Utility Tattoo

Negative experience: Dylan did an awesome job! Tried to make another appointment but was completely ignored so won't be contacting again.

Fantastic experience: Andy is the best! The new shop is great. Thanks again my friend!

Fantastic experience: Andy at Utility Tattoo is a master of his craft. In 2012, he flawlessly blended my existing upper arm tattoo with new work on my forearm — it’s still the part of my sleeve people compliment the most. Today, he worked on improving the upper part (originally done by another artist), and now my sleeve is finally complete thanks to him. Professional, skilled, and detail-oriented — he is the tattoo artist you want. Thanks Andy!!

Fantastic experience: I cannot express what a great experience my mother and I had with this business. We had limited time in Halifax only visiting for the day off of a cruise ship. We desperately wanted to get matching tattoos to commemorate our special trip together and this business made it happen! They went above and beyond to work within our time restraints and were extremely helpful the entire process. From the front desk staff to the artists, each of them were incredibly kind and extremely talented. I HIGHLY recommend!

Fantastic experience: I sit with Desmond and he's always been great. He did my neck tattoo, my legs, and a few on my right arm. Always respectful, creative, and cool. Nick at the front desk is a sweetie pie too! I'll be back.

Fantastic experience: Awesome guys, Nick at the front was super accommodating when I messed up my schedule and John, the legend sorted me out with my first two tattoos. Couldn’t be happier, reasonable price, friendly people and awesome music playing in the background. If I want another tattoo this is where I’ll be going in the future.

Fantastic experience: Got my first tattoo (at 60 yrs old) while visiting family in Halifax in August. Jonny May did my tattoo. Great job and great experience. Jonny had a light touch and he made it a great experience, also very friendly. The place was very clean and I would highly recommend it. Would definitely make the trip back for another! Thanks Jonny!!

Fantastic experience: Second tattoo from Johnny. At short notice wasn't a problem. Extremely happy with results. Wouldnt go anywhere else!

Fantastic experience: I have family visiting out of town and we decided mid vacation to get tattoos for their first east coast visit. Everyone at the shop was great, all 4 tattoos look amazing and they got us in the day after we decided to go. Highly recommend checking them out!

Positive experience: Cool spot but a little on the expensive side (355$ for a 10 by 10cm tattoo).

Negative experience: Booked a neck piece, was asked if it’s my first tattoo to which I told them it was not as I have about 20hrs under the needle. Very understandable question, and they were satisfied with that answer and went ahead and booked me in. Upon arrival my artist told me that since I didn’t have my arms done he wouldn’t do my neck. I asked if he knew ahead of time that it was a neck tattoo and was told yes, but he changed his mind due to my arms not being done first. I have no plans at the moment for my arms since I want sleeves and i’m still working on my very large back piece. I won’t ask an artist to do something they don’t want to do, so I asked if I could reschedule for a different piece somewhere else, and was told I need to give them another $115 deposit. And despite the artists refusal to do the scheduled piece they would not refund my original deposit either. It was very clear in advance what/where I wanted. Annoying, unprofessional, and disappointing trying to work with them.

Positive experience: Loved this tattoo shop! I am from Ontario and called in advance to make sure I was able to get in while on my vacation. Nick was incredibly helpful and fun to communicate with. Whether it was through email or phone, Nicks customer service was fantastic. I was tattooed by Desmond and he was very nice and did a great job. He was very accommodating when it came to adding a couple more tattoos to my already big list and although cramped for time, he nailed it and was great to talk to! I will definitely be going back to Utility next time I am in Halifax!!!

Positive experience: I saw their apprentice, Johnny, for a quick traditional skull. He was quick and the tattoo was great. Highly recommended for traditional work.

Fantastic experience: We were on a cruise on Friday the 13th, back home this is a memorable day to get tattoos:) We called and talked to Nick who was super great and got of the ship and went right to the shop. The look of this shop made me feel right at home as most of the flash on the walls are all California Tattooer’s! We got to the shop and Dylan was available to do two tattoos for myself and husband. He did great work and we are very happy with our art! The exchange rate was a killer deal and we will tell everyone we know to get tattoos at this shop! Great customer service and amazing work, great job team!!

