip piercing at a different time and place, it would be placed unequally, or look funny. But it was completely fine, in fact the first mark she made was almost perfectly placed. On top of it, she was completely laid back and really cool. I'm really pleased with the level of service. They seem to do really well with tattoos, too. I'll definitely keep this place in mind! read more

I've been a customer at Strange World since my first tattoo. My wife had her first done with Brett Schwindt when he was at Smiling Buddha, and we thought to check this place out when he opened it up. The service is top-of-the-line. George, their receptionist/piercer, is easily the friendliest woman you will ever meet. She remembers my name even when I don't come in for over a year between visits. Service with a smile is her forte. My first tattoo was done not too long after they opened, back around 2007, I think. It was just a simple little maple leaf on my shoulder. Even though it was small and their artists usually do nothing but big custom pieces, they made me feel like it was the most important tattoo they've ever done. Rick was great, friendly and efficient. My next tattoo with them was done in 2011, this time a bigger custom half sleeve. The guy I was originally booked with was actually let go about a month before my tattoo was going to get started. The owner found out he was purposely taking too long on tattoos to make more money and gouge customers. Brett takes his business seriously and wouldn't allow this to happen, even though he would technically make money off of it. I was quite pleased to hear that he values his customers so much. He even took on the customers that were left hanging, like me. I'm sure glad he did. No wonder this man is so well known around town. Three years later and I still can't believe how awesome my tattoo is. I've had only one tattoo done elsewhere, and I'll never make that mistake again. This is the only place in Calgary to get your tattoos done. The service and professionalism are top notch. George even did my first piercing a couple days ago, and I seriously cannot say enough good things. read more

George is absolutely amazing, by far the best piercer I've been to. I always see her with everything piercing related, as she is incredibly knowledgeable, as well as funny and kind. Everything she does is 10/10 sanitary and she will answer any questions you have about piercings so that you are totally comfortable, and will make sure you have her number in case you're at home and something feels wrong :) read more

I just got my nose pierced at Strange World! I walked in and George, the piercer, took me right away. Everyone was very kind and friendly, and George was extremely knowledgeable. The piercing went very smoothly and there was minimal pain. The shop itself was impeccable. I would absolutely recommend this place for piercings, and I'm sure they hold themselves to the same standard for tattoos! read more

Just finished my first tattoo here with a guest artist. I am overjoyed with my beautiful body art that was designed and executed masterfully by Brian Ragusin. His work and demeanour are equally awesome. Great artist and great person! I have had nothing but great experiences with this shop. I had three sessions to complete my back piece. The whole place is very welcoming and organized but in my humble opinion especially George; who remembered me and went out of her way a couple times to make sure my work was scheduled in. read more

I had a wonderful experience with this shop a few months back! Originally had a tattoo booked with an artist who was leaving soon, so instead had my work done with Rick Wilson - who was fantastic! The shop is clean, George (the gal who does piercings and books appointments) is so charming and makes people feel right at home as soon as they walk in the door. Honestly I can't say enough good things about this shop. I will definitely go back again! read more

I just had my calf completed by John at the start of June and could not sing the praises of the people there more. This was my first tattoo and between John and the lady at the desk George they could not have made me feel more comfortable about the whole experience. I had walked in with some conceptual ideas initially and the end result is more than I ever could have expected. Everyone I know is constantly amazed by the level of detail and craftsmanship. Now that its been about 2 weeks since it has been completed I have called them a couple times on some questions and again they were quick to ease my mind on everything. To sum it up I couldnt sing their praises more and would ensure a repeat visit to the shop when another one is needed as well as bringing in a couple friends to join me. read more

I have never had a bad experience here, I love it and it's my go-to for all piercings and tattoos. George is the piercer at Strange World and has done all of my piercings except for my 1st set of ear lobe, and I have nothing but good things to say about her (she's done my 2nd and 3rd lobe piercings, my double outer helix, and my tragus). She's detailed when explaining how everthing is going to go down, very clear and helpful with the care associated with piercings, and finishes the whole experience off by handing you her card and telling you to text or phone her if you ever have any questions or issues. VERY hospitable. I have brought multiple people into see her for their piercings, and they have all had great experiences as well. When people ask for suggestions on where they should go for piercings I always insist on Strange World. They have an extremely clean environment, their shop isn't a big space but their open concept really makes it seem bigger, and everyone there is very nice and informative. 10/10 would suggest. read more

