Madame Lazonga's Tattoo

Tattoo Artist

I started my tattoo career in 1972 as an apprentice for 8 years under a retired seaman named C.J. Danny Danzl. Even before I started to tattoo I had a vision of what tattooing could be. I was one of maybe 2 or 3 women tattooing at that time. Long before the internet, all communication was by word of mouth, letters, and phone calls. Through the years I have garnered many awards and watched how tattooing has taken off and become a fad and a commodity for T.V. My vision still holds true as I continue on. I have always wanted to be a conduit for interpreting other people's ideas into a permanent piece of art that acts as a powerful talisman they can carry with them until they die.

Now more than ever it's important to not only be a talented person with social skills but to wear "many hats" in this business. Networking is the number one skill that trumps everything else these days, so here I am off on a new journey to learn some new skills and hopefully share with others.

The last several years I have been doing a lot of scar cover-ups and mastectomy scar cover-ups. It's a joy to be able to turn something that people hate into something that they can be proud of. My approach is not only to just cover the scar but to be able to make a refined piece of art out of something, it should be able to have a nice flow to it so it works with the muscle and bone structure instead of working against it. I am grateful for my talent and to be able to do this work. Read more

5 recommendations

  •  
    Jimmy S

    Shared on goo.gl

    Stopped in on a whim, Chloe and Vera were very helpful. Ended up working with Vera and collaborating for a very unique and amazing tattoo. By the time I left I almost felt like family, the girls seemed to go out of their way to help and make myself and my gal feel comfortable. Thank you Vera once again for the awesome and unique art!

    Original recommendation
  •  
    T G.

    Shared on yelp.com

    I started getting work done here after specifically looking for a woman to do a special tattoo for me. Vyvyn is a phenomenally talented, long standing force in the tattoo world, over 30 yrs I believe. ... She's also an absolute pleasure to be with. I'm so appreciative for her work and being! Cannot recommend enough (I am a 40yo, female, full time medical provider).

    Original recommendation
  •  
    Samantha N.

    Shared on yelp.com

    Zaza Vera did a FANTASTIC job. Came in with a sketch and she made it even better. She gave me instructions but as well as her phone number for follow up questions. She replies within 5 mins and has great customer service. 10/10 recommend. Thank you Zaza Vera!!

    Original recommendation
  •  
    Ayanda Mas-Killjoi

    Shared on facebook.com

    I saw Vera back in January of 2016 for my first tattoo. She answered all of my questions during the consultation and when I was super nervous on tattoo day. She explained all of the steps she was taking to tattoo safely, and did exceptional work.. She also followed up with me several times over the following weeks to see pictures of my healing progress.
    I look forward to working with her again! Strongly recommended if you have dark or very soft skin.

    Original recommendation
  •  
    Christopher Gleeson

    Shared on goo.gl

    Incredible artists (both Madam Lazonga and Zaza). Very warm and welcoming atmosphere. I have over 50 hours of tattoo on my body from some very sought after artists and this shop is really outstanding, both for the caliber of work they are doing, as well as the atmosphere they have created.

    ... For those that do not know: Madame Lazonga is one of the pioneers of tattoo on the west coast. She had her own shop here in Seattle in 1972, and was the first woman with her own shop in Seattle history. She is absolutely worth the wait.

    Original recommendation