Fantastic experience: Came in for a walk-in and was met with the nicest staff, everyone was so lovely. Very accommodating and easy to talk to. This was my first tattoo and I don't think I could've asked for a better introduction. The artist Jonny talked through everything with me very clearly and created a very relaxed and pleasant experience. Thank you guys, I'm so happy with my tat

Fantastic experience: This beautiful clean new location is a delight. Talented,honest artists, who are happy to consult with you. Nick on the front desk, is super helpful and really kind and friendly and will do everything he can to answer any questions. Their response time is fantastic as well. I just took my son to get his first tattoo, and we are so impressed with the artist Desmond and the beautiful work he did. I highly recommend if you are wanting a tattoo custom or otherwise, that this is the place you want to speak with! Very professional, sterile, even a waiting area. And you will get honesty from them, which is key, as it's permanent! I will be going back myself to get another one and I will not go elsewhere. I would give it 10 stars if I could!

Fantastic experience: Huge thanks to the guys at Utility!! Wife and I love our tattoos

Fantastic experience: This place is awesome. Nick at the front desk was very helpful in matching me up with Dylan. I got an amazing tattoo from Dylan, and I'll be back for him to continue his art work. Very clean professional place, and I highly recommend them!

Fantastic experience: Andy first tattooed me almost 25 years ago now. He's absolutely THE BEST in Halifax. Len is also absolutely amazing and has done a bunch of work on me. Cannot go wrong with this shop.

Fantastic experience: Had an amazing experience! Went to see Nick for 2 tattoos back in April, we was very nice and respectful about the idea behind the tattoos. He was very patient with me when redoing the stencil several times. Overall amazing!

Fantastic experience: Very friendly knowledgeable staff . Highly recommended . Down to earth people

Negative experience: Guys in the shop are really rude, not a friendly, welcoming environment. I asked Desmond to touch up my tattoo and he told me he didn’t see anything needing a touch up; gaslit me, so I left.

Negative experience: Make sure you can make your appointment because they’ll steal your deposit if not.

Fantastic experience: Nice tat done

Fantastic experience: Dylan was fantastic ! Took time to place the stencil and make sure we were both happy with it, and did a great job on the tattoo itself!

Fantastic experience: Amazing experience. The artist did an amazing job and very well priced! Definitely the best tattoo place i’ve been to yet.

Fantastic experience: I had a tattoo done by Johhny, he was amazing, I will book another tattoo with him in a couple of weeks. The staff were extremely efficient and friendly made my experience there wonderful, shout out to the guy on the front desk, super nice! I would definitely recommend this studio without a doubt. Great work cya in a couple of weeks. Sorry no pic still healing.

Fantastic experience: After reading all the reviews, I decided to walk in and see if they could fit me in! They happily squeezed me in with great attitude and great service! I am amazed by the efficiency and quality of my new tattoo! Thank you very much Desmond for this new piece and thank you to the guy at the desk for answering all my questions and service!! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

Fantastic experience: Awesome experience, definitely going back again.

Fantastic experience: I came to this shop for a couple facial tattoos and they did say no but they gave me a reason unlike other shops. I did get another tattoo done by them and it turned out fantastic. The price was good the shop was clean and they were so nice. Any tattoos I get done in the future will be done by them. They are all honest hard workers and that is something I really appreciate.

Fantastic experience: Great courteous staff. Available to take walk ins. Tattoo artists are amazing and the shop is spotless.

Fantastic experience: Thanks for getting us in today. Three generations got jeep tattoos road trip from Ontario. Dylan did an excellent job.

Fantastic experience: I got my first tattoo today and was a bit nervous. But the staff were super friendly and helped me through it. I had Dylan and he was very friendly and did a great job

Fantastic experience: My mother, my son and myself got matching tattoos today. Dylan was our artist, he was fantastic. We had ga great conversation, what an absolute pleasure! Everyone was kind and helpful! Thank you so much for helping us commemorate or family's roadtrip.

Fantastic experience: Len has done one full sleeve and one half sleeve on me. Only tattoo artist I trust to do all my work!

Fantastic experience: My tattoo is beautiful!

Fantastic experience: Great place amazing artist

Fantastic experience: Awesome service

Fantastic experience: Very professional, easy to work with. Got myseld and father in law booked and inked with no hassle. Definitely going back.

