I am a Western PA native and received a BA in Fine Art from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2004 with a concentration in Painting and Drawing. I began tattooing in 2011, having spent the intervening years focused on local art and music scenes in Johnstown and Pittsburgh, PA. I moved to Central PA to join 717 Tattoo crew in July of 2014.
I like all styles of tattooing, but I particularly enjoy geometric, abstract, and colorful work. I also do a fair amount of (and enjoy) the watercolor style of tattooing. Anyone looking to get a tattoo in this style should understand that it is a newer and often more experimental style, and not all approaches will age the same. I try to apply the principles of traditional tattooing, including the use of outlines and plenty of black for greater visual contrast and longevity. As with all tattoos, protection from the sun is so important in keeping contrast and color over time.
I love my cats, art history, figurative artists, folk art, and anything vintage. My art and tattoo work reflects these interests as well. I’m also craft hoarder, in addition to painting I often venture into jewelry making, sewing, book and printmaking, usually while watching an absurd amount of reality competition television or listening to pop culture podcasts.
Laci works Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon at our Harrisburg shop.
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Customer Reviews
Shop had a good vibe… Laci was nice to talk to, liked her work…. Will definately return to see Laci and recommend her to others….
Kim Wilson
I found Laci at a tattoo convention in Minneapolis. About a year ago my sister passed away and I went to the convention to get a tattoo of a butterfly she painted in watercolor when she was in elementary school. Where other artists either told me they would only be able to do a tattoo in their personal style, or blew smoke and said of course they could give me an exact replica of my sister’s painting, Laci explained to me exactly what to expect for size, detail, color, time, and price. Her attention to detail was outstanding and her artwork is amazing. She was pleasant and engaging the whole time. I am very happy with my new tattoo and the experience.
Charlotte
Everything about Laci is fantastic! My husband and I both got tattoos by Laci Hess and we will never go to anyone but her. Laci is very pleasant and very talented. She is very thorough in her clean up process as well which I was very impressed by. My husband and I had both gone in to 717 tattoo with a rough idea of a tattoo we wanted, and she added a personal touch to each of our tattoos and we were beyond happy with the end result. Anyone looking to get a tattoo, go to Laci! You will not be disappointed.
Alisha Maneval
Laci always takes what I want and makes it into a piece of art on my body .. she has done numerous things for me and not once have I ever been disappointed Laci Is Frickn Awesome as well as her coworkers at the Shop in Harrisburg I feel like part of the family when I go in there every time
Becca
I’ve gone to see Laci 3 times now and I can’t praise her enough. She’s always given me exactly what I want (or better). She helps design and customize my ideas into something I love. The shop itself is very clean and all the staff are very welcoming and knowledgeable. I recommend 100%! (:
Olivia D
As long as Laci is working at 717, I will never go anywhere else for a tattoo. She is a talented artist, great at understanding the most abstract of ideas, and the conversation ain’t so bad, either. 5/5, highly recommend.
Naoise B
I’ve been here twice now for two different tattoos by Laci! I love how friendly everyone is here. Laci is amazing and really works with you to make sure your tattoo is going to be exactly what you want. I feel very safe getting my tattoos here because the entire place is very tidy, but Laci always takes her time getting everything set up and making sure her work area is nice and clean! I would definitely recommend this place to anyone (I already have), and it’s worth the drive for me since I’m from out of town. It’s been a great experience for me both times!
Lindsey R
I have gotten 2 tattoos from laci and I love both of them. she is very talented and super easy to work with. the first tattoo was my dogs paw prints. she was able to take an ink stamping we did and recreate it perfectly. the second was a sleeping fox. I gave her complete freedom and she hit it out of the park. I have recommended her to many people and will continue to do so.
Russ
Laci is the absolute best and my favorite tattoo artist I’ve ever had. She’s done a few pieces for me, but by far my favorite is the large tree on my back that I got for my 30th. I gave her an idea of the style I wanted (half water color/half black lace-ish) and let her design it – it came out better than I ever could have imagined! Laci is always wonderful to chat with and so sweet. She is a stickler for a clean station too! Her art outside of tattooing is also gorgeous and she translates that so well onto skin. Can’t wait to come in again soon!
Sara
I truly enjoyed my experience with Laci Hess! She’s amazing at what she does, and very knowledgable! My two friends and I got sister tattoos on our feet, something that was pretty simple but she gave us great service! Very professional and over all she gave us a lot of knowledge on the up keep! I have 4 other tattoos and the one she did was exactly what we were looking for, very clean cut lines and dainty! We walked In and they got is set up almost immediately! The shop over all is super clean and very inviting!
Tanesha
Lacey’s work is the BEST!!!!!!! I keep returning here bc I am impressed with Lacey’s talent and the work she does for me. I like the shops atmosphere….. I recommend her to everyone who asks where I got my tattoos…. They love the water color…….
Kim
Everything about Laci is fantastic! She is friendly, engaging and easy to talk to. Her work station is very clean and organized and I feel confident getting tattooed by her! She is extremely talented and takes a lot of pride in her work! Her prices are always fair and manageable as well! I look forward to working with her many more times in the future! Keep doing what you’re doing—cause it’s fabulous!!
