the story behind moonlit fangs tattoo
who is collaborating with you on your body art, plus a little more about the shop & certifications
the shop
As a tattoo artist with ethics, and as a client who has personally experienced issues in the industry (toxic power-dynamics, harmful environments & emotional/physical trauma), Jess Gowling was motivated to build a shop & be part of the necessary shift in culture. Through client-focus, formal education, empathy, & awareness, Moonlit Fangs Tattoo guarantees you’ll be safe, supported, & empowered when modifying your body with art; you will love your tattoo and your experience.
Moonlit Fangs Tattoo opened their private studio in downtown Cranbrook BC in 2022 & is named after the large scale mixed media painting that hangs in the shop. Moonlit Fangs became authenticated as an eco-certified shop in the spring of 2023. In 2025 they opened a secondary location in Camrose AB at The Junction. Jess tattoos at both locations throughout the year.
owner & tattoo artist
Jess Gowling achieved a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Art Printmaking in 2010, specializing in etching, engraving & illustration. Transitioning to tattooing in 2020 came naturally: engraving designs onto skin instead of metal & paper. In 2022 Jess renovated a downtown space in Cranbrook B.C. & opened an inclusive, eco-friendly & trauma-informed shop.
Jess’s blackwork tattoos hold the same line work, detail, & essence of their fine art. For the past 15 years, their practice has featured animal & botanical imagery through an esoteric lens. The artist is best known for their detailed animal portraiture, illustrative line work, and legacy project: the 100 Ink Animals Oracle Deck.
Their artwork has been featured by Sakura, Etsy, Colossal, Global Television, Canadian Living, Kickstarter, Biddy Tarot, Booooooom, The Sketchbook Project, Uppercase Magazine, Maker’s Magazine & Digital Artist Magazine. You may also recognize Jess from their time on the hit reality TV show Big Brother Canada.
education & certification
Bachelor's Degree in Fine Art: Printmaking: 2010
Tattoo & Piercing Safety Certification: 2021
Trauma Informed Tattooing: 2021
Compassion Fatigue, Boundaries & Burnout for Tattooists: 2021
Eco-Shop Certification: 2022 - 2025
Cranbrook City Business License: 2022 - 2025
Interior Health Authority Inspection: 2022 - 2025
Camrose City Business License: 2025
Alberta Health Services Inspection: 2025