Who We Are

Strike First Tattoo Company was started in 2023 by Jay Decay. Bringing three decades of experience, Jay wanted to create a shop where aspiring artists can grow and perfect their craft. Though appointments are recommended, Strike First Tattoo Company is a walk-in friendly shop where customers can simply pick a design from the wall, flash books, or bring in their own custom ideas. Whether you’re wanting to commemorate your trip to Banff with a souvenir tattoo, or are looking for your next big piece, the team here at Strike First Tattoo Company are happy to accommodate.

How to Find Us

Sundance Mall, Lower Level,
215 Banff Ave,
Banff, Alberta
Canada

(403) 763-2003

strikefirsttattoo@gmail.com

 

Artists

A tattoo artist with tattoos on his neck and arms is tattooing a large dragon on a person's thigh. The setting appears to be a tattoo studio with various artwork and supplies visible in the background.

Jay Decay

Jay Decay has been tattooing for 30+ years in Canada, England, Ireland, and the United States. He has developed a wide variety of styles though his preference is in American Traditional and Black & Grey Realism. He is passionate about his craft and has spent a lifetime dedicating himself to the history and respect tattooing has earned.

Tattooer/Owner
Recent Work
A man with glasses and a beanie shirt lying on a black couch in a tattoo parlour, holding red and white flags with 'CANADA' and Canadian maple leaf symbols, smiling at the camera. Behind him, red foil balloons spelling 'CANADA' are displayed, with tattoo and art prints on the walls.

Paul Fatson

Based in Banff, originally from Melbourne, Australia. Fatty has four years of experience, with a background in graphic design and fine arts. He specializes in Neo Traditional, Black & Grey realism, and fine line. Fatty creates consistent designs with clean lines and attention to detail.

Tattooer/Owner
Recent Work
A woman with curly black hair and tattoos on her arms is getting a tattoo on her leg at a tattoo parlor. She is wearing glasses, a yellow top, and a black apron, and is being helped by a tattoo artist wearing black gloves. 
Resident Tattooer

Kate McParland

Kate started tattooing in 2019 after being offered an apprenticeship. Since then she has had the privilege of learning and working alongside some of the best tattooers in Calgary. Kate joined Strike First Tattoo Company in March 2026 following a guest spot, and now calls it home. She loves traditional tattooing and has loads of 90’s inspired cartoon flash in her book.

Recent Work
Tattoo artist working on a customer's leg in tattoo shop decorated with artwork and framed pictures.

Colin

Travelling Tattooer

Colin (@mago_de_sangre) is a travelling tattooer for Strike First, regularly making the trip from Calgary to tattoo in the mountains. With six years of experience starting at Mission Tattoo Parlour and continuing at Electric Avenue Tattoo, he primarily specializes in black work while enjoying diverse styles and collaborative design with clients.

Recent Work