About

I was born and raised in Bombay, India. I have always had art in my life since the day I can first remember it. I went through a lot of deviant paths including working for Greenpeace, studying engineering, working as a training and development executive etc...I discovered tattooing in New Zealand when I got my first tattoo. Tattooing later was kind of just the next step to the evolving process. Never really thought of this as a career path necessarily until I saw so many amazing things being done by SO MANY amazing artists. Gotta be constantly stepping your game up when levels keep rising.

To this day I’m not really sure what my style would be considered. I like to mess around with all kinds of stylings due to the fact that there is much to be taken from each realm. Even just collaborating stylings together seems to work for some projects. I feel like just being good in all genres works best in the field of catering to the client’s needs. As well as constant thirst and hunger to succeed further and further inability.

I am a resident tattoo & piercing artist at Golden Temple Tattoo & Piercing.

In my spare time…spoiling my chihuahua monsters, running, art, wandering on the beaches, loving, playing music, biking, etc.. but not necessarily in that order. Just catalysts of the creative process.

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How I Work

From the initial ideation to designing, placement, inks and tools used, and aftercare, I will be your guide, ensuring the process is immensely enjoyable and satisfying for you.

Meet & Ideation

Sketch & Design

Schedule A Date

Ink Time

Services

Tattooing
Tattooing

Get a tattoo that conveys what makes you unique through every stroke and color of its design. We can help you leverage this distinctive form of expression that allows you to leave a mark and a great first impression wherever you go.

Tattoo After Care

SANIDERM / SECOND SKIN BANDAGE:

If your tattoo is bandaged with Saniderm (Second Skin), you should keep the bandage on for 3-4 days.

During this time, it is normal to see some fluid build up beneath the bandage. (If the bandage begins to leak, you must remove the bandage and follow the standard aftercare instructions listed below). After 3-4 days, remove the Saniderm bandage gently under warm running water. To take the bandage off you must stretch from each side rather than peel it off like a Bandaid. When you stretch the bandage it allows the adhesive to come off the skin without disrupting the tattoo and taking any ink with it.

Wash the tattoo with a mild, fragrance-free soap or warm water. At this point, your tattoo should be well into the healing process - you may use an unscented, non-greasy lotion (like Hustle Butter, Lubriderm or Aveeno Unscented moisturizer) to keep the tattoo moisturized. DO NOT moisturize your tattoo with Vaseline – this does not let the skin and the new tattoo breathe.

STANDARD BANDAGE:
  1. Leave bandage on for 2-3 hours or as instructed by your artist.
  2. Wash your hands well with soap before touching your new tattoo.
  3. After the bandage is removed, wash your tattoo with warm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap. Remove all existing vaseline, plasma/excess ink with your fingertips gently. Do not use anything abrasive to clean your new tattoo.
  4. Rinse and pat dry with a disposable paper towel or let air dry.
  5. Wash tattoo twice a day (morning and night) until your tattoo is completely healed. Do not over-wash. Regular showering is fine. Do not submerge the tattoo for an extended amount of time until it has healed - this includes baths and swimming.
  6. Over the next few days the tattoo will become flaky, dry, and tight. Use a fragrance-free, non-greasy lotion 1-2 times a day sparingly. Rub lotion in until it is fully absorbed into your skin. Do not over-moisturize. If a scab forms, it will be the color of the ink used. This does not mean the ink is going to fall out. Leave the scabs and let them fall off naturally. Do not pick or scratch the area. The tattoo may appear dull until it has completely healed - this is normal and will go away after a few weeks. Wear loose fitting clothing over the area.
SOAPS TO USE
  • Mild, fragrance-free soap: Dial, Aveeno Fragrance Free Soap.
LOTIONS TO USE
  • Non-greasy, fragrance-free, dye-free moisturizing lotion: Hustle Butter, Cetaphil, Lubriderm, Aveeno, Tattoo Goo, After Inked.
DO NOT!
  • Do not use anything on the tattoo other than what is previously recommended.
  • Do not pick, peel, or scratch your new tattoo.
  • Do not under any circumstance use rubbing alcohol, peroxide, or cortisone on your new tattoo.
  • Do not use sponges, washcloths, or anything abrasive while cleaning your tattoo. They harbor bacteria and may irritate or harm your tattoo.
  • Do not let anyone touch your new tattoo.
  • Do not go in a lake, tub, pool, etc. These all contain bacteria.
  • Do not expose your new tattoo to direct sunlight. This includes tanning beds. A high SPF sunscreen will protect the crispness/longevity of your tattoo in the future.

Remember to keep your tattoo out of the sun for the first few weeks of healing. When the tattoo is completely healed apply a good SPF sunscreen on the tattoo to prevent fading.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to email me.

