The professional tattoo artist’s role and the change within the industry
The professional tattoo artist’s role and the change within the industry
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The professional tattoo artist’s role and the change within the industry

How are industry developments and emotional stress related to each other?
Emotional stress is defined as stress associated with a range of complex emotions and reactions. It is often triggered by negative or overwhelming situations. With an industry that has undergone changes in recent decades, it's not surprising that a lot of stress comes with working in the field.
Around the beginning of the 2000s, the tattoo industry was in a period of significant growth and change, with some of the key points being:
  • Styles varied greatly depending on region and culture, but some general trends included tribal designs, Celtic patterns, and Asian symbols. These styles were very popular due to their aesthetic appeal and deep cultural significance.
  • There were a number of notable trends among those getting tattooed. It began to become more mainstream and normal to get tattooed, and tattoos were no longer limited to certain subcultures. This led to an increase in tattoo studios and a gradually broader acceptance of tattoos in society.
  • The role of the tattoo artist came under more pressure and had to adapt to an upcoming rapidly changing industry. They had to keep an eye on the latest trends and techniques, while also meeting a higher standard. Many tattoo artists also began to specialize in certain styles to differentiate themselves from competitors.
Despite the general trends that were most visible, there was still a great deal of variation in the industry. Each tattoo artist and each studio had its own unique style and approaches to body art. Today we are in a different place, and we can see how these trends and changes have shaped the industry. As it was about 20 years ago, the tattoo industry is still constantly evolving, albeit with newer styles and techniques that continually emerge due to the hunger for better safety, new knowledge, and technology.
This has led to new breakthroughs in terms of new regulations.
 

Legal regulations and increased safety

Over the past 10 years, a number of legal regulations have been introduced in the industry to improve consumer safety and tattoo artists' safety. These regulations have had a significant impact on the industry, resulting in many mixed reactions.
  • Hygiene course requirement: To ensure that tattoos are performed under safe and hygienic conditions, requirements have been introduced for tattoo artists to complete a hygiene course. This has helped raise standards in the industry and ensure that customer health and safety are prioritized.
  • The Danish Safety Technology Authority conducts inspections focusing on ensuring tattoo artists keep studios up-to-date in terms of hygiene, but has received various reactions and confusion. The reason for this stems from the fact that some tattoo artists have been told contradictory things compared to their colleagues in the industry. This has created strong confusion and frustration.
      • This was one of the first projects where LUX Artscio investigated how to reduce confusion and frustration in the industry and create a better bond of trust with the authorities.
  • The ban on certain chemical substances in tattoo ink resulted in great resistance from the industry. From January 4, 2022, it was no longer legal for tattoo artists throughout the EU to use a range of color pigments they had previously used. The decision to ban more than 4,000 chemical substances in ink for tattoos and permanent makeup was made to reduce the risk of irritation, allergy-like reactions, infections, and in the worst case, cancer.
      • The regulation was met with great resistance from both tattoo artists and health experts, who claimed that it would be a veritable "execution" of the legal European tattoo industry.
  • In connection with the ink regulation, quality control of the ink used in the industry was later implemented. To ensure traceability and quality, all tattoo ink must be registered and noted which client has received which ink. This was supposed to help ensure that only approved and safe ink types are used in the industry.
These regulations have had a significant influence on how the tattoo industry functions in certain respects.
Some tattoo artists have seen these changes as a challenge, while others have seen it as an opportunity to improve their practice and ensure that they deliver the best possible service to their customers.
 

Personal standards and quality in the industry

Despite the external pressure from the legal side of the industry, and the fact that it is crucial to have a high quality standard as a tattoo artist, it's important to remember how much energy is put into the work. Tattoos are permanent art on the skin, which is personal for each individual client.
Having a high standard means not only being skilled at tattooing, but also being attentive to basic things like high hygiene, customer service skills, and good ethics. It means taking responsibility for your work, being willing to learn and improve, and respecting clients and their wishes.
It doesn't mean that it's easy to maintain a high standard of quality. The external pressure and one's own high expectations can be extremely stressful, and it can be frightening to stand by one's opinions, especially if the opinions go against industry norms or trends. This is a completely different aspect that you learn more about when working in the industry.
Unfortunately, there have been several tattoo artists who have been nitpicked by other tattoo artists in the industry due to different opinions. Being subjected to negative publicity in the industry can happen in a flash, and therefore it's important to focus on how you can advance in the industry yourself - and not get caught up in negative publicity.
But taking care of one's opinions and standards for quality - especially as a tattoo artist in the industry, can have a positive influence on one's career. It can help one stand out from the crowd, build a good reputation, and attract clients who value one's work. However, there are questions about whether it is ethically correct or not.
A clear example would be selling courses on how to become a tattoo artist to consumers, which is a misleading service that promises more than what is actually delivered. These so-called tattoo schools bring neither value to the consumer who wants to enter the industry, nor do they solve more problems than they create for the industry.
But this will be investigated in another blog post.
If one ignores the maintenance of high standards, it can have negative consequences. One risks losing clients, getting bad reviews, or even harming one's health and clients' health. Ultimately, it can lead to a tattoo artist becoming less satisfied with their work, potentially losing their passion for the craft.
Although it can be challenging to maintain a high quality standard, it is an important part of being a successful and respected tattoo artist. In the end, it's what makes it all worthwhile.
 

