Half the time it sounds like an accusation: ‘Where are your priorities?’, sounds like something your parents would ask after you failed to get your chores done or flunked a test. Not here. This is the tattoo shop, when we ask where your priorities are it’s a straightforward and honest question we need answered in order to give you what you want. So, what are your priorities?

Saving money?

Getting work done sooner than later?

The quality of the finished work?

These aren’t the only questions we need answers to, but they are the most common priorities that determine what clients get access to which artist. We’ve got it all: Apprentice and novice-level artists who will work for less; artists who can usually do your tattoo within a day or two; and we have some of the best tattoo artists in the state, maybe THE best artist in the state, depending on the style of work you prefer. So when we ask ‘what are your priorities?’ we just need to know what you want.

A breakdown of our artists, their rates, skill levels, and specialties:

Crystal: Crystal is a novice-level apprentice who will work for a significant discount in order to develop their skills and build their portfolios. Crystal prefers Japanese floral motifs. While she is eager to improve her skillset, she has express orders not to attempt any work she don’t reasonably believe she can execute well. Apprentices basically charge half price all the time. So, while they are a great way to save a buck for those of you for whom that is a priority, Crystal may have to turn over your idea to a more experienced artist.
Matt Steele: A journeyman artist, tattooing for three years now, Matt has really come into his own. He does clean lines and bright color. Matt specializes in blackwork and dotwork tattoos, as well as smaller-scale color pieces. He is a tier above Crystal with regard to what he is allowed to do. He charges $400 for a 5-hour session and $600 for an all-day. If you’re interested in getting a nice tattoo and helping this young artist along his journey, just ask him what sort of thing he’d like to work on. Due to his shorter time in the business, Matt has a smaller (but growing) established clientele and thus tends to have more availability. If getting tattooed sooner is your priority, Matt’s your guy.
Deuce: Deuce is a veteran tattoo artist with over 15 years of experience in the industry. Having come from the world of ‘street shop’ tattooing, where a large portion of the work is walk-in based, and thus quite varied subject-matter wise, Deuce has a more diversified portfolio. He charges $400 for a 5-hour session and $700 for a 10-hour all day rate. These prices are outstanding for the high quality of work you can expect to receive and thus Deuce tends to be a little on the busier side, usually booking about a month out, so plan accordingly.
Will Wood: Widely regarded as one of the better tattoo artists in the state and possibly the best black and grey realism artist, Will has been tattooing for 17 years. He has won every tattoo trophy there is, including multiple Tattoo of the Day and Best of Show categories. He has beaten some of the best tattoo artists in the world with his black and grey and color portraiture. This level of expertise and consistently high quality doesn’t come cheap, with Will charging $160 per hour and the wait is usually in the 3 month range, as Will doesn’t accept appointments farther than 3 months out. He also takes 100% creative freedom with his pieces, so you tell him what you want and he works with you to come up with the best idea. If having the best tattoo money can buy is your priority and you’re willing to wait for it, Will is your guy.
All told, Lighthouse Tattoo has your bases covered no matter your tattoo needs. Cheap and available apprentice and novice-level tattooers; Solid and creative journeyman and veteran tattooers offering great rates; and a master tattoo artist leading the way are all at your disposal! Call Lighthouse Tattoo at 615 784-4500 to schedule your appointment or consultation today! We are open from noon to 10pm seven days a week, so visiting the shop is also an option any time your in town.