What styles does Great Lakes Tattoo specialize in?

Great Lakes Tattoo specializes in Blackwork, Japanese, Old School and New School.

How many tattoo artists work at Great Lakes Tattoo?

Great Lakes Tattoo has 10 tattoo artists on their team, with 140 published, tagged photos in the catalog.

How do I book with Great Lakes Tattoo?

Great Lakes Tattoo — message us on Instagram to book.

What does Great Lakes Tattoo charge?

See the Estimated Price Range above for tiers by size. This is confirmed by the studio.

Where is Great Lakes Tattoo located?

Great Lakes Tattoo is located at 1148 W Grand Ave.

What happens to my deposit if I reschedule, cancel or I’m late?

Great Lakes Tattoo lists: deposit: Required to book; amount confirmed by the artist.. Policies can change — call +1 312-870-0458 or message them to confirm before you pay.

Is the consultation free?

Many studios offer a free consultation, in person or by message; some charge a fee that comes off the tattoo. Ask when you first get in touch.

When will I see my design, and can I change it?

It varies: some artists send the design a few days before, many show it on the day and adjust it with you before the stencil goes on. You can always ask for changes before anything touches your skin.

Is a touch-up included?

Many studios touch up small healing gaps for free within a few months; after that, or for sun-faded work, touch-ups are usually paid. Ask before booking.

Is the studio licensed, and how do they keep things sterile?

Great Lakes Tattoo hasn’t listed licence or hygiene details on TatSeek. That doesn’t mean anything is wrong — ask about their licence, single-use needles and sterilisation; a good studio answers happily.

Do I need ID? What is the minimum age?

Expect to show a photo ID proving you are 18 or older. In the US some states allow 16–17-year-olds with a parent’s consent, others don’t allow it at all, and many studios only tattoo adults either way.

How do I pay, and should I tip?

Ask whether they take cards or cash only. Where tipping is customary (as in the US), 15–20% is typical; elsewhere it’s optional.

To book, message us on Instagram

Book Now

What to include in your first message

What the artist needs from you

Your idea in one line + 2–3 reference images more →
Placement and rough size in centimetres more →
Colour or black & grey more →
Your budget range more →
Dates you’re free; OK with more than one session? more →
Cover-up? Add a clear photo of the old tattoo more →

What to ask them

Deposit — how much, does it come off the price, what if I reschedule? more →
When will I see the design, and can I ask for changes? more →
How long is the wait for an appointment? more →
Is a touch-up included? more →

Known for Great Lakes Tattoo: Deposit: Required to book; amount confirmed by the artist. · Touch-up: not listed · Design: not listed · Wait: not listed. Policies differ between studios — call +1 312-870-0458 to confirm.

Great Lakes Tattoo

Name: Great Lakes Tattoo
Address: 1148 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL, 60642, US
Telephone: +1 312-870-0458
Price range: $400-$700

📍Chicago, IL 🇺🇸 United States

Great Lakes Tattoo has been a staple of Chicago's West Loop tattoo neighborhood since 2013, specializing in American Traditional, Japanese, Black and Grey, and Tribal styles. The shop also hosts the Great Lakes State Gallery, an art and event space with exhibitions, comedy shows, and live music. Walk-ins are welcome daily; Saturdays are walk-in only.

Speaks: 🇬🇧 English

🚶 Walk-ins welcome

Since 2013

Specializes in: ⚓ Old School (98)🖤 Blackwork (14)🌊 Japanese (14)💥 New School (14)ⓘBased on recurring characteristics across tattoos in this profile. These are portfolio-derived insights, not self-reported specialties.

Top subject groups: 🐾 Animals (47)🔱 Symbols & Objects (36)🐉 Mythology & Folklore (29)🌿 Nature & Plants (20)🧍 People (16)ⓘBased on the subjects tagged across tattoos in this profile. Narrowed to the subjects with real depth behind them — occasional one-off tags are left out so this reflects what the studio truly tattoos most, not everything ever tried once.

Estimated hourly rate: $250/hour

Estimated Price Range

✅ Verified Sep 2026 — from greatlakestattoo.com

Small & Simple Small symbols, lettering, or simple line work — roughly 2–10 cm, about 1 hour: $100–300
Medium (Typical tattoo) More detailed custom design with shading — roughly 10–20 cm, about 2–3 hours: $400–700
Large & Complex Larger, highly detailed piece — roughly 20–30 cm, about 4–8 hours, 1–2 sessions: $900–1900
Very Large / Sleeve Half sleeve, back piece, large-scale work — 30+ cm, roughly 10–25+ hours, 3+ sessions: $2000–4500+

These are estimated ranges — for an exact quote, message us on Instagram or call +1 312-870-0458.

Before you book

Deposit: Required to book; amount confirmed by the artist.
Not listed — ask the studio: Consultation · Deposit off final price · Rescheduling · If you cancel · Late arrival · Design preview · Touch-ups · Shop minimum · Typical wait · ID & age
Safety & hygiene: Not listed — that doesn’t mean unsafe; ask about licence, single-use needles and sterilisation.

From the studio’s website, checked by TatSeek · updated Sep 2026. Rules can change — confirm with the studio before paying a deposit. How booking works →

About Great Lakes Tattoo

What styles does Great Lakes Tattoo specialize in?: Great Lakes Tattoo specializes in Blackwork, Japanese, Old School and New School.
How many tattoo artists work at Great Lakes Tattoo?: Great Lakes Tattoo has 10 tattoo artists on their team, with 140 published, tagged photos in the catalog.
How do I book with Great Lakes Tattoo?: Great Lakes Tattoo — message us on Instagram to book.
What does Great Lakes Tattoo charge?: See the Estimated Price Range above for tiers by size. This is confirmed by the studio.
Where is Great Lakes Tattoo located?: Great Lakes Tattoo is located at 1148 W Grand Ave. View on Google Maps →
What happens to my deposit if I reschedule, cancel or I’m late?: Great Lakes Tattoo lists: deposit: Required to book; amount confirmed by the artist.. Policies can change — call +1 312-870-0458 or message them to confirm before you pay. How deposits usually work →
Is the consultation free?: Many studios offer a free consultation, in person or by message; some charge a fee that comes off the tattoo. Ask when you first get in touch. What happens at a consultation →
When will I see my design, and can I change it?: It varies: some artists send the design a few days before, many show it on the day and adjust it with you before the stencil goes on. You can always ask for changes before anything touches your skin. Design, flash and revisions →
Is a touch-up included?: Many studios touch up small healing gaps for free within a few months; after that, or for sun-faded work, touch-ups are usually paid. Ask before booking. Touch-ups explained →
Is the studio licensed, and how do they keep things sterile?: Great Lakes Tattoo hasn’t listed licence or hygiene details on TatSeek. That doesn’t mean anything is wrong — ask about their licence, single-use needles and sterilisation; a good studio answers happily. What a clean studio looks like →
Do I need ID? What is the minimum age?: Expect to show a photo ID proving you are 18 or older. In the US some states allow 16–17-year-olds with a parent’s consent, others don’t allow it at all, and many studios only tattoo adults either way. Age and ID →
How do I pay, and should I tip?: Ask whether they take cards or cash only. Where tipping is customary (as in the US), 15–20% is typical; elsewhere it’s optional. Tipping and etiquette →