“I love tattoos. I am a woman. And I happen to be Black”

Ermine Hunte always believed that the tattoo world was inclusive, until she encountered neo-nazi symbolism and open racism at tattoo conventions…here’s her story

words: Ermine Hunte

I was initially apprehensive about writing this piece. Partly because I’m aware that there’s ‘fatigue’ and partly because it’s a prickly subject.

I’ve been into tattoos and tattoo art from as long as I can remember. I also have a love for pin-up art and style. I’ve been going to tattoo conventions since the days of the Quadrant in Dunstable. The international convention in London was like my tattoo Christmas! I still have a love for them, but in the last few years that love has waned.

Unfortunately, the love doesn’t always go both ways. Why?

That word of the moment: race.

I can already imagine the eye rolling and tapping/clicking away from this article, and that’s ok. Those people will always be those people. I’m not talking to them, fuckers. I’m talking to the people who purport that tattooing is inclusive.

I had always believed that the tattoo ‘family’ were inclusive. That it didn’t matter who you were, as long as you loved tattoos. There’s the old adage, ‘The only difference between tattooed people and non-tattooed people, is that tattooed people don’t care if you’re not tattooed’. A naive belief, perhaps, but I held it all the same.

Being 41, I remember when tattoos were seen as the reserve of sailors and criminals. Fortunately, or unfortunately, depending on your viewpoint, the likes of footballers and people in the public eye (I’m loathe to call them celebrities) have made tattoos more mainstream. That bleed-through means all sections of society are now being tattooed. That brings with it people who are not open- or broad-minded.

The tattoo industry has its cliques. It’s very evident when you go to conventions. However there’s an undercurrent of thinking, by some people, that the industry should stay white.

In January, Oliver Peck left the show Ink Master because of blackface photos resurfacing. At the time his apology wasn’t exactly sincere. And for people with that viewpoint, it never is. Recently he’s been making anti-racism posts in the wake of the George Floyd murder. I believe people can learn and grow, but I always have that part of me giving him a side eye just in case, because it was a long-held viewpoint and there are plenty of examples of his viewpoint out there.

I’ve been to tattoo gatherings/conventions where there’s been open racism both around me and directed towards me. From artists who celebrate neo-nazi symbolism to attendees sneering at my presence. I’ve been asked why I’m there. Why I’m not wearing a cleaner’s uniform. Why I’m wearing ’50s inspired clothes, when I should be wearing slave rags. I’ve been asked if I’m only there to sell drugs. The ‘what’s point of getting tattooed if you have dark skin?’ question. The ‘Shouldn’t you be covered in/getting some tribal shit?’ question. Asked why I want to be white so bad because I want to be tattooed.

Tattooists have said that it’s too hard to tattoo dark skin, or subsequently to photograph it. To me that’s an admission of failure as an artist *shrug*. Because if that were me, I’d want to be creating fantastic pieces for all skin tones. I’d have the ring light or whatever is required to take that photo. Pushing and striving to be the best tattooist, whoever a client is. That attitude, to me, is defeatist. I said what I said!

Tattooists really need to remember that in the same way that there is a Pink Pound, there’s a Black Pound. You’re losing business. We know that in this industry personal recommendations go a long way. Who would want to spend money with an artist who avoids black skin? Why should black people only go to black artists? As much as we want to support black artists as black people, not everyone caters to the style of tattoo that a client may want. There may not be a polka-trash black artist on the scene or whatever. I’m not taking away from black artists at all, I am however, exhausted at the thought that we even should be having this conversation in 2020.

Technology, machinery, inks have moved on in recent years and it’s for all of us to push forward inclusivity.

Silence against racism is complicity. It’s not enough to be against racism. You have to be actively anti-racist. Racists should never feel comfortable in their racism. If you see it or hear it, challenge it. Smiling and nodding to fit in is not only weak, it’s giving the aggressor more confidence. It’s emboldening them.

Education is key. Talk to your black friends. If you’re an artist I’m sure a black client would be happy to give up some skin if it helped you be a more inclusive and experienced artist. Hell yeah I’d do it!

I love tattoos. And I happen to be a woman. And I happen to be Black. I’m no longer naive but I’m hopeful for the future of the industry.

Sending love to all