_edited.png)
Crafted in Ink: Punktured Art Tattoo Studio in West Kelowna, BC | BoostBC Local Spotlight 2026
- Alyssa
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Crafted in Ink: Punktured Art Tattoo Studio in West Kelowna, BC | BoostBC Local Spotlight 2026
From blank skin to bold statements, this artist turns ink into identity, each piece telling a story that lasts a lifetime.
Meet Dan Schlauwitz. Born and raised in Dawson Creek, BC, and wired for art from day one. As a kid, if it could be drawn on, coloured in, or painted, Dan was already on it. That creative spark never really shut off, even when life took him in a different direction.
Before tattooing, Dan was a journeyman scaffolder, bouncing between gas plants across northern BC and Alberta. Hard hats by day, sketchbooks by night.
Then in 2017, he did what most people only daydream about. Dan booked a one-way ticket to Australia and Southeast Asia. Somewhere between hostels, travel chaos, and downtime abroad, he rediscovered his love for drawing. He designed his very first tattoo on the road and got it inked in Bali. That was the turning point. Hostel friends became walking canvases (by choice), and tattooing shifted from a curiosity to a calling.
Back in Canada, obsession kicked in. Dan grabbed his first tattoo machine and began tattooing fruit, fake skin, himself, and any brave friend who said yes. In 2019, he packed up his life and moved to Kelowna, grinding out drawings every single day until he landed an apprenticeship under OG Jer Papove. After earning his stripes, Jer sent him downtown to build his own clientele, where Dan worked alongside some seriously talented artists, soaking up styles, techniques, and mentorship including from James Cramer.
James and Dan quickly discovered they shared more than a love for tattooing. They bonded over snowboarding powder days at Big White and long rides on their motorcycles, spending most of their time off chasing adrenaline together.
As their friendship and creative partnership grew, they made the leap to open Punktured Art Tattoo in West Kelowna in 2022. As Dan stated “ We believe the art and our clients come first and through our passion and our work we have built a successful business off client referrals”.
They built the shop on the belief that the art and the client should always come first. By prioritizing integrity, and quality work, the studio grew organically through word of mouth. Their vision was to create an inclusive, safe space for clients and aspiring artists alike, which led to welcoming talented young artist Kelsi Laboucan in 2023, who completed her apprenticeship under the mentorship of both James and Dan.
In March of 2024, James passed away unexpectedly due to a sudden heart complication at the age of 43. James was deeply compassionate, especially when it came to social justice, and he never hesitated to stand up for those without a voice. Known for a sense of humour as big as his heart, he was the kind of person. Dan states “ Those who knew James sense of humour is only surpassed by the size of his heart, he was the type of person to always bring an extra skateboard to the skatepark in case he saw someone in need of one. James has been involved in tattooing for over 15 years. He has made a large impact on many coworkers and clients lives through his art and philosophy, for this we keep his name and legacy alive.” His name, values, and legacy continue to live on through Punktured Art Tattoo and the people he inspired.
Drawn naturally to black and grey realism, his favourite subjects are highly detailed human and animal portraits, though his curiosity and drive have pushed him to master everything from bold traditional and fine line work to dot work geometry and colour realism. Forever a student of the craft, Dan continuously learns new styles and techniques to refine his work and expand his skill set, always ready to take on a challenge.
Each large-scale piece begins with a free consultation to align on vision, placement, and flow, followed by a collaborative design process that ensures every tattoo is carefully planned and executed with precision from start to finish. It is truly inspiring to see a legacy and passion and keep a dream alive. Dan states “Since the passing of James we have really been in a survival mode, but thanks to the support of our clients and community we are very excited for the future.”
Kelsi and Dan have been holding it down just with client referrals but said they will be putting more effort into social media presence to get more eyes on their work and other art mediums. If you are looking to get your first tattoo or add another amazing piece of art to your collection give them a call or drop an email.
Contact Punktured Art Tattoo Studio
Instagram:
Email info@punkturedart.com
BoostBC Local Spotlights shine a light on the entrepreneurs, small businesses, and community builders who make BC stronger, more vibrant, and more connected. We share these stories to amplify local voices, inspire the next generation of business owners, and encourage everyone to shop and support locally. Know a standout local business, founder, or organization doing great things in your community? Nominate them for a feature here: boostbc.ca/localspotlights
