Hours: Varies By Location Please call first (515) 257-7940
We do not provide quotes or book appointments via phone or email. More Info
Lucky Gal Tattoo & Piercing
Southside Des Moines
3104 sw 9TH STREET
DES MOINES, IA 50315
The Original Lucky Gal Born on the Southside
Welcome to Lucky Gal Tattoo & Piercing on the Southside of Des Moines — where our story began.
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Founded by Chris Pruisner and Michele Pruisner, both born and raised on the Southside, this location isn’t just another studio — it’s home. Built on work ethic, loyalty, and pride in the community that raised them, Lucky Gal was created with a commitment to elevate the tattoo experience while staying deeply rooted in local values.
As the brand has grown across the Des Moines metro, the Southside shop remains the heart of Lucky Gal — a reflection of where it all started.
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We proudly serve South Des Moines, Downtown Des Moines, Carlisle, Norwalk, Indianola, and surrounding communities, continuing to sponsor local schools, support neighborhood events, and reinvest in the area that shaped us.
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This isn’t just a tattoo shop in Des Moines.
It’s legacy, loyalty, and elevated artistry — built right here on the Southside.
Custom Tattoos in South Des Moines — Built to Last
At our Southside location, custom tattooing is what we’re known for.
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Our artists specialize in:
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Bold traditional and neo-traditional
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Fine line precision
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Black & gray realism
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Color saturation work
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Large-scale projects and sleeves
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Cover-ups and transformations
Custom & Walk-In Tattoos
Professional Piercings
High-End Jewelry
Every piece is designed with intention and longevity in mind. We believe great tattoos should age beautifully and hold their integrity over time.
THE BEST TATTOO SHOP IN SOUTHSIDE
CHRIS PRUISNER
Tattoo Artist & Owner
Chris Pruisner has been tattooing in the Des Moines area since 2008. Born and raised in Des Moines, IA he attended Lincoln High School and graduated from Grandview University with a BA in Graphic Design and Minor in Fine Arts. After graduating from college Chris worked in a variety of corporate positions in Printing and Design however slowly realized he wasn’t a perfect fit for corporate America and left that life in 2008. He took a chance, betting on himself, and became an unpaid apprentice learning the art of tattooing. His bet paid off and within two years, he purchased a building on Des Moines’s Southside and opened the first Lucky Gal Tattoo. Lucky Gal continued to grow opening locations on the Eastside of Des Moines, Ankeny, Clive and most recently Waukee, IA.
Chris’s hobbies include drawing, collecting vintage toys and being an entrepreneur. He resides in Ankeny, IA with his wife of over 28 years, their two children and multiple puppies.
See my work!
Henry Jay Kaufmann
Tattoo Artist
Henry Jay Kaufmann has been tattooing since 2012, and creating art has been a part of his life since he could pick up a pencil. Henry studied Graphic Communication Technology at Kirkwood where he focused on figure drawing and graphic design.
Outside of tattooing, Henry enjoys figure drawing, painting, and generally doodling on any piece of paper within grasp. He is an avid musician, model builder, caricature artist, muralist, PC builder/gamer, motorcyclist, and an enthusiast of many things.
Henry specializes in detailed illustrative styles, or bold traditional/neo traditional styles. He loves working with black and grays, or funky colorful styles. Henry also is an avid retro video game collector.
See my work!
Derek Mills
Piercer
Piercings are all walk-ins so feel free to stop into Ankeny and see me today!
Piercer, Derek Mills, has been with the Lucky Gal family for over 8 years.
In October of 2009 Derek was in an accident where doctors said his right arm would be unable to move. After that news Derek proved doctors wrong by becoming a personal trainer and made working out daily one of his hobbies along with shooting/marksmanship and cooking.
Along with working out Derek would often visit the tattoo shop to see one of his oldest friends, an artist at the shop. Shortly after he became a piercing apprentice and has now worked for the Southside Lucky Gal for over 5 years.
Derek resides in Windsor Heights with his wife Taylor & two daughters Dove and Aria.
See my work!
Kendall McKay
TATTOO ARTIST
Kendall has been tattooing for 7 years, although he didn’t start out drawing or tattooing. He started out playing music and through music it lead to hanging out in shops and the desire to be in the tattoo industry. He Started out at Slingin’ Ink in Grinnell and also worked at Skin and Canvas and Buzzworthy, both in Knoxville, Iowa.
In his free time he spends time with his wife and 3 children. He also loves music, guns and sprint car racing!!
He likes to tattoo all different styles. Whether it is color, black and gray, new school or traditional - big or small!
See my work!
TANNER
Tattoo Artist
I am a tattoo artist specializing in illustrative tattooing, combining strong linework with designs built to last. My work ranges from dark imagery and nerd culture to softer, meaningful pieces, always with a focus on clarity, balance, and longevity.
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From bold, eerie concepts to flowers for grandma, I approach every tattoo as a collaboration. Outside of tattooing, I draw inspiration from airbrushing, graphic design, horror movies, anime, and a love of collecting—from toys to VHS—bringing a playful, nostalgic, and intentional sensibility to every custom piece
See my work!
WEST LEE
TATTOO ARTIST
Practicing the dark arts of tattooing since 2006, I got my start here in Iowa, but have since traveled distant magical lands to expand upon my skill set. As a level 20 Ink Wizard, I'm always looking for secret knowledge and a way to improve my talents. I have spread tattoos across different countries and worked alongside other amazing Sorcerers of Skin. I dabble in many forms of tattoo enchantments, the fine lines, the bold lines, the lines in between your mind. I have created colorful universes and recounted the gray memories you long to keep. Realistic and incomprehensible ideas alike. I've even touched some of the forbidden AI tomes. A simple spell will summon me for all your tattoo witchcraft needs
LUCKY GAL WAUKEE SERVICES
Laser Tattoo Removal in Waukee — Professional & Proven
Ready for a fresh start?
Our laser tattoo removal services in Waukee use advanced, proven technology to safely fade or remove unwanted tattoos over time. Treatments are performed by an experienced technician who prioritizes precision, safety, and visible progress.
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Honest consultations
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Customized treatment plans
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Professional-grade equipment
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Transparent, approachable pricing
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Consistent results. Professional standards. No high-volume med-spa shortcuts.
Professional Piercing in WAUKEE
Our Waukee studio offers professional body piercings in a clean, welcoming, safety-focused environment.
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We carry a curated jewelry collection featuring a full range of pricing options — from accessible everyday pieces to premium, high-end jewelry crafted for long-term wear. Whether you're getting your first piercing or building a curated ear stack, our team ensures balanced placement, quality materials, and proper aftercare education.
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Precision placement. Exceptional materials. Options for every budget.
​Visit Lucky Gal Waukee
Free parking and a welcoming front-of-house team make your visit seamless from start to finish.
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Use our online booking system to request your preferred artist — or select First Available to get started right away. Our team will follow up with consultation details and next steps.
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Refined artistry. Modern execution. Waukee’s elevated tattoo and piercing experience.
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WAUKEE SHOP
Address
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505 E Hickman Ave., Suite 135
Waukee, IA 50263
