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“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

Photo of Ermine from Things and Ink Issue 9 Photography and Art Direction: Josh Brandão
Bespoke Costumes by Bridgette Cocchiola
Styling by BlitzHaus Shot @ BlitzWerk Studio, London

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The tattoo world’s me too moment #tattoometoo

Last weekend, we stood in support of the hundreds of brave women who took to Instagram to tell their stories of sexual abuse at the hands of some prominent male tattoo artists – under the hashtag #tattoometoo. This in turn sparked an intense public discussion about what’s normal and acceptable between an artist and client.

by Alice Snape.

Content warning: sexual assault, rape, trauma.

We have known for far too long that parts of the tattoo world are toxic, and performative masculinity has been allowed to thrive. Many tattooers have operated outside the law for so long that there are no set boundaries. No rules to know what is and isn’t okay, making young women in particular very vulnerable. The lines are blurred. You’re in pain, uncomfortable, it can be hard to realise when boundaries are being crossed.

If you have been sexually assaulted while getting tattooed and feel able to, I urge you to report it to the police. I am also compiling stories so please do email me, alice@thingsandink.com (you can, of course, remain anonymous). What I have realised, from my own experience and hearing that of others, is that we often don’t realise at the time that mistreatment or abuse is happening. Stories I have heard so far range from rape and abuse to moments that have made women feel uncomfortable – for example being told to take off their bra when they don’t need to, so an artist’s face can hover too close to their flesh, or ordered to expose themselves unnecessarily without cover. . .

We’ve also probably all witnessed those who shrug off tattooist’s behaviour, with things like: ‘Well you know what they’re like’.

“I just wanted to mention the “banter” you so often have to put up with in male-dominated tattoo spaces,” one woman DM’d me. “It’s like you get forgotten about and that actually you might not want to hear about so and so’s body. I spoke out once when the four guys were rating women out of 10 and there was no apology or anything, just a grunt. I never went back. I just felt unwelcome and uncomfortable.”

The tattoo industry is not the sort of industry that has a central body, there are no HR departments or DBS checks. There are no set rules. You can view a discussion I had with tattoo artists, Dolly, Gemma May and Lucy, on YouTube about ways we can tackle sexual assault in the industry, including the possibility of seminars and training.

Earlier this year, we posted a feature I wrote about getting a tattoo finished by another tattooist (read it here: If I Could Turn Back Time). Tattoo collectors have long felt bound by an outdated moral code about tattooists owning the tattoo on your body. That is not true. If you feel uncomfortable with your artist, don’t feel like you need to carry on getting tattooed by them. It’s your tattoo and your body. You are not privileged to get tattooed by an artist, it is their privilege to mark your skin. You must feel like you are being treated with respect, and if you’re not you can leave.

The tattoo world needs to and must change. This feels like the start of something. We must put a stop to the normalisation of sexual harassment – in EVERY SINGLE FORM in tattoo shops, at conventions and inside the doors of private studios. Male tattooists should not be able to take advantage of their position of power to physically or mentally abuse and take advantage of their clients who put their trust literally into their hands.

Tattoo artists Dolly and Gemma May have also teamed up to create Tattoo Me Too Recovery Artists, which is a worldwide directory of artists who have volunteered to fix, rework and finish pieces for victims of known abusers in the tattoo industry. Allowing survivors to feel empowered and hopefully to move on from negative experiences of getting tattooed. By known artists, they mean “Those who have either been convicted, admitted their actions publicly or who have been reported to us multiple times displaying this pattern of behaviour,” Dolly explains. You can email tattoometoorecoveryartists@gmail.com, and your message will be treated in the strictest of confidence, any details you give will not be shared anywhere. Dolly has told us that they are very busy, and may not be able to reply instantly, please be patient and they will reply as soon as they can.

@tsass_uk

Lucy has also set up Tattooists Sexual Assault Survivor Support (@tsass_uk) on Instagram to address sexist attitudes in the industry, help victims, spread awareness and dispel misconceptions about sexual abuse.

A GoFundMe page has been set up too,  funds will go towards the artists who are reworking tattoos, and invested into education materials and furthering the movement to permanently change the industry.  All remaining funds will be split between three charities: Women’s Aid, Safeline and Survivors Network.

Although there is power in speaking up, we urge you not to name and shame online. Instead get in touch with us and we will help.

There was also an Insta thread that started to circulate, people posting that they felt safe while getting tattooed by [insert tattoo artist here]. This can have a triggering effect because not everyone has the same experience with the same artist, so we don’t suggest joining in. Sometimes it takes victims so long to realise what’s happened to them because it’s at odds with what they believe about that person.

There has been reports about this movement in The Metro, and Eastern Daily Press, which states that Norwich based tattooists Brad Ward and Andrew Balls announced on their Instagram accounts that they were leaving the industry and apologised for their behaviour.

For additional support follow @tsass_uk or visit rapecrisis.org.uk. Contact police on 101 to report any sexual offences.


