Tough Luck
Est. 2005 Lewes, Delaware
Welcome to Tough Luck
UPDATE - We currently do not have a piercer in our shop!
We hope to find someone very soon!
Tattoos are always Welcome!
We look forward to working with you!
Our Story
Established in 2005 by owner Kristopher Dilworth, Tough Luck Tattoo has built a reputation as one of the longest-standing tattoo shops in the area. With a commitment to quality, creativity, and professionalism, we strive to provide every client with a welcoming and unforgettable tattoo experience.
Our talented artists bring passion and precision to every piece, whether it’s a custom design or a timeless classic. We take pride in our craft and are honored to have been recognized as Best of Delaware’s Downstate Tattoo Shop in 2015, 2018, and 2023.
At Tough Luck, we believe tattoos are more than just ink—they’re stories, memories, and expressions of individuality. Our mission is to bring your vision to life in an environment that values artistry, integrity, and client satisfaction.
General Information
We welcome walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis, but appointments are recommended to guarantee a spot.
To book, contact us via:
(302) 644-8001
For tattoos, please provide:
• A brief description of your design
• Approximate size & placement
• Reference images (if applicable)
• Preference for black & grey or color
• Preferred artist (if any)
• Your phone number for follow-up
We’re open Wednesday–Sunday, with appointments available at 12:30 PM or 4:30 PM. (Closed Mondays, but some artists offer Tuesday appointments by request.)
Tattoo Appointments Require a Deposit:
A non-refundable $50+ deposit is needed to secure your spot. This can be paid over the phone, in person, or via email.
Appointments are not honored without a deposit.
Got questions? Call or email us anytime!
First-Time Tattoo? We’ve Got You!
Welcome to the club! We love working with first-time clients. Just follow our scheduling process and let us know if you have any specific concerns, including health-related questions (e.g., diabetes, pregnancy, or breastfeeding).
General Tips:
Eat a few hours before your appointment
Stay hydrated & well-rested
Arrive clean and sober—this ensures the best experience
Feeling Nervous?
Let us know! We’re happy to walk you through the process step by step as we set up, explaining everything along the way.
We want your first tattoo to be an amazing experience—one that keeps you coming back for more! Have questions? Just ask when booking or stopping by.
Tattoo Discretion Policy
At Tough Luck Tattoo, we take pride in our work and the values we uphold as a shop. We reserve the right to decline any design at our discretion—especially those involving controversial or sensitive subject matter.
Thank you for respecting our craft!
Meet the Artists
Meet the Team
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Mark Bennett
Artist
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David Alexander
Artist
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Matt Brownlee
Artist
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Kristopher Dilworth
Owner
Frequently Asked Questions
Whats the shop minimum?
Our shop minimum is $100. No matter how small.
Do we accept cash or card?
Simple answer; both! But cash is king, keep in mind we do have a Square swipe fee of 2.75%.
Do you take walk-ins?
We welcome walk-ins every day on a first-come, first-served basis!
However, to guarantee a spot, we highly recommend booking an appointment. This ensures you won’t have to wait or risk missing out on the day you want.
Do we offer piercing services?
At this time, we do not have a piercer on staff and are not offering piercings.When piercing services resume, please note that we do not perform piercings on anyone under 16. We’ll update our booking page when we’re ready to take appointments again. In the meantime, feel free to give us a call with any questions!
How does pricing work?
Great question! Because every tattoo is unique, we typically do not provide estimates over the phone. Pricing is influenced by several factors, including size, detail, placement, and design complexity. For most tattoos, we price by the piece (usually done in one sitting). However, for larger projects like full sleeves or back pieces, our artists charge an hourly rate to account for the time and detail involved. If you have a specific design in mind, we recommend scheduling a consultation so we can provide a more accurate estimate based on your vision.
How old do I have to be to get tattooed/ pierced at Tough Luck?
Our absolute minimum age is 16 years old. Please email or call us and we can give you the run down. We do require a Notarized Waiver with both minor/parental guardian signatures, the waiver can be downloaded from this website.
Can I bring people with me?
Yes! You’re welcome to bring an extra guest for support during your appointment, but it’s completely optional.
We strive to maintain a comfortable environment for everyone in the shop, so we ask that all visitors remain respectful of our artists and other clients.
What about Deposits?
A non-refundable deposit of $50 (or more) is required when booking an appointment. This amount will be applied to the final cost of your tattoo.While deposits are non-refundable, they can be transferred to a rescheduled appointment if you notify us at least 24 hours in advance. Our artists rely on scheduled appointments for their livelihood, so we appreciate your commitment and courtesy.
How much are sleeves or bigger pieces ?
For full sleeves, back pieces, and other large-scale tattoos, we recommend clients be prepared for a multi-session process. The total cost will depend on the complexity, size, and detail of the design. Our artists put a great deal of time and effort into their work, so we encourage you to ask about the estimated number of sessions needed. This will help you get a better idea of the overall investment required for your piece.
Do you do Custom Designs?
Absolutely! You are welcome to bring in your own design, and our artists will work with you to refine it if needed. We specialize in custom tattoos and love creating unique pieces tailored to each client.If you’re unsure of what you want, we also have a selection of flash designs available. These are pre-drawn designs created by our artists, ready to be tattooed as-is or with minor modifications.
Do we offer tattoo removal services?
We do not currently offer any removal services.
Can I bring my dog or child with me?
In accordance with Delaware state law, we cannot allow small children or animals inside the shop. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping us maintain a safe and professional environment.
Touch-ups?
As long as you got your tattoo here, we offer free touch-ups. Please contact the shop and we will set something up for you!