INFO
We do have a few policies that you need to know about, that info is below.
GENERAL INFORMATION
2 LOCATIONS
OPEN CONCEPT SHOP
DISPOSABLE SUPPLIES
COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS
We have undergone inspections from Alberta Health Services and Occupational Health Services.
We practice all recommended strategies and have implemented all guidelines and preventive measures as set forth by the Alberta government to ensure the safety of our clients.
NO MINORS 18+ ONLY
STYLE IS EVERYTHING
We base everything on style around here. When it comes to your tattoo, we want it to look amazing so we will make sure the right artist who specializes in the right style works with you.
Sterilization
ALBERTA HEALTH SERVICES
Alberta Health Services and our studios have an exceptional relationship. We undergo routine and surprise visits from our local health inspector. Since 2007 our studios have been a benchmark for our industry.
DESIGNING YOUR TATTOO
ABOUT US
Founded when two best friends decided they wanted to open a tattoo shop. Curt and Mitchell both from Edmonton, Alberta Canada conceptualized a tattoo studio that focused on clients, artists, high quality tattooing, and tattoo art.
Crimson Empire Tattoo was established in 2007.
What started out as two buddies talking became a business plan focusing on their goals artistically and as a customer service oriented business. The focus was on doing great tattoos and treating every client with respect and gratitude.
Crimson Empire quickly turned into a local favorite. Things changed and what started out with loyal north side Edmonton clients quickly spread through out the city, then the province of Alberta and now with clients and visiting artists coming from across the region and even from other countries.
Things started to change around the north side shop in 2013. A shop originally built to house seven artists was now crammed and home to thirteen talented tattoo artists. Curt and Mitchell decided it was time to start another chapter. Enter the Black Gold Era.
Mid 2014 is when Black Gold Tattoo Co opened its doors in the southern most section of the city - South Edmonton Common. We quickly transitioned into our new digs.
Once 2015 hit we opened our second Crimson Empire Tattoo location in the neighborhood of Summerside.
Then 2017 came around we said good-bye to our original location located in the Kingsway area and moved our crew south. Things were tight to say the least, but we made some changes and we have been loving our new shop.
LOVE + COMMITMENT
WE TRULY LOVE TATTOOING
We love what we do, and we are told it shows. Day after day, we have the honor of doing what we love, tattooing.
We get to talk art and life experiences with our clients, make amazing tattoos, and immerse ourselves in an environment that fuels creativity and improvement.
Because we value a great atmosphere and creating only the best work. We’re very choosy about the artists we invite to work with us. Our priority is bringing people into the shop who love tattoos just as much as we do – if not more.
Before any artist can join our family, they go through a thorough screening process. Talent, integrity, and respect for the current sterilization practices set by Alberta Health Services are required, not optional.
We only hire the best artists, so naturally we do the same when it comes to equipment. We strive to stay up to date with the latest technology. Things change quick, and anywhere we can’t keep up, we’ll make up for it with care, consideration, and sick tattoos.
Over the years, we’ve tattooed thousands of great people. Our mission is to create a place you’ll love to come back to, so we can tattoo thousands more in the years to come. We'd love for you to be among them.
WALK-IN TATTOO INFORMATION
FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED
SIZE MATTERS
STYLE IS EVERYTHING
If we decline your project and refer you to another artist who isn’t doing walk-ins that day, it’s not because we don’t want to tattoo you. We want to make sure you get the best artist for the job – and one who matches your unique style. We believe good work is worth the wait, and we want to get you in with the right artist more than anything.
$200 MINIMUM CHARGE
You get what you pay for. We didn’t cut corners when we opened up shop or when we set up for your tattoo: we use single-use needles, disposable materials, wrap your tattoo with proper aftercare materials, and designed a positive, safe environment to getting tattooed in. We’re not here to be cheap – we’re here to be safe, sterile and do great tattoos.
YOU MAY NOT GET TATTOOED
ON WALK IN DAY
We promise to do our best to get to everyone. In return, we ask for your understanding. Our shop is run by humans, not robots. They and their families get sick, things come up unexpectedly, sometimes a tattoo may take longer than expected (reducing the amount of clients we can tattoo in a day), or sometimes life happens. Please be patient with us as we do our best to accommodate you.
NO SHARING
Not tattoo time. Not set-up time. Not needles. Not disposables. Budgets are cool and all, but we don’t cut corners when it comes to your safety and our professionalism. If you don’t have the time or the funds for proper work, please come back and see us when you do.
PRICING
Minimum Charge
$200
Includes:
- Up to 1 hour of tattooing,
- $30 Supply Fee,
- and the GST
We encourage you to fill the hour with one or more smaller tattoos.
Minimum charge pricing is per person.
Hourly Rate
$190
All of our artists are under the same hourly rate (Unless otherwise specified)
Consultations
FREE
We never charge for consultations. They have been and always will be free.
CANCELLATION POLICY
48 HOURS NOTICE IS REQUIRED
Here are the details on our cancelation policy. We totally understand that things happen and we get it! We are happy to work with you and cancel any appoinments you have with us, however here is what we require.
Call us during business hours to advise. We need 48 hours notice or you will forfeit your deposit. We also can not guarntee the timeliness of your next appoinmnmet. This means some of our artists are booked months in advance and you may have a long period of waiting ahead of you.
