New Private Tattoo Studio Opens In Waukesha

WAUKESHA, WI—Aidan Smith, 27, said he likes having his own space to focus on his clients and his craft. The tattoo artist opened his private tattoo studio, Lucidity Arts, at 234 W. Main St. Unit 3. Smith told Patch he has always been artistic but never thought of tattooing.

"I've always been interested in tattoos but never actually doing it," Smith said.

He started to dabble in making geometric designs, and his friends encouraged him to create tattoos.

Smith said he was very nervous during his first tattoo, but luckily it was on a friend.

If you want a tattoo of a famous person or your dog, you are out of luck. Smith doesn't do realism tattoos or anything too colorful. He does traditional Sailor Jerry tattoos, floral designs and skulls. His main focus is geometric and ornamental designs.

He said some people think his work is tedious as many of the designs start as tiny dots.

But people in Waukesha are embracing his studio. Smith said he has steadily booked appointments since opening in May. His previous place, Good Clean Fun Tattoos in Pewaukee, was located in a less busy area. He worked as an apprentice there for a year.

He said his success has a lot to do with social media, where he does his marketing.

Customers can't walk in off the street; they need to make appointments ahead of time. Unlike other studios, there is more than one artist, Smith said.

"I like giving 100 percent of my attention to whomever I [am] working with," Smith said. "I want to take time to talk with them."

His customers are very happy with his work.

Kaitlin Sagan had Smith do three tattoos this year. She thinks Smith is very talented, understanding and cares about his work.

"His shop is incredibly clean and pretty. I’ve only received compliments from people about the work he’s done for me," Sagan said.

Michaela Lyden discovered Smith through looking at his work on Instagram last year.

"He's a very skilled and detailed artist that came up with my sleeve concepts. He does not leave anything unfinished or not to his standards. He's very easy to connect and get along with," Lyden said.

Lyden said she is thrilled he opened up his private studio to do his work.

"He'll be tattooing me until I have no available areas left!"