Tattoo machines buzz and piercers chat away across the room as clients wait patiently for the reveal of their newest piece of work. In the tattoo shop, discussions are happening between patrons and professionals to ensure safety and understanding for both sides regardless of the age of the client.
The world of body modifications is wide ranging and includes age restrictions and parental consent for minors.
Tattoo artist Abigail Texeira-Stroud offers some advice for first-timers who are in search of a shop or an artist.
“Red flags: they are pushy with you, they want to do their designs versus your designs, they aren’t respectful of your body choices and where you want it…” Texeira-Stroud said. “If you ever go and get a tattoo and they’re setting up for you, and they don’t have gloves on [that’s a red flag].”
While these potential red flags can be problematic, there are some good qualities to look out for as well.
“Some green flags are … coming into a shop that’s bright and clean,” Texeira-Stroud said. “[If the shop has] Instagram and Facebook [posts] that show healed and fresh tattoos …”
Professional piercer at Riggs’ Monster Tattoo, Brandy Howard started working in hairstyling but changed paths when she got the chance to go into piercings.
“So in 2003, after I’d already been a hairstylist since 1999, I got the opportunity to apprentice and I snatched it,” Howard said. “I came back to doing hair — It was after the pandemic and I was sick of not living my life. So that’s what led me to get my license in Missouri and work at [Riggs’] Monster Tattoo.”
Howard said there has been a boom in tattoo businesses.
“People [are] becoming more free thinkers and independent of the things that have held them back in life,” Howard said. “There’s well over 100 tattoo shops in Springfield alone, … so if there’s that many, I can only imagine it will just keep growing.”
Texeira-Stroud said that she is most proud of the connections she has made while tattooing.
“I just love it when people come in here with whether it be funny, stupid tattoos or super meaningful tattoos. Both are equally sacred in my heart because it shows not all body modifications have to be serious,” Texeira-Stroud said.
“… My favorite part about my career and being a tattoo artist is coming into contact with people that otherwise I would never have.”
Junior David Swyhart recently got a tattoo to commemorate his loved ones.
“It’s a prison bar with a flower on it,” Swyhart said. “The prison bars are because my grandpa worked in the Leavenworth and irises because everyone called my grandma Iris.”
Texeira-Stroud offered advice to any high schoolers considering permanent body modifications.
“Being picky is 100 percent OK,” Texeira-Stroud said. “It is OK to want your stencil moved multiple times, it is OK if you want it bigger or smaller, it is OK to sweat while getting tattooed; … our forefront is being a safe place for everybody, and I think every shop should be that way.”
