Tattoo Talk: Lee Carriere Discusses His Career & Working at BodyMods

The tattoo and piercing industry has really changed over the last 25 years, and BodyMods has been at the forefront of that transformation. With ten locations in British Columbia and Alberta and three more opening in Alberta this year, BodyMods has become one of Canada’s most prominent jewelry, piercing and tattoo brands. Founded in 2002 as a body jewelry retailer, the company has helped body art become part of mainstream culture. They emphasize a high level of artistry, education, and professionalism. They also pride themselves on safe practices, transparency, accessibility, and customer education.

Artist Lee Carriere has become one of BodyMods’ most significant contributors. He has approximately 20 years of experience in the tattoo and piercing industry, with a passion for precision, creativity, and catering to each client’s personal preferences. With a diverse set of skills, Carriere loves his work and the connections it brings. Part of what makes it all worth it for him are the stories he hears from clients, the relationships he forms, and the memories that are a part of it all. Carriere is very respectful of the culture of tattooing, and he takes great pride in tailoring his work to the singular vision of every client who walks through the studio door.

Lee Carriere joins us today for Tattoo Talk to discuss how he got his start in the business, technological advances in the industry, his other passions in life, and more.

Lee Carriere’s tattoo work, photo courtesy of @lee.apextattoo

How did you get started in the industry?

Lee Carriere: “I started at a tattoo shop in Red Deer, Alberta, back before any of the modern gear existed. My apprenticeship ran a year and a half, and I paid a thousand dollars a month to do it. I had to be there before every artist started and stay until after they all finished. I drew up stencils for six artists, set up their stations, cleaned up after them, and scrubbed the whole studio top to bottom. No rotary machines back then, so I learned to build and tune everything off the bar, run the autoclave, and sterilize by hand.

“The work environment was not the best, but it taught me a work ethic that’s stuck with me ever since. So I’ve been working at BodyMods since 2017, and now not only do I get to do what I am passionate about, which is tattooing, but I also get to train tattoo artists and mentor them as a Tattoo Training & Education Manager.”

Lee Carriere’s tattoo work, photo courtesy of @lee.apextattoo

When did you know you wanted to get into the tattooing business?

“I started out as a body piercer at that same shop, so I was already there every day, right alongside the tattoo artists, and I’d spend every break drawing. The longer I was around tattooing, the more I realized I wanted to be the one behind the machine instead of the piercing needle. So I pursued an apprenticeship, and that’s where my career really began.

“Today, it’s rewarding to bring that experience to BodyMods, where I get to work alongside talented artists who are always pushing each other to improve. BodyMods has been a leader in the body modification industry for decades, growing from one of Canada’s pioneering body jewellery retailers into a company that also offers professional piercing and tattooing services. For me, it’s the best of both worlds. I get to continue tattooing while still staying connected to piercing, the part of the industry where I first got my start.”

Lee Carriere’s tattoo work, photo courtesy of @lee.apextattoo

What style of tattoo do you feel closest to? What drew you to it?

“Everyone asks me this one, and my answer usually surprises people. I don’t have one style. I genuinely enjoy all of it. Whether it’s realism, traditional, fine line, black and grey, colour work, or something that blends a few different styles together, there’s something to appreciate in every approach. I never wanted to be the kind of artist who only does one thing. That’s what drew me to tattooing in the first place. It’s a craft where you never stop learning. It keeps evolving, and you’ll never truly master every aspect of it, which is exactly what I love.

“That’s one of the reasons I enjoy working at BodyMods. I’m surrounded by artists with different specialties and perspectives, so there’s always an opportunity to learn something new, challenge myself, and continue growing as an artist.”

Who are some of your favourite artists?

“There’s a lot of them, but a few I keep coming back to: Heng Yue, Keith ‘Bang Bang’ McCurdy, Carlos Torres, and Joaquin Ganga. These are the artists I look up to. The level they tattoo at is where I want to get to, and their work makes me want to go home and get better. That goes back to what I said about never being done learning.”

Lee Carriere’s tattoo work, photo courtesy of @lee.apextattoo

What advice do you have for anyone looking to tattoo or get tattooed?

“If you’re getting tattooed, research the artist before you look at the price. Take the time to find someone whose style matches what you want, and don’t just judge their work by fresh tattoos on social media. Look at how their tattoos heal after a few months, because that’s what you’ll be living with for years. Come in with an idea and some reference images, but trust your artist to build on them. The best tattoos usually come from collaboration, not copying someone else’s work.

“If you want to become a tattoo artist, draw more than you think you need to. Your drawing ability will always be more important than the machine in your hand. Learn anatomy, shading, composition, and colour theory before you worry about developing a signature style. Find a legitimate apprenticeship with artists who will teach you the right way to work. Tattooing is about much more than putting ink in the skin; it’s about hygiene, safety, professionalism, and earning your clients’ trust.

“One thing I really appreciate at BodyMods is our tattoo apprenticeship program. Our apprenticeship program is built around mentorship, technical skill, and industry-leading health and safety standards. It gives aspiring artists the opportunity to learn the craft the right way, through hands-on experience, constructive feedback, and guidance from experienced professionals. Most importantly, unlike most apprenticeships, this is a paid opportunity.

“Clean, consistent work will always outlast flashy shortcuts, and every decision you make shows up later on someone’s skin. Respect the craft, stay humble, and never stop learning, because even after years in the industry, there’s always something new to improve.”

