Reviews of Stronghold Tattoo (Tattoo Shop)

Do Jitsu

Laser proof tattooing, flawless work and work ethic.

Champion Tattoo Inc

I have had the pleasure of working alongside Ryan early in his career, now 10yrs later he is still steadfast in the quality in which he provides. Do not let the fact he wears Crocs sway you from getting tattooed, he has great taste in all other areas that matters.

Chelsea Fletcher

Very happy with my first time here at Stronghold Tattoo. Ryan is professional but also very easy to talk to which made for a comfortable experience. He is fast and efficient but also took the time to make my tattoo perfect. Thanks again !

Andrew Vetter

Wow! What an awesome experience. Ryan is a true artist, with respect and appreciation for his craft and takes pride in his work. Ryan is easy to communicate with, and does amazing work. What more do you want from your tattoo artist? Highly recommend Ryan Gagne for your next traditional tattoo! I know I will be back. Thanks Ryan.

Victor Chow

Ryan is a world class artist - cleanest lines and most consistent coloring I've ever seen. His creative and technical skills are exceptional. I'm so happy with my tattoo, and absolutely coming back for more!

Sarah C

I’ve been tattooed by Ryan a couple times now and have always left totally over the moon happy with my tattoo and my experience. Ryan is a top tier quality artist, you are guaranteed to leave with a beautiful tattoo that ages well over time. A piece I got on my leg about 7 years ago looks better than other tattoos I've had healed for a year. I can’t wait to get my next from Ryan!

Tim Conlin

From the initial meeting, to the completion of my tattoo, Ryan was so professional and showed that he cared, as much or more than I did. I am so happy with the result and having spent the better part of an afternoon with a really great guy.

Mitchell Brown

I have always had a great experience with Ryan - he replies to emails quickly, provides great input, and does excellent, consistent work. Stronghold Tattoo is very clean and welcoming, and I would recommend Ryan to anyone!

Dylan Johnstone

Great shop and experience. Have been getting tattooed by Ryan for over ten years, and always have a great time.

Lumberjack Plumbing & Heating

I have been tattooed by Ryan on multiple occasions. His professionalism and attention to detail are second to none. He is not only an excellent tattoo artist but he is kind hearted and a genuine family man. Two attributes I greatly appreciate and respect. I would not hesitate in recommending Ryan and Stronghold Tattoo to all my family, friends and clients.

Iain Chisholm

Ryan Gagne is a tattoo legend & is back on home turf. He kills it every time and always puts his heart and soul into his work. Couldn’t be more happy with what’s he has done for me, and can’t wait to get more from him.

Cameron MacKenzie

Stronghold Tattoo is my favorite shop I've been tattooed in yet. A real genuine tattoo shop, ran by a real genuine and extremely talented artist. Ryan is a true professional who passionate about what he does and it shows in his work. The shop has an atmosphere that is unmatched in my opinion, from the conversations to decor, love being able to admire all the flash on the walls while getting tattooed.

Kelsie Roze

I was tattooed by Ryan back when he was in Parksville, and I can't recomended him enough. Not only does he do amazing tattoos, but he's such a kind, genuine person. Can't wait to visit his new shop Calgary someday!

don boehlig

I can't say enough good things about my experience with Ryan at Stronghold Tattoo. Booking and consulting about tattoo was easy right from the start. His response time was always quick, and his input into the tattoo was honest and very helpful. I can honestly say that it was my best experience ever getting tattooed. Ryan was easy to talk to and an all around solid guy. The shop itself was clean, comfortable and a great relaxed enviroment. I had the honor of being the first client at Stronghold and I couldn't have been happier with my tattoo. I can't wait to go back and get more in the future. Clean solid tattoos without all the BS!

Brandon Hewko

I have been tattooed by a few good artists but I don't think anything will ever beat my experience getting tattooed by Ryan. First time travelling for a tattoo and I won't lie I was pretty nervous. Ryan was very professional and very accommodating with my tattoo and made me feel welcome in his shop. He did such an amazing job with the tattooI honestly couldn't be happier with the experience. I am looking forward to getting more pieces from Ryan in the future!

