Friday the 13th - a day that typically brings a lot of business to tattoo shops, saw record-breaking lows this year with the recent spread of COVID-19. Promotional sales like $13 flash tattoos didn't bring in the standard flood of clients, because most people were flooding to the grocery stores instead. This leads us to wonder, what does COVID-19 mean for tattoo artists and clients?
Events
Unfortunately, upcoming events are being canceled to avoid large groups of people interacting, in hopes to stop the spread of the virus. Traveling is not recommended at this time. The good news is these events will be rescheduled. (We've added a list to the bottom of this blog).
Tattoo Shops
Some tattoo shops are closing their doors for the next two weeks and will possibly extend closing depending on what happens within the next two weeks. Others are taking standard precautions with taking additional safety measures like barrier gowns, face masks, and extra gloves to avoid contact. Tattoo shops might be limiting how many clients they tattoo in a day, similar to a private studio's approach temporarily. Fortunately, tattoo artists already clean regularly and use disposable gloves, so they are in the practice of maintaining clean, safe workspaces.
Tattoo Supply Companies
We cannot speak for all tattoo suppliers, but at this time we are still open and taking every possible safety measure to ensure the safety of our clients, artists, and employees. At this time we are not accepting walk-in customers, but we are delivering supplies car-side and you can place orders by phone or online. We appreciate everyone's patience and understanding during this temporary change and please email us or call with any questions you may have.
What can you do?
Remember the Center for Disease Control says that the most effective way to prevent the spread of this virus is by washing your hands, avoiding touching your face, and covering your mouth when you sneeze or cough. If you are feeling unwell do not go to your appointment, provide your tattoo artist with notice and reschedule your appointment. Some tattoo artists might have to reschedule your appointment, while others might have more strict guidelines to ensure their safety as well as your own. Please bear with them during this difficult, unpredictable time.
Rescheduled Events
Evergreen Tattoo Invitational has been postponed - date tbd.
Star City Tattoo Expo - Rescheduled to the of September 4th-6th, 2020
Skindustry Tattoo Expo - postponed until June 5-7, 2020.
Louisville, KY - Rescheduled to July 24-26.
Asheville, NC - Rescheduled to June 19th-21st
Carnival of Ink in Springfield, MO - Rescheduled to June 19th-21st
Image by: Yeganeh Shahpourzadeh
Cover image by: Steven Erixon