BARNACLE INK
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BARNACLE INK
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BARNACLE INK
NANAIMO TATTOO SHOP - Select Nicole for animal portraits
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Barnacle Ink

Where your tattoo ideas take shape

Tattoo by appointment preferred

Walk-ins welcome

At Barnacle Ink, our tattoo artist are dedicated to delivering exceptional, long-lasting tattoos with unique and solid designs. Barnacle Ink is a central Vancouver Island tattoo shop located in Nanaimo, BC. Our friendly and drama-free atmosphere welcomes everyone without discrimination.

We prioritize your safety by maintaining a meticulously clean and sterile environment, using barrier-protected and disposable supplies. Barnacle Ink is fully certified, VIHA inspected and approved, and complies with the BBP code. Discover Our Tattoo Studio.

Visit our Team page to learn more about us and explore our tattoo portfolios showcasing our past accomplishments. Make Barnacle Ink your destination for professional, high-quality tattoos.

Our Tattoo Shop Artists proudly serve a clientele from central Vancouver Island including Nanaimo, Nanoose, Lantzville, Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Port Alberni, Courtenay & Comox area, to Ladysmith, Chemainus and Duncan.

**Being a VIHA certified establishment, would there be any health related regulations or mandates, they are to be followed to-the-letter. Keep in mind that if we are sick, we can not work, and subsequently, you can not get your tattoo. We follow the rules that are in place for our own safety and the safety of our clients.**

Thank you for your collaboration and understanding

What they said...

Natalie
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Best tattoo experience ever! Nick kept me updated throughout the creative process so I knew exactly what I was getting before our appointment with room to make changes. I didn’t want to change a thing though! He totally understood the style I was going for and encapsulated it better then I could’ve imagined it. I am blown away by the skill and attention to detail that was put into the piece and beyond impressed with the design. Couldn’t be happier! He got so much done in one sitting, I’ve learned to expect transparency and professionalism to Nick’s standard from now on, all the things that disappointed me in other tattoo experiences were non-existent, this is what it should be like! Nick is super chill, and the shop is very clean and professional as well, nice atmosphere. I’ll be getting my tattoos from Barnacle Ink for the rest of time.
Loren Patenaude
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Got a tattoo done by nicole before her move to barnacle ink she absolutely nailed the bull tattoo i got with an added little shamrock shes very talented and I highly recommend her
Michelle Mercevia
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Barnacle Ink is a wonderful, clean, creative tattoo shop in South Nanaimo. Nick is very professional and highly creative and artistic. This is my second time being tattooed by him and I thoroughly enjoyed the whole process…. check it out!!
Claudia Sampre
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I had my Luna moth tattoo done today. Nick is very professional and a wonderful artist. I just adore my tattoo so much! Thank you 😊 Beautiful results.
Kathryn Charette
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Absolutely love my new piece. Nicole was so easy and professional to work with. She listened to what I wanted and made something perfect! Would definitely recommend getting work done by Nicole, and will get more ink myself. Thanks so much for helping bring my idea to light! ♥️ulvinar dapibus leo.
Ladyofloudmaner
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You will not find a better guy to bring your visions to life. I gave Nick a basic example of what I wanted and left the rest up to him. They turned out way better than I could have ever expected. He made the whole process easy and relaxing… sadly I moved away but would 100% travel for any of my future work!
Tina Penican Manfred
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Had a blast getting bestfriend tattoos done by Nick! We sent in a few reference pictures and he was very fast with responding. He also whipped the design up in no time! Oh, did I mention it was Spongebob and Patrick? Yes, if you love spongebob, and you love tattoos, then Nick is definitely the guy to talk to! I was very pleased with the way he suitably customized it which really brought the design to life. Will certainly be back for future pieces 😁
Shawna Labonte
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Amazing work done by Nick Easy booking, and easy going atmosphere! Kept super clean, and sanitary! We love our tattoos so much, so thank you Nick for a great memory and art we can cherish forever <3
Yvette Foge
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I would personally recommend anyone to go to Barnacle Ink. He is a true artist with compassion and talent. His shop is remarkably clean. Can’t wait for my next appointment. Yvette F
Anthony Persaud
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Just had an awesome tattoo experience with Nick. He was so patient as we went through the design process and could easily intuit what I was wanting. I highly recommend Nick, he's a professional, talented artist.
Charlie
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Complete & total professionalism Nick!! From my consultation to hygiene, placement & size. Thank you very much, I couldn’t be happier with my latest tattoo!! You know I’ll be back!!
Catherine Skinner
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I have received two tattoo's from Nick now, and he is truly an amazing artist, super kind and makes it a very good comfortable experience ! Hands down 👏🏻 Very very pleased !
Ness Ashfeild
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Nick was so easy to talk with and very excited about our ideas for our Tattoos. I love Nick’s style, demeanour and down right friendliness. He was patient with us as we work in a treatment based industry and wasn’t always able to get back to him as quickly. Shop was nice and welcoming, Nick isn’t the kind of artist to make you feel uncomfortable about any choices and has a keen sense of whimsy! Thank you again!
Baylee Marie
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By far the most easy going, uplifting & positive experience I’ve had getting tattoos by somebody! Nick is so genuine, and he truly cares and puts in a lot of time and effort into his work. I couldn’t be happier with the start to a wonderful project! Thank you so much! 😍💯 Not to mention, the shop was super inviting and SUPER clean! 👌🏻
Crystal Woodbridge
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Went in to get some best friend tattoos and not only did he do amazing work he was super fun and easy to talk with we all shared some laughs and had a blast! I'm absolutely in love with my tattoo and can't wait to go back for some more amazing ink♡ won't go anywhere else 😁
Caitlin Holman
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We were so beyond pleased with my boyfriends tattoo that nick Watson did in memory of his mom and dad. His workmanship and coloring is beyond what we had expected! His shop is clean and very professional also. Definitely will be getting future work done with him.
Abi Blackburn
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Absolutely wonderful vibes and great conversation while sitting for my tattoo. good atmosphere, calm and professional, very kind artists with lots of talent. highly recommend and will return time and time again 💖 thanks for the great time spent there and the beautiful work. Will 1000% be back ASAP Oh and might I add, a killer price for the work produced. Thank you Barnacle Ink!
Jennifer Ward
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Nick is a true Artist that is very professional. I'm very happy with my new tattoo to honor my granddaughter. Nick listened carefully to what I wanted and made my vision better than I could have wished for. The shop is clean and welcoming and he is very accommodating. He has a light touch and checks in with you to make sure you are comfortable. It was the best experience, getting inked, I have had so far...and there has been many. Go see Barnacle Ink for your next tattoo, you wont be disappointed, I would recommend him to everyone! I will be going back. Thanks again Nick!
Aimee Thompson
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Great experience with Nick! He was very patient with me and my decision. After a few days it was healed! No scabbing or scaring it looks amazing! It’s been a few months know and no fading! Thanks Nick! Until next time.
Martin Dupras
@username
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This is my tattoo! Nicole is a great artist and very professional! I love my tattoo! I will definitely get another tattoo from her!❤️😎
Kyle St
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Absolutely amazing service with the best quality. Recommend 100%
Christin S
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Took us as a walk-in at the end of the day. Professional, clean and friendly. Would definitely recommend and come back!
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Decorative filigree. Barnacle Ink - Tattoo shop. Tattoo shop in Nanaimo, British-columbia. 119 Nicol Street, Nanaimo
Tattoo Gift Certificate Holiday Special! Barnacle Ink, Nanaimo Tattoo