Jaymee Martin

I moved from Ontario to Alberta this year, and was nervous about finding a new artist, especially one to finish my leg sleeve I had started with an artist in Toronto. I’d been to a couple other shops in Calgary and they were fine, but Stronghold and Ryan are exactly the vibe and professionalism I was looking for in a tattoo shop and artist. He is doing an amazing job on my unfinished leg sleeve, and making it an all around enjoyable experience, which I didn’t have with the previous artist. He will hands down be my go to artist for all my future tattoos as long as I’m living in Calgary. 10/10.

John Mills

Get tattooed here.

Brendan Waters

A great shop and a great artist. The space is clean, well taken care of, and covered wall to wall in art that is worth a visit for in itself. Ryan is a honest guy, extremely talented, and most importantly a good person. I would recommend Stronghold to anyone looking for a top notch tattoo and am always proud to tell people where I got my work done.

Daniel McDonald

Ryan has tattooed myself, my partner and many of our friends. He did a solid black rose on my partner's elbow that healed unbelievably well -- no touch-ups required (elbow tattoo experiences may vary... haha). Just a solid dude and a family man. You could introduce a biker and your grandmother to Ryan in the same afternoon and they would both say "what a nice young man." I would happily recommend anyone I know to this shop.

nicola Bunker

This place is the best, so good. Ryan is extremely professional. I would use and recommend Ryan again without a doubt. First class !

A Robson

Ryan provides a wonderful service, and upholds the quality, care, safety and that raise the bar for this industry. More creative than he ever gives himself credit for, and kind beyond words. I admire his dedication to his friends and family, calgary is lucky to have such an establishment. Check out his instgram page if you need more evidence!!!

Kacy Forgo

I cannot say enough positive things about Ryan and this shop. My first tattoo with Ryan was back in 2013, right before he relocated to BC. To say I was thrilled when I found out he was moving back to Calgary, would be an understatement. Not only is this shop impeccably clean, it's beautiful and incredibly welcoming. Beyond that, Ryan is one of the most solid dudes I've ever had the privilege of being tattooed by and his work is insane. I couldn't recommend him enough!!

Jonathan Scheer

I’m lucky enough to have a couple of tattoos from Ryan and they are still holding bold and bright. One of the best and we are very lucky to have him and his family settled into Calgary.

R Taylor

Ryan is super rad and that's the only way to say it. Very welcoming. Plays some distracting music and invites good artists to join him. Check out his shop and get it done professionally.

Kevin Wong

If you take one look at Ryan's portfolio, you will see that hIs work is top notch. His shop is clean and every session I've had with him has been a great experience. No egos here, just great tattoos.

B & E Adkins

I'm lucky to have found Ryan Gagne and highly recommend his services. His sincere appreciation for the tattoo artform is obvious. I sent him the sketch below through e-mail, and he produced a masterpiece of an interpretation. Couldn't be happier with it. Browsing Ryan's Instagram is assurance of his consistency, and high standards. His tats stand the test of time. The vibe Ryan gives off is kind, welcoming, and helpful. Design discussions were respectful and productive. He respects the old school traditions while maintaining a strong ability innovate. Ryan works very efficiently. I was surprised he could complete my chest piece in under 6 hours. His demeanor during the sessions were courteous and relatable. Stronghold itself is worth the visit. The walls are covered in eclectic flash art in a variety of styles from a variety of eras. It's a visual history of tattooing of sorts. A very cool shop, glad to have it in Calgary.

Samar Hertil

Super impressed with my entire experience from start to finish! Ryan is an extremely talented artist and it’s apparent that he puts his heart and soul into his work. Great value, good conversation, and makes you feel right at home - Can’t wait for the next piece. Thanks, Ryan!

Adam Hayman

If you're reading this then no doubt you've seen Ryan's work on Instagram (go do that if you haven't) so you know his work speeks for itself. If you're looking to know about the shop I can say it's the nicest shop I've ever been to. Just like Ryan's tattooing style, the shop is rooted in a traditional aesthetic, but with the pink backing it makes it bright, unique, and approachable. I felt safe, comfortable, and like my needs were respected the entire time. His attention to EVERYTHING makes the experience fantastic. This is a man who loves what he does. The entire experience is thought out. I can't wait to book my third piece with him.

Amanda Gladstone

Ryan is one of the most professional tattooers I have ever met. He made me feel very comfortable and relaxed for two tattoos now. HIs shop is breath taking and feels like home. Definitely recommend !

