Six months into the pandemic and the country still doesn’t know when things will be normal again. Many small businesses and restaurants have faced financial difficulties and unfortunately closed their doors for good. For tattoo artists who reply on face to face, in person interactions for business, work from home orders made business impossible. As the social distancing guidelines begin to loosen up, tattoo shops here in South Carolina opened again for business. Tattoo artists are able to continue their business to provide for their families.
So I got a tattoo! It wasn’t my first (and won’t be my last) but it will definitely be a memorable one. Getting a tattoo during a pandemic doesn’t have to be difficult, in fact the process was fairly streamlined. I wouldn’t be surprised if some of the steps stick around after the pandemic.
What Did I Get
Before I jump into how you can get a tattoo, some people may wonder what I got (and why I was willing to risk it during the pandemic). It had been nearly ten years since my last tattoo, and even though I always planned on getting multiple I stopped before I was married. First I was pregnant, then breastfeeding, both which are recommended deferral of tattoos. From there, the time didn’t seem right. We were moving, or settling somewhere new, or juggling life.
One of the many tattoo ideas on my mind was the phrase “stay angry”, as an indirect reference to the Hulk. Since there are memes and gifs about the exact line (“That’s my secret, Captain, I’m always Angry”) I knew I wanted something more original. Stay angry is a more direct way of saying what Bruce is implying- stay angry, control your emotions, turn your weakness into strengths. This has always felt fitting. But when deciding to choose from my long list of tattoo ideas in my brain, this one spoke out to me.
In light of the political and racial injustices our nation is facing, I’m certainly angry. I’m angry enough to go to protests, but also angry enough to tell young people to get to the polls and vote. This felt like the perfect time to get “Stay Angry’. To slap back to Hulk a little more, I requested the lines be etchy like a comic book. He nailed it. I know critics will have plenty to say about the wiggly lines and gaps (both were were intentional), but I don’t care because this is exactly what I requested.
Important to note: Tattoos are very taxing on your immune system. Depending on the size and location of your tattoo, your body will dedicate efforts from your immune system to assist with the healing process. This being said, if you contract covid-19 (or any other virus), you may have a harder time fighting it off. For that reason,
How to Get a Tattoo During a Pandemic
These are the steps I followed while getting a tattoo. Different shops across South Carolina and the country will have different processes. Obviously follow the requirements of your own shop. But this should be a good idea what to expect.
Make the Appointment. This is obvious, under regular circumstances. But if your shop used to allow walk-ins, there’s a very good chance they are not right now. Contact your artist and set up an appointment.
Video Call Consultation: The shop doesn’t want people in and out, potentially contaminating the artists and shutting down the business for quarantine. A video consultation will allow clients the opportunity to connect with the artist safely, to discus the artwork, deposit and pricing, and schedule.
Online Waiver. Instead of signing paperwork on your appointment day, your artist may send an online waiver. This will include all the normal liability questions, a health questionnaire both covid-related and in general, and healing procedures. It may even ask you to upload a photo of your license for security purposes, to confirm you’re over 18.
Bring a Mask. Duh. You will be expected to wear the mask the entire time, so make sure it fits well and seals around the nose and cheeks. If you struggle to breathe with a mask, choose one that has more space and doesn’t sit so close to your face.
Temp check at the door. Before you can even begin the check-in process, expect to have your temperature checked. You may also be asked about any symptoms in the past week or two.
Sanitary Entry. Upon entering the shop, you may be directed to the restroom to wash up. Use hot water and soap for 20 seconds. Meanwhile, expect to have your phone sanitized. This will prevent you from picking up any germs you just cleaned off your hands.
Get tattooed as normal. Once you’re checked in, the process is the same as normal. Confirm your design and location, approve the colors, and let your artist get to work.
Tip your artist. Now more than ever, if you’re getting a tattoo you need to tip your artist. Many small businesses didn’t qualify for assistance and lost weeks of pay during the shut down. Plan to tip at least 20%, but give more is possible. In South Carolina, many shops have an ATM right on property so you can make a cash withdraw on the spot to give your artist.
That’s it! You’ve received a tattoo during the pandemic. Be sure to follow all the healing and recovery guidelines from your artist. It had been almost ten years since my last tattoo, and a lot of the recommendations had been updated. Don’t argue with them, and say “last time…” because they won’t care. Do what they suggest, or don’t complain when it heals poorly. Is it scary to think we could be exposing ourselves while we get a tattoo? Absolutely. It almost feels selfish, but we have to remember that these artists rely on our service for their paychecks. If you were planning to get a tattoo, and are healthy and feel confident with your ability to fight any potential virus, support your local tattoo shop and get that ink.
Do you have any tattoos yet? What was your first tattoo? Have you considered getting a tattoo during the pandemic? Let me know in the comments below. Bonus points if you show me.
Read More:
Donating Blood During a Pandemic | Stay Grounded While Socially Distancing
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