The Best Blackwork Tattoo Artists in Montreal
Blackwork tattoos in Montreal: meet Chele, Christina and Meg, our three blackwork artists in the Old Port. Their styles, cover-ups, aftercare and how to choose.
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Looking for a blackwork tattoo artist in Montreal? Blackwork is all about black ink: deep solid fills, bold contrast and graphic designs that stay readable for decades. At Oly Anger Tattoo, in the Old Port since 2009, three artists work in black, each in her own way. Here’s what sets their styles apart and how to choose the right one for your project.
At a glance: our blackwork artists
| Artist | Approach | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Chele | High-contrast blackwork, solid black backgrounds | Dark, striking pieces and small cover-ups |
| Christina | Illustrative blackwork (guest artist) | Botanicals, figures, ornamental designs |
| Meg | Traditional in black and grey | Roses, scorpions, pin-ups, classic flash |
What is a blackwork tattoo?
Blackwork covers any tattoo done in black ink only, with no colour. It’s a broad family rather than a single style:
- Solid fills and black backgrounds: large areas packed with black that frame the subject and create striking contrast.
- Illustrative blackwork: a look close to engraving or pen illustration, built with linework, dotwork and hand-placed shading.
- Graphic and ornamental: geometric patterns, mandalas, bands and symmetrical shapes.
- Black traditional: old school imagery (roses, daggers, skulls) with bold outlines and black shading.
What ties them together: black ages beautifully. Outlines stay crisp longer than light colours, and pieces keep their impact after years of sun.
Our blackwork artists
Chele, high-contrast blackwork
Style: blackwork, cover-ups
Chele specialises in blackwork, with a soft spot for small cover-up projects. Her pieces play on solid black backgrounds and strong contrast: portraits, masked faces, lettering, dark figures. That command of black is what lets her turn an old tattoo into something striking. Drop by the studio to flip through her flash book.
Christina, illustrative blackwork
Style: illustrative blackwork (guest artist)
Christina is our resident guest artist: a world-travelling tattooer who works in blackwork with a distinctive style all her own. Her linework recalls illustration and engraving: flowers and ferns, mythological figures, ornamental vases, delicate dotwork. She works at the studio in stretches, so follow her Instagram for her dates and book while she’s in town.
Meg, black traditional
Style: traditional in black and grey
Meg tattoos traditional in black and grey: clean lines, soft shading and classic designs like pin-ups, roses and scorpions. It’s the old school side of blackwork, with bold lines that read clearly from across the room. Bring her your idea or pick from her flash at the studio.
How to choose your blackwork artist
| Your project | Recommended artist |
|---|---|
| Dark piece with a solid black background | Chele |
| Covering up a small tattoo | Chele |
| Flowers, botanicals, engraving look | Christina |
| Mythological or ornamental figure | Christina |
| Rose, scorpion, dagger, pin-up | Meg |
| Classic flash to get tattooed quickly | Meg or Chele |
Not sure? Describe your idea in the consultation form and we’ll match you with the right artist. For flash or a small piece, you can also walk in.
Blackwork and cover-ups
Blackwork is one of the best options for hiding an old tattoo. Black covers what light colours can’t, and a well-planned design builds its dark areas over the old lines.
- Bigger and darker: a cover-up is usually larger than the original tattoo.
- Consultation first: the artist needs to see the old tattoo to judge what’s possible. Send a clear photo with your request.
- Very dark tattoo? Laser fading before a cover-up can open up more options. The studio doesn’t do laser, but our tattoo removal and cover-up guide explains how it works.
Preparing for and caring for your blackwork tattoo
- Plan enough time: large solid fills need more passes, so sessions can run longer than a linework piece.
- Choose the placement carefully: large, flat areas (forearm, calf, thigh, back) show off blackwork best.
- Follow aftercare closely: a well-healed black fill should look even. Moisturise lightly and don’t pick at scabs. Full details are in our aftercare guide.
- Protect it from the sun: SPF 50+ keeps the black deep and the outlines crisp for longer.
For the day itself, see how to prepare for your session.
FAQ: blackwork tattoo artists in Montreal
Who is the best blackwork tattoo artist in Montreal?
At Oly Anger Tattoo, Chele, Christina and Meg each work in blackwork their own way: Chele for high-contrast pieces on black backgrounds and cover-ups, Christina for illustrative blackwork, Meg for black traditional. The best choice depends on your project, so compare their portfolios.
What’s the difference between blackwork and black and grey?
Blackwork relies on solid black, fills and bold contrast. Black and grey uses diluted ink to build soft gradients, as in realism. Many pieces combine both.
Does blackwork hurt more?
Pain depends mostly on placement and session length. Large fills mean more passes over the same area, so a session can feel more intense than a linework tattoo. You can always take breaks.
How much does a blackwork tattoo cost?
The artist sets the price based on size, detail and placement. The studio’s base price is $120. Book a free consultation for an accurate quote.
Can I get a blackwork tattoo as a walk-in?
For flash or a small, simple piece, often yes, depending on artist availability. For a custom design or a cover-up, book a consultation.
By the Oly Anger Tattoo team
