Red Cat Studio APPOINTMENT ONLY

Fantastic experience: My friend visiting from NB decided she wanted a tattoo. I suggested she try Red Cat Studio. The shop is very clean. She loves her custom tattoo.

Fantastic experience: My first time ever getting my belly pierced, no pain at all, wonderful guys and it was quick and easy!!

Fantastic experience: Brought daughter for belly button piercing. Very friendly and took good care of us. Will be back!

Fantastic experience: Quick and hospitable service.

Fantastic experience: Super friendly environment and amazing quality walk in tattoos!

Fantastic experience: Great experience the apprentice rocked my tattoo! Vic shop is also fantastic! Highly recommend

Fantastic experience: Came in to get a line of script they were fast and super friendly. Definitely will be coming back in the future. Love how it turned out

Fantastic experience: Great service, very personable they listen to exactly what I wanted

Fantastic experience: I was in for the apprentice tattoo event they had going on and Artem did an awesome job! Super happy with it, thank you!

Negative experience: My sister wanted to get a belly button piercing for her birthday, we called ahead of time and asked if they do body piercings they said yes. We drove an hour to Nanaimo for the piercing just for them to say “we only do ears” waste of time will never come back. Waste of a day and I won’t be recommending.

Negative experience: called and asked to book a piercing, was told they do body piercings and i wasn’t allowed to book an appointment, drove all the way out from duncan just to be told they only do lobes. not impressed. waste of my time & gas. will not be back.

Negative experience: I took my daughters in to get their ears pierced last December. Iulianna who performed the service was friendly, patient, and professional. I appreciated our experience with her. While there we noticed a a few young men doing the tattoo work. Fast-forward to April 2025 and we return to get the girls the shorter posts after the initial healing process is complete. We are told Iluianna is not in and she would return the following Wednesday. We return in the afternoon of the following Wednesday and are told by the same blank-faced young man that she is not in because she took the day off for her anniversary. While it’s understandable that someone would want to take their anniversary off if they can, it’s not like you couldn’t see that coming up on a calendar and advise your clients accordingly. Our interactions with staff aside from Iulianna have been cold, unprofessional and misleading. I would like to begin getting tattooed in the not-too-distant future, but I won’t be returning to Red Cat based on their misleading communication and less than personable staff member. Instead of confirming when she’d be in next, you took our number so you could call us when Iluianna returns for her next shift. Don’t bother calling.

Negative experience: Made my tattoo crooked and not very pleased with the communication skills and didn’t tell me about after care just paid and left with no explanation with care.

Fantastic experience: Awesome people, atmosphere and tattoos! Third one done yesterday and love them all ❤️

Fantastic experience: Our daughter went in this weekend to get a spine tattoo that she has been wanting for awhile. She ended up having a medical incident during the tattoo, and they handled it with professionalism and were very caring. Both artists working were amazing. Offered her to come back to finish whenever she was ready and really made us feel at ease considering the situation. Do not hesitate to use Red Cat and we will return happily.

Fantastic experience: I am not someone who gets piercings easily, but Julianna was incredibly patient and knowledgeable throughout the entire process! She made me feel welcome and comfortable, and I left absolutely loving my new frontal helix.

Negative experience: Drove up from Duncan as a walk-in at 2pm on a Sunday. They were unexpectedly closed, despite the hours posted on the door and on Google. No way to contact them either as they didn't pick up the phone and their voicemail was full.

Fantastic experience: The staff is absolutely amazing! I’ve been to Red Cat multiple times and have never felt anything but welcomed. Today I got a tooth gem and Emma is absolutely so talented thank you for your great work!! I 100% recommend them to anyone looking for body mods or tattoos

Fantastic experience: I’ve gotten three piercings and a tooth gem here, great experience every time! Very kind and professional staff. Everything looks amazing and is healing great.

Fantastic experience: got tooth gems installed by emma! absolutely amazing and kind, looks amazing i couldn’t recommend her more

Fantastic experience: I had a dental gem put on by Emma and I love it! It matches my piercings and looks so great!

Fantastic experience: Amazing customer service, and the piercing i got from here was pierced great, and healed amazingly! Fantastic atmosphere. Also got an adorable tooth gem service that's new!

Fantastic experience: Emma did my friends and i’s tooth gems (for free!!! Special Saturday-Sunday jan18th-19th 11am-6pm. She was amazing and fast, only 8 minutes, music was great and she was the best. Place is sooooo cute as well:) 10/10

Fantastic experience: My girls and I were so impressed with Red Cat Studio and the kind and professional service they received from Emma. Thank you for making it such a fun and relaxing experience.

