Inspired Ink: Underdog Tattoo

Meet Katrina Cline, the owner and the lead artist at Underdog Tattoo! Located right at the entrance to Old East Village at 613 Dundas, this black owned, female led shop prides itself on its art, the trade, and their roots. “[Underdog] sounds like a pretty generic name, but it just seems like something that encompasses a lot of people's experiences here,” Cline says. “Whether you're a tattoo artist or just whatever you're doing, there's always an underdog in every situation.” Underdog Tattoo has been open at their current location since October 2024, but has been in business since 2020.

Cline grew up in the east end of London and attended H.B. Beal High School, so Old East Village was her top choice when she was looking for a spot for her business. Cline describes herself as a “born artist” and gets a lot of her inspiration from her father, who is also an artist. Her heritage as a BIPOC woman is something she keeps at the forefront as well. “My mom was born and raised in Jamaica. She migrated here with my sister. Married my dad, who’s Canadian with a Scottish-English [background],” she says. “When I started tattooing, I think I was the only black [person] tattooing [in London] and it was a lot different 10 to 15 years ago.” 

Cline apprenticed for tattooing throughout London, but felt like she didn’t fit in. She moved out west, bringing her tattooing equipment with her. Once she returned to London and was looking to continue in the industry, Cline says that due to experiences with racism and sexism in the industry, she felt that she needed to carve her own space out. “They're just judging an outspoken BIPOC female artist who wants to get blood in the game,” she says. “People just want to act like it's always been okay, and people were never racist or sexist.” Now that she does have her own space, she says she feels more at home and happy that she laid down more permanent roots. 

Old East Village was a natural fit for Underdog Tattoo, as she grew up in London’s east end. "She says that despite challenges in the area, OEV was a natural fit for the new shop. “If you live in London you know you can’t hide from it, [the homelessness and what comes with it] - you can’t ignore it,” she says. “I just feel like being here and partaking in living businesses who aren’t interested in gentrification or shunning these people, [is] important.”

Underdog Tattoo has three artists on staff, along with a dedicated piercer. Each artist offers a different style, meaning whatever ink you may want, Underdog has you covered. Cline adds that working with the other artists is her favourite part of the job. “I really, truly believe we're all doing good tattoos and our energy is what makes it, what it is. It's corny, but it's true.” Looking to the future, the space they occupy is a lot larger than just their studio, and Cline would like to expand the shop to include various art studios, like painting and textiles. “I just want to be comfortable to be my weird self. I want other people to be comfortable being their weird little self making art. I want clients and connoisseurs to come in and hang out and jam and chill.”

📍 613 Dundas Street

☎️ (519) 617-8212

🌐 https://underdogtattoo.ca/