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One is too many

*This article is written from a UK perspective, by Lauren Marina.


**TW sexual assault, rape, trauma.

You’re not overreacting. 
You didn’t bring it on yourself. 
It isn’t just a joke. 
Call it by its name. It is sexual assault.

Last week on Instagram, hundreds of women broke the silence on sexual assault in the tattoo industry. The sharing of personal experiences snowballed and awareness of the problem grew louder than ever. 

As I read each story I felt many emotions. My gut wrenched and churned in disgust and anguish. I had tears of sadness in my eyes that so many women have faced such atrocious behaviour at the hands of someone who should have been a trusted professional. I felt rage; rage that these assaults have happened in an industry so close to many of our hearts. But amongst these feelings, I did not feel surprised. That lack of shock felt heavy and grey in the pit of my stomach.

Why wasn’t I surprised? 

Unfortunately because I deeply resonated. I connected with many of the elements of the stories shared. 

I’m not a tattooer myself, but I’ve been getting tattooed for around 13 years and have visited a wide variety of shops and conventions in different locations. Despite having largely positive, respectful and professional experiences I’ve also felt the vulnerability so many of the women shared in their stories. 

I’ve been the only woman amongst a group of men in a tattoo shop, whilst they share loud and lairy sexual jokes about past clients. Whilst I sit small, waiting for the work to start; unable to speak out for fear of being turned upon. I’ve been unnecessarily topless in the middle of a tattoo convention, my naked body subject to lingering eyes and photographs taken by strange men whilst I’m held down with the tattoo machine; holding back words for fear of being condemned, from fear of being considered an overreaction, my male artist, seemingly unaware of any wrongdoing. 

These are examples of some of the conditions within tattooing that enable disrespectful sexual behavior to exist. These types of conditions and similar, play a significant role in allowing rape culture to cultivate; and I believe the boys’ club is largely to blame. 

‘Boys’ club’ is a term used to describe typically ‘laddish’ behaviour. Perhaps reading this will instantly summon a scenario (or likely many) in which you have witnessed ‘the lads’. In this context I’m referring to the type of behaviour where, in an all-male scenario, a vulgar sexual joke here and there is allowed to slip through in front of friends, for the ‘banter’. This sexual ‘joke’ is not shut down by the audience, but applauded, these are the enablers of the perpetrator, a part of the boys’ club. This normalises and in fact, rewards the content of the joke. This normalisation and reward is the base level that allows rape culture to exist, insidiously – whether that be in one tattoo shop or across the industry as a whole. This habit alone, or alongside other enabling behaviours such as the sexual objectification of women, permits – and can cheer on – the potential escalation from harassment to abuse by the perpetrator. The sheer volume of shared experiences of sexual violence at the hands of male tattooers shared by women in the last week is testament to this. 

Add a ring of accomplices, who have been enabling behaviors, such as looking the other way, denying wrongdoing, participating, or casting the actions off as “that’s just what he’s like” or “boys will be boys”, allows – and in fact loudly endorses – acts of sexual assault towards clients. Individual unacknowledgement of widespread sexual abuse, victim blaming and trivialising rape also contribute. 

Then combine this with the client.

A female client has booked in to see a professional tattoo artist. They arrive, perhaps having travelled for some time, or having booked in months ago, feeling the thrill of anticipation of new work to be added to their skin. Perhaps they have to be in a level of undress. They will likely be in some degree of pain. They will also likely be in an unknown environment, surrounded by strangers. This may also be the first time they have met the artist, so a new rapport may only begin on the day of the tattoo. The collision between the client’s vulnerability and the normalisation of rape culture can be devestating.

Enough is enough. 

This is not a problem with the industry. This is a problem with the individuals who perpetrate this predatory behaviour. Rape culture must be stamped out in the tattoo world. Clients should never have to be in a position of sexual risk. The predators existing in the industry are a minority, but even one is too many. 

One instance of unwelcome sexual advance is too many. One instance of groping is too many. One instance of forced sexual contact is too many. One degrading tattooer is too many. One unsolicited dick pic is too many. One experience of client humiliation is too many. One client feeling scared and vulnerable is too many. 

Raising awareness, education, new legislation and active allyship are all preventative measures that can be taken. Despite there being stigma and fear around shining a light on perpetrators, we can also encourage and support victims to speak out in ways which are physically and mentally safe to do so; and only if they want to. There can be no pressure here. Your experience is yours. Public naming and shaming artists can be unsafe for victims in many ways, for one due to defamation laws in the UK. TattooMeToo are a support group who have mobilised quickly to support victims in a safe and professional manner.

If last week has proved anything it’s that we can unite together and create change. Justice can be achieved. This is the end of the boys’ club.

A collective of women have set up @TattooMeTooRecoveryArtists you can donate via www.gofundme.com/f/tattoometoorecovery.

For additional support follow @tsass_uk or visit rapecrisis.org.uk.

