Has Covid-19 Changed Tattooing?

2020 has been an odd, rough year for most of us. Nearly everyone has been affected by Covid in some way. Many industries not deemed ‘essential’ (such as tattoo shops) have had to endure lengthy closures following area specific quarantines. Aside from being dormant for a few months, how has Covid changed tattooing?

Walk-Ins Are a Thing of the Past

Many state governments have set strict rules for businesses that work in close contact with the public and clients. Many businesses such as salons, tattoo shops, spas and more have been prohibited from accepting walk-in clients. Having appointment based interactions allows each business the chance to screen clients for potential risks prior to seeing them. In addition, it gives clients a greater amount of time to recognize any symptoms or exposures and alert their appointment setter. Although it may very well be the end of impulse tattoos, these measures have been put in place for the safety of the artist and client alike. Beyond the shop, Covid can be a ripple effect in local economies. Creative Ink, based in an affluent NH college town, is taking special care to screen patients – as many are students.

Cleanliness Standard

Many artist report that not much has changed in regards to cleaning standards. Artists and shops were already

following meticulous cleaning methods and routines prior to covid. Most states require artists to complete blood borne pathogen and infectious disease training to obtain a license. Artists will use plastic barrier films to protect any items or tools they may touch or use during a session. Disposable or single use tattoo needles are considered an industry standard. Coupled with superior methods of sanitization, such as autoclaves or ultra-sonic cleaners, artists ensure that every tattoo is done with safe and sanitary tools.

Busier Than Ever

Artists across the US are reporting that they have seen an uptick in appointments since the pandemic started. With a vast number of people forced to stay home and out of work or school, many are seeking an escape. A lot of people consider

tattoos as ‘therapy’, in a way that takes your mind off of other things. It’s not surprising that more and more people are getting tattooed as a means of coping. It’s bittersweet, as more clients mean that artists make more profits – but most are subject to lengthy appointment wait times as shops face capacity limits as well. Most shops are limited to one client per artist at all times – clients may not bring friends with them. Larger shops are under greater regulations due to the amount of artists that they employ. Shops with more artists have to spread out artist stations or put in protective glass/plastic shields.

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