About Us.
FOR FAQ/POLICIES, CLICK HERE.
FOR AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS, CLICK HERE.
About Jackson J Clarke.
Mercy Seat Tattoo Company is the brainchild and passion of tattoo artist, Jackson J Clarke.
Originally from Melbourne, Australia, Jackson began his tattoo career in 2014, apprenticing under the watchful eye of Handsome Dan Kirk of Pleasant Tattoo Company in Toronto, ON. Upon completing his apprenticeship, he moved to Vancouver, BC where he worked briefly for the monolithic Adrenaline Tattoos, before moving to a semi-private studio environment under the guidance of Ian Jansenvanbeek at Three Point Tattoo.
Having soaked up the knowledge and experience that a private studio environment afforded, Jackson moved to Vancouver Island where he built a strong, loyal client base working with Mark Jansen at Wanderlust Tattoo Company in Parksville, before taking the big step of opening The Mercy Seat Tattoo Company in Qualicum Beach, BC in 2020.
A couple of years running a street front tattoo shop reinforced in Jackson that he had no desire to run what was essentially a day care centre for adults, and doing so was taking his attention from his main focuses - his clients and his art. He took the step to build a client focused, serene, private studio, nestled on his acreage in Qualicum Beach. This is the current iteration of Mercy Seat, and the experience he is excited to share with both returning clients, and new faces.
Jackson is experienced in all styles of custom tattoo work and prides himself on being versatile, able to create bright and colourful tattoos, intricate linework requiring an experienced and steadied hand, and heavy blackwork with exacting attention to detail. He especially loves Japanese tattoos, neotraditional and traditional tattoos, fly fishing related tattoos, ornamental and geometric work and bold black and grey, and will always find room in his schedule for these projects.
Whatever style or subject matter you choose, you can be assured that Jackson will provide each and every client with the same unique and dynamic tattoo experience that he has become known for.
When Jackson is not chained to the tattoo table, you can find him fly fishing on a river or lake somewhere, hanging out with his wife and/or dogs, tying flies, obsessing over the minutiae of creating the perfect bowl of ramen or training in boxing and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
About Mercy Seat Tattoo Co.
The Mercy Seat Tattoo Company is a private studio situated north of the towns of Qualicum Beach, Parksville, Nanaimo, Duncan and Victoria, and south of Courtenay, Comox and Campbell River, BC, on stunning Vancouver Island. Mercy Seat Tattoo Company prides itself on providing expert, high-caliber tattoo work in a safe and inclusive atmosphere.
Started in 2020 by tattooer Jackson J. Clarke, the shop provides a variety of tattoo styles; from Traditional Japanese, Neo-Traditional, and Blackwork, to intricate floral, ornamental, and illustrative tattoo styles in both colour and black & grey. In addition to its resident artists, The Mercy Seat Tattoo Company hosts sought after guest tattooers from all over Canada and abroad.
Regardless of who you choose to work with here at The Mercy Seat, we will always provide you with a unique, personalized experience with the utmost care and professionalism.
At Mercy Seat Tattoo Company, we believe that a tattoo is more than just an image on your skin. It is a personal statement, a symbol of self-expression. We work closely with each client to create unique designs that reflect their individuality.
Our studio is a welcoming and comfortable space where you can feel at ease during the tattooing process. We prioritize safety and hygiene, following strict sterilization practices to ensure a clean and sterile environment.
Studio Amenities.
Streaming Services.
Washroom/Shower.
Coffee/Tea.
Retro Consoles.
Refreshments.
Microwave.
Card Facilities.
Motivational Literature.
FAQ AND POLICIES.
CHOOSING AN ARTIST
Mercy Seat has resident and guest artists cycling through regularly. The best way to choose an artist is to check the portfolio page, or an artists' instagram page to get a feel for their style and approach. We encourage you to do your research and pick an artist whose style matches what you are hoping to achieve. If it is not something we are willing to take on, we will gladly recommend alternatives for you to investigate.