FAQs

What is your SHOP RATE?

Our shop base rate is $180 an hour. Minimum rate is $150.However, the artist reserves the right to charge outside the base rate as they see fit depending on the complexity of the artwork. Any questions on pricing can be brought up directly with me during your consultation.

How can I get a price estimate?

I cannot give price estimates over the phone or email. There are many different factors that go into pricing a tattoo. For example, I need to consider size, detail, placement on the body, colour or black and grey. I also need to consider how much drawing will need to be done for the tattoo.

The best way to get a price quote is to book a free consultation with me. You can do this by calling or messaging me, or by clicking the REQUEST A FREE CONSULTATION button below.

Can I get a tattoo if I am under 18 and I have my parent's permission?

No. You must be 18 years of age or older and have proper (government-issued) identification to get a tattoo. We require 2 pieces of I.D. for anyone who looks younger than 25.

Do you take WALK-IN appointments?

Walk-in appointments are available on a case by case basis and availability will depend on what the schedule is like that day. Feel free to stop by or call to check availability.

How do I make an APPOINTMENT?

You may request a consultation here and include the following:

Subject matter of tattoo

Sizing (does not have to be exact, you can use examples for scale)

Placement (where on the body you want it)

Reference photos (if you do not have a URL please attach uploaded images to the same email thread. Sending multiple emails on different threads will slow down the booking process)

Budget (if you have one)

I will get back to you ASAP. All requests must be confirmed by me before any booking can take place. Sometimes this can take some time as there are many request for me to go through. Please be patient.

Email me back if you have not received a response in 72 hours.

Do I need to pay a DEPOSIT in order to book?

Yes, a deposit is required in order to book an appointment. The amount will depend on the tattoo and how long it is projected to take. Deposit is $100 minimum and can go up from there. The deposit holds your appointment time and comes off of the price of the final session of your tattoo. It also goes toward any research and drawing for your tattoo. If you absolutely need to reschedule your appointment, we require a minimum of 72 hours’ notice in order for you to move your deposit to a new appointment date. Deposits are non-refundable.

What form of PAYMENT do you accept?

We accept cash, debit, MasterCard and Visa . No cheques and no Discover cards. Identification will be required for credit card purchases.

Tattoo Aftercare
SANIDERM / SECOND SKIN BANDAGE:

If your tattoo is bandaged with Saniderm (Second Skin), you should keep the bandage on for 3-4 days.

During this time, it is normal to see some fluid build up beneath the bandage. (If the bandage begins to leak, you must remove the bandage and follow the standard aftercare instructions listed below). After 3-4 days, remove the Saniderm bandage gently under warm running water. To take the bandage off you must stretch from each side rather than peel it off like a Bandaid. When you stretch the bandage it allows the adhesive to come off the skin without disrupting the tattoo and taking any ink with it.

Wash the tattoo with a mild, fragrance-free soap or warm water. At this point, your tattoo should be well into the healing process - you may use an unscented, non-greasy lotion (like Hustle Butter, Lubriderm or Aveeno Unscented moisturizer) to keep the tattoo moisturized. DO NOT moisturize your tattoo with Vaseline – this does not let the skin and the new tattoo breathe.

STANDARD BANDAGE:
  1. Leave bandage on for 2-3 hours or as instructed by your artist.
  2. Wash your hands well with soap before touching your new tattoo.
  3. After the bandage is removed, wash your tattoo with warm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap. Remove all existing vaseline, plasma/excess ink with your fingertips gently. Do not use anything abrasive to clean your new tattoo.
  4. Rinse and pat dry with a disposable paper towel or let air dry.
  5. Wash tattoo twice a day (morning and night) until your tattoo is completely healed. Do not over-wash. Regular showering is fine. Do not submerge the tattoo for an extended amount of time until it has healed - this includes baths and swimming.
  6. Over the next few days the tattoo will become flaky, dry, and tight. Use a fragrance-free, non-greasy lotion 1-2 times a day sparingly. Rub lotion in until it is fully absorbed into your skin. Do not over-moisturize. If a scab forms, it will be the color of the ink used. This does not mean the ink is going to fall out. Leave the scabs and let them fall off naturally. Do not pick or scratch the area. The tattoo may appear dull until it has completely healed - this is normal and will go away after a few weeks. Wear loose fitting clothing over the area.
SOAPS TO USE
  • Mild, fragrance-free soap: Dial, Aveeno Fragrance Free Soap.
LOTIONS TO USE
  • Non-greasy, fragrance-free, dye-free moisturizing lotion: Hustle Butter, Cetaphil, Lubriderm, Aveeno, Tattoo Goo, After Inked.
DO NOT!
  • Do not use anything on the tattoo other than what is previously recommended.
  • Do not pick, peel, or scratch your new tattoo.
  • Do not under any circumstance use rubbing alcohol, peroxide, or cortisone on your new tattoo.
  • Do not use sponges, washcloths, or anything abrasive while cleaning your tattoo. They harbor bacteria and may irritate or harm your tattoo.
  • Do not let anyone touch your new tattoo.
  • Do not go in a lake, tub, pool, etc. These all contain bacteria.
  • Do not expose your new tattoo to direct sunlight. This includes tanning beds. A high SPF sunscreen will protect the crispness/longevity of your tattoo in the future.

