Our Team
(click on the images below to view each artist’s work)
Jordan Shea
Owner | Lead Tattoo Artist | Entrepreneur
Jordan grew up in Calgary and Jasper, drawing animated and Disney images as a kid before getting exposed to tattoos and going in a more badass direction.
After moving to Cochrane with their family, Jordan and Rébecca opened Sink or Swim in 2017, where they’ve dispelled the myth that tattoo shops are scary by creating a bright, open space where everyone is welcome.
Jordan has been tattooing for more than 20 years—he can tattoo any style but loves to lay down some buttery smooth Black-and-Gray Realism. But first, coffee (or Wendy’s, depending on the day).
Skateboarding is Jordan’s other passion, which he pursues through their other company, 2S Skateboarding.
Favourite Styles:
Black-and-Gray Realism | Illustrative | Japanese | Superhero/Comic Book
Rébecca Paré
Owner | Lead Piercer | Entrepreneur
After graduating high school, Rébecca moved from her hometown of Winnipeg to Jasper, where she met Jordan—from there, they settled in Cochrane with their four kids and launched Sink or Swim in 2017.
Rébecca’s curiosity and creativity sparked her entrepreneurial journey, which she loves thanks to the variety and flexibility it offers. She loves that she can use her creativity to its full potential!
An expert at kids' piercings, your littles will love her upbeat, friendly personality! One of her fave piercings is the Monroe, but she is always thrilled when people ask for interestingly placed piercings.
Favourite Piercings:
Surface | Noses | Double Helix
Devin Petitclerc
Tattoo Artist
Devin grew up in Cochrane and has been a part of the Sink or Swim family since 2018 when he joined the team as Jordan’s first apprentice. He chose tattooing because art has always been his passion, and it was also the only viable way of making a living while pursuing his dream of creating art.
Devin has developed a creative style for his tattoos that people seek him out for. As the industry constantly evolves, so does Devin, working on furthering his skills whenever possible.
When he’s not a Sink or Swim, you’ll likely find Devin at his shop, Rebel Comics. If you’re a fan of horror movies, be sure to ask him about his favourites!
Favourite Styles:
American Traditional | Illustrative | Neo-Traditional
Emily Carter-Tivendale
Tattoo Artist
In 2008, Emily and her family moved to Canada from England’s south coast.
After trying other career paths, Emily finally decided to pursue one of her longtime dreams: tattooing. In early 2022, she joined Sink or Swim as one of Jordan’s apprentices.
Through her apprenticeship, Emily has been practicing many different styles. She loves building relationships with her clients and being part of the genuine, caring team at Sink or Swim.
In her spare time, you’ll likely find Emily at Found Books, sipping bubble tea, spending time with her husband and fur baby, or tending to her beloved plants.
Favourite Styles:
Realism | Neo-Traditional
Dustin Grant
Piercer | Reception
Dustin is not only one of the friendly faces greeting customers when they arrive at our shop, but he also trained under Rébecca to learn all things piercing.
Dustin has lived in Cochrane and Calgary since elementary school and has been part of the Sink or Swim team since early 2022. With many dermal anchors himself, Dustin knows how fun it is to explain, “How do those get in there?” when curious people ask.
When he’s not at the shop, Dustin is likely searching for a new plant baby at Anything Grows Garden Centre or pursuing the goods at Cochrane Home Treasures.
Favourite Piercings:
Dermal
Alyssa Dumais
Piercer | Reception
Alyssa has lived in Calgary her whole life and considers Cochrane her second home. She joined the Sink or Swim team in August 2023, managing the front desk alongside Dustin and learning the ins and outs of piercing while apprenticing with Rébecca. You will also likely find her having a laugh with the team or filming TikToks around the shop.
Alyssa has been passionate about piercings for a long time, and she loves seeing the creative ways people express themselves through piercings.
Spending time with her dogs and working on her car are two things she can’t live without. Outside of that, you’ll find her spending time with her family and friends, who are also at the top of her priority list.
Favourite Piercings:
Surface | Dermal
Ty Patterson
Tattoo Apprentice
Ty is the newest member of the Sink or Swim fam, having joined in January 2025 to apprentice under Jordan.
His interest in tattooing started when he was a kid and discovered Japanese body suit tattoos—Ty was amazed at how a tattoo artist could turn someone into a walking canvas, telling a story in the process.
With several months of tattooing experience under his belt, we're excited to watch Ty continue to learn and grow through his apprenticeship.
Favourite Style:
Japanese Traditional
