Utility

I am a newbie when it comes to tattoos. I got my first one in Vancouver and my second, with more detail to it, here at Utility. Everything people say about it is true. The place is professional, clean and full of experts with a great sense of humour.
My tattoo was done by Matt but I honestly would have felt comfortable with anyone there. Although his friendly personality and wicked sense of humour were awesome to have while I went through the typical pain of getting a tattoo done.
I’ve only had two tattoos but have been to quite a few tattoo spots in multiple cities with friends. You end up expecting to always see some negative artists who find it hard to smile. This is NOT that place. They are friendly, love what they do and are obsessed with getting the job done right. Just go. Go now.

Every time I see a tattoo that looks amazing (beautiful colors that look freshly done even though it’s healed, clean designs, etc.) the answer is almost always «I had it done at Utility!». The only other answer I sometimes get is «Lydia did it!» and she once worked at Utility so I guess that fits. Seriously, my friends swear by this place and after always getting this answer when I asked about tattoos, I decided to go to them for my second tattoo.
I walked in off the streets to inquire about a tattoo that would need to be drawn up. Their receptionist is a very friendly girl who is always helpful (I had dealt with her before when my fiancé walked in to inquire about a tattoo). I was told they could get me in the next day but because of my schedule I picked the day after. My appointment was with Len and when I walked in for my appointment it seemed like he had forgot about my appointment, but he was able to draw my tattoo up in no time at all and it looked better than I had imagined it could! Not even 20 minutes later, I had my tattoo. They are so professional and so fast! I was surprised. My first tattoo from elsewhere, which was around the same size, took much longer.
My tattoo is now healed and it looks amazing! Nothing will need to be touched up and it is still vibrant.
The shop is very clean and open, unlike a few other places I can think of close by that are very dark and the staff not nearly as friendly. The price is slightly more compared to some of the other tattoo places around, but it’s not a huge difference and it is COMPLETELY worth it for the job they do!
For all my future tattoos, I will be going back here and making sure anyone I know who is looking for a tattoo knows about this place.

I had been thinking of a tattoo for long long time and decided it was finally time. It only took a little research to decide this is where I was getting it done. Overwhelmingly positive reviews and multiple winner at the Coast. Easy choice.
Having no idea of costs, I e-​mailed them my design and they got back to me promptly with an approximate cost and duration, as well as available appointments in the coming days.
I walked in to a really nice, comfortable and impeccably clean space on Hallowe’en afternoon. King Len was my assigned artist and he was very friendly. He took care to size the tattoo to what I wanted and then it was time to start. 1:45 later, I was inked!
They say that once you get your first one, it’s only a matter of time until your next one. If there is a next one, I’m definitely going back to Utility!

Utility is where you’ll find the best of the best tattooers in Halifax!
Andy (the owner) is probably the nicest guy you’ll ever meet. He has the best bedside manner I’ve ever experienced while getting tattooed. I also bet you’ve seen his work on at least one of your friends, so I don’t need to tell you (but I will) that it’s just amazing. I have 2 tattoos from him and both are traditional designs.
Matt Owen is super nice and ultra funny. He free handed a couple of my tattoos, which is really impressive. He also tattoo’s very quickly, which is nice when you’re a big wimp like me! I have 8 tattoos from him and 2 of those are very large cover ups. they are traditional, neo-​traditional and Japanese designs. Matt also does some really gorgeous script, and I can’t wait to get some of that!
Len moved to Utility. He’s from Montréal but I’ve actually been tattooed by him as well. He attends the Halifax tattoo Festival annually and I had my hand tattooed by him there. I have 2 tattoos from Len, both are traditional designs.
I would highly recommend Utility for any of the styles I have mentioned above!

Fastest, easiest, best experience I’ve had getting a tattoo. The shop itself is really clean and open, and they have a lovely receptionist who greets you when you come in.
I literally walked in off the street with no appointment, and about half an hour later I had my tattoo. I had already drawn it exactly how I wanted so they just scanned it and made a stencil, which took all of 10 seconds.
The artist (Matt) was really nice and he did a great job replicating my own handwriting. The tattoo is now healed, it’s in really good shape and I love it.
If I decide to get another one, I will definitely be going back to Utility. I have two tattoos from several years ago and I can honestly say this is the first one that really means something to me and I’m glad I came here to do it.