RESCHEDULING
RESCHEDULING YOUR APPOINTMENT
We are here to help, life gets busy and sometimes you need to make changes to your schedule. We got you!
If you need to reschedule, here is what you need to know.
You must call us to reschedule, during business hours. Your appointment must be more than 48 hours in the future when you call. We cant guarantee the timeliness of your next appointment. We will try our best to accommodate you, however we cant guarantee certain days or times will be available.
IDENTIFICATION IS REQUIRED
GOVERNMENT ISSUE ID IS REQUIRED
This one is really simple. You need to bring your ID so we know who you are. We wont be able to tattoo you unless you bring it with you, so please bring it.
We only accept valid government issued Identification.
Sorry, that means as great as your Costco card is, it wont get you tattooed.
OUR PROCESS
WORKING TOGETHER.
Here are the steps we follow, and how we take your idea and turn it into a masterpiece.
STEP 1
ARTIST SELECTION
Not every artist does every style, we encourage every client to check out portfolios and pick the artist that has a similar style to what you're thinking.
STEP 2
FREE CONSULTATION
We Set up a FREE CONSULTATION with one of our artists. You guys discuss the project, bring some photos and ideas with you. We discuss the project in depth, set the timeline, budget and then we get drawing.
STEP 3
VIEW DRAWING
We are a custom tattoo shop. That means we will draw all the designs our self. Once we have the drawings down we show you our vision, if there are any changes, we need to know about them now. This drawing viewing can be days before or the day of the tattoo it really depends on the artist.
STEP 4
TATTOO APPOINTMENT
Tattoo time! Eat something healthy, wear comfy clothes and maybe arrange for a ride. This is what you have been waiting for!
CHOOSING THE RIGHT ARTIST
RESEARCH THE ARTISTS
4 KEY POINTS TO CONSIDER
Choosing the right tattoo artist is a very important part of the process. Grab a coffee, open up your device and away you go!
- You should really like their portfolio,
- You should be able to establish a vibe or build a rapport with the artist. There should be a level of comfort and security that is established before the tattooing begins.
- Their schedule and availability should work with your timeline and work schedule.
- You should feel safe with the artist and also within the tattoo shop itself.
If any of these key points are missed you may want to reconsider your choice of artist.
TATTOO STYLES
ARE YOU A TATTOO ARTIST?
Interested in joining our team? We would love to hear from you and see your work.
Please send us a message with a link to your portfolio or your Instagram or website.
START A NEW CHAPTER NOW!
We want to hear from you
CONSULTATION INFO
We prefer to provide a FREE consultation for every tattoo.
The details, placement, meaning or significance, budget and time frame are very important to us. We want to get it straight.
PICTURES ARE IMPORTANT
Have you ever tried to describe a beautiful photo? How about a bunch of photos grouped together for a tattoo? Its not easy to do. We always prefer you show us instead of tell us what you are wanting tattooed.
DRAWINGS & SKETCHES
We work with you to bring your ideas to our paper (ipad actually now a days). Depending on the drawing and size and amount of detail its not uncommon to spend 3x- 5x the hours drawing up the image we will be tattooing. We want to make it perfect , this stuff is permanent, ya know?!
EXAMPLE SLEEVE TATTOO
TATTOO TIME - 15-25 HRS
DRAW TIME 6-12 HRS
CONSULTATIONS TAKE TIME
We have a lot of information to gather and details to go over. We will want your input and will have some suggestions and the more time we spend the better. We know you are excited to get the process started but we want to make sure we are on the same page. We will have lots of drawing time ahead of us.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF CUSTOM
Your tattoo is designed especially for you, no one else. We are a custom tattoo studio, with amazing artists. We pride ourselves on being able to tattoo original artwork that has meaning and significance to you the wearer. We want you to have a unique tattoo that represents your journey, your milestones, your memories, or memorial, and we want to help you celebrate the victories all through tattooing.
TATTOO APPOINTMENT INFO
GETTING TATTOOED?
HERE IS SOME STUFF YOU SHOULD KNOW.
ARRIVE EARLY
We appreciate the timeliness of your arrival.
EAT SOMETHING
Its going to help you during your tattoo session.
COMFY CLOTHING
Keeps you comfy and helps get you through.
DON'T BE IMPAIRED
We have a zero tolerance policy in effect for alcohol, prescription drugs or other substances.
HAVE A RIDE
If possible let someone drop you off and pick you up.
AFTERCARE
We have aftercare instructions and products available at our studios. Please take care of your tattoo.
OUR ENVIRONMENT
We are dedicated to self-expression. There is no ego or attitude here in our studios. Every client is treated as an equal, and given our full respect and attention.
We combine old-school tattoo ethics with modern equipment, the highest safety standards and a professional team of front end staff.
We want your experience to be amazing, every time. However yours and our safety is our first priority, Check our rep with Alberta Health Services.
Our artists are highly experienced and dedicated. We're here to help and would love to answer any questions you have.
OUR REVIEWS
CHECK OUR ONLINE REP
BUSINESS HOURS
CLOSED SUNDAY & Holidays
Interested in starting your project?
We’re here to help!
Let us know what you're considering and we’ll do our best to help.
