What to expect after booking:
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Best things to do before you get tattooed:
-plan not to swim for 14 days after/ don't submerge the tattoo in lakes, pools etc
-don't get sunburned in the tattoo area beforehand, reschedule a sunburn
-try to moisturize the area a week before
-get well hydrated the day before
-don't drink alcohol the day before
-don't smoke weed immediately before the appointment (it hurts more)
-eat a good meal before your appointment (hurts less)
-plan to take it easy after the appointment, snacks and rest
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In most cases I try my best to send a basic design outline the evening or morning before your appointment. At the appointment there is time to sit down together and make any changes necessary to feel perfect. Should you need more agency and feedback in the design process, or have a large project, you may also request a free in-person design consultation which takes place before an appointment is made.
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No, Lost Lakes has a preferred no guests policy for artist booth space needs. However, if you need a quiet support person to join you arrangements can be made with prior notice and acknowledgement from the shop/ the artist. Please ask if you need someone with you!
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On the day of the appointment please arrive no earlier than 10 minutes before your appointment. When you arrive call the shop number to be let inside. The front desk staff will greet you and ask to view your government issued ID to create a remote client account for you.
Bring any lil drinks or snacks that may feel helpful during or after the tattoo.
Feel free to wear comfortable clothing to the appointment that can easily reveal the area you’re hoping to get tattooed. If you are getting an ankle or foot tattoo placement, please plan to wash your feet before the appointment and bring CLEAN socks to change into for the appointment.
Bring your headphones, book, or other helpful stim tools with to help get through the appointment. Handheld gaming tech items are not allowed.
When we sit down to review the design, you may request reasonable changes in order to make it perfect. If this process takes over 45 minutes your appointment will be rescheduled.
Next you try on a print of the design in a few sizes and decide what looks best. Then that paper copy is used to make your stencil. The stencil is then applied to your body with the opportunity to ask for as many reaplications as it may take to get it right.
Then the tattooing actually happens. We settle in and work our way through the whole tattoo with options for breaks anytime.
After the tattoo is complete, we take the opportunity to take photos in our private photo booth, share those. And then apply the tattoo dressing that fits you best be that traditional gauze and wrap or the contemporary saniderm.
Aftercare will be thoroughly explained to you in detail and you will get a personalized print out to take home.
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Location
Madison, WI
Shop Open Hours
Monday — Saturday
11am — 5pminfo@lostlakestattoo.com
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Lost Lakes Tattoo is a private tattoo only shop (no piercings). We are appointment only. Every artist has their own dedicated booth space with options of privacy curtains at request. The shop has a clean, welcoming, and eclectically decorated atmosphere garunteeing your eyes will have fun artwork to admire throughout the process. Our waiting area has a cute gift shop “Lost Lakes Treasure Chest”, to puruse when you arrive with a ton of vintage and midwest themed artwork. We offer water, coffee, tea, candy, and free masks to our guests during your stay.
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Lost Lakes Tattoo shares the neighborhood with several Madison favorites for pre and post tattoo food including:
-Ancora Coffee
-It’s Good For You Pizza (woodfired)
-Patricia’s Mercado (tacos)
-Zippy Lube (fried chicken sando)
-Banzo (Mediterranean)
-Willy St Coop North (pricey independent grocery)
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Thak you to all the clients that travel from a distance for their projects! Here’s some of my favorite Madison adventures for before of after your appointment:
-Olbrich Botanical Gardens
-MMOCA (contemporary art museum)
-UW Chazen Art Museum (free)
-Tandem Press Gallery and Archive (Printmaking)
-Room of Ones Own (Queer independent bookstore)
-St. Vinnies (Thrifting, St. Vincent de Paul)
-Willy Street (Williamson St. for cute shop meandering)
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All deposits are non refundable. Clients need to provide 24 hours written notice to the artist in an email in order to reschedule the appointment. Rescheduling can be done twice before the deposit will be forfeited and a new deposit must be made in order to reschedule.
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FAQs
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Head to the Book With Me! page on this site and it will walk you through an easy inquiry form where you can get in touch.
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I started in 2020. I have a fine art career alongside my tattooing career and have three different masters degrees in art that I use every day!
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YES, if I take your project on, in most cases I try my best to send a basic design outline the evening or morning before your appointment. At the appointment there is time to sit down together and make any changes necessary to feel perfect. Should you need more agency and feedback in the design process, or have a large project, you may also request a free in-person design consultation which takes place before an appointment is made.
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Yes, artists perform for tips…
Tattoo artists perform sanitary medical grade art with care for making the experience as comfortable as possible.
We aim to exceed your expectations and leave you with something that you will be proud of for the rest of your life.
As a service industry career, all tattoo artists accept tips.
How much do people tip on a tattoo?
If you feel like expressing gratitude towards your artist for their effort, a 10%-30%+ tip on the whole cost of the tattoo is customary.
While artists recognize tipping sometimes may look like a small amount, any amount is welcome and appreciated.
If you cannot/ did not plan to tip, the best thing you can do is to tell three friends to come and work with your artist -and plan to get more yourself!
We thank you for your patronage!
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Starting January 2026 my rate reflected in quotes is $200/hr
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Yes, I do! But each good cover-up tattoo starts with an in-person consultation with your artist. Send me an inquiry form with a good image of your current tattoo to get started!
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I don’t recommend anything brand name fancy. I find great success with Aquaphor as an immediate THINLY applied ointment (not petroleum jelly). Boring daily moisturizing lotion such as CeraVe. And I always try to use gentle fragrance free liquid soap like Dr. Bronners unscented castile soap. See the Aftercare page for more suggestions. Every tattoo is followed by an individualized aftercare plan.
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I recommend staying out of standing bodies of water, lake, pool, tub, for at least 14 days after your tattoo appointment.
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Yes, I mask throughout the appointment and require my clients to also mask while in the tattooing station space. It helps me from getting sick and missing work, so I really appreaciate it!