The Evolution of the Tattoo Artist: How has the Profession Changed Over Time?

Businesses worldwide have been significantly affected by COVID-19 since it first emerged in Wuhan, China, in November 2019. In addition to the widespread loss of life and the impact on millions of individuals who have either fallen ill or been subjected to mandatory lockdowns, many businesses have had to shut down for extended periods to prevent the virus from spreading and safeguard their customers and employees. Healthcare professionals, who are typically already overburdened, have been hailed as heroes on the front lines, courageously risking their own lives to care for others and working tirelessly, often with minimal rest.

Those considered "non-essential" by their governments have had to close completely, impacting their working capital, disrupting their customer base, and jeopardizing their business.

Tattoo parlors are facing particular challenges, given that tattoo artists frequently come into close contact with blood, saliva, and sometimes other bodily fluids for extended periods. This poses a risk to the cleanliness of the establishment and the well-being of both the artists and customers.

Beginning in March, thousands of shops across North America shut down almost overnight, hoping to halt the spread of the novel Coronavirus.

How Were Tattoo Artists Affected?

As a result of the rapid increase in Coronavirus cases globally, stores have been forced to cancel all scheduled appointments and shut down indefinitely. This sudden closure has led to millions of people being left jobless with no certainty about what lies ahead. The primary concern is not just the financial impact of the shutdown. The true repercussions will become apparent once businesses resume operations, as customers may remain hesitant to leave their homes due to fear or may choose not to spend on non-essential goods or services. Under these circumstances, getting a tattoo is unlikely to be a priority, placing many tattoo artists in a challenging position.

So, how did tattoo artists cope with this? 

During the pandemic, numerous individuals dedicated themselves to crafting exquisite artwork on various platforms. They designed flash sheets for prospective customers, sold custom prints online or via social media, which became the prevailing practice. This enabled tattoo artists to express their creativity while also earning a living. This pattern persisted for months, as tattooists shared their creations and ideas on Instagram, honed their skills, maintained contact with their clients, accepted advance bookings for upcoming projects, and enhanced their online visibility.

Nevertheless, in recent times, different regulatory authorities have given the green light for the reopening of tattoo parlors and private studios due to a phased reopening strategy. These measures have permitted multiple sectors to resume activities. However, with updated regulations, tattoo parlors, piercing studios, and spas are now permitted to resume operations starting in July 2020.

But what does that mean for both the artists and the clients?

Tattooing Post-Pandemic 

Depending on the country and state, there are a multitude of safety precautions in place to help keep all parties safe while getting a tattoo. 

Firstly, all clients must have an appointment. Walk-ins, although a normal part of the tattoo industry, have been put on hold, as this involves dealing with too many customers in the shop at once. Walk-ins may break the mandatory social distancing protocols, which require people to stay at least two meters (six feet) away from each other. 

Besides keeping your distance, handwashing and disinfecting with hand sanitizer is a must before walking into the studio and beginning your session. This basic hygiene procedure should be followed regardless, but it is essential during these unprecedented times. 

Wearing a mask and face shield is considered essential, with many countries and states mandating their use indoors through by-laws that impose fines for non-compliance. The importance of wearing a mask lies in the fact that infection occurs mainly through close contact with respiratory droplets from an infected individual. These droplets are primarily spread through coughing, talking, and sneezing, making it crucial to wear a mask to prevent the spread of the airborne disease within a six-foot radius. Due to the highly contagious nature of the Coronavirus, establishments are restricting the number of people allowed inside at once and advising against bringing friends and family along, a practice that was previously common in small numbers. Furthermore, the time between appointments has been increased to allow for thorough cleaning and disinfection of all surfaces that may have come into contact with the previous client. Maintaining cleanliness and adhering to sanitary standards should always be a priority for businesses, but the Coronavirus has elevated this to a new level of importance.

Pre-screenings will be the new norm shortly. Be prepared to sign forms, answer many questions, sign waivers, and get your temperature checked via contactless thermometer guns. 

Although annoying, this is a minor inconvenience to experience in the grand scheme of things, as these new protocols help save lives and slow the spread of this infectious disease. It is worth it, especially when getting beautiful, custom artwork tattooed on you forever. 

Regardless of the current situation, a client’s health and safety are always of utmost importance, and tattoo artists are doing their absolute best to ensure incredibly clean, constantly disinfected, and highly sanitary conditions for everyone at all times. COVID-19 affects us all, so be courteous to your local shops and come prepared with a mask, sanitized hands, and a good attitude.