Our Story

Liquid Amber Tattoo & Art Collective was first conceptualized by Justina Kervel & Luvia Petersen during their travels to Paris in the year 2000.  A chance meeting with tattoo artist Phillipine of Kaplan Art Studio inspired them to contribute to the rise of women in the tattoo industry.

In the summer of 2001, Liquid Amber opened their doors in Vancouver's Kitsilano area, and after a few years they moved to Burrard and Davie. In 2010, a move to Gastown became the new shop home for 12 years. In February of 2022, Liquid Amber made another move- this time to the culturally driven neighbourhood of ‘The Drive’, at 902 Commercial Drive in Vancouver.

One of the main changes since Liquid Amber’s grassroots beginning is its growth. Starting with Justina as the only artist, she has since apprenticed 13 artists and the shop has had many talented tattooers over the last 20+ years become part of the ever-growing Liquid Amber family tree.

Liquid Amber is currently home to the following group of artists: Justina Kervel, owner & co-founder;  Ashley Horncastle joined our team with a solid set of skills in October of 2013; Milo Marcelo, the wonderfully talented artist who hails from Toronto, started as a guest artist and then made the move to Vancouver in early 2015. Diana Lin completed her apprenticeship under Justina in April 2017 and has been tattooing up a storm ever since. In March 2019, Ania Ray joined us after a year of travel in Canada following her move from Belarus in early 2018. In April 2022, Kylah Chan brought her unique tattoo style that she developed while living and working in Hong Kong. In Feb 2023, the immensely talented Alina Balahurchyk moved to Vancouver from Poland to join our team. After a 5 year wait since his last visit in Canada, Adrian Cier is back from Europe as a resident artist this time. We also have the diversely skilled Amelia Vogan as our resident cosmetic tattooer since 2018; Amelia not only tattoos brows, eyeliner, freckles and lips, but as of July 2020 she began her apprenticeship for art-based tattoos! From time to time L.A.T.&A.C. also welcomes talented guest artists from across the globe; providing a space for tattoo artists to thrive in an eclectic, evolving environment.

Along with organized management, friendly reception and a dynamic tattoo team, clients will feel confident in knowing their artistic vision will be translated to skin with precision and professionalism. When you call or email our studio, you will be speaking with one of our knowledgeable front of house members. Heather, Emma, Quetzalli, Holly-Ann, Jessica and Jessie are here to help you navigate your tattoo experience with confidence and ease.

Liquid Amber Tattoo & Art Collective is a queer owned studio; we have prioritized providing a safe and nurturing tattoo atmosphere in Vancouver since 2001.

Whether it is your first or 100th tattoo, you can be assured that the artists at Liquid Amber will make it their priority that you walk away with a piece of art you can be proud of for years to come.