Dylan da Costa

Just went for my first tattoo with Ryan, and i couldn't be happier with the results. Not only does his quality and professionalism stand out in his incredible work, but also in the atmosphere of his shop. Very clean and welcoming to everyone. I couldn't recommend stronghold Tattoo enough!

Nick S

One of the best tattoo shops I have been to in Calgary. If you are looking for a traditional style tattoo this is definitely the place to go.

Paula Derbyshire

I got tattooed by Ryan almost 10 years ago, and I still love looking at it everyday.

SpicyDuder

I have been tattooed many times by Ryan, amazing dude, this shop is amazing. Can’t wait to go see him ASAP!

Shawn Hedley

Formerly one of Calgary’s up and coming top body piercers, Ryan Gagne left all that glamour behind for the gritty anxiety ridden life of tattooing. While you can no longer get sick industrial ear art from him he will put 100% into your tattoo from consult to completion.

Joe France

Had a tattoo done with Ryan a few days ago, was a great experience, managed to fit me in on thanksgiving on fairly short notice and provided me with not only a great tattoo exactly as I had hoped but also with great friendly chat which is a big plus for some who may find getting a tattoo intimidating. If you live in Calgary or just passing through Ryan is your guy!

Patrick B

Great Canadian tattooing. Glad I was able to visit. Thanks again!

Avery Merrison

I was very impressed with the level of professionalism, customer service, and quality of tattoo that I received. I would definitely recommend the shop and will return next time I get another tattoo.

Nico Graceffo

Ryan was a pleasure to work with! Very knowledgeable, efficient and friendly! He is an incredibly talented artist! Highly recommend him!

Liam Tomney

Ryan is great conversation and does even better work. Best traditional artist in Calgary!

Michael Harvey

Ryan did a fantastic Cthulhu tattoo for me years ago when he was with another shop here in YYC. From start to finish it was a great experience with a great artist. Highly recommended!

rachel a

Ryan is an exceptional tattoo artist and an equally good human. He is trustworthy, kind, professional and an amazing artist. My tattoo from Ryan is one of my favorites and the colour is still perfect on it years later. It healed perfectly. He only uses top quality ink and machines. Go see Ryan at Stronghold! World class tattoo artist for sure.

Nate Newton

Stronghold captures the spirit of tattoo. A clean shop with great flash on the walls and a readily apparent respect for the tradition of tattooing. Ryan was welcoming and respectful: from scheduling the appointment, to being greeted at the shop, and delivering the best quality tattoo. The whole tattoo experience was great. Ryan cares about your comfort, his talent is exceptional and he puts the highest level of care into getting you the best possible tattoo. I recommend this shop to anyone that cares about getting a quality tattoo.

Ezequiel Bartel

Got a couple amazing tattoos in one session by Ryan today. Absolutely talented artist and he makes the entire experience so easy and comfortable. Great shop location and friendly environment. I highly recommend Stronghold Tattoo for getting inked up!

Crystal P.

Ryan is an absolute gem. He's an incredible artist, one of the best in western Canada in my opinion, and is super sweet and humble to boot. I've had two tattoos done by him. He works hard to make sure you're happy with the design and placement, and goes out of his way to make sure you're feeling comfortable and at ease. His shop is clean and painted bright pink, too! What else could you ask for?

Brooklyn Hyggen

Ryan is extremely talented at what he does, he is seriously one of the best! Not only does he make you super comfortable during your appointment, but you can also tell that making the client happy is genuinely his top priority. I haven't had the best experiences in the past with previous tattoo artists, but after my first tattoo with Ryan I had already booked in a second appointment, and am planning more. I live out of town and will continue to make the trip just for the experience. Whatever you are looking for getting done, I would highly recommend reaching out to him because I can promise you will not be disappointed. Here are both of my tattoos by him....just look at that colour!!!!

Duj'on Daniel

I have a dozen pieces by Ryan and each session was great, he is professional in every sense. Ryan's good at meeting your design ideas while upholding integrity for art. Black/high-melanin skin is prone to raises, scars, and keloids but his lite hand makes those things not a problem for me. I highly recommend Ryan to anyone.