Sarah Potts
I got my very first tattoo done by Laci and she nailed it. I’ve since had quite a bit more work done by her and I’ll never go anywhere else. I’m always comfortable at the shop, have a great time talking to Laci and I always leave more than happy with the work she does. She’s an exceptional artist and all around kick ass person. Keep up the great work. 717 is by far the best
Jordan Rubincan
Laci was great. I have a good bit of work done by her, she has such a light hand and dedicated outcome. She is in the process of covering up a hot mess on my side and I couldn’t be happier with how its coming. Thank you girl.. my husband is also working on his sleeve and I’ve never seen a deer so real on someone’s body before … I recommend 100%…
Alexsis Wetzel
Laci came highly recommended, and for good reason. Her sketches encompassed exactly what we were looking for and we couldn’t be happier with the final outcome. Extra points for making my husband comfortable, excited and happy with his first tattoo! Already planning my next appointment with Laci!
Zan B
Laci has done both of my tattoos. I went to her first for a cover up. Which turned out amazing! You can’t even see the old one at all! I went back to her for my second one. She is super easy going, professional, and does amazing work! Each piece is super detailed and perfect! Thank you Laci!
Peggy R
Laci is an amazing tattoo artist, I drive an hour and a half just to get work done by her. I cant even tell you how many times people stop me and ask me who did my tattoos or complement the art work she’s done. She’s super sweet and by the time you’re done your tattoo you’ll wish you still had another hour with her. Amazing personality and amazing art work she is the best!
Abby
I went to Laci after looking at her Instagram page for a tattoo of Puerto Rico with flowers. She modified the one I sent her so that the flowers filled more of the empty space of the outline of the island. I absolutely love it and am kinda sad that I got it on my back…because I can’t look at it all the time! My whole experience from start to finish was great…even got to hear some of Anthony’s school stories since he was tattooing next to us. Can’t wait to return for another, thanks again Laci!
Jessica
I felt totally at ease in Laci’s hands. She is super focused, and apt at reading people's needs. Her designs/drawings are beautiful, and carry both the depth and magic of this world and others. She was kind, honest, and fun to spend time with. Super profesh
Emmy
I’ve received several tattoos from Laci. She has taken concepts that I’ve simply used for ideas, added her own style and visionary take to them, and made them something truly unique and inspiring. I don’t just feel like I’ve gotten some tattoos, I feel like my body is permanently wearing something that inherently expresses my identity. I already have some more appointments scheduled with Laci and would highly recommend her to anyone else. She not only creates pieces of art, she’s a wonderful person and great to talk to. She’s calming and assuring, hygienic and considerate. Overall, I feel like 717 Tattoo takes what they do seriously, and their policies and pricing are very fair for what they provide.
Tyler
Laci has done many of my tattoos and has done an awesome time everytime. I wouldn’t go to anyone else! Thanks for all you do Laci!!! Laci always does such an awesome job with my tattoos! Can’t wait to see how this sleeve turns out
Lauren Wiegman
I can trust Laci with my body! I always tell her to “Do her thing” because I know she will and I’ll absolutely love it! 717 has been the only place I will go to for any of my tattoos or piercings. Clean place, happy staff- my go to!
Taylor Hoover
Laci is just the best there is. She makes the whole tattoo experience enjoyable, easy, and, actually fun. In the past, she has taken a vague idea that I had and turned it into a beautiful piece of art in her style, while still being very conscious of what details I said I wanted. While tattooing, Laci is engaging without being in-your-face, and she’s a joy to talk to, really. She’s smart about a great bit, especially when it comes to tattooing, so you can trust her recommendations on size, placement, color, and the like are coming from a knowledgeable place. You can tell she puts a lot of effort and consideration into each piece she does, which is the hallmark of any good artist. I regularly get complements on my pieces from Laci and the work looks just as good even years later.
Michael McDermit
I am so happy with the tattoo Laci did for me. She was easy to talk to and welcoming. The whole process was simple and I’ll be visiting again.
Jaki G
Laci crawled into my brain and created a beautiful half sleeve layout after I gave her about 10 pieces of reference art!! I have received dozens of compliments and I’m beyond pleased so far! Excited to see what it looks like after my final session!
Jennifer H
My wife surprised me by scheduling an appointment with Laci as my anniversary present. I’d been talking about getting another tattoo for awhile that would encompass my boys names. I didn’t know that I was getting it until we drove up to the shop. Surprise! I had an idea of what I wanted and Laci was able to put it to ink. The result is absolutely awesome and it is by far my favorite tattoo. In fact, I plan on having her do the rest of the arm in the near future. A fantastic artist and consummate professional, I’m positive that the end result will exceed expectations!
Don U
Laci did such amazing work on my sleeve, I receive compliments almost daily on it. I went in not really having a clear idea of what I wanted so I just decided to trust her and her creativity and was not disappointed at all. Very happy with it and I’ll definitely be back for more!
Abigail
best tattooist ever, super clean and prepared, even puts up with the weird twitching and noises .. always a great time when getting tattooed by laci, she makes it comfortable and fun
Becca
My first impression is Damn this girl is a clean freak! This girl seriously takes her cleaning seriously. Her tats are always just what you ask for. She makes sure it’s right a couple of times just to make sure before she starts too:) she’s awesome!!
Sherrie