Fantastic experience: Such a great experience! The staff are so sweet and helpful, making sure everything is perfect for your tattoo. They are super supportive for the nervous ones and know exactly what they are doing! The studio is so adorable and had such a comforting vibe! I would come again any day!

Negative experience: The owner made me incredibly uncomfortable throughout my experience

Fantastic experience: Aiym did a fantastic job on my tattoo. I am going back for 2 more. The staff there are very friendly and helpful. Highly recommended going there.

Fantastic experience: My fiancé and I got halloween themed Gumball tattoos and are absolutely obsessed. The artist was very gentle but speedy, and both have healed beautifully. Could not recommend more, and I'll definitely be going back!

Fantastic experience: I have been to Red cat Studio twice and every visit has been great. Love the Gum ball idea and There service and workmanship is amazing. I highly recommend them and I will be booking again very soon for another Tattoo.

Fantastic experience: My husband and I were walk in clients for a gumball tattoo. The owners are incredibly talented and fun to chat with. We loved the fun Westcoast designs! Thank you, we will be back for more.

Fantastic experience: I've been a client of this lovely husband/wife team for a couple years now. Always a pleasure and never disappointed with the outcome of the results. Half a half sleeve done, an working on another. Can't wait to get back in for more pain therapy!!

Fantastic experience: I got a Halloween gumball bracelet and I freaking love it I also got my ear tattooed with my consolation it’s one of my favourite tattoo.red cat is a beautiful space to get your first or you 100th tattoo.everyone is so friendly and make you feel very at ease

Fantastic experience: I have had a few tattoos from Red cat, and I couldn’t rave them enough. They did a beautiful black beat with 3 cubs, for my kids, and they did an amazing large piece jelly fish on my right arm, that has been getting compliments weekly since 2022. Love there work and also their studio is beautiful

Negative experience: Lovely people, However I got bad ink drift on the tattoo I got there a few months ago, even following proper after care instructions, and I have quite a few other tattoos that havent done this. When being showed my design, I asked if I could add something to it, and got told “No.” with no further explanation. It hurt exceptionally more than my other tattoos and scarred quite bad. I noticed on other reviews the responses aren’t very understanding, and I am not trying to put shame on this studio as The people were nice and the tattoo is what i wanted for the most part.

Fantastic experience: I have came here 2 times both having such an amazing experience not only is there art so amazing it’s actually affordable my piece was 240 ish and for the quality and effort put into it I was pleasantly surprised with the cost they truly know how to turn a dream into ink so happy thank you guys

Fantastic experience: I walked in and did the gumball tattoo with my family and we were not disappointed! Amazing work and all the artists are amazing

Fantastic experience: I've been getting tattoos here for years, I now have a full sleeve down to my hand and up my neck and across my chest, these guys are the best for detailed beautiful linework, I get compliments every day for their beautiful work

Fantastic experience: I had went in for piercing my nipples and found the studio to be very clean, professional and flexible. Overall experience was very positive and encouraging, given it being a vulnerable thing to have done. I would recommend this shop to anyone. Beautiful people and peaceful accommodating environment.

Fantastic experience: Such a charming studio and warm atmosphere. Wonderful customer service.

Fantastic experience: My mother-in-law and I walked in and gave them our idea, they got us right in and did an AMAZING job! Will definitely come back!

Fantastic experience: Creativity starts here! This couple is very talented and work well together as a team of artists! They are professional and talented! Cleanliness was top of mind. Thank you for bringing my imagination to life!

Fantastic experience: My daughter got her ears pierced, it's a nice little place,

Fantastic experience: Love how you can just walk in and get a tattoo done on the spot! Got a matching tattoo with my best friend and we love it!

Fantastic experience: My friend and I went as a walk in. We are not from the island and we wanted to get a tattoo to remember our trip and represent bc. The couple that own the shop are kind, affordable and did a great job. If I ever returned to the island I would go back. I got the coordinates of west end of Vancouver and my friend got black berries. ☺️

Fantastic experience: I can not say enough good things about the family based team at Red Cat they knock it out of the park every time detail, colour, atmosphere, clean organized very professional good toons and Vancouver Island themed gum ball tattoos 100% going back 100% must for your next work of art Walkin and and get your coustom work today

Fantastic experience: Great tattoos, friendly and personable, awesome family run business!

Fantastic experience: I’ve always been so impressed with everyone at Red Cat! My husband and I had our wedding bands tattooed on by Dima who did a fantastic job. My husband went back for a half sleeve and it turned out incredible - he gets compliments daily on it. I went in yesterday for a conch piercing and again was impressed. The shop is always very clean, everyone is so friendly and welcoming. Great atmosphere.

