Reviews of Bushido Tattoo (Tattoo Shop)

Mikayla Caflisch

If you are looking to have your time and effort completely disregared look no further than Bushido Tattoo! By far the worst tattoo shop experience I have ever had. Not only was the emailing process to book a complete nightmare, as the artist doesn't even have a properly functioning email, but she also tells people to book through her email and not to send DMs. I had to resend multiple emails and a DM in order to get a response. It was the the artist, Jenny's idea to book a tattoo appointment for only 2 days away. I tried my best to lock in this appointment and had to go as far as to send her a DM after 2 of my emails went unanswered when it came down to picking which day I wanted the tattoo to be done. She finally confirmed the appointment at 7pm the night before the appointment that was supposed to take place at 3pm the next day. I showed up 30 minutes early as this is standard practice at most tattoo shops to fill out paperwork, etc. I was waiting for my appointment and she came out to tell me she was just finishing up another tattoo, which was fine because it was still prior to when my appointment was scheduled for. I waited until 3:30 before I asked the receptionist how long it was going to be, seeing as it was already 30 minutes past the agreed upon time. I was only met with a snarky comment "you can't rush art. She is just finishing up", however, didn't even bother to get up from her desk to check. "Just finishing up" a tattoo does not mean over an hour... I did not send an email to myself and suggest this date and time to come in. Finally, 40 minutes after my appointment time had passed, I decided it was best to just leave because clearly my time meant nothing to these people. Upon arriving home I see an instagram post of the tattoo she was doing while I was waiting with the caption of "Super chill tattoo session today. No rush." For a shop that charges $170/hour you would expect better service than this. I have never experienced this level of unprofessionalism from a tattoo shop before and would never go back or recommend to anyone. Do better.

charm lao

Nice People .. very clean and sterile.. getting another one from them again ✌✌✌

Sonja Devauld

Very talented artists. Love the work Liam does and so incredibly happy with my tattoo. I get compliments on it all the time.

Jessica taylor

Always amazing.

Lisa Beckstrom

Great artists and excellent tattoos!

Miki josar

Awsome place

Jennifer Berard

I had a fantastic experience here being tattooed by Teika. Everyone I interacted with at the shop was kind. I could feel a chill family vibe when I walked in and that is super important to me. Will definitely be coming back.

Steven Dorsch

The receptionist told us we couldn't book a consultation over the phone, which was inconvenient for me and my girlfriend. So we decided to go in to the shop to book one and when we got there. The receptionist said that the lady that would do our tattoo was in but she never grabbed the artist just to talk to us like every other tattoo shop. She booked our consultation 3 days later with the least experienced artist. Not to mention what was the point I could book that consultation over the phone. Was a waste of my time!. Receptionists was rude and lazy. We cancelled our appointments! Rather go to a shop that is more friendly!

Dansya Curry

I have 3 tattoos from Bushido, 2 different artists. Incredibly happy with both and I will be returning there for more. It was always clean, people were friendly and I was so happy with my work there and the creativity from the artists. I think it is important for anyone who is giving money for anything to take part of the responsibility in making sure you are paying what you agreed upon and no more. Too bad others had less than wonderful experiences there tho. As for me, it was all great and I send everyone I know there.

Anthony Tadman

Note: This was originally written around July, closer to the reopening date after the first lockdown. It's been an extremely difficult experience with Jenny. Since talking with her (Jan 28 - July 24), questions (which I have asked about 3 times) have gone unanswered, emails are either skimmed over with a quick one sentence response or ignored/forgotten about completely, and no input/rough sketch was provided up until the date of the appointment. When we did our virtual consult after the store was scheduled to open up again, she completely forgot what kind of work I wanted and went on about something entirely different! I have tried to be patient through all of it, until my supposed appointment today, which I was told was actually scheduled for the next day despite having responded to the artist's offer for Friday @ 11AM an hour and a half from receiving the notification. Said offer was clearly given to someone else as her 11AM spot was taken when I arrived. Thanks for the update? I'm completely put off at the idea of getting a tattoo now. I was so incredibly excited to get my first tattoo, and was looking forward to many more by Jenny and some of the other staff members at Bushido, but now it's just left me sad with an awful feeling in my stomach. It's difficult to want to advertise someone's work on your body when they don't seem to have respect for you, or your time.

