Johnny Lake

Johnny Lake III · Tattoo Artist at Permanent Vacation Tattoo

Portrait of tattoo artist Johnny Lake III

Artist Bio

Johnny Lake III is a tattoo artist at Permanent Vacation Tattoo, best known for anime and neo-traditional work - and a laid-back, client-first vibe in the chair.
Johnny was born and raised in Tampa, Florida, and has been professionally tattooing for 6 years. His journey took him from learning the craft in Florida to sharpening his skills in Germany for three years. In 2024, he joined Permanent Vacation Tattoo in St. Charles, Missouri, where he continues to grow and build his career.

A self-described "jack of all trades, master of none," Johnny can tattoo most styles and loves collaborating with clients to bring ideas to life. His favorites are anime and neo-traditional, and he typically works with most styles except portraits.

Outside of tattooing, Johnny is married to his best friend Mallory and is a proud dad to four amazing kids (two girls and two boys). They're his motivation to keep improving. He's pretty laid back, a little sarcastic, and always down for a good laugh. When he's not at the shop, you'll probably find him into motorcycles or watching anime.

Share your ideas, reference photos, and placement and we'll plan your next session.

Style & Approach

Specialties
  • Anime
  • Neo-traditional
  • Most styles (except portraits)

If you're unsure about sizing, placement, or how an idea will translate to skin, Johnny is happy to talk through options before booking.

@johnlakepvtattoos

A bold, traditional-style portrait featuring crisp linework and smooth shading that gives the face a timeless, illustrative feel. The subtle color palette and fine details make it stand out as a statement piece.
This classic sailing ship tattoo embodies the spirit of old-school tattooing, with bold black shading and striking red and green accents. The design captures a sense of adventure and nostalgia through its strong, traditional composition.
A vivid, neo-traditional depiction of a snarling green demon with intense yellow eyes and sharp, exaggerated features. The dynamic color blending and bold outlines give it a fierce, high-energy presence.
This bold, cartoon-horror tattoo showcases a grotesque melting zombie head in vibrant greens and pinks. The dripping textures and exaggerated features make it both eye-catching and playfully gruesome.
A darkly playful skeleton jester rendered in detailed black and grey shading. The piece balances macabre humor with intricate texture, creating a captivating gothic aesthetic.
An expressive anime-style tattoo in black and red ink, featuring intense contrast and dynamic linework. The floral background and text elements bring an emotional, story-driven edge to the design.
A black and grey piece featuring detailed skulls entwined with large, flowing wings. The fine shading and movement give it a dark yet dynamic, almost angelic energy.
A realistic skeletal hand holding a rosary, with deep shading and subtle red highlights. The blend of anatomy and symbolism gives this design both spiritual and gothic undertones.
A vibrant cartoon-style tattoo of Chainsaw Man’s beloved companion, Pochita. The bold outlines and bright orange tones perfectly capture this character’s playful yet gritty personality.
A detailed red, white, and blue T-Rex clutching a heart patterned with American and British flags. The sharp linework and saturated colors make this piece fierce, fun, and eye-catching.
A colorful gnome wielding a spiked mace while riding a pigeon into battle. The playful concept and crisp neo-traditional execution give it a perfect balance of humor and artistry.
A striking black and grey tattoo inspired by Attack on Titan, featuring Eren Yeager and his Titan form. The intense contrast and stylized shading highlight emotion and power from the anime’s core themes.
A bold traditional tiger head with vivid orange, green, and red tones. The thick black lines and fierce expression showcase classic American traditional style and attitude.