Fantastic experience: My eyebrow piercings turned out wonderfully, everyone was so so sweet, everything was quick clean and professional, and the atmosphere and art work in the place are amazing.

Positive experience: Shop was clean, owners were friendly. I did get a small (maybe 2 inches?) outline that took actually 5 minutes and found it preeeeeetty pricey at $150. I have tattoos that are a similar size, style and also on my arm that were much less expensive

Fantastic experience: Lulianna and Dima are amazing. Took my idea and made it better than I thought possible. I am so happy with my tattoo best one I have yet. Thank you so much!

Fantastic experience: This was our second visit to Red Cat, and again it was a great experience!! My daughter and I got matching tattoos and it was such a beautiful moment for us and we’re so grateful to the lovely owners for this, love your energy and the vibes at your shop!! We’ll definitely be back!!

Fantastic experience: Wonderful experience, great artists and very accommodating. Doesn't make you feel rushed or unheard. Captures your want and expectations are exceeded! Great people and great artists!!

Fantastic experience: Wonderful experiences at Red cat for both sessions of my newest tattoo! They are very kind, and very intuitive artists with passion for creating both the art and a welcoming environment. I was very appreciative of their understanding that I'm quiet shy, and they did their best to keep the appointment interesting at my comfort level. They offered food and drinks which is also just next level for a tattoo shop! 10/10 would recommend, I'm beyond impressed with how well the tattoo turned out and will be returning in the future :) thanks again guys!

Fantastic experience: Dima nailed it, exceeded my expectations. Very happy with my Tattoo.

Fantastic experience: My girlfriend and my self both got one of there gumball tattoos and are verry happy with them. The atmosphere in there was amazing and they do some great art work will definitely be going back

Fantastic experience: We won the gumball tattoos and got two amazing tattoos done! Thank you so much!!

Fantastic experience: Amazing art work, i love this shop! Go in with an idea and they got it on the spot! Its like she pulled it out of my brain i love it! Thank you so much again!

Fantastic experience: We were in town for a dance competition and 6 of us decided to get gumball tattoos. Great experience. Great atmosphere. So fun and a great memory. I even came back fo a 2nd one. Thank you for being so awesome and accommodating ❤️ ⛵️

Fantastic experience: Thanks for the beautiful tattoo and great experience. This was my second time there and will definitely be back and recommend to others.

Fantastic experience: Amazing service, great music and art, good atmosphere. Good atmosphere and amazing artists :)

Fantastic experience: Saw on Facebook they had a gumball machine with island themed designs and decided to go test my luck. I ended up with a very cute octopus on a walk in. I'll probably be going back for more work.

Fantastic experience: Love the service here great people working here!

Fantastic experience: Great environment and incredible talent at this studio. I went for my first tattoo at Red Cat Studio and do not regret it one bit. I highly recommend this business and can’t wait to come back for more tattoos!

Negative experience: Had a cover up piece done, which was not completed as he said he had another client coming in; when I went to book the touch up, they wanted another $50 deposit. Then the ink bled and I have what looks like a bruise in my elbow and surrounding region that isn't going away after getting it done forever ago. I never went back mainly because I'm not into drama and the husband wasn't very approachable.

Fantastic experience: I suck at appointments, so I phoned in at opening time asking if they might have time for a walk-in. My lucky day! They did :) Beautiful experience all around. Down-to-earth vibe, professional, clean, and PLANTS. Stunning visuals all around with gorgeous artisan painting adorning the walls. I am delighted with my piece; a large line-work chest piece. Partially covering an old, poorly done tattoo with a variety of ideas to tie it all together in the not-too-distant future. Based off my personal experience and what I see from the fine folks online, I definitely recommend checking them out!

Fantastic experience: Such a great experience working with Julianna and Dima at Red Cat Studio. Great knowledge and professionalism. Will use them again for all future ink.

Fantastic experience: The team at Red Cat Tattoo & Art Studio are simply amazing! Dima and Iulianna have created an inviting space full of vibrant colors, lively music and beautiful artwork. My sweet pea tattoos turned out even better than I imagined; Thank you, Dima! I had a wonderful experience and hope to visit the studio again soon ❤️

Fantastic experience: The entire team here is so fun and sweet. They were clean and professional! They were also super comforting and friendly! I love my tattoo!