Goldy Gill

a love tatto your tatto i veri nice

Bianca Dayrit

Got a few little guys from Jenny, whom I will definitely go to for a bigger piece eventually. The shop was super clean and professional, and it's good to know there's a veteran shop you can trust in the city! Thank you <3

Joshua Taylor

I've been coming here since the place opened and have never felt more Comfortable about coming to any establishment. I've become great friends with my artist Doug thru the Years and see amazing work walk out the doors daily. Everyone I know that comes here has had nothing but great things to say. Great talent. Clean and sanitary and a comfortable environment.

Zak Souter-Lucas

My ex gave me a gift certificate to this place and I highly recommend it. Will (can't remember his last name) was an apprentice and I highly recommend him. You'll get journey man level art apprentice prices. He is easy to talk to, Terrific at his job and was punctual with dates. I'm hoping to use him again when the funds increase.

Warren

Top notch tattoo studio

Tommy Sleczka

Amazing shop!!! Great artists. Very professional

Mara

I’ve gotten all my tattoos here, and I’m going to continue. Everyone here is fantastic.

Jess Carnegie

Got a tattoo done here by Malinda and she is the BEST. She’s super chill and nice and comfortable to be around. She also does incredible work so 10/10 would recommend and will be back to see her soon!!

Damian McGrath

Awesome tattoo shop. Great staff.

Adil Lakhani

Liam is awesome. Awesome artist in a wonderful studio. Thanks friends!

Connor J

Got my first tattoo ever from Jenny and Im in absolute love! Found her from IG and she did a perfect job! Jenny and Cale we're so sweet for letting me talk their ear off. Everything was held with maturity and professionalism! I'm looking forward to coming back and getting more tattoos! Thank you so much guys ☺️

Jugger

Teika is the best!

Trevor Prosser

Great studio. The reputation is earned. They've been around a long time, and they've been putting out amazing work for years. Good for first-timers and tattoo collectors alike.

Shan Claydon

My favourite people are here.

Wes Devauld

Great spot with talented artists.

Pauline

Always happy with the artists and all the work I've had done here. ???? Jenny did up a sick piece for me.

Jay En

Been coming here for about 5 years working on my body suit. After a few years of planning I finally began it with Doug. Nothing but good vibes and pleasant experiences in a great environment. Highly recommended the artists here, do your homework and pick whoever suits you. Erin out front is super friendly and ready to lend a hand. Good luck!

Adrien Tougas

Got some pretty simple black work done by Mike. Super happy with the results. He was very good at listening to what I had in mind and his input helped me finalize my ideas into ink on my skin. Overall a great experience, I will definitely be going to Bushido for more work in the future.

Rob Jobe

Doug Finks shop is a Calgary institution. Go now!

Kerrie Van Male

Love the atmosphere here. The artists are amazing. Great location.

Thomas Nguyen

Clean and great atmosphere, artist are very creative and professional

Tharsekan Nalliah

Riley at Bushido is amazing. He's done a sleeve and 3/4's on me and I couldn't be happier! Place has great vibes with awesome artists!

JR

Best tattoo shop in the city. Friendliest artists and some of the best tattoos come out of this shop.

Paige T. Hodgins

Everyone is super awesome and friendly. There are some super talented artists at the shop. Currently working with Malinda on a super awesome piece. If you are into any of the artists works here, definitely get something started, you won't regret it!

Chris Cousineau

This is the tattoo shop in Calgary in my opinion. Small and tucked away upstairs, it is bright and clean, inhabited by amazing artists. If you want Japanese tattoos, Doug is the top game in town!

Reythe Hermann

Jenny is an amazing artist and, such a gem to chat and hangout with, give her and Bushido all your money. ❤️

Ryan HK

Love this place. Teika is an amazing artist with ZERO attitude.

N̶i̶x̶

Bushido deserves more than 5 stars to be an option here. The Fink's and everyone at Bushido are the raddest people you will find anywhere!

Carly Silver

Fantastic place with a great staff. Wil created an absolutly beautiful tattoo for me as well.

Teiza Marie

The service and talent at Bushido is exceptional.

Nicole Rogers

Thank you teika for my amazing tattoo, the rest of the tattoo team are amazing as well clean , reasonably priced and great people

Matt B

I cannot say enough good things about this shop! Specifically doug aka (horihyo) I have been coming to Calgary from Edmonton for 2 years now and will continue to do so. If you are serious about having world class art on your body do not pass up this place. I consider myself lucky that doug took me on as a client and haven’t regretted it for a min. I am no stranger to this industry and this shop is miles above any other shop I’ve been to. I feel like family when I walk up the stairs Erin is always greeting ppl with a smile and a great attitude. If you are looking for a specific style this shop and each artist seems to have a niche to cater to anyone or any specific need. By far the most professional atmosphere of any shop I’ve been in. Doug has done a great job of assembling some of the best artists around. Thanks again guys see you soon!