Emotional stress and burnout

As you can probably gather from what you've read, being in the tattoo industry involves constant competition and change. This dynamic can lead to significant emotional stress for many tattoo artists. Some have often been told that only the strongest survive and many other things.
Keeping up with the changes can be a continuous challenge, especially if you have specialized in a particular style or technique. The fear of being overtaken by other artists who are more versatile and adaptable than oneself can be overwhelming.
This fear can manifest in many ways. For some, it can lead to constant self-criticism and doubt about their abilities, and for others, it can lead to overwork and burnout in an attempt to constantly improve and keep up with the industry. Moreover, the fear of not being able to keep up can also affect a tattoo artist's interactions with customers. This can lead to uncertainty about whether to take on new projects or experiment with new styles, which can limit a tattoo artist's growth and development.
Therefore, it's important as a tattoo artist to acknowledge and manage this type of stress. Finding healthy ways to deal with stress, such as taking regular breaks, seeking support from colleagues, or working with a mentor or coach, can be crucial for maintaining a long and successful career in the industry.
 

Getting back in the game

Getting back into the field in the industry can vary greatly in terms of difficulty - but it's not impossible, even if it looks bleak:
  • Education and training are a good start. Attending courses or workshops to learn new techniques and styles can help you keep up with the latest trends and improve your skills as a tattoo artist.
  • Networking: Attend tattoo conferences and events to meet other artists and learn from them. This can also help build connections and find new opportunities.
  • Collaboration: For some, it's difficult to collaborate with other artists due to a variety of reasons, but consider if it could be an idea to collaborate with other artists on projects. This can give you the opportunity to learn new techniques and gain new inspiration. This can also help you find more opportunities than you already knew about.
  • Use technology: Don't let the developments in the industry scare you. Use social media and online platforms to showcase your work and reach a wider audience. There are also online resources, such as LUX Artscio, that offer a range of tools and services designed to help tattoo artists navigate the industry despite external pressure.
These points can help you get back into the industry and continue your career as a tattoo artist. Remember, it's important to hold on to your passion for tattooing and never stop learning and growing.
 

The Future of the Tattoo Industry

Part of the stress can also be the fear of the unknown in the future.
The tattoo industry has undergone significant changes over the past decades, and it appears that this development will continue in the future. Some of the indications and potential trends that could help shape the industry in the coming years are as follows:
  • Technological innovations: With advances in technology, there have been a number of developments that will change the way we approach and experience tattoos. Modern tattoo machines have become more advanced with innovations such as wireless and digital machines that promise greater precision and efficiency. 3D printing technology is also revolutionizing the industry by allowing artists to create custom tattoo designs and prostheses with greater accuracy and speed.
  • Sustainability and eco-friendly practices: There is a growing demand for sustainable and biodegradable tattoo products, which can help reduce our carbon footprint in the world. This could result in more eco-friendly products coming to the shelves, and some tattoo artists may end up losing customers if they do not intend to switch out plastic for an eco-friendly alternative. This brings up another issue, as there have been reports of eco-friendly products that cannot withstand a full-day session without breaking down and resulting in greater resource waste than desired.
  • Cultural and artistic influences: Cultural trends and their influence on tattooing are also factors to consider. The use of various artistic styles and techniques can continue to diversify and enrich the industry.
  • Industry growth: According to a new report from the USA, the global tattoo market is expected to grow significantly with a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 9.87%. It will become gradually more difficult to diversify, which can lead to more stress for the individual tattoo artist.
These indicators point to an exciting but challenging future for the tattoo industry, where sustainability and cultural diversity will continue to shape and enrich the art of tattooing. It is now a question of whether tattoo artists can find new opportunities to create additional income for their livelihood.
 

What can we consider as a tattoo artist and as a consumer?

Being part of the tattoo industry is a constant journey through change, growth, and personal development. From understanding the industry's roots from, for example, 20 years ago to navigating the challenges and pressures that come with keeping up with constant development, it's clear that being a tattoo artist requires passion, determination, and courage.
But regardless of the challenges, it's important to remember that your unique style and dedication to quality are what really count. That's what will help you stand out from the crowd, and that's what will keep you in the industry, no matter how much it changes.
While the future of the tattoo industry may be unpredictable, one thing is certain: Tattooing is an art form that will continue to grow and evolve.
So whether you're an experienced tattoo artist or a newcomer to the industry, there's always something new to learn and new ways to grow.
As consumers, it's important to consider how tattoo artists are positioned in the industry and what it takes to work in it. Although it's permanent art that goes on the skin, it's important to respect the precautions that tattoo artists have set for themselves and their clients. They have done it for their own and the consumer's sake.
Thank you for following along. We hope it has given you new insight and inspiration for your own journey as a tattoo artist, but also as a consumer who is curious about how to navigate the industry.
 

References

  • “Tattoo Industry Analysis - Cost & Trends.” FranchiseHelp.
  • “Tattoo Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Machine, Ink), By End Use (Total Tattoo, Cosmetic Tattoo), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2021 - 2028.” Grand View Research.
  • “Tattoo Ink Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type (Black & Grey, Color), By End Use (Tattoo Parlors, Online Channels), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2021 - 2028.” Grand View Research.
  • “Tattoo Removal Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Procedure (Laser, Surgical, Creams), By End Use (Hospitals, Tattoo Parlors), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2021 - 2028.” Grand View Research.