Tattooing at Lucky’s Tattoo Museum

https://lstattoomuseum.org/

January Reflections and What Comes Next

In January, Legend Ink had the opportunity to tattoo at Lucky’s Tattoo Museum in St. Petersburg, Florida for the first time. It was also the first time my son, Isaiah Bogdanov, and I worked from this historic space, and it quickly became clear that Lucky’s is something rare in the tattoo world. It is not just a museum. It is a living, working archive of tattoo history that still makes room for the present.

Lucky’s Tattoo Museum holds one of the most extensive collections of American traditional tattoo history in the country. Flash, machines, artifacts, and stories fill the space. While our personal tattoo style at Legend Ink is rooted in a more modern, fine-art aesthetic rather than traditional Americana, that contrast ended up being one of the most rewarding parts of the experience. Tattooing contemporary work inside a classic tattoo museum felt like a conversation across generations. The past meeting the present, with an eye toward the future.

Working Inside the Museum

The tattoo studio itself is intentionally intimate, with two private stations. Isaiah tattooed at the museum during the week before my arrival, and I followed shortly after. We both worked privately with our clients, and the setup proved ideal. Focused, quiet, and respectful of the environment. Clients were able to experience the museum while being tattooed, which added depth and meaning to the process. It wasn’t just about the tattoo session. It was about context.

From a functional standpoint, everything worked smoothly. The space is efficient, clean, and thoughtfully arranged. It never felt forced or performative. It felt like a working tattoo space that simply happens to be surrounded by history.

The Tattoo Apartment and Lucky’s Tattoo Supply

During my stay, I had the opportunity to live in the Tattoo Apartment located upstairs from the museum. For traveling artists, especially those coming in from out of state as we do from San Francisco, this is an exceptional option. The two-bedroom apartment is tattoo-themed, comfortable, and incredibly convenient. Being able to stay directly above the museum and next door to Lucky’s Tattoo Supply made the entire experience seamless.

From a working artist’s perspective, access matters. Lucky’s Tattoo Supply had everything we needed on hand, and then some. Anything we didn’t bring with us was available immediately, in bulk, without compromise. I also had the chance to try several Lucky’s products firsthand, including stencil paper, tattoo bandage, and plastic wrap. The wrap, in particular, stood out as the best I’ve used in over three decades of tattooing. That alone made it clear that Lucky’s is not just preserving tattoo history, but actively improving the tools we use today.

https://luckysupplyusa.com/

Conversations That Matter

One of the highlights of the trip was spending time with Jimmy, the owner of Lucky’s, and Aurora, who plays a central role in the organization and day-to-day operations. Aurora was professional, clear, responsive, and consistent throughout the entire process. Communication was fast, accurate, and respectful. That matters more than people realize.

Jimmy and I had the opportunity to talk shop in the way only long-time tattooers can. We both have over 30 years in the industry, but our paths diverged in interesting ways. Jimmy transitioned more deeply into supply innovation and manufacturing, while I’ve spent my career tattooing and operating studios. That difference made for an honest and productive exchange. We talked about the museum, the industry, contracts, innovation, and longevity.

Seeing Jimmy’s machine shop was particularly impressive. He not only builds his own equipment, but machines components for other tattoo machine builders as well. It’s rare to see that level of hands-on craftsmanship still alive in the industry, and it reinforces why Lucky’s occupies such a respected place in tattoo culture.

Looking Ahead

Both Isaiah and I plan to be in St. Petersburg regularly throughout the year, approximately every six to seven weeks. We were there in January, we’re returning at the end of February, and we already have trips scheduled for late April and late June or early July. Having Lucky’s Tattoo Museum as a consistent place to work has given us something valuable. A tattoo home in Florida that aligns with our standards, our pace, and our respect for the craft.

There have also been early conversations about potentially hosting the first exhibition of the Beyond the Flesh Tattoo Museum at Lucky’s Tattoo Museum later this year. While details are still forming and nothing is contractually confirmed, it’s an exciting possibility. Lucky’s is one of the few places where a concept like Beyond the Flesh could live in meaningful dialogue with tattoo history rather than standing apart from it. We’re inspired by the potential and grateful for the openness of the conversation as relationships continue to develop.

Closing Thoughts

Tattooing at Lucky’s Tattoo Museum was not about fitting in stylistically. It was about coexistence. Modern tattooing inside a space dedicated to honoring where tattooing came from. Isaiah and I both left the experience energized, respected, and eager to return.

We’re thankful for the hospitality, the professionalism, the shared respect for the craft, and the opportunity to contribute our work to a space that understands tattooing as culture, not trend. We look forward to continuing this relationship throughout the year and seeing where the collaboration leads.

— Peter Bogdanov

Legend Ink