GRIM Studios Blog

There’s a tired old myth floating around tattoo culture — that tattoos don’t “take” or “heal” well on darker skin. It’s not just wrong. It’s racist. That myth didn’t come from the skin. It came from the people tattooing it.

you can tattoo over self-harm scars — but how, when, and why you do it matters. At GRIM, we’ve worked with a lot of people reclaiming their skin after self-harm. And we treat that process with the same gravity we’d give to sacred art — because that’s exactly what it is. Tattooing over scars isn’t just technical; it’s emotional.

Your new tattoo isn’t gym-proof — or waterproof. We get it. You’re committed to your routine. You hit the gym, you swim, you sweat — and you just got fresh ink. But here’s the thing: a new tattoo is an open wound, and your body needs time to heal before you put it through extra stress. Here’s the truth about working out, swimming, and sweating after getting tattooed — and how to avoid ruining that brand-new piece you just dropped good money on.

Yeah, tattoos hurt. But they also heal, and then they become part of you.Pain fades. Art stays. And if you’re getting tattooed at GRIM Studios, you’re in safe, gentle, ridiculously capable hands. So breathe. It’s not that bad. And when it’s over, you’ll have something beautiful to show for it — forever.

It used to be that people flipped through flash sheets in a shop or brought in a rough sketch from a magazine. Now? They’re scrolling TikTok. Social media has become one of the biggest driving forces behind tattoo culture—especially micro-trends that explode overnight. From butterflies and cherries to tiny fine-line hearts, viral tattoos are everywhere. But what happens when your “For You Page” becomes your tattoo inspiration? Let’s break down the rise of TikTok tattoos.

You’ve seen them all over Instagram and TikTok—delicate finger hearts, fine-line florals, minimalist scripts barely larger than a coin. Micro tattoos are trending hard, especially among first-timers who want something subtle. But here’s the thing: while they look flawless on social media, the reality of how these tattoos age is a very different story. At GRIM Studios, we’re not here to crush your dream tattoo—we’re here to give you the facts so you can make an informed choic

For decades, tattoo culture thrived on walk-ins. You’d wander into a shop, flip through flash designs on the wall, and walk out an hour later with a fresh piece of ink. It was spontaneous, fun, and part of the rebellious spirit of tattooing. But times have changed—and so has the industry.

If you’ve ever worried that you might need to disclose your HIV or AIDS status before getting tattooed, here’s the truth: in both Canada and the United States, it’s illegal for tattoo artists to ask.

Piercing guns may seem convenient, but they can cause serious damage and infection. Learn why professional needle piercing is the safer, cleaner choice.

Whether you’re rocking a fresh septum, a new cartilage stack, or that perfectly curated ear you’ve been manifesting for months, one thing’s for sure — piercings need TLC.And that TLC? It looks different depending on the season. At GRIM Studios, we see piercing clients year-round, and we’ve learned that summer and winter healing challenges are basically opposites — but equally sneaky. Here’s how to keep your piercings happy, healthy, and Instagram-ready in any weather.

Learn why piercing rejection happens, how to spot the signs early, and the best ways to prevent it from happening in the first place

Fine line tattoos are delicate; bold linework is built to last. Learn how each style ages, pros and cons, and tips to keep your tattoo looking fresh.

Yes, tattoos can stretch or warp, but it’s far less likely unless your weight changes are fast or extreme. From pregnancy to bodybuilding, our bodies are always changing — but what does that mean for your ink? Here’s the truth from dermatology experts and professional tattoo artists.

Discover how LGBTQIA2S+ artists and communities transformed tattoo art. From coded symbols to bold designs, explore the queer influence behind today’s modern tattoo styles.

If you’ve ever Googled, “Can I get tattooed on my period?” — first of all, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions we get from clients at GRIM Studios. And second: yes, you absolutely can.

You booked the appointment, survived the needle, tipped your artist — and now you’re wondering why your new tattoo looks like it’s trying to escape your skin. Don’t panic. That’s normal. But what happens next? That’s up to you. Here’s your quick, no-BS guide to tattoo aftercare that actually works, including the only two products you really need Mad Rabbit Soothing Gel, Mad Rabbit Aftercare Balm

Just because someone has visible tattoos doesn’t mean their body is open for comments, touching, or unsolicited critiques. We know it shouldn’t have to be said — but here we are. At GRIM Studios, we believe in consent, boundaries, and keeping your hands (and weird opinions) to yourself.

Feeling anxious about getting a tattoo is completely normal, but it shouldn’t hold you back from expressing yourself.

Research has shown that certain tattoo inks can contain bacteria, particularly if they’re not manufactured or stored properly.

Tattoos, the stories etched into our life journey, are undergoing a formidable transformation. The tattoo industry, once steeped in...