🍁 Realistic Tattooing – Whistler, B.C. Canada

The Ink Lab – Steve Kretz – Realistic Tattoo

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

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 pop culture portraits & characters. With themes including Fantasy, Mythology, Comic Books, Video Games & Animation.

Please check out 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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 Travis Morris 
 
 
 
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Steve was exceptional.  It was my first tattoo,  I couldn't have asked for a better experience for the first time, and the outcome was more than I hoped for.   I'll post a follow-up when the full sleeve is done.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Terry Paauw 
 
 
 
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This was the best tattoo experience I’ve ever had. Professional. Clean. Steve made my mind’s image of my dream tattoo come to reality.
We joked about it being a Spa Day. There were times I even dozed off.
I seriously can’t recommend more highly.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Timothy Rogers 
 
 
 
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Great people! Made feel comfortable! Art is amazing!
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Robert Dunn 
 
 
 
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After contemplating my first tattoo for years, I'm thrilled to have found Steve, whose exceptional talent in three-dimensional sci-fi and superhero designs immediately stood out online. His communication is prompt and professional, taking time to thoroughly understand my vision while clearly explaining how size, detail, and placement would affect the final piece.
What impressed me most was Steve's collaborative approach - he worked with me to develop a design that perfectly balanced my vision with his artistic expertise. His meticulous preparation and attention to sterilization protocols made me completely comfortable throughout the process.
The three-day session flew by thanks to Steve's wonderful company and dedication to his craft. The final result exceeded all expectations - it's absolutely stunning and everything I hoped for. I'm already planning my next piece with Steve. His work is truly top-tier and absolutely worth the wait for anyone seeking exceptional tattoo artistry in the Sea to Sky corridor.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Richard Sudweeks 
 
 
 
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Steve did amazing work, great atmosphere, will definitely be back for more work. Thanks Steve
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Heiko Rensch 
 
 
 
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Thank you for a wonderful tattoo. Cheers from Germany
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Nicole Braun 
 
 
 
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I had the privilege of getting a second tattoo by Steve, this time in his new, bright location. In addition to his exceptionally realistic and colourful tattoo style, Steve makes me feel safe and comfortable in his studio; which is equally important to me. He is worth the trip to Whistler for a great piece of artwork and relaxed experience.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Dave Humphrey 
 
 
 
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Steve is an incredible artist and a true professional. The new shop is spotless, and his attention to detail is unmatched. He took my initial idea and turned it into a piece far better than I imagined. If you want high-quality work in a comfortable environment, go see Steve. Highly recommended!
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Dave Mueller 
 
 
 
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My experience with Steve and his fantastic art as well with his new shop was a fantastic experience for me! Steve is very professional and listens to his client carefully as to what art they would like to choose and Steve works 1 on 1 to take time to figure out the best fit for his client. I'm extremely happy with the details in my tattoo and his shading and colors. The studio is the cleanest I have ever experienced and so comfortable with the privacy and view of the mountains. Amazing studio and art and coolest guy to have a tattoo from! Thanks Steve I'll be back
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 James Guraliuk 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
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.

Update: Just finished my third session with Steve. It’s healed up and looking beautiful. His detail and execution has exceeded my expectations once again. Starting to see this project come together with this one, and i cant wait for my next session.

Got a chance to do this session at his new studio in whistler and i love it. It’s private, has a TV, he provides snacks and overall just has a perfect relaxing vibe to get tattooed. I cant recommend him enough.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
    
 
 

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.

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!