I also have a charity t-shirt for sale at Mercht. All sales (except for Mercht’s printing cost) will go to TattooMeToo Recovery Artists.

Our inbox at Things & Ink is always open, alice@thingsandink.com

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The black womxn tattooers you need to follow right now

For too long the tattoo world has been a racist place to be. There are so many incredible artists but they’re often not given the space they deserve in magazines, conventions and on Instagram. We’re heard stories of tattooers turning clients away because of the colour of their skin, as they don’t know how to tattoo black skin and are unwilling to learn.

We want to help amplify and raise marginalised voices through Things&Ink, and that includes POC tattooers. We’re shining a light of the incredible black womxn in this industry who are showing you exactly how it’s done…

@laet_tattoo

We absolutely love Laet’s floral designs, which mould to the body as if these petals and leaves grew there all along.

@humblebeetattoo

Soft yet powerful, Brittany’s tattoos often depict strong women mixed with delicate florals for a beautiful effect.

@jadechanelp

Fine lines and delicate shading come together into tattoos that portray the artist’s power and strength. Who said delicate couldn’t be tough?

@jalenfrizzell

Fierce tattoos showing black femmes from all ages, make sure you check out her disco-inspired portraits.

@yesrainforest

Delicate ornamental, floral and nature inspired handpoked tattoos with magical auras.

@phylotattoos

We love the way bold lines and florals are woven together in the ornamental tattoos of Phylo.

@ahadejia

Showing us how colour, bold lines and negative space are meant to be tattooed.

@flesh_and_fluid

An artists that draws from sacred geometry to bring you intricate tattoos that also have protective elements for the wearer.

@americandebbie

Mini tattoos are our fave, finger tattoos are our fave! We’re loving how much fun these curated hand tattoos are, oh and those nails!

@leanneckerr

Pouring big femme energy into her delicate floral pattern-work tattoos, we love the flow in these pieces.

@finest_trash_ink

No truer contradiction than girly and traditional, we love when these genres mix. Cierra shows us that glitter and scorpions belong together.

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Apprentice love: Heavy Petal

We first shared Stevie’s beautiful tattooed hand print on Instagram back in December, and ever since we’ve known we had to find out more about the artist behind the artwork. Currently in the early stages of her tattoo apprenticeship at Union Street Tattoo in Devon, Stevie is definitely one to watch!

How long have you been apprenticing? How did you get your apprenticeship?
I started my apprenticeship in October 2019. I’ve always wanted to get into tattooing! I originally started building up a portfolio back in 2014 but unfortunately it wasn’t the right time for me. I had a couple of office jobs but I just really wanted to get into something creative. So I started doing a bit of freelance illustration and greeting card designing in 2017 alongside my day job.

But in 2019, circumstances had changed with my job so I started building up my portfolio for an apprenticeship again! I saw that Union Street Tattoo were advertising for an apprentice, so I popped along with my portfolio and had a lovely chat with the owner, Mark Breed, who later introduced me to Forest Lewis and they offered me the apprenticeship! They’ve both been so welcoming and helpful, it finally all clicked into place, I’m still so stoked!

What advice would you give to anyone wanting to start in the tattoo industry?
Really work on making your portfolio the best it can be! Draw lots and include different styles whilst making the portfolio itself super presentable. Do your research on the tattoo industry and it’s history! Ask for help and advice if you need it.

We love the traditional nature of your work, is this a genre you draw inspiration from?
Definitely, I love traditional tattoos and their history. Traditional tattoos look so clean and bold and bright, I love that. Flowers and colours are also a big inspiration!

How would you describe your style and where would you like to take it?
Bold and colourful! I really love experimenting with different colour palettes. I use a lot of pinks! I’ve tried to not always go for pinks but I love it! I’m really looking forward to trying different styles once I’m tattooing properly, though. In particular dot work, fine line botanical pieces and mandalas.

What do you like to tattoo and what would you like to do more of?
I haven’t actually started tattooing properly yet. So it’s hard to say at this stage. I’ve only done just over a handful of tattoos so far, mainly on myself. A lot of flowers though!

The illustrated hand print we shared on our Instagram

Can you tell us about your own tattoo collection. Do you have a favourite or a list of tattooers you want to get work by?
The majority of my tattoos are by the lovely Gem Carter. I got my first tattoo from Gem when I was 18. I often travel up to her beautiful studio, Black Rose, in North Devon for more! I love every single one! I also have one of Kelly Smith’s peonies and one of Chloe O’Malley’s floral bouquets, I adore both pieces! There are so many other tattooers I’d love to get work by in the future. Including Cassandra Frances, Rabtattoo, Rebecca Vincent and Leonie New, to name a few!

Have tattoos altered how you feel about your body at all?
Definitely! I’ve always struggled with my self esteem and body confidence. Having tattoos has helped me feel more confident in my own skin.

The more I get, the more I admire that my body is all mine to decorate.