Izaak Koolman

Awesome shop, my wife and I have got a couple tattoos from Sydney, and we both love them.

Natalia Enns

The shop itself is clean and well laid out. The recpetionist is very welcoming and professional. I went to see Brando about a month ago for a consultation. He didn't write down any of the details I was telling him while I was there. He quoted my two tattoos at a total of six hours. I left my deposit and cane back for my appointment two weeks later. The drawing he drew was of the two tattoos together. Although it was a beautiful drawing, it wasn't what I wanted. It took him a extra 30 minutes to draw up the new tattoos, and the whole process took only two hours. I was charged for the time it took him to redraw the tattoos. This I was not very impressed with. If he had been more professional with the consultion, there wouldn't have been the mistake. I also found that any small changes to the design I requested was met with a sigh. That is very unprofessional. I want all my ink to look how I want because it will be on me forever. An artist should know this and be accomodating and understanding. Overall I am happy with how my tattoos turned out, but I wouldn't go back.

Braedon McNicol

Liam did an awesome job

Nicole Bee

I saw Liam there recently for my first few small tattoos. He was very friendly and made it a great experience. I am also very happy with the work he did.

Christopher Jarquin

Got my First Tattoo done on my upper back by Jay and couldn't be happier! Booking was fast, its a very clean and nice environment and I recommend this place to anyone looking to get a new tattoo.

orville wong

Nice location great service and staff. Good variety of food at a good price. Would return here

Braden Kabeary

Had my first tattoo done here by Liam. Hes great to work with, he made an amazing design off some rough work I did, way better than I had expected, worked quick and did a great job on the tattoo itself. Looking forward to more work done by him!

Trevor Campbell

I have not received a tattoo by him personally but I've seen his work and it is exceptional

Dan k

Earlier in the year had a fairly basic piece done by Brando. Quite simple: a couple of geometric shapes and some text - took 45 minutes. I waited a few months to submit this review to see how things healed. No problems - the tattoo is tight. Therefore the two stars don't relate to the artist. HOWEVER, there are some cryptic billing practices. My 45 minute tattoo, including consultation, cost $230. I pointed out that the shop rate (sign posted right behind the cashier) quotes $170/hr. I got a less than satisfactory answer about how it came to $230 for 45 minutes of work. A less trusting person might suggest the cashier is skimming, or the shop is falsifying its reporting for tax purposes ... I, however, would never speculate such things. To the next person who goes there - ask for a receipt and see what type of answer you get. I used this simple design as a test to see if I wanted to use Bushido to finish my sleeve. Test failed. Time to share this story and move on to a new shop.

Sarah H

I went in not sure if they could help with a cover-up but so glad I did. I liked Wil's art the most so I went to him with an idea for one tattoo of my favourite bands symbol on one arm and a cover up on a bad experience/tattoo I got on the other. We went with the band one first and it came out AWESOME! The detail he put in it makes it look better than the original symbol, haha. It's also healed amazingly and in a few weeks I'll be going in to see if any touch-ups are needed and to work out a plan for the cover up. Wil was friendly and professional, and I'm so glad I picked him after a awful experience the year before at another shop a bit further down 17th. Only negative is it's cash only and you never know how long your session will last so even bringing more than what you think you'll need in cash, you sometimes still don't have enough. I had just enough to cover so his tip will just be part of the next visit lol. There is a cash machine across the street though so it's not a huge deal, more of an inconvenience than it is a negative.

Bert Savoie

Fantastic shop! Great people great place

Skyler Keizer

Jenny is an amazing artist, great shop wpuld highly recommend ????

Talia Murchie

I had a piece done by Malinda - who was an absolute gem. Professional, easy to talk to, and the tattoo is outstanding. The shop it self was also well kept, and had their COVID guidelines in place. I felt comfortable, well taken care of, and safe! Looking forward to more pieces in the future :)

Dani690

Great tattoo shop. I've gotten two tattoos done by Jess and both of them have turned out perfectly! She's amazing with black and grey, and I will definitely see her for any future tattoos. The shop is always clean and the people there are very helpful when booking appointments or answering any questions.

Sonya Hoche

tatoos done by @wilyee_wufu excellent job.