Fantastic experience: I loved this place. Got inked for the first time and I loved the perfection and finishing. They are very careful about hygine and the supplies are clean and sterile. Prices are pretty good:)

Negative experience: This was my first tattoo and I was very excited for it because the phrase was very meaningful to me. As it was my first tattoo I did not know much about the industry and what is an acceptable price. So I paid $140 with tip and tax for this tattoo that took five minutes and looked like it only took five minutes. I was never told anything about coming in for a touch up and by the time I realized I could've gone in for one I was outside their short window for free touch ups. The tattoo itself was too thin and patchy. I made sure to follow all the after care rules so it wasn't my care that made it look bad. I believe it was Desmond who did it and after it healed I was pretty disappointed with how it looked. Now it has been touched up by another artist and I am much happier with it. The photo I've attached is what the tattoo looked like before the touch up by another artist.

Fantastic experience: King Len and the rest of the gang rock

Fantastic experience: Friendly, quick and awesome job on my tattoo

Fantastic experience: I love my tattoo. Thanks so much Desmond! Everyone was very friendly and helpful .

Fantastic experience: I was very pleased and my Artist was very clean and professional and gave me the best ever Tattoo I have ever gotten I will be getting more work done by him (Desmond ) I Love my Tattoo

Negative experience: I emailed this place a few months ago to request a slot for my first tattoo. I had an exact picture of what I wanted. In my email I explicitly asked for an artist who would be excited about this tattoo, because it was not an original piece and I understand some artists may not be interested in tattooing an exact replica. I was reassured that it would be no problem. I show up to the appointment and I’m told almost immediately that I can’t get done what I asked for. This would’ve been nice to know prior to showing up for my appointment that day. My artist did modify the design, but it was all rushed and I felt like I was his last slot of the day and he was rushing to get home. Anyway, months and months later the tattoo is healed and the lines are not even whatsoever. I feel like I paid way too much money (including a tip) for a piece of work that is pretty entry level in quality. I’m sure they have a lot of great artists here, I see a lot of amazing reviews, but I don’t even know the name of my artist because of how rushed and impersonal my appointment was. I’m sorry to leave such a negative review, but it’s an honest account of my experience. I know they have lots of very happy customers so hopefully the next gal will have better luck! Cheers

Fantastic experience: Received my first tattoo from andy. Could not have been a better experience. Very friendly and professional

Fantastic experience: Great communication through email. Looking forward to getting my first tattoo at this location.

Fantastic experience: very friendly and understanding

Fantastic experience: Awesome experience with Andy Ferrier. Love my tattoo.

Fantastic experience: First time getting tattooed at this location, and I couldn't of been happier with the whole outcome! I had Damen do an amazing memorial tattoo for my 2 dogs I lost in 2018 & 2019! He was friendly and super professional. He made my idea come to life and made it his own all at the same time. I love original work where I can get it! The shop was clean and the staff were super friendly and helpful! They even replied to the email I sent, and very quickly! This is a big bonus for me, as I had emailed/messaged two other shops and never got a reply. Ashley, the receptionist, was very helpful & an absolutely a pleasure to work with. So happy with the whole process...so much that I got another tattoo booked later this month with Damen!

Fantastic experience: This shop is clean and professional with super talented artists. I’ve been getting my tattoos from the owner (Andy) for years. I’m so pleased with this place I’ll continue to come here for my work despite moving hours away. I have my next appointment booked already actually, see you in a couple months Andy!

Fantastic experience: Super friendly!

Negative experience: Receptionist was welcoming but artist was not interested in designing or even reconsidering what we were trying to say! Not worth the trouble and wait!

Fantastic experience: Like going to a relaxing spa and getting a stabby massage. Professional and more importantly fun to chat with. People answering the phone and emails where a pleasure also.

Fantastic experience: I have tattoos from multiple different artists but the one I received a few weeks ago from Len is probably the best experience I’ve had at a tattoo shop. He exceeded my expectations and gave me a beautiful piece on my forearm. I will definitely be returning for all future tattoos!

Negative experience: Very unhappy with a cover-up yesterday. Len shaded in pieces of my half sleeve and completely covered some petals that I loved. He told me that "it would make more sense to do this." It did not make sense and now my tattoo is significantly different.

Fantastic experience: Justin is great and willing to work with whatever ideas I have! Clean and chill spot to go to, reasonable pricing!

Fantastic experience: Andy is an amazing artist. Highly recommended for Traditional Japanese work.