Got my forearm done here by Kristen after finding her portfolio on line. She did an amazing job and was soooooo helpful and patient with placement, exact sizing and an absolute pleasure to chat with over the 3 hour session. A lovely lovely person. She also did some touch ups down the road and was very professional about making it perfect as you can tell she genuinely wants you to love it and knows that by doing an amazing job, its basically having your business card on someones body. Ive had numerous people stop and ask me about it in multiple cities i've visited since! (NYC mainly). I also came back a few months later to get my nose re pierced and George was the sweeeetest, nicest and most helpful piercer I've ever dealt with. Answered all my questions about everything. Both these girls give you the feeling like they want you to be 100% completely stoked with your choices and also offer their professional opinions and then let you decide what to do. There was zero pressure to do anything they suggested and of course I ended up always taking their suggestion because it made absolute sense. The most important part to stress of these 2 beauty's was ZERO ego. Not once did I feel like I wasn't worthy or hardcore enough to be in their store because I wasn't covered head to toe. I think a lot of people that dabble in body art can feel this sometimes when they walk into the "wrong" parlour. Also the shop is insanely clean. Literally you walk in and it just feels like the place you want to be if you're doing anything involving needles and all that. Also a very open shop so it's cool to see other people getting their work done. No walls hiding anything really. Even the guys that work there that look a bit intimidating, give off a great vibe like you're welcome in their shop. I'm sure if they were helping me they would be just as rad. I've maybe been 5-6 times in the past year and now even though I'm sure they see alot of people, everytime I walk in George gives me the biggest smile and is stoked to help and answer all my questions. Hands down my favorite shop and great to feel like you're "apart" of a little shop and not just a random walking in even if you only stop in a few times a year. One last thing is when my tattoo was healing, I had never done a piece this big so it was much more of a concern to make sure It was healing right. A few times I got paranoid and called/emailed Strange World telling them whats up and they were so cool with talking to me and giving me advice. I think the receptionist even gave me her personal cell and insisted I keep her updated over the next couple weeks with pictures! Of course everything came out fine but they made me feel much better about the whole thing. I can't imagine many people doing that much for their clients. Not just in the tattoo world but in general. Kristen A+ George A+ Strange World A+. - Jarrod read more

I love strange world. George (the shop owner and piercer) has pierced me a few times and she is the nicest lady ever. She will go out of her way to find jewellery that you're looking for. She is always smiley, always encouraging, always helpful. I've been meaning to write this for a while because I love that lady! Super highly recommended! As for tats, I don't have any. However I do have a friend that got tattooed there and she was very pleased. :) read more

not the greatest experience. I came in to see john, nice enough guy but he was supposed to get me in within the next couple days to get a appointment booked and show me what he had drawn up to help cover my old tattoo. weeks went by wouldn't even return my calls, unprofessional I thought, probly wouldn't go back, just because your good artists doesn't mean you crap on the small guy. read more

My brother initially got his tattoo here and suggested it for piercing. We walked in and it smelled clean, it looked clean, and everyone was very welcoming and professional. George did a PHENOMENAL job with my sister's navel piercing. She was so nervous and George did everything to make her feel comfortable, walked her through the process and the after care. She even helped me with an ear piercing of my own. I am thoroughly impressed and will be referring everyone I know! Thank you so much again! You guys are awesome. read more

This place is wonderful. Right from the moment you call the shop, or walk in, George at the front desk is super duper friendly and makes you feel super comfortable - which was a big deal for me, since I was going in for my first tattoo, and was really nervous. But they fit me in for a small peice in the afternoon, even staying open a little late for me. They were all fantastic, and my artist - John (who is the shop apprentice) made me feel super comfortable and relaxed, and did an amazing job on my tattoo. I will definately be returning for my second one! read more

I wish I had done more research on Ryan Gagne before booking with him. I had a consultation with him two weeks ago he approached me in the waiting area after he was done eating off of his bed. He did not smile or say hello, he simply confirmed who i was and took me back. during the consultation he came off very dismissive, made little to no eye contact with me and I left feeling awful. He was very rude and condescending and he honestly made me feel "stupid" for asking questions. I booked the appointment but I am seriously considering asking if they can give me my deposit back or put me in with a different artist. I know of three people at Strange World Tattoo that are very nice and HELPFUL. Ryan may do good work, but he also desperately needs to improve on his people skills since people are a huge part of the business. It is a very nice shop, and is extremely clean with so much talent, hopefully Ryan doesn't chase away too much of their business... read more