Episode 106. On Location at Electric Grizzly Tattoo with Derek Turcotte

In Episode 106 of the Overheard Podcast, we go on location inside Electric Grizzly Tattoo in Canmore, Alberta, sitting down with award-winning artist and tattooer Derek Turcotte for a deep, wide-ranging conversation about art, permanence, and building something real in the Bow Valley.

Hosted by Daniel Ruedl alongside co-host Matty Rage, this episode traces Derek’s journey from drawing as a child, to painting and airbrushing in his teens, through apprenticing under Crosseyed Airbrushing, and ultimately into large-scale tattooing and shop ownership in the Canadian Rockies.

We dive into how artistic style evolves over time, what it means to design tattoos that move with the human body, and the unique pressures that come with creating permanent art on living skin. Derek shares insight into large-scale tattoo design, full sleeves and bodysuits, how tattoo technology has changed the craft, and the tools he relies on for complex, long-term projects.

Beyond the art, this episode explores entrepreneurship in a mountain town—balancing creativity with sustainability, protecting shop culture, and defining success beyond just financial metrics. Derek also reflects on legacy, time, and how it feels knowing his work will live on long after the moment it’s created.

This episode is brought to you by Drinkshaft, in partnership with Electric Grizzly Tattoo.

We also wrap the episode with our recurring segment “You Didn’t Hear It From Us”, spotlighting what’s coming up next in the Bow Valley—including The Warm Up winter arts festival in Canmore.

Topics covered in this episode include:

              •            Tattoo artist style development

              •            Large-scale tattoo design & body flow

              •            Art on skin vs canvas

              •            Tattoo gear & evolving technology

              •            Running a tattoo shop in Canmore

              •            Creative entrepreneurship in the Bow Valley

              •            Art, permanence, and legacy

Watch or listen now, leave a comment, and don’t forget to like and subscribe—most of our listeners aren’t, and it makes a huge difference.

Follow Derek and see more of his work at @drkturcotte and @electricgrizzlytattoo.

And as always…

See you next Tuesday.