Artist Intake Form

Hi there! Thanks for your interest in an artist residency or guest spot at Poking Pigeons Ink. We strive to create a community-oriented space where artists can learn and grow alongside one another and we’re very excited to have more artists join us. Applications are open to all artists, machine and handpoke. The studio address is 1986 Davenport road. The studio is located on the main floor of the building, past two doors and up two steps. There is access to a small patio/outdoor space. Please let us know if you require any accessibility accommodations.

Poking Pigeons Ink is a Queer owned studio, opened in March 2022 by Jen and Hayley. We are dedicated towards actively creating a space where members of the 2SQTBIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities can feel comfortable, welcome and accepted. We hold a no-tolerance policy for acts of racism, homophobia, transphobia, sexism, xenophobia, ableism or any act of hate, violence or discrimination within the studio, and conflicts that arise will be understood through a harm reduction lens in order to find the best resolution for everyone involved. At Poking Pigeons Ink, our goal is to create an anti-oppressive working environment centred around anti-racism and accountability where artists and clients can express their agency, focus on art, diversity and inclusion, and explore the possibilities that come with tattooing as an art form.

We have various artist positions at the studio available, including full-time, part-time and guest spots. The price includes rent plus a deposit which will be returned to artists at the end of their time at the studio as long as everything is returned in its original state. All artists will have 24/7 access to the studio with their own set of keys in order to determine their own working schedule. Artists will have the opportunity to share content on the Poking Pigeons Ink Instagram, however they are expected to bring in their own clientele. Artists working at Poking Pigeons Ink are considered Independent Contractors as we do not take commission from artists and artists are free to set their own prices/rates.

Artists are expected to know and execute safe tattoo practices, only use single-use tattoo supplies and provide us with their Bloodborne Pathogens certificate before their time at the studio. Artists are also expected to keep the studio in a state of cleanliness and to be mindful of the other people that use the space. No prior studio experience is necessary to apply, however we do not offer apprenticeships therefore it is expected that applicants have some prior experience with tattooing on skin and understand the complexities that come with this, as well as have a good understanding of basic sanitation and sterilization. Please make sure to have healed photos available for viewing in your portfolio, or upload a minimum of 3 healed photos below (preferably on different skin types and skin tones).

1. Full-time: Minimum 3 months. 5-7 days per week. $950.00 CAD (monthly rent) + $300.00 CAD (deposit) 
2. Part-time: Minimum 3 months. 2-4 days per week. $550.00 CAD (monthly rent) + $200.00 CAD (deposit)

1. Full-time: Minimum 1 month. 5-7 days per week. $1100.00 CAD (rent) + $300.00 CAD (deposit) 
2. Part-time: Minimum 1 month. 2-4 days per week. $650.00 CAD (rent) + $200.00 CAD (deposit)

1. 3-day guest spot: $225.00 CAD (rent) + $100.00 CAD (deposit) 
2. 7-day guest spot: $500.00 CAD (rent) + $200.00 CAD (deposit)

Price of rent includes wifi and supplies needed for tattooing such as paper towels, gloves, needles, inks, A&D ointment, green soap + alcohol bottles, dental bibs, etc. It also includes the use of general office/studio supplies such as printers (regular and stencil printer) and cleaning supplies, and access to a digital consent form.

*If you have a bed that you would like to bring to use at the studio, please let us know and you will receive a rent discount (monthly for long-term residencies).