Have Fun Be Lucky Tattoo in Baltimore: Custom Work for Repeat Clients and Cover-Ups
Have Fun Be Lucky Tattoo is a single-artist studio in Baltimore specializing in custom designs, cover-up work, and designs rooted in illustrative and fine-line styles, operating by appointment in a private setting that suits clients seeking detailed consultation before sitting.
What it actually is
Have Fun Be Lucky operates as a custom tattoo shop rather than a walk-in flash parlor. The studio works with one primary artist and handles one client at a time, meaning no crowd, no pressure, and no hourly rotation. This setup prioritizes the relationship between artist and wearer over volume. The shop's focus on illustrative work and problem-solving cover-ups attracts people who've researched their artist beforehand and come with either a clear vision or a willingness to collaborate on one.
Services and pricing
Custom designs start at $150 minimum for small work and scale based on complexity, placement, and size. Cover-ups typically run $200 to $500 depending on what's being covered and how much new work is needed to obscure the old piece. Have Fun Be Lucky does not publish a tiered rate sheet; pricing is discussed during consultation. The shop is closed on Mondays and takes appointments Tuesday through Sunday, with availability varying week to week. Confirmation of current rates and the booking window (whether appointments open 2 weeks ahead, 4 weeks ahead, and so on) is worth checking directly before planning.
How it compares to other Baltimore tattoo shops
Baltimore has several appointment-based custom shops and walk-in parlors serving different needs. Shops like Papers & Pins (Canton) run higher-volume walk-in traffic and offer quicker turnarounds for smaller, simpler work at lower price points. Charm City Tattoo (Fells Point) balances custom and flash designs with a similar appointment model but accommodates larger walk-in gaps. Choose Have Fun Be Lucky if you want a private, focused session with time for questions and design refinement; choose a walk-in shop if you're getting a simple or flash design and want to sit the same day.
Who it suits and who it does not suit
This shop is ideal for people getting a second, third, or tenth tattoo (repeat clients often book faster and know the consultation process) and for anyone with a cover-up that requires strategy. It also works well for clients who want to collaborate on custom art rather than pick from existing flash. It is less suitable for first-time clients seeking rapid walk-in access, people with tight budgets looking for the lowest entry price, or anyone who prefers browsing design options in person before deciding to sit.
What the first visit involves
If booking an appointment, you'll discuss your design idea, placement, size, and budget during a consultation (often brief if you've already described your concept over email or phone). The artist will sketch or discuss the approach, potentially ask for revisions, and confirm the final design before you return for the actual session. There is no deposit policy listed publicly; confirm what's required to hold your booking slot when you book.
Hours, parking, and logistics
Have Fun Be Lucky is closed Mondays and operates by appointment Tuesday through Sunday. Street parking is available in the immediate neighborhood; the studio is not in a dedicated lot. Hours and the current booking window should be verified by contacting the shop directly, as appointment availability shifts seasonally and can fill 4 to 8 weeks out during peak months.
The studio's strength lies in its willingness to spend time solving problems, especially cover-ups that require artistic planning rather than quick needle time. This makes it a logical choice for Baltimore clients who've exhausted simpler options or want a collaborator rather than just a technician.