After wanting a tattoo of a Pirate ship on my leg for 6 + years, I decided to go ahead a get it. I settled on Mike @ Utility to be my artist. After meeting with him, expressing my idea, and seeing the tattoo parlour, any and all fear i had was settled.
The place was clean, organized, tidy, the employees were all courteous and well mannered.
I couldn’t be happier with the way my tattoo turned out, and i can guarantee I’ll be back.

I’ve had work done at Utility. Professional staff and VERY clean shop. The artists at Utility are top notch and I’ll go there for any other work I want done in the future. Definetly the most professional tattoo shop I’ve seen,

I have heard a lot about this place and the Coast seems to think it is all that and then some. It is nice to see an establishment as professional as this here in Halifax.
The interior is very clean and crisp, with professional there to work with you. I was very impressed with the overall feel and artists that work there.

This studio puts all the tragic tattoo shop clichés to rest. With its crisp, lofty make-​up, visitors are instantly welcomed and reassured of its legitimate services.
Utility has been a steady winner in The Coast’s «Best Of» polls, and its not hard to see why. The folks running this joint are true professionals. Beyond master crafters, their manner and etiquette appears exceptional. They will work with you and give the direction you may need, but also make sure you’re getting what you want. Its a win-​win.
This is a beautiful space, and if you’re going to get stabbed by a needle for a lengthened period of time, you may as well enjoy the surroundings. Bright, modern and chic, Utility shakes away the dark and weary ways of other parlors.
Great service. Fantastic results. Beautiful space.

I’ve heard such horror stories about tattoo and piercing studios, so when my friend from out of town started asking me where he should go to get «inked» I decided to check in with the good people of Unilocal!to come up with an answer for him.
I’ve never been tattooed myself and this was only the second time I’d been in a tattoo parlour so I might not be the most reliable source, but Utility really impressed me. My friend had a really good idea of what he wanted going in and it only took a few minutes for Lydia, one of the owners to sketch out a design that everyone was really happy with. The tattoos turned out really great and they healed over perfectly with very little flaking.
Utility has been widely praised for being the best tattoo parlour east of Montréal and for good reason. Their studio is open and clean, their equipment is sterilized and packaged, which is of course important to prevent spread of infection or disease.
The biggest draw to Utility is the experience and talent of the artists on staff. If you get tattooed at Utility you can rest assured you will get exactly what you want, and leave with a piece of art that you will want to keep around forever (and conveniently you can).

Upon entering this tattoo boutique, you’ll hear the buzz of ink-​guns droning in the background and notice art being exhibited across the shop’s walls.
This tattoo joint is comfortable and clean, with a big-​city loft feel. Unlike many tattoo parlors, there is tons of natural light and the walls aren’t cluttered with pre-​fab designs, begging to be chosen and stamped on your body.
The artists at this studio, Lydia, Andy and Mike, will work with you to design your ideal tat. Early last year, I worked with Lydia on a piece. We sent design ideas back and forth until the piece all was complete. It was a nice process and reassuring to know that she was willing to assist with ideas.
I highly recommend Utility for all of your tattooing needs. They’re professional, experienced and pleased to help you come up with a design that you’ll be happy with for years to come.

«Voted best tattoo shop in Halifax 7 years running» by readers of Halifax’s favorite free newspaper The Coast.
Utility is a custom tattoo and piercing shop, that also doubles as an art gallery; displaying and selling local artwork.
It offers a clean, professional, clutter-​free and friendly environment, with arguably the best tattoo artists in Halifax. You wont find tattoo flash on the walls here, this is for people who are serious about quality. But hey, if you don’t know what you want, set up a consultation with a tattoo artist, who will be more than happy to design a unique piece of body art just for you!
Utility rotates its art space on a monthly basis, with all art work available for sale. It also has a display case full of jewelry for those of you who are pierced, and a small stock of unique gift items, including gift cards.
Utility runs a tight ship, but please don’t be intimidated. They are very friendly and excited about talking body modification either on the phone, or helping answer questions in person.
Personally speaking, this is the place I would recommend for getting custom tattoos in Halifax. I am always happy with the quality, and it is so much fun getting work done here.
Call or drop by to set up consultations with the tattoo artists, or to book a piercing appointment. They also accept piercing drop-​ins.
*a small deposit for scheduled tattoo-​work appointments may be required.
Hours: Tues — Sat 12 — 6.