You Need to Know This Tattoo Artist: Josh Murdock

Name: Josh Murdock

Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba

Business: Murdock Ink

Category: Tattoo Artist

Instagram: @mrdck_ink

💬 INTRODUCTION

I've spent most of my 20's trying different careers, mainly policing. I did RCMP summer student program, Brandon Police Studies, applied and denied twice! During those times I finished University with a Bachelor's in English and minor in psychology. I did many odd jobs between all of this. I worked retail, restaurants, etc. I also was portrait photographer and wedding photographer for 2 years. During these times, I was a commercial fisherman on Lake Winnipeg for 5 years before pursuing tattooing at 28 years old. I realized I couldn't wait around nor find anything else career wise that spoke to me or wanted to pursue. I went to a tattoo convention with my portfolio and thought I'd try my luck at showing my art to different shops there while I got tattooed. I saw Ink Noir had a posting that said they were taking on apprentices. I applied and got an interview 2 weeks later. I sold the commercial fishing license when I finished my tattoo apprenticeship at Ink Noir and began my career as a tattoo artist at Ink Noir. I've been working with them for 6 years now! Lesson learned that its important to try many avenues and gain life experience know if this was the career for me. It is never too late to pursue or change careers as well.

I never regret spending all my twenties exploring careers and not being afraid to try different things!

🔥 THE PASSION

I’ve been drawing for as long as I can remember. Growing up in a Christian home, one of our nightly routines was my parents reading the Bible to me — but in comic book form. I think that played a huge role in shaping my imagination early on. I got really into comic books, film, cartoons, and photography. I attended comic conventions regularly and even considered becoming a comic book or cartoon artist in my teens.

Today, fashion, music, and photography play a massive role in my aesthetic and inspiration. I’m drawn to clothing, furniture, music, and lifestyles that sit slightly outside the box. I pull from designers like Rick Owens, and from genres like metal, scream rap, EDM, indie/folk — nothing is off limits. The stranger, the better. Minimalism is also a big part of my style. ‘If you know, you know’ feels more powerful to me than loudly announcing what I’m about.”

🇨🇦 COMMUNITY & CANADIAN PRIDE

To me, being a Canadian creative means bringing something unique to the table — not only through the way I create art, but in how I present myself and my brand. I am Aboriginal, and I’m very grateful for the opportunities that come with that. My family and community have always been huge supporters, even beyond the reserve, and I cannot thank them enough for standing by me through everything.

Whether it’s shouting me out, recommending my work, buying prints, or taking care of me when I visit — there’s always warmth and support. I hope to reflect that same level of care and hospitality with everyone who walks through my door. The people I come from are hardworking, genuine, and full of heart — and they’ve been incredible role models in my life.

✍️ BUILDING THE DREAM

One of the biggest highlights of my career has been the ability to travel for work and collaborate with different creative industries across Manitoba. But the moment that stands out the most was being commissioned by Prairie Theatre during COVID.

At a time when tattooing wasn’t possible, they reached out and hired me for several months to create the illustrated pages for an online play they were releasing for families in lockdown. It was a huge honour, and incredibly meaningful to know that my art was reaching people in their homes during such a difficult and isolating time. Being able to bring some comfort, creativity, and escape to others through that project is something I’ll always carry with me.

🤝 NETWORKING SPOT

I’d love the opportunity to tattoo internationally one day — especially in cities like Berlin, London, or Paris. I’m a city kid at heart, and the energy and culture in those places really inspire me. The U.S. is also on my list, particularly New York or L.A.

I’d also love to tattoo more touring musicians who come through the city. Music is a huge part of my life, and being able to connect with artists, hear their stories, and leave them with a piece of my art would mean a lot. Some artists and groups I’m inspired by include Sleep Token, Bad Omens, Whitechapel, Istasha, the Haunted House crew (big scream-rap collective), and Allan Rayman — all incredible in their own lanes.

At the end of the day, I’m open to collaborating with creatives across the country — whether it’s tattoo-related, art-focused, or simply working alongside them in their creative spaces.

🗡️ CLOSING

Personal goals would be to eventually have my own tattoo studio, with a tight-knit crew whose values, goals, and interests align with mine. I did a lot of festivals and art gallery events last summer, and I’m looking forward to doing even more next summer!

I also plan on tattooing at Treaty Time again on my reserve. It was so much fun and so rewarding to spend time with my community and family, and to give back even a little.