Fantastic experience: The best artists in Nova Scotia! Wouldn't go anywhere else. Professional and very knowledgeable.

Fantastic experience: Great shop, super friendly service very talented artists also was great to be able to get an appointment pretty quickly given that we were just visiting Halifax and had limited time, I will definitely get tattooed again next time I visit

Fantastic experience: Got all of my tattoos from here. The staff are super nice and they walk you through the entire process if you’re a newbie. Last time I was in, I had a really special idea in mind (I got my favourite musician to write down my favourite lyrics from one of his songs, and I wanted to get that tattooed on me). I got Len to do it for me, and it came out PHENOMENALLY. The handwriting was pretty much identical, even the signature! And the size was just perfect (it was over my ribs, so it didn’t tickle ). I’d highly recommend Utility to anyone that’s looking to get a tattoo in Halifax.

Fantastic experience: Amazing tattoo shop! Went for a walk in with my two best friends visiting from toronto and everybody was so friendly and helpful and welcoming. We asked for extremely last minute text around one of the flash pieces offered and they were able to whip up exactly what we had in mind. Thank you so much for the great experience and the beautiful baby tat!

Fantastic experience: Buying a gift certificate Staff were welcoming and very helpful

Fantastic experience: I'm always satisfied leaving!

Fantastic experience: When people ask for a shop recommendation, this is the first and only choice for me. Utility is clean, bright, and has artists that can execute a variety of styles flawlessly. Of the current artists working there, I've only had work done by one so I'll stick to that. I can vouch for Len as an absolute master at his trade! Every time I approach him with an idea he produces EXACTLY what I had pictured in my mind. If you're looking for your first tattoo or #50, this shop has you covered.

Fantastic experience: Super nice staff. Very professional

Fantastic experience: We are visiting from Vernon BC and searched for the best tattoo shop on Halifax. As shared this place was awesome. King-Len did a matching tattoo for my woman and I and they were spot on! He was super fast and was painless. We will definitely be back next trip. Thanks Utility tattoo.

Fantastic experience: Excellent customer service, great artists.

Fantastic experience: I've been getting ink souvenirs at Utility for years. Nice shop, relaxed atmosphere, some really great work is done here. Staff are top tier.

Fantastic experience: I'm a visitor from Ontario and every time I've visited I made sure I booked a tattoo with Utility! The shop is super clean with incredible artists there. Great prices, killer designs, and super easy to book an appointment.

Fantastic experience: The best in town.

Fantastic experience: Professional & friendly, never had any issues. Will certainly go back, highly recommend.

Fantastic experience: I would recommend this place to anyone. Amazing staff, work, and price.

Fantastic experience: Nice place, good service. Fair deal

Negative experience: I made appointment back in August to see an artist (Glen or Len) in September. I asked him if what I wanted was possible, he said it wouldn't be an issue. When I showed up for my appointment, nothing was drafted, he was 20 minutes late. We finally went over what I wanted, at that time he went out for a smoke break. He drafted what I wanted and it wasn't even close to what I asked for. From there I went over it again, still couldn't get it. So I totally changed it and made it a simple design, easy to follow and asked him to do the border twice. When he was finished it looked great. Now that's it's all healed it's obvious he missed a spot and couldn't complete this simple design. I am very unhappy with my experience here and hope that ownership steps in and fixes the issue.

Fantastic experience: Kaitlyn was awesome, the staff is friendly, and the place is cool and clean.

Positive experience: My review is belated by several years, however the service was excellent and the shop itself was very clean and well-maintained.

Negative experience: Disappointed. Tattoo is off center, lines not crisp and bleeding out. Paid 138$ for a 2" tattoo that took 10 minutes.

Fantastic experience: I got a great tattoo from a talented, knowledgeable woman. I'll be going back to her!

Fantastic experience: Best tattoo experience yet! Great staff, clean shop. A little hard to park sometimes, but that's fine. I got my tattoo done by Andy, great artist, great to work with. Highly recommended!!

Fantastic experience: Got one of my tattoos here. Nice place, nice people, very clean and I loved my final piece!

Fantastic experience: Had my first tatoo done by a guy named Len. Made me very comfortable and his work was spot on. He also walked me through how to take care of it. Thank you :) Great first experience. Leon

Positive experience: hard working and talented artists