Tattoo Artists During COVID-19

Scrolling through Instagram pages of local tattoo artists, I began to appreciate the diverse portfolios created in Dallas-owned shops. It made me realize the growing popularity of the tattoo industry and how far it has reached into mainstream culture. Ipsos, the world’s third largest market research company, conducted a 2019 poll showing that 30% of Americans have at least one tattoo. The 1005 interviewees revealed that individuals under the age of 55 were twice as likely to have tattoos and those with a college degree were increasingly more likely to have tattoos. This truly illustrates that any negative stereotypes attached to tattoos are slowly disappearing and the market for tattoos are becoming increasingly diverse. Due to COVID however, the artists are having a difficult time capitalizing on this new rising demand for ink. Tattoo studios were allowed to reopen on May 19th under Executive Order GA-23, but two months of shutting operations had dealt a financial blow for these local shops and some artists are still hesitant to begin working right away. How have Dallas tattoo artists been adapting to this pandemic and could we be seeing any long-term effects to the industry as a whole? I’ve reached out to Crystal Rodriguez, a tattoo artist at Supernova Tattoo Studio, to discuss the issues with COVID-19.

How have you been staying productive and improving your business during the entire quarantine?

As soon as they allowed us to open shop and operate we were up and running the next day. We’ve been adapting to the pandemic by taking extra precautions with our schedules/appointments to minimize our contact with people as much as possible. We require face mask to enter and do not allow extra company with our clients. Telling someone they can’t bring their friends or loved ones to a session has been hard on our clients because they rely on them for comfort when the nerves or pain hit, but everyone has been understanding safety is the goal.

For long term industry effects, I feel like we will get busier. With lots of forms of entertainment on halt, People are itching to spend that disposable income. Also Covid-19 has shaken so many job situations, we are seeing a lot more people right now who work from home. Their schedule is more flexible allowing them to come in easier. Fortunately the tattoo industry has benefited from those changes. 

When I heard news of the shutdown I knew I was going to have to turn to my painting skills to help financially and still advertise my art. My shop shutdown around March 18th and opened back up May 19th. During those months I took orders and painted customized vans. That also helped keep my eyes and skills sharp for when I went back to tattooing.

 With states like Virginia including tattoo studios in phase 1 of their reopening and New York adding tattoo studios to their phase 3 reopening stage, what do you think was an appropriate response for tattoo studios to continue operations?

I don’t believe they should have waited that long to let tattoo shops open back up. We are required to have our blood borne pathogen license, use hospital grade sterilization and cleaning supplies, and are very cautious with our clients as it is. Tattoo artist here were frustrated when we were amongst the last of businesses to be able to operate in Texas.

 Do you see any long-term industry changes in a post-COVID Dallas?

Due to high demand, it is more difficult to find gloves, paper towels and our sanitation supplies. Those things are also going up in price. Rumors of needle shortages and cutting ties with over sea suppliers have gone around causing artist to buy more bulk purchases leaving others with a slim selection to pick from. Those are a few things I already see having changes on us, but hope it will open doors for more businesses to produce and supply for the growing tattoo industry.

 Do you see any changes to your main client base?

Our main client base is appointment only at the moment since we aren’t accepting walk-ins like we use to. That has caused many artist to be booked out a month or sometimes more. 

Is there any advice you have for people thinking about getting into the tattoo industry?

Make sure you are learning from good reputable sources and the shop you choose to work at is a good environment filled with artist who are building each other up and willing to share their knowledge and skills with you. It’s hard to find, but at Supernova Tattoo we are an artist family that take care of each other and that has helped my growth so much in the industry.