Blue has done an amazing job on a cover-up piece we've been working on. He has great ideas and is an excellent artist. He will be doing future pieces for me as well. Michelle also does great work. They are super chill and I enjoy the time I get to spend there. I highly recommend getting work done here. Read Less

My daughter and I had a great experience at Velvet Lotus Tattoo for our matching ink. Blue did great work, and we enjoyed our conversations with him and Peyton during the process.They felt like family by the time we were finished. *smile* Read Less

Blue is the man. I have been getting my tattoos done by Blue before he began working at Velvet Lotus. When he moved to this shop I followed! He has been doing my tattoos for two and a half years now. He is the only artist I trust to do work on my body. Saying he is talented is an understatement. He has a passion for what he does, makes the most of everyone's time, and has a fun and inviting personality. He did my first tattoo and will do my last. My art is beautiful and get complimented on it wherever I go. Can't thank him enough for all he's done and will do for me! Read Less

Can't say enough about the artistry and attention to detail at this place. I consulted with artist Will "Blue" Lockhart, needing lots of help with how I wanted my tattoo to look, how it would flow, etc. He helped guide the look, size, and placement with aplomb -- and he even worked in new ideas when I decided I wanted to expand on it just a month later. Because the shop is appointment-only, I also appreciated not having the work interrupted a number of times for the artist to deal with walk-ins. All-around great experience. HIGHLY recommended. Read Less

Got my first tattoo here...And let me tell you, the artists that work there are some of the most down to earth, chill people I've ever met. And their design and work is just almost flawless. My tattoo turned out amazing and I am definitely going to let one of the two artists named "blue" work on my future tattoos from now on. Check out this place! Read Less

I just got my first tattoo by Mike Wardell at Velvet Lotus, it was a great experience! Mike and Michelle were able to answer my questions and put me at ease for what the process would be like. The place was spotless and was a great environment to get a tattoo done in. I will definitely be coming back! Read Less

I absolutely LOVE getting my work done at Velvet Lotus!! Michelle is sooo great and i hav no problem making the trip from Des Moines to Iowa City because i know the work is always going to be amazing and the atmosphere is second to none. Read Less

My brother and I went here-me for a touch up on a very meaningful tattoo, and my brother for his first-a tattoo we siblings share. Will was amazing--the epitome of what you want in a tattoo artist. THANK YOU!! Read Less

Got a custom design by Michelle and got done with the first session yesterday. The parlor is clean and colorful! She has been super accommodating to everything I asked for the design and made it exactly the way I pictured it! I can't wait to see how this looks when it's completely finished! Read Less

I love he experience I had at this tattoo parlor. Everyone was kind and it was super clean. Blue is an amazing tattoo artist and made the experience ten times better. I can't wait to go back and get more. Read Less

The one and only place I will get a tattoo now.  I was so thrilled to find this shop when I moved to Iowa City.  You won't find more talented and friendly artists than Michelle and Mike.  Plus the shop is very clean and welcoming.  Most importantly, my tattoos look great! Read Less

My best friend was in town for a weekend from LA and on a whim we decided to get tattoos and I immediately thought of Velvet Lotus after a classmate recommended it. I called in and a few minutes later Mike was drawing up designs which we loved, and we were in and out in no time. The atmosphere of the shop was very inviting and relaxed and both Mike and Michelle were friendly and helpful. I'll definitely be back for my next tattoo. Read Less

This is the place to go. It's clean, welcoming and staffed with talented artists. Michelle will listen to your ideas and offer awesome suggestions to make your body art something special. Her experience and talent make Velvet Lotus the one place for me.Read Less

Love love love this place. The shop is clean and inviting. It's got a comfortable feel to it. The artist Michelle is very personable and easy to collaborate your ideas with. Her work that she done on me is phenomenal as is other work that I've seen in person. I would recommend this shop to anyone. Whether it's your first or your a collector of fine skin art. Read Less

We had a great experience with Michelle on our first tattoos. She is friendly, professional and her studio is inviting and sterile. She makes your experience comfortable and informative. She's been in the biz a long time and it shows. Thanks Michelle! Read Less

When I walked into Michelle's lovely shop last night, I explained my idea for a long term project that would result in two bouquets on my chest and shoulders. Michelle and I were able to come up with a design that absolutely floored me. In the hour and a half it took to get my ink on, Michelle was calm, level headed, and gentle. I'm in love with my new ink, and with the eclectically decorated Velvet Lotus. I'll definitely be back, and I'll always be grateful. Read Less

I've received multiple tattoos from Michelle at Velvet Lotus. She is an amazing artist and has always listened to what I want in my tattoos. She gave me my first tattoo 10 years ago, since then I have received tattoos from different places but when I decided I wanted to do a large leg piece I knew she was the one to do it. I found her again in Iowa City. She listened to my ideas that I wanted for my leg piece and drew it exactly the way I envisioned! I was so impressed! I defiantly recommend Velvet Lotus to everyone for an amazing artist who gives the best tattoos ever!! Read Less

Velvet Lotus has everything I look for in a quality, professional tattoo shop. It's very clean, and the art/decor immediately give you a sense of the artists personality. Unlike many tattoo shops and artists, Michelle very obviously loves what she does and gets enthused about helping make each visit a positive, collaborative experience for her customers regardless of the size or simplicity of their request. She's very outgoing and friendly, and really stands out for making the experience of getting a tattoo a positive one. Most importantly, she's an amazing artist. She has experience with a variety of styles and techniques, and utilizes all of that knowledge to be able to make each tattoo look its best. Regardless of what you're looking to have done, you can be confident that you'll be happy with the results. Read Less

Velvet Lotus has everything I look for in a quality, professional tattoo shop.  It's very clean, and the art/decor immediately give you a sense of the artists personality. Unlike many tattoo shops and artists, Michelle very obviously loves what she does and gets enthused about helping make each visit a positive, collaborative experience for her customers regardless of the size or simplicity of their request. She's very outgoing and friendly, and really stands out for making the experience of getting a tattoo a positive one. Most importantly, she's an amazing artist.  She has experience with a variety of styles and techniques, and utilizes all of that knowledge to be able to make each tattoo look its best. Regardless of what you're looking to have done, you can be confident that you'll be happy with the results. Read Less