šŸ Realistic Tattooing – Whistler, B.C. Canada

Starwars Tattoo, Realistic Tattoo, Colour Realism, Realistic Tattoo Vancouver, Realistic Tattoo Whistler

The Ink Lab – Steve Kretz – Realistic Tattoo

The Ink Lab is the new creative space, a private studio beneath the Mountains of Whistler.

My style is bold realistic tattooing. I love to create art by collaging photos & combining that with digital painting. I often use realistic images with bolder outlined elements, as I love the contrast created by mixing tattoo styles.
After many years of tattooing in different styles I now try to draw from all of my favourite kinds of tattooing when I create artwork. My hope is to create something original for you, taking your ideas & bringing them to life.

I love Tattooing portraits & characters, from Fantasy, Mythology, Video Games & Animation.

Please browse my portfolio & contact me with any ideas you’d like to discuss. Consultations are free & I’m happy to talk over any ideas to make sure we are the right fit for each other, before going ahead with the booking process

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Julia Knight profile picture
Julia Knight
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Steve was personable and talented…I appreciated his work ethic and fair pricing. We will definitely be working with him again!
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Kevin Pathirana
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I had an amazing experience with Steve! He is incredibly talented, patient, and highly skilled. His deep knowledge and years of experience really show in his work. I shared my ideas and a few design inspirations, and he turned them into exactly what I had envisioned, even better, actually! His attention to detail and artistic realism are truly impressive. We ended up creating a beautiful piece that I’m genuinely proud of. Highly recommend him to anyone looking for a top-notch tattoo artist!
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Daniel Custodio
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An absolute professional, exceptional talent for realism and service excellence on the entire experience from beginning to end!! Was able to complete a family session for four and will be booking him in the near future to complete a project of mine!! See Steve at his lab, The Ink Lab. If you don’t know, now you know!
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Prashant Agrawal
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Steve is an awesome artist. He was highly recommended by a friend you had their tattoo from him recently. We discussed the idea, planned ahead and Steve was immaculate with his work. Absolutely delighted with my artwork! Already thinking of my next one! Highly recommend šŸ‘Œ
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James Guraliuk
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I came to Steve with an idea of a full sleeve project i wanted to get started on. Not only did he fully deliver on bring my ideas to light, but he absolutely nailed our first session together. This being my first tattoo, i was of course nervous, hesitant, and worried about how it would look. Steve has crushed those feelings and i cant wait to go see him again. If your a fan of anything realistic, he is your man and will exceed your expectations.
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Francis Bozza
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Steve did an amazing job with my first tattoo. I have received numerous compliments from my friends and family regarding its detailing and colouring. I look forward to having my future second tattoo done by Steve Kretz. I highly recommend Steve for your tattoo work. Steve is excellent at helping you through the whole process from its design to its execution. He is very personable and ensures his client is comfortable and knowledgable about the tattooing process and aftercare. Thank you, Steve!
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Ashlie Baker profile picture
Ashlie Baker
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I had an idea in mind for a tattoo and couldn’t figure out how to get my thoughts on to paper. This is where Steve came in. I chose to work with Steve because of his past charitable work and after seeing his portfolio with pops of colour. He was super patient and worked with me to create a tattoo that we were both stoked about.
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Lindsay Ferguson
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Amazing experience! Steve took my inspiration and created his own art. No changes. It was perfect. I am glad the stars aligned and I was able to get the tattoo while visiting Whistler. Steve is beyond professional and made me feel comfortable at every step. Highly recommend!!!
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Elizabeth M profile picture
Elizabeth M
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I would recommend Steve without hesitation. His professionalism, communication and artistry are top notch. The depth of his tattoo images stuck out for me and he’s done such justice to the image I wanted tattooed. He recognised the personal meaning and significance of the tattoo I wanted and honored it all the way through the process, this meant a lot to me. The focus and intent during his tattooing were incredible. I now smile big time every day seeing the image I’ve wanted for so long, masterfully tattooed on my leg, I’m so thrilled with it. It was a highlight of my trip to Whistler, thank you Steve.

My Clients Travel from Squamish, Vancouver & Beyond

I am based in Whistler, B.C. where I have just opened a private studio. I also travel to work at conventions & book occasional guest spots. Most of my clients make the beautiful drive up from Vancouver, to get Tattooed here in Whistler.

I book by appointment only, so please contact me to discuss booking an appointment in advance.

I love tattooing & feel very grateful to spend my days working on my passion, while raising my family here, surrounded by the beautiful scenery Whistler has to offer.

If my style of tattooing resonates with you, then lets talk ideas!

Check out my portfolio here

Read my booking info

I also have an email list for my Secret Club, where I offer promotions & a first look at my new artwork. If you’d like to be the first to get news, you can sign up here.

Where to get tattooed in Whistler?

There are many great artists in Whistler. Please check my portfolio first & if my style doesn’t fit your ideas, I’d be happy to suggest another artist.

How long is your waitlist?

It can be anywhere from a week to a month or more, depending on size of your tattoo & my schedule. If you’d like to get an accurate time frame contact me with your ideas!

What styles’s of tattoo do you offer?

I really love a variety of styles & although I mainly tattoo realistic imagery, I often will tattoo with a bolder outlined style, or maybe even mix styles to create something unique.

Do you do small tattoos?

I have met some great people & been lucky enough to be their choice for their first tattoo. I’m always happy to start small & who knows, it may lead on to bigger things later!

I’m interested in a sleeve tattoo, where do I start?

All I really need to get started is a rough concept, then I’m happy to book a free consultation to discuss the possibilities with you. If you like my ideas, then the fun starts & we create your artwork!

How much does a sleeve tattoo cost?

A detailed sleeve tattoo takes multiple sessions & often takes around 8-10 full days . This does depend on the artwork& size of your arm. We can go into this in further detail, then space out appointments to help spread the cost.

If you like what you have heard so far & would like to talk about an idea, please fill in a quick contact form & I’ll be in touch soon!