Lee Carriere’s tattoo work, photo courtesy of @lee.apextattoo

What’s your greatest passion besides tattoos?

“Honestly, the two things that keep me grounded are my girlfriend and my little French bulldog, Juniper. Outside of that, you’ll usually find me outdoors. I love gold panning, exploring nature, and travelling to experience different cultures and meet new people. Those experiences inspire me in ways I didn’t always expect and often find their way back into my creative process. Tattooing is my passion and my career, but those moments outside the studio are what recharge me and keep the creativity flowing.”

What would be the most surprising thing people who have never been tattooed might learn about your tattoos?

“People are often surprised by how much of the tattoo happens before I ever pick up a machine. I like to sit down and have a real conversation first to understand the story, memory, or feeling behind why someone wants a tattoo. Once I understand that, my imagination takes over, and I start translating those ideas into something that’s unique to them.

“A lot of people come in expecting to hand me a picture and have me copy it exactly, but that’s not really how I like to work. I see reference images as inspiration rather than a blueprint. My goal is to create something original that captures the meaning behind the tattoo while fitting the person’s body, style, and personality. At the end of the day, I want every piece to feel like it was designed specifically for the person wearing it, not something that could belong to anyone else.”

Lee Carriere’s tattoo work, photo courtesy of @lee.apextattoo

Any shops or artists you want to give a shout-out?

“Big shout-out to the entire BodyMods family. The teams at the new Calgary studios in Chinook Mall and Market Mall are doing some amazing work, and it’s exciting to watch those locations grow. I’m also grateful to everyone across BodyMods Canada in BC and Alberta. It’s a team full of talented artists and piercers who genuinely care about the craft, the client experience, and pushing each other to be better every day.

“One of the things I appreciate most is that everyone brings something different to the table. Whether it’s realism, traditional, fine line, black and grey, or piercing, there’s always someone you can learn from. That kind of environment keeps you growing as an artist because you’re surrounded by people who are just as passionate about improving their craft as you are.

“I also want to give a shout-out to the leadership at BodyMods for continuing to invest in the industry. Opening new studios, creating opportunities for artists, and building apprenticeship programs shows a real commitment to the future of tattooing and body modification in Canada. I’m proud to be part of a company that’s helping raise the standard for professionalism, education, and quality across the industry.”

Lee Carriere’s tattoo work, photo courtesy of @lee.apextattoo

Where do you feel the biggest tech advances are coming from in tattooing? Compared to ten or even 20 years ago.

“The gear now versus 20 years ago is night and day. Cartridge needle systems were a huge step forward. You can swap configurations mid-session in seconds; they’re cleaner, and they’re far more consistent than the days of building your own needle bars by hand. Machines have evolved from heavy coil setups to lightweight rotary and pen-style machines, with many now being wireless. They’re easier on your hands during long sessions and give you greater precision and control.

“The inks have improved too. They go into the skin more consistently, heal better, and retain their colour and vibrancy for much longer. On the design side, technology has completely changed the workflow. An iPad with Procreate has replaced lightboxes, tracing paper, and countless hours of redrawing designs, allowing artists to collaborate with clients in real time and make adjustments on the spot before a tattoo even begins.

“The biggest shift, though, has probably been the internet and social media. Artists can learn from each other almost instantly, discover new techniques, and connect with tattooers from around the world in ways that simply weren’t possible years ago.

“Clients are also much more informed. They come in with a better understanding of different styles, healing, and what’s possible, which leads to better conversations and stronger collaborations. At BodyMods, it’s exciting to combine all of these modern tools with experienced artists and high professional standards to give clients the best possible experience.”

Lee Carriere’s tattoo work, photo courtesy of @lee.apextattoo

Do you feel more people these days are seeking custom, unique, handmade art rather than flash art from books and web/social media?

“A bit of both. Social media has shown people how personal and detailed a tattoo can be, so more clients are looking for something that’s truly their own. Custom work allows artists and clients to collaborate and create something unique that reflects their personality, story, or style.

“At the same time, flash is making a comeback with flash days and walk-up culture, and I really enjoy that side of tattooing too. Not every tattoo needs to carry a deep meaning; sometimes you see a design that speaks to you, and you just want it. Flash is also a great way for people to get quality artwork at a more accessible price point.

“At BodyMods, we have exclusive tattoo flash books with a wide range of designs and price points, making it easier for people to find something that fits their budget while still getting a professionally designed tattoo. The great thing about flash is that it doesn’t have to be completely one-size-fits-all. Clients can work with their artist to personalize a piece by changing the size, adding colour, adjusting details, or incorporating elements that make it feel more like their own. Whether someone chooses a custom piece or starts with flash, the goal is the same: creating a tattoo they’ll be proud to wear.”

If someone is thinking about a career as a tattoo artist, what’s the most important advice you could give them?

“Treat it like a craft you’ll spend a decade getting good at, not a quick way to make money. Learn to draw first, because the drawing matters way more than the machine. Get into a real apprenticeship and stay humble in it. You’re there to learn hygiene, safety, and the fundamentals before you ever tattoo anyone. Be patient, take criticism without getting defensive, and remember every tattoo you do is permanent on someone who trusted you to do it right. If that responsibility gets you excited instead of scaring you off, you’re built for this. Finding a studio with experienced mentors and a culture of learning, as I’ve found at BodyMods, can make all the difference early in your career.”