Tracye Jorgensen

Liam (Tattoo Artist extraordinaire) did a watercolor tattoo for me. I'm Blown Away how awesome it is!!

Dung Nguyen

Had a cover up done by Liam, amazing job. Thank you for the great tattoo. Awesome and friendly shop.

Wyatt Paton

Bushido is an amazing tattoo shop, there customer service is beyond any other place i have ever been, they make you feel like family there, all the artist are super friendly, i personally deal with Liam he has been doing all my tattoos. he does above and beyond work, he listens and takes everything you have in mind into consideration and implements it into your tattoo. i wouldn't go anywhere else for a tattoo now. i will be back for all of my other tattoos with out a doubt.

Shasheema P

True Story. I called the shop about a month ago because I realized Bushido had made a mistake and not used my deposit. Simple problem, but the lack of solution makes me upset. I called later that night and the man who answered had told me it HAD been used and that Sam had charged me $225 for a tattoo that did noteven last an hour?? Whoever you have answeringyour phone's needto learn a few manners, as they rudely dismissed me but said they would pass on the message to the manager and they would call me back. Well, it's been over a month, I've left TWO messages now, and no one has ever called me back as to why I paid almost DOUBLE for a tattoo that I thought was $150 an hour. My co-worker who I had recommeneded after my consultation said she also paid $150 for a small piece of lettering on her wrist that took 10 minutes. I'm not sure if your rent is too high, but I would suggest moving instead of taking it out of your clients pockets. I have never had such avoidance like this, and I have never felt so cheated. I even tipped her well thinking I was paying what everyone else was paying but I guess I actually was paying what everyone else was paying. *The solution is simple. If you are going to charge $225 an hour, say so when people ask what your hourly rate is.* I WILL NOT be back. I WILL NOT tell people about your shop. I WILL wait for another tattoo somewhere else to get it touched up even though it really faded and needs to be entirely redone. You people all need a good lesson in customer service and treating people fairly. I had heard great things about your shop, but I really wished I had read your shop reviews first. You don't have the time to get back to me? Well this is me getting back to you.

RespondersCalgary Contacts

I started my tattoo at this shop over the summer. I had the same issue with Brando as some of the other people had. One was Brando made me pay to sit there and watch him draw sketches of stuff that should of been done before I came in. $170.00 an hour to watch someone draw sketches that should of been done before I came in. I had spent countless hundreds of dollars and twenty plus hours on my back. I am a few hours from being done and I will not go back here because of how I was treated. He added stuff to my tattoo that I would of never let him do without my permission. Brando had given me his number to send him pics and questions about my tattoo. When it came to actually answering my messages he gave me a snarky responses. I messaged him saying id like to know a time he has to set up my last appointment to which he said he's not the secretary. I had tipped him very very well on each occasion and if I could take it all back I would. I will admit that there is some of the most talented tatooers in town at this shop but I wouldn't come back after my experience. The other thing I find kinda weird is that they only except cash. I've seen them send countless people to the casino across the street to use the atm.. It's 2018 and maybe it's time for an atm in your shop, or time to except debit. Response- I appreciate the fast response. It shows you care about how things went for me. I'm quite pleased to hear about Brando no longer working there as I have never felt more insulted by someone. I appreciate the offer to come back there, and seriously I know you have wicked artists there but I was left with a bad taste in my mouth after being there last time. I will add a photo of my tattoo, and I'll show you what he did and if you think someone can correct it at a better price, maybe I'll consider coming back. Thanks, Jordon

Lana

I got my first tattoo ever from Malinda a few days back and I couldn't be any happier! Malinda is super chill and comfortable to work with. Loved the experience!

Jason Milliquet

I had the best tattoo experience I have ever had at Bushido. From the consultation to the tattooing Jenny was amazing. I had a few things drawn out and Jenny was able to take over from there. I will be back very soon to add to what we started. Thanks Jenny!

Evan Schwindt

Great studio with talented and solid people! My guy is Wil, and he has done both of my leg sleeves. Definitely recommend for both colour and black/grey work!

BlakeDood McDood

Awesome shop with some amazing artists.

Joe Horvath

I got my first tattoo done here by Liam Chung. He was super nice and a wicked artist. The atmosphere of the place was great and friendly and I will definitely be coming back for some more work! Would highly recommend this place to anyone!

Trevor Nile

Best shop in the city hands down.

Mary-Kim Vo

Wonderful! Brando has done two of my tattoos and has been so good with my low pain tolerance. Has great advice, and has done such beautiful work.