Follow us on Instagram!

Don’t miss out on our current promo!
(We add 20% value to your gift certificate – more details in the gift certificate section of the website)

🎊In addition, follow us on Instagram, find this post and read the caption.
For a chance to win a $400 tattoo with any artist at Barnacle Ink, Nanaimo:

Make sure to do all of the following to be eligible for the draw.
– > Follow Barnacle Ink on IG (@barnacle.ink)
– > Like the post
– > Share this post to your story (and, cleverly tag us 😁)

– >Tag your Ink loving friends in the comments of the post.

Tag as many friends you’d like ~ 1 on 1: Every new friend tagged = 1 new entry.
Entries will end December 31st at 11:59pm.The draw will occur January 4th.

Stay tuned for more upcoming events!

Nanaimo - Tattoo Gallery

Meet Our Talented Artists, Explore Our Wide Range of Services

Click/tap one of the artwork below to browse the corresponding tattoo artist portfolio.

NEW resident artist

Cody Fitzgerald – Tattoo Artist


Main Tattoo Styles
(but not limited to)

Traditional | Neo Traditional | Fine Line | Illustrative

A tattoo done by Cody Fitzgerald. @thescabslinger Tattoo artist specializing in Traditional tattoos. Tattoo representing a plague doctor wearing a hat with a traditional flower and a scythe.
Cody

Click/tap the picture above for gallery

Or, learn

Nick Watson – Tattoo Artist

Main Tattoo Styles
(but not limited to)

Colour | Watercolour | New School | Black & Grey | Cover-ups | Illustrative  | Fine Lines | Realism

nickwatsonzart, nick watson, tatttoo artist, nanaimo, vancouver island, oil painting, barnacle ink
Nick

Click/tap the picture above for gallery

Or, learn

Nicole Pride – Tattoo Artist


Main Tattoo Styles
(but not limited to)

Black & Grey Realism | Animal Portrait | Floral | Fine Lines

Digital painting
Nicole

Click/tap the picture above for gallery

Or, learn

Guest Artist

Glance at past, future, and present Guest, in our Barnacle Ink Hall of Fame!

Not sure what you would like?

Check out our up-for-grabs section. Get inspired, choose one of our original designs!

Decorative filigree. Barnacle Ink - Tattoo shop. Tattoo shop in Nanaimo, British-columbia. 119 Nicol Street, Nanaimo

or

HIT THE FAQ BUTTON TO FIND ANSWERS

Barnacle Ink - Tattoo shop Logo. Tattoo shop in Nanaimo, British-columbia. 119 Nicol Street, Nanaimo

Help someone you appreciate get the tattoo they dream of !

Checkout our Holiday Special promo