Ready for some new ink? Whether it’s your first or your tenth time, finding a tattoo shop + artist that suits you is important. We’ve rounded up a guide to Lakeland’s tattoo shops to help you get started.
Before we get to business, here’s a crash course on some of the most common tattoo styles:
- American traditional: Think bold black outlines, simple shading, and limited colors like red, yellow, blue, and gray. Common designs include pin up girls, eagles, anchors + skulls.
- New school: Inspired by graffiti, hip hop, cartoons, and pop art, this style is characterized by vibrant color and cartoonish themes.
- Geometric: Made popular in the 21st century, this style incorporates repeating patterns, basic geometric shapes, and symmetry.
- Realism: Wait, is that a real photo? Nope, just the work of shading, fine lines, contrast, and 3D shapes.
Now that you’re up to speed, here are seven shops worth checking out.
- Atomic Tattoos, 2405 S. Florida Ave. | These local artists have been active in Lakeland for 20+ years and offer custom designs.
- Beyond The Veil Tattoo, 5313 S. Florida Ave. | Color us inspired. We’re here for this Lakeland-inspired tat.
- Black Swan Tattoo, 1119 S. Florida Ave. | This shop’s five artists bring a combined 70+ years of experience to the table across all styles.
- Gaslight Tattoo Company, 509 S. Florida Ave. | Roll the dice if you dare to get a surprise custom tattoo at this Dixieland shop.
- Holy Grail Tattoos and Piercing, 121 E. Alamo Dr. | These award-winning tattoo artists specialize in tats that look just like the real thing.
- Lyons Den Tattoo Company, 6635 S. Florida Ave. | This shop owned and operated by tattoo artist Craig Lyons offers new school, geometric, and realism-style tattoos.
- The Emporium Lakeland, 4035 S. Florida Ave., Ste. 6 | Looking for something unique? Some of The Emporium’s artists specialize in combining styles to form a unique and cohesive piece.
Have a go-to shop we didn’t share? Tell us all about it, or better yet, send us photos of your own Lakeland-inspired tattoos. We might just get one ourselves.