Remember to keep your tattoo out of the sun for the first few weeks of healing. When the tattoo is completely healed apply a good SPF sunscreen on the tattoo to prevent fading.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to email me.

Are your sterilization procedures LEGITIMATE?

Our shop procedures and guidelines are approved and administered by the Fraser Health authorities. Needles, ink, ointments, gloves and surface coverings are all one-time use disposable products.

We have a sterilization room which contains our high performance Ritter M9 Autoclave. This is one of the industry’s best autoclaves used for sterilizing equipment and is currently used in hospitals. Each month we are also responsible for submitting spore tests to maintain quality standards.

Each station is fully sanitized after every appointment.

When you come by our shop feel free to ask for a tour and we can go over our procedures with you!

Does It Hurt?

This is a subjective question, as if you have a skin of steel, it will not affect you. On the other hand, if you have low pain tolerance, you might want to talk with the artist to take little breaks when the pain gets too much for you. The pain will subside after a few hours after the process is finished. Numbing creams and painkillers are not recommended, as it might thin the blood and affect the quality of the finished tattoo. Numbing cream does not last all day, and once the cream wears off, the pain can hit with a vengeance as your body has not had time to become used to the tattooing. Some creams can also affect the skin, meaning your artist has to work the skin harder than if you were not wearing it. This can lead to a harder heal.

Can I drink alcohol to help with the pain?

Definitely not, for almost all tattoo artists will refuse to go through the process if this happens. This is for many reasons, including that alcohol can thin the blood and result in excessive bleeding while you are having the tattoo, making it difficult for the tattoo artist and will affect ‘washing out’ ink as it is being put in. Alcohol can affect the body for quite a few days; hence it is not recommended to have a tattoo even if you had had a drink the night before but not consumed alcohol the day before.

Does numbing cream work?

Yes, But it works differently for different people. Some people might get hours out of it, some might get less. The only way to find out is by using it.

Does it damage the tattoo?

No, otherwise I wouldn't recommend it. I have used it in the past and have never experienced any issues with healing.

Do I need a patch test?

Yes, you can do it 48 hours before the tattoo. Reactions are rare but they can happen.

How to apply?
  • About two hours before your tattoo or one-hour minimum.
  • It will need an hour at least to work on you. Please do not show up for the appointment and then apply there. It will not work.
  • Open the tube.
  • Apply a thick layer to the area of the tattoo.It should be thick, not thin. The more it is on the skin, the better it will work.
  • Each tube covers around a hand-sized area.
  • Apply cling film around the area where numbing cream is applied. It needs to be air tight for it to work. You can tape it at the top and bottom to secure it.
  • Leave it on and it will be removed before the tattoo.
Will the tattoo be 100 times more painful when it wears off?

No, it will be just as painful as it should have been, But again you won't know till you try it and everyone has a different experience.

Does it make the skin more difficult to tattoo?

No, I am fine with using it if the client wants it.

Should I use it?

It is completely your decision. Numbing cream can be a great tool to help you sit longer and not be in pain. Everyone is different though, some people have higher pain thresholds and some don't. So use your own judgment.

Testimonials

“I couldn't have asked for a better tattoo artist than Rajiv for my first tattoo!! I had a basic idea of what I would like the tattoo to be, but his input turned it into a stunning piece of art! Highly recommended!“

“Talented, supportive artists, a hygienic studio, great designs, and awesome results - that's what I get every time I work with the brilliant team at Tattooism! Keep it up, guys!“

“My first experience with getting inked was absolutely amazing, thanks to Rajiv and his team. They answered all my questions patiently and provided detailed answers every time. The expertise and care they offered made the process truly memorable. Thanks, guys!“

“Friendly and professional staff, supremely talented artists, awesome designs - that's what makes me keep coming back to Tattooism whenever I want to get inked. I love all my designs and would definitely recommend this amazing studio to everyone!“

“Rajiv and the team are such amazing artists! The studio is super clean and I have always felt that I am in good hands during all my sessions. The creativity and craft are awesome, but so are the support and care offered throughout! Truly a 5-star service!“

Contact

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