CONSULTATIONS
In person consultations are required, as it is important to see the area we will be working on, get the correct measurements and ensure there is a good connection between artist and client. Occasionally, for smaller, simpler work, consultations are not necessary, but these are on a case by case basis. People unable to physcially come to the studio for a consultation (i.e. you live off Vancouver Island) can arrange consultations via Skype or Zoom. Consultations cost $100 + tax, are generally a 30-60 minute process, and ensure that artists and clients are on the same page as the process progresses. The cost of the consultation (minus tax) is applied to your deposit, should you wish to book the tattoo. If not, the $100 + tax is non-refundable and goes towards compensating the artist for their time.
TATTOO DESIGNS
We are a fully custom shop and take great pleasure in taking your ideas and turning them into unique, beautiful pieces of art you are proud to wear for life. References are always helpful to have and bring to your consultation, but please do not ask artists to replicate another tattoo exactly. It is disrespectful to the original artist and the person wearing that tattoo.
Additionally, we encourage you to be as thorough as you can be during your consultation, but once the design has been agreed upon, please do not harass artists to see drawings in advance or have them sent to you. All artwork is the property of Mercy Seat until it is tattooed on you, so we do not send out drawings under any circumstances.
On occasion, if schedules permit we can arrange a viewing in advance. Please talk to your artist if this is something you are interested in. Prices vary for this, depending on how many revisions are necessary. Each artist works differently but we all have a lot of work going at any given time, and can't guarantee this is something we can always accommodate.
We will always do our best to make sure you are 100% comfortable with the process, so please raise any concerns or hesitation you may have with your artist during your consultation. That's what they are for.
DEPOSITS
All appointments require a minimum $250 deposit and all deposits are non refundable. Cancellations and rescheduling without penalty are permissible with 48 hours notice or more. Any less than this will result in a portion, or all of your deposit being forfeited and we will not reschedule you until you replenish your deposit.
Consultations, sketching, refining, scheduling, etc all take your artists' time. Deposits hold your spot in the calendar, compensate your artist for their time and ensure you show up. Deposits are deducted from the final price of the tattoo once complete. In the case of multi session work, your deposit will stay in place until the final session is complete before it is deducted.
SHOP RATE
Hourly rate is currently $200 + tax per hour, with a 2 hour minimum required. Your initial drawing is included in this price, as are any small adjustments to the design. Any major deviations from the agreed design or complete changes in ideas will incur additional drawing fees to compensate your artist for the additional time required.
PREFERRED PROJECTS
Whilst we always do our best to accommodate every project we can, some projects do not always fit our skill set or current focus. In these circumstances, we will gladly recommend you to artists/shops who could accommodate you better. This is simply due to our preference towards focusing on and honing specific styles present in our folio. If you would like to ensure your appointment request is accepted, here are the styles/subject matter the resident artists prefer to work in/with;
‘Do whatever you want’
Pre-drawn flash
Japanese
Neo Traditional
Traditional
Blackwork
Ornamental/Geometric
Bio Organic/Dark Texture Work
Reapers'
Heads/Stylized Portraits
Skulls
Dragons
Snakes
Floral (especially colour)
Birds
Fishing/Fly Fishing
Cartoons/Comics/Pop Culture
Anything weird and wild
Dark Script
Traditional Flash pieces
We will usually stay away from;
Black and Grey Realism
Colour Realism
Watercolour
Tree Silhouettes/Tree Cuffs
Armbands
Birth Flowers
Partner’s names
Lots of writing
‘Ignorant Style’ Tattoos
Super fine line/delicate tattoos
These are not hard and fast rules, but should offer a good guideline for when you submit your inquiry. If your idea is not listed here, it’s always worth reaching out!
GENERAL RULES
We only tattoo people 18 years of age or older. No exceptions, even with parental consent.
We may ask for ID so please bring it with you.
We will not tattoo you if you are not sober or are high. No exceptions.
We ask that you attend your appointment alone, with the exception of people who need a support person for assistance with activities of daily living.
Make sure you eat and are well hydrated before your appointment.
Please wash before your appointment. It's just respectful.