Chris Andison

Thank you again Ryan! Would recommend him and his shop to anyone and everyone! Stellar artist, human being, and tattooer. Appreciate getting to hangout with yeah for a bit!

Samantha King

Couldn't be any more satisfied with my tattoos by Ryan. The whole experience was better than expected; he's super professional, has a clean shop, and is incredibly talented. Highly recommend.

Brett Phillips

Cant say enough good things about my experience at stronghold. Ryan is an incredibly talented artist I absolutely love my piece. The shop has a really great vibe to it very clean and very welcoming Ryan is also a great guy. Was having such a great time I booked my next tattoo with him before he finished the one he was working on! Strongly recommend Ryan and stronghold tattoo!

Cody McGregor

Have gotten a few amazing tattoos by Ryan now! Very talented artist! Would highly recommend to check his shop out and get some ink done! Will be back for sure!

Stephanie Tuohy

I was tattooed by Ryan a few days ago and I couldn’t be happier with the experience! Great shop and atmosphere and amazing work! Ryan’s incredible at what he does and you won’t regret coming here!!

Jericho Rodriguez

Ryan is world class! Easy going and to talk too. Definitely coming back and see what else we can get!

Kayla Blomquist

One of the top tattoo experiences I've ever had. I felt super safe and comfortable the entire time. The tattoo also healed better than any tattoo I've ever had, and that is saying a lot considering it is a giant knee tat. 10/10 would do again.

Brenden Giese

Super good tattoos by a super good dude! Always a treat to be in the shop! You won’t be disappointed!

Daniel Walker

I've gotten 4 tattoos from Ryan and each one of them exceeded me expectations. Can't recommend him enough.

Dustin Nobert

This experience is 100% top notch. I am now on my 3rd tattoo from Ryan and I recommend him to everyone! I have had so many compliments on his work. Not only does he provide great work, but he also keeps a good conversation, frequently asking how it's feeling and if breaks are needed. You're missing out if you don't visit his rad new shop and have him put some ink on you. Looking forward to him completing my sleeves. Dusty

D Peterson

Ryan is the man.... great conversation. Easy to talk to. And completely knocked my hand tats out of the park, I waited a long time for Ryan to move back to the province and I can't wait to get tattooed by him again.

David Winnington

Have spent many hours being tattooed by Ryan. Can't recommend him enough! If you want a super clean, vibrant, distinct, quality tattoo look no further. Ryan kills it and you will be stoked with what you get to wear.

Keaton Lechelt

Ryan was extremely accommodating and easy to work with. He suggested some adjustments to my initial tattoo location without being pushy and was very thorough. Obviously the art speaks for itself.. one of the best in Calgary talent wise but also a great guy. Would recommend him and the shop to anyone looking to get a tattoo. Professional and honest. Keep up the good work!

Andrew

Put a lot of research into what shop I wanted to go to for some colour work, Ryans work took the cake by a long shot. He was able to squeeze me in for a quick piece much sooner than I expected. Great atmosphere, non intimidating and super professional. 10/10 experience I’ll be back again and am extremely happy with the work I had done. Truly the most vibrant colour work I’ve been able to find in the City.

Krista Dawn

Saw Ryan the other day, I highly recommend going to see him here. The shop is very clean, he's easy to talk to, and on top of that he really is a super talented tattoo artist. My tattoo turned out way above expectations and I will definitely be going back to him to finish up the rest of what I have planned. If you're on the fence whether you want to get inked during the pandemic i say definitely go for it - the appointments are all only ever 1on1 and masked. Thanks again Ryan!

franny ng

Ryan's great, some of the cleanest tattoo work out there and his tattoos look great even after years of sun abuse.

Cons Burton

Fantastic experience at Stronghold with Ryan, Hes kind, he works very efficiently and is fun to talk to during your appointment. I will definitely be returning to get more work done by Ryan in the future!

Cisco Passmore

Went in for a couple tattoos from Ryan a few weeks back. It was a great experience, he's a super cool professional guy, made sure I was comfortable the whole time. Both tattoos turned out amazing and he had a pretty light hand so it was a pretty chill experience. Overall he's a great tattooed and a super cool guy to chill with and chat with for a few hours while you get inked, definitely recommend him

Benjamin Ferrier

Great tattoos that are bold and bright. Great dude who is professional and knowledgeable. Great clean space to get tattooed in.