Who Did Your Ink?: No meanings necessary in Doug Chambers's striking pieces

Who Did Your Ink? is the Straight’s weekly feature, where we ask badass Vancouverites about the talented artists, indelible stories, and, at times, questionable antics behind their most treasured tattoos.

What's your name?  Doug Chambers.

What do you do?   When I first started getting tattooed, I was a pharmacy assistant. Now, I'm a sales associate for a men's clothing company.

Who did your ink?  Cohen Floch did my sleeve and my back and Emilio Hidalgo of the Fall Tattoing (644 Seymour Street) did my forearm piece on my right arm.

Why did you choose these artists to do your tattoos?   My first piece was done by Emilio. One of my friend's brothers had recommended a few places to take a look at and I had seen some of his stuff and thought it was pretty good, so I decided to give it a go.

Then I saw Cohen's stuff and was blown away. I started with just a smaller forearm piece from Cohen, and then that turned into a sleeve, and now my back and my sleeve.

Is there any meaning behind them?  Not really. I don't think tattoos need to have meaning. To me, it's just an appreciation of great artwork that you're going to have for the rest of your life. I have seen lots of Japanese-style tattoos and immediately loved them. The imagery involved is just so bold and out there, it makes for amazing tattoos. 

Who's your favourite local tattoo artist?  Definitely Cohen. As soon as you walk into his shop, it's a great feeling. He's super professional and you feel comfortable as soon as you walk in. Everything is always organized and clean, and just the way he sets up the room makes it a really great personal experience. 

What's next on your ink list?  More tattoos. As soon as I got my first, all I wanted was more. One day I hope to be covered pretty much completely. As for the next one, it will probably be on my other arm or my chest, but I really haven't decided yet.