As we are an 18+ facility. Please do not bring your infants or children to your appointment.
No animals allowed (except service animals)
Tattoo deposits, sessions and gift certificates are non-transferrable.
We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone who does not abide by these rules.
While we are totally down for any and all kinds of wild tattoo ideas, we will not tattoo any racist/sexist/transphobic/homophobic/hateful imagery or words, gang symbols or bigotry of any kind.
HANDS, NECKS, FACES ETC
While we do perform tattoo procedures on these areas, we will often not agree to tattoo these areas unless you have lots of already visible tattoos with substantial coverage. Please don't come in asking us to tattoo your hands/fingers/face for a first tattoo. Trust us on this one. Whether or not an artist will tattoo these areas is at their discretion.
These areas have different skin consistencies, regenerate faster, are much thinner or don't hold pigment as well as other areas of the body and as such, make predicting the healing in these specific regions challenging at best. Your artist will discuss this with you in your consultation but if you choose to proceed with a tattoo in these areas, please be aware the artist cannot be held responsible for any inconsistencies in healing.
TOUCH UPS
You are a living, breathing, regenerating, moving canvas. Although we approach every tattoo experience with the utmost care and attention to detail, sometimes linework can heal light or colour can fade. As such Mercy Seat Tattoo Company offers a free touch up (if necessary) within 60 days of the tattoo being completed. This is generally a quick process and we will have you sorted out in no time. This is however, not an alternative to correct aftercare or a service we offer just to keep your tattoos looking fresh.
Correct aftercare is your best friend in these circumstances. If you need a reminder on healing your tattoo correctly or ensuring the longevity of your new piece, head over to our aftercare page for all the information you will need.
PAYMENT OPTIONS
We accept cash, credit, debit and etransfer.
WALK INS
As we are a fully private studio, we do not have the ability to accept walk ins. If you would like an appointment, you will need to contact the shop, or email in advance. The number is (778) 716-2776, which you can call or text, and the email address is hello@mercyseattattoocompany.com.
AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS.
Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your tattoo.
Always wash your tattoo with the palm of hand and avoid abrasive use of fingertips/calloused area of hand.
If bandaged, leave your bandage on for a minimum of eight hours. Then remove bandages and wash thoroughly with lukewarm water and unscented soap.
Be sure to wash off excess ink, Vaseline, and plasma (potentially washing 2 or 3 times to make sure the skin is clean of petroleum-based products).
For the first 2 to 3 days wash the area every 3 to 4 hours.
It is important to wash plasma/white blood cells as they will harden on the surface and may create a scab (if the scab flakes off prematurely it will take ink with it, and may cause scarring).
Always air dry for 20 minutes before putting on clothing or lotion; never dry with a towel or paper towel.
Do not apply any moisturizer for at least the first 3 days. After that time, you may apply a thin layer of the recommended moisturizer (DO NOT OVER-MOISTURIZE: doing so will smother the tattoo, prolong the healing process, and can be detrimental to the outcome of the tattoo).
Keep tattoo away from pet hair, dander, etc. to avoid infection.
Tattoo healing varies from client to client, depending on overall health as well as the location of the tattoo.
Do not re-bandage your tattoo, or wear tight or abrasive fabrics over your tattoo
Do not pick or scratch at a healing tattoo.
Avoid soaking in water or swimming, including baths, hot tubs, saunas, pools, and lakes.
Avoid sun exposure. Once your tattoo is healed, use sunblock when exposing it to the sun or tanning of any kind (this improves the longevity of your tattoo).
These instructions are as important to the outcome of your tattoo as the actual tattoo process. They are to be taken seriously, and variation from these instructions may be detrimental to the outcome of your tattoo. Not following these instructions allows Mercy Seat Tattoo Company the right to deny a free touch-up session.
The most important thing is to keep the tattoo clean, and to ensure that it is getting air throughout the healing process. If you have any questions or concerns, email hello@mercyseattattoocompany.com or call/text us on (778) 716-2776. And stay well away from searching healing advice on the internet. Always talk to us first.