Okay so living all the way in Edmonton, AB. it's a little hard to drive to Miami to get a KICKASS tattoo from the best! Sooo my question is... does anybody know of any Great artists in or around the edmonton area. I'll drive friggin' 4 hours if I have too. I just want my first tattoo to be outstanding you know, i'm sure that goes for everyone. But ya any feedback would be fab.

I have a friend in Canada who's mentioned a place in Calgary called Eternal Image Tattoo. I'm not sure where that is relative to you..or if the place is still even there. She mentioned it last summer when I was visitng with her and her brother. We were talking about ink and she started saying "oh..I know this place in Calagry called Eternal Image and they're awseome and so on...." She's got some nice ink and has a good eye so if it's there..I'd say it's a safe bet it's probably a pretty decent shop.
Good luck.

ya calgary is like 3-4 hours from edmonton. wouldn't be too far. Road trip lol thanx a bunch for your input.....really appreciate it cannon1013

To be honest with you Miami Ink isn't the best because their is nobody who is the best in the tattoo industry(art is opinion). Their are alot of artists who in the industry are far more respected artists by hardcore tattoo enthusiasts.As far as tattoo artists near you who are AMAZING try Steve Peace(hes highly respected in the industry). http://www.immaculateconcept.com/
Also just so you know what some tattoo artists out there are doing check out these websites.
I think you will be impressed by these artists.

http://www.mdtattoos.com/
http://www.rhernandeztattoos.com/
http://www.tomrenshaw.com/
http://www.tattoomonster.com/New%20Site/Tattoo%20Gallery%20Entry.html
http://slavetotheneedle.com/tattoos/aaron.asp
http://www.psychotats.com/images/cook/cook_frames.html
http://www.plurabella.com/
http://images.hyperspacestudios.com/guy_gallery_index.html
http://www.allornothingtattoo.com/gallery/index.php?cat=2
http://www.bobtyrrell.com/
http://www.meganhoogland.com/
http://gallery.graphicaderme.com/
http://fixedarmy.com/artists.php
http://www.nickbaxter.com/tattoos/

Also Edmonton has a massive convention organized by the artist I recommended to you that has amazing artists from around the world, best of luck!