Clients can expect only the best art, care and atmosphere from Saskatoon’s finest
In recent years, the invigorating city of Saskatoon, Canada, has been the place to be for tattoo expression. Among all its shops, Headrush Tattoos is setting the bar for excellence. Here, you’ll find tattooers specializing in everything from black-and-grey to color realism, traditional Japanese to geometric and so much more. Each having forged their own unique path to tattooing, Headrush’s artists are committed to providing a standout experience to all. We sat down with four of Headrush’s tattoo artists to get a deeper insight into how the shop came to life and what makes it so exceptional.
Can you introduce yourselves?
Russell Racho: My name is Russell Racho. I’m Filipino-Japanese and have been tattooing for the past 28 years.
Bryan Dometita: I am Bryan Dometita, I was born in the Philippines.
Wiggy: My name is Wiggy and I’ve been tattooing for 20+ years. I’m an Indigenous tattoo artist from Beardy’s, Saskatchewan.
Jonathan: I’m Jonathan from Cebu, Philippines. I have been tattooing for eight years.
What drew you into the world of tattooing?
Russell: I have been an artist almost all my life. It started with drawing and eventually my brother introduced me to tattooing. What drew me to tattooing is the ability to showcase one’s freedom of expression through the use of tattoo art.
Wiggy: I’ve been an artist since I was 6. My uncle Darwin introduced me to the world of art. I thought tattoos were badass and super cool—it is the ultimate medium to represent one’s individuality.
What’s the tattoo scene like in Saskatoon?
Russell: The tattoo scene in Saskatoon is growing at an incredible rate we have not seen before. The population in Saskatoon is also quite diverse, so as an artist, this allows us to work with different types of tattoo discipline. Sleeves, leg wraps and realism are big at the moment.
Bryan: Realism scenery [is popular]. As we know, Saskatchewan has a ton of beautiful nature.
Can you tell us about Headrush Tattoos? What attracted you to this tattoo shop?
Russell: Headrush is a highly recommended place because of the atmosphere it provides, the artistic level and the accountability of everyone that works here. Firstly, I feel like this is my second family. Secondly, [I appreciate] the support of the business owners to make sure I have clients and am surrounded by great artists that share the same goal to create great art. It keeps me on my toes and [makes me] bring my A game every day.
How does working at Headrush allow you to explore your artistic strengths?
Jonathan: When you work in a studio with artists who specialize in styles you do not specialize in, it brings out the best in you, while at the same time you’re learning from artists who are the best in styles you’re weaker in. For example, color realism comes naturally to me whereas Japanese body suits are foreign to me. Being able to work alongside an artist like Russell, who is known worldwide for his Japanese body suits, is not only a privilege but an opportunity for me to grow and learn from one of the best in that style.
What do you hope to provide clients with at Headrush? How does the shop create a positive experience for clients?
Bryan: I want to provide them with inspirational pieces and memories that will last a lifetime. I would like to give our clients a safe, welcoming experience and environment at our shop.
Russell: Each client I work with, I go all out to make sure they go home happy with the designs and their experience with the tattoo session. I also go through the most important part—the aftercare—with them. I hope to provide them with the experience they fully deserve because getting a tattoo is a life decision.
What do you think brought all of the artists at Headrush Tattoos together?
Jonathan: For me, I think it’s because the studio holds a higher standard for artists; we all recognize the skill level of each other. Tattooing is a game where you’re learning forever. So no matter how good you are, there is an artist that can teach and mentor you in the style they are strong in. This is the first time I have seen this and I find it very unique. We all know where we are on our team.
What should we keep a lookout for from Headrush Tattoos?
Wiggy: We’re always doing bigger, better and nicer projects. Our artists educate themselves on new techniques and we grow together as a team. Don’t settle for less!
