undercover art
02-17-2007, 10:46 AM
The legallity of tattooing has been in constant change over the past 50 years. Whether it's a state legalizing (such as in Oklahoma) or another state imposing more stringent requirements, it's been evolving quite a bit. Many local city gov't have taken to using zoning laws to force studios out of business, and high licensing fees to discourage the opening of new studios. One of the reasons alwasys sighted seems to be the "illicit" image of tattoo studios, the corrosive effect a studio supposedly has on a neighborhood or district. I beleive that some of the reputation is deserved (haven't we all been to a scary shop on the wrong side of town) but for the most part off base. One way to help overcome this stereotype is to be active in your local chamber of commerce, go to city council meetings, have meetings with your council members or alderman. A tattoo studio is a business just as any other, so you should use the resources that are there for business. Get zoning cleared for new studio construction in better parts of your city by petitioning the zoning board and speaking at council meetings. The more footwork that is done in local gov't, the less state gov't needs to be involved. Help to demystify tattoo studios to your business neighbors and regulatory agenceys, and it will pay off as a more nuturing business environment.