Fantastic experience: I have a hugggeeeee piece by this team! I have been contemplating various artists and studios for months before deciding on a place to go for a rib piece coverup and a “Selkie” (mythical tattoo) of a mother and daughter. I chose Red Cat because they are also artists as was all tattooists, and every piece they create is like a work of art. The studio is a relaxing space and the vibe is great and relaxing. I was tattooed by Dima (multiple sessions due to the size of the piece, ribs and back piece) and his demeanour was wonderful throughout the whole process! Dima is an excellent tattoo artist, the work he has done looks like a painting! I can’t wait to show my body off!! Juliana created my custom pieces and really turned my vision into a reality. If you want an excellent quality piece, you will not be disappointed here ** I don’t have any healed photos yet, but this is a progress one… hibiscus and selkies done by redcat***

Fantastic experience: I absolutely love this studio. They are super friendly and really knowledgeable. My tattoo came out exactly how I wanted! their studio is super cute, and the music was awesome :)) I'll definitely be recommending this place to anyone who asks.

Fantastic experience: I have nothing but amazing things to say about Dima and Juliana at Red Cat. They were patient with me as I tried to nail down what I wanted. Dima made me feel comfortable, which let me trust him with my piece. It turned out better than I imagined and I will 100% be returning in the future.

Fantastic experience: I've had the pleasure of getting two tattoos done at the shop, both by Vlad. They both turned out fantastic.

Fantastic experience: So very happy with my new tattoo. They really went above and beyond. Excellent craftsmanship.

Fantastic experience: Dima, you are a very talented man! I love the atmosphere in your shop and how comfortable you made me feel throughout the entire process, it was very relaxing having my favourite music playing too! What a great experience. I 100% recommend Red Cat to anyone looking for some awesome art. Thanks again you two! Cheers!

Fantastic experience: Both my daughter and I have gotten a couple tattoos here and they are amazing ! Can't wait to get more.

Fantastic experience: Great Job Dima Thank you

Fantastic experience: Had an amazing experience here! To start, the atmosphere was so warm and welcoming as soon I arrived and continued to be that way throughout the whole session. I got my first big tattoo on my back and was so happy with how it came out. Beautiful piece of art. He did exactly what I wanted, and more! I will definitely be back:)

Fantastic experience: I just had the best experience at Red Cat Tattoo. Dima and Juliana were so warm and welcoming as soon as I walked in the door and gave me a tattoo I can't stop looking at. They took my picture I sent them and made it original and even more beautiful. Dima is so talented and is very professional. I will definitely go back!

Fantastic experience: Had my first tattoo done by Julianna Absolutely love it. Great experience from start to finish

Fantastic experience: Amazing work by Dima at Red Cat Tattoo studio. Very knowledgeable about their craft, and very warm environment.

Positive experience: Good food and service

Fantastic experience: Vlad has been fantastic with my blackout half sleeve, I highly recommend, pain level is right where it should be and the ink has set very well. 10/10

Fantastic experience: Excellent artistry and tattooing expertise by Julianna. Also done in way less time than I thought. I ❤️ my new tat!!

Fantastic experience: A very professional & hard working business I love the Ink

Fantastic experience: I came here very last minute for a tattoo while my mom was in town. They were able to accommodate us getting in last minute and designed beautiful tattoos for us. This isn’t my first tattoo so I already knew what to expect however they were very thorough when going over the process and healing with me even though I have many other tattoos. There were snacks and drinks. I found the music to be very calming (I fell asleep). I get compliments all the time on my tattoo when I am out and about also. Overall I am extremely satisfied with my tattoo!

Fantastic experience: Went in for a walk in appointment and had such a great experience. They were super friendly and accommodating.

Negative experience: 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.

Fantastic experience: 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!

Fantastic 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!

Fantastic experience: 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!

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

Fantastic experience: I love this place, I'm obsessed with all the work I've had done here and I'll definitely be coming back for more tattoos!

Fantastic experience: Amazing work. Love my design for the tattoo . Thank you so much for doing it.

Fantastic experience: 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!!!

Negative experience: 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.

Fantastic experience: This is one of my favourite studios I've ever experienced and some of my very favourite people on this island

Fantastic experience: I’m so happy with the work I’ve gotten done here so far! I’ll be returning for more pieces! Thank you for the incredible job you’ve done so far.

Fantastic experience: Amazing talent at this studio, not my first tattoo, but my first by them, VERY impressed and happy with my tattoo, will be going back!

Fantastic experience: Gotten 2 tattoos here now including my first ever tattoo and all the times I’ve went have been great experiences over all, I love the studio so much there it’s lots of beautiful artwork everywhere and both of my tattoos are absolutely amazing, got a large one on my ribs done (pretty painful spot and difficult to tattoo) but the results and service were perfect :) definitely my go to tattoo shop!

Fantastic experience: When you enter the shop, you will feel the positivity inside. Dima is so professional, I am so very happy, I will come back to this place. 100%