Tattoo Artists Working Amid COVID-19: An Experience
By: Giselle Garcia
Tattoo artists welcome walk-ins, set up appointments and even plan trips around the world to serve as a guest artist at a tattoo parlor. With COVID-19 affecting the entire world, many businesses that are not considered essential had to close and tattoo shops were no exception.
A majority of tattoo artists receive cash as their source of income; this makes it harder for them to claim unemployment insurance because they lack proof of income source. Many were unsure whether they were allowed to remain in business because they never received official notices. Most had to rely on the news to figure out where they stand and had to make some adjustments so they could pay bills and support their families.
As the pandemic became worse, tattoo artists became more stressed about how they would provide for their families. Without government aid, a few decided to keep their shops open while others decided to go about it from a different approach. To keep COVID-19 from spreading, tattoo artists made a few adjustments so they could remain in business while looking out for their health and their client’s health.
Such adjustments included tattooing by appointment only, denying extra people access into their shop, having their clients wear masks and have them wash their hands often. Sanitizing and sterilizing has been of huge importance to tattoo artists, even before the pandemic broke out. One could argue that tattoo shops should remain open on this fact alone. Other artists made the decision to tattoo from home or go to a state where tattoo shops remain open and work as a guest artist. Some even created limited prints, stickers, T-shirts and accessories to sell.
I had the opportunity to get a tattoo while on a trip to Gresham, Oregon. Artist Anthony Spellman has been in the tattoo industry for three years and has built a good clientele. Unfortunately for him and his peers, the pandemic took a hard hit on their shop. The shop remains open following proper guidelines, but they are not getting enough clients. People who wish to get a new tattoo simply do not have the funds to get one with jobs being lost.
My experience at Equinox Tattoo Collective was unusual to say the least. I noticed how four other people in the shop and the quiet atmosphere felt bizarre. In past experiences, tattoo shops have been filled with both artists and guests alike, conversations amongst clients with their friends, music being heard along with singing or humming and artists checking out each other's work process.
When I arrived at Equinox Tattoo Collective, I had to fill out consent forms outside and my temperature was taken before I entered the store. Once inside, I was asked to wash my hands and wait patiently until Mr. Spellman was finished setting up. When he was done, I laid on my stomach on top of a bed wrapped in saran wrap. During our session, we made small talk about COVID-19, our frustrations and hopes that this pandemic will go away. An hour later, my artist wiped my fresh tattoo with soap and water and bandaged my arm.
Many tattoo artists are not as fortunate as Mr. Spellman. Many are left without work and are stressed about their bills and family. Those trying to get financial assistance are struggling, and those trying to find ways to keep their stores open are not making the money they once were.
My appreciation for the artwork created by tattoo artists is the reason why I buy stickers from artists all over the world. I share their Instagram accounts to friends, in hopes that they can buy prints or stickers.
Share businesses that are open to friends and family or buy something affordable from a small business. With COVID-19 affecting everyone on this planet, it is now more important than ever to help one another.