You book directly with the studio · no TatSeek feeⓘOpens the studio’s own booking channel — website form, WhatsApp, Instagram or email. You book directly with the studio; TatSeek takes no fee and doesn’t see what you send. How we know →
What to include in your first message
What the artist needs from you
Your idea in one line + 2–3 reference images 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.
ⓘCopies a ready message with what artists ask first — idea, size, placement, budget, dates. Paste it into the studio’s DM or email and fill in the gaps.Copied — paste it into your message
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ⓘAs stated by the studio on Google or its own website — TatSeek doesn’t certify these. How we know →
Estimated hourly rate: $250/hourⓘThe hourly rate, as published by the studio or estimated from its price list. Most pieces take 1–8 hours; small ones often have a shop minimum instead. How we know →
Estimated Price Range
✅ Verified Sep 2026 — from greatlakestattoo.comⓘPublished or confirmed by the studio (Sep 2026). Still a range, not a quote — the final price depends on your design, size and placement. How we know →
Small & SimpleSmall 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 & ComplexLarger, highly detailed piece — roughly 20–30 cm, about 4–8 hours, 1–2 sessions
$900–1900
Very Large / SleeveHalf sleeve, back piece, large-scale work — 30+ cm, roughly 10–25+ hours, 3+ sessions
Before you bookⓘDeposit, rescheduling and touch-up rules as the studio publishes them — the source and date are shown below. If something isn’t listed, ask before you pay a deposit. How we know →
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ⓘStated by the studio — TatSeek doesn’t inspect studios. In person, look for the health licence on the wall and needles opened in front of you. How we know →
Not listed — that doesn’t mean unsafe; ask about licence, single-use needles and sterilisation.
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 →