Traveling to tattoo is another big goal. Next up is Buenos Aires, Argentina this December!

🖤 COMETS QUESTIONS:

COMET: For anyone new to your work — how did you first get into tattooing, and what drew you into the art world?

JOSH MURDOCK: I've been drawing since I was a child. I grew up in a Christian home, and one of my regular bedtime routines was my parents reading the Bible to me — but in comic book form. I think that had a big impact on me. I got really into comic books, film, cartoons, photography, etc. I’d attend comic book conventions regularly, and even considered being a comic book or cartoon artist in my teens.

COMET: You work across different mediums — how do painting, pointillism, or digital design influence what you create on skin?

JOSH MURDOCK: Pointillism helped me understand light sources and shadows, which influenced the style I have now. I love leaving the outline of shadows in the design and playing with the contrasts inside them.

Photography helped in the same way — paying attention to depth through shadows. Comic books, cartoons, and understanding anatomy and movement taught me where depth is needed and how designs should flow. All of this leaves room for more dynamic tattoo pieces overall.

COMET: How would you describe the signature style or feeling behind your tattoo work — what do you hope clients feel when they leave?

JOSH MURDOCK: I want people to leave with something special, knowing it’s unique to them. I want them to collaborate with me — to feel equally excited, involved, and hyped about the piece.

COMET: Everyone sees the final tattoo, but few see the process. What does your creative workflow look like from concept to completion?

JOSH MURDOCK: I pull references left and right outside of what clients give me to really drive the idea home and make it my own — so they see my style in it, not just a mashup of references. Most of my research is done outside of what the client sends. Then I piece it together in a way that flows naturally with their body and works with their existing tattoos too.

COMET: Tattoos are permanent and deeply personal — how do you help clients translate their meaning into art?

JOSH MURDOCK: A bit of backstory helps, but it’s not always necessary. If the idea feels questionable, that’s where I’ll need context. Otherwise, I focus on translating and collaborating — they came to me for a reason, so it’s important we speak the same language to make their vision meaningful.

COMET: What’s a moment in your career that tested you — and what did it teach you?

JOSH MURDOCK: Early on as an apprentice, I was pressured into tattooing someone’s knuckles. It went horribly wrong, and money was demanded — they never came back. I’ve only recently begun taking on hands, necks, and faces in the last two years. If I lack the skill, I either learn it properly first or recommend a more suited artist. But if something challenges me without being too far outside my skill set, I’ll take it. Leg or arm sleeves, or blackouts — I’ve done them with success.

COMET: Tattoo culture evolves fast — how do you balance new techniques with staying true to your style?

JOSH MURDOCK: I keep my ear to the ground — new tech, marketing, everything. It’s important to stay humble and know your way isn’t always the right way. I use new and old methods as guidelines and only keep what aligns with me. If I tried to jump on every new trend, my work and style would suffer. Keep your head down, work hard, and stay open to learning from both old and new.

COMET: As the industry changes, how do you stay inspired and continue evolving creatively?

JOSH MURDOCK: Seeing new artists and new tattoo styles can be intimidating — but if you view it with an open mind, it becomes inspiration. I ask: How can I try this in my own work without losing myself? With so many incredible artists out there, how could you not be inspired? Use what speaks to you — that’s how your own voice forms.

COMET: Your work becomes part of someone’s identity. What does that responsibility feel like?

JOSH MURDOCK: It’s huge. Taking it lightly would be letting clients down. Their comfort, consent, the placement, and making sure they love the design right up to the moment the needle hits — that matters. It’s a permanent and expensive choice. Not considering how they feel would be irresponsible.

COMET: What’s the tattoo community like where you are, and how has it influenced you?

JOSH MURDOCK: The community has its flaws, but I won’t get into that. The shop I work at has supportive artists who aren’t afraid to ask questions, care, and share insight into every aspect of life — financial, marketing, tattooing, design, everything. The people I choose to know in the community are well-intentioned, talented artists who share the same values we have at Ink Noir.

COMET: Anything else you’d like to add before we wrap up?

JOSH MURDOCK: I just want to say thank you to Hailey and Comets Crew for including me in this! The questions were thoughtful and made me grateful for where I am today and excited for where I’m going. It was great meeting you — wishing you all the best in your future endeavors as well.

EMAIL TO BOOK: jjoshtattoos@gmail.com

INSTAGRAM: @mrdck_ink