The case for tattoos: Let the numbers talk.
- Iliana Lanuza
- 4 abr 2023
- 6 Min. de lectura
Actualizado: 4 abr 2023
Disclaimer: This post intends to illustrate details about the tattoo industry. The purpose is neither to promote nor encourage people to get tattoos; on the contrary, The intention is to understand an industry that, even in 2023, remains a social stigma.
Hello, Welcome to my blog, "Kitchen and Letters."
I decided to start with a disclaimer because I am writing this a mere personal interest. My intention is not to change people's minds or ideas about tattoos but to understand that what we think we know is not even the tip of the iceberg. This is classical more numbers, less my thoughts blog, but it was vital for me to expose it. It was right to start with something tangible.
This will be the first of many for this series of docu-blog posts. I have wanted to write about tattoos; why? Because I am crazy about them. From a young age, I have been fascinated by what they are, how they feel, the social stigma, and the alienation. All that calls for it. Tattoos have been part of our society for centuries, yet, we still have a problem with them.
Honestly, I did not know what I was getting myself into, yet I love the idea of finding new things and being surprised at how little we know about them, even though I have been tattooed since I was 19. I have seen the industry change and people's behaviors too. However, the industry has evolved faster than the mindsets of people.
Get ready to get most of the numbers in the industry that I could find. Why start with the numbers? The numbers shock! And at the same time, teach. Numbers can help you change your mind about something. When we see things thru numbers, there is no place for denial.
One of the statistics that shocked me the most was:
Tattoo studios have an average profit margin of 55%, much higher than the restaurant industry's 7-10% profit margin.
Having previously owned a restaurant, I can relate to the amount of work it takes and the " little" you get back compared to the tattoo industry. My first thought was: If only I knew how to tattoo! No wonder my tattoo artist has a better car than me! LOL.
How much does the tattoo industry generate?
The Tattoo Artists industry is estimated to generate $1.6bn in revenue in 2023. And the global market size for the Tattoo Industry is expected to m USD 1.75 billion in 2021 to USD 3.55 billion by 2029.
The FDA does not regulate the ink industry because tattoo ink is considered a beauty product. So, tattoo ink is a taste-review thing. If it works, it stays. If it doesn't, well, it goes! If you want to learn more about Ink and how it is regulated. I have left a link below. There is a lot of chemistry to explain. However, it is fascinating.
Tattoo Ink Market was worth US$ 221.25 Mn. in 2021, and total revenue is expected to grow at a rate of 5.36 % CAGR from 2021 to 2029, reaching almost US$ 335.97 Mn. in 2029.
I'm not surprised that the industry is growing. Even in my little town, I have seen a tremendous change in tattoo parlors. I was talking to a friend about how it is friendlier for women to get tattooed. Back in the day, when I started, there were better things to do. Fine lines tattoos are growing, more feminine, flowers, colors, and shapes that are nicer and look pretty with a strapless top or dress.
The tattoo industry is experiencing a 13% annual market growth rate. With a reported $1.5 billion in yearly revenue, the forecast is that growth will continue to accelerate in the next few years.
Another shocking number: Mexico City! of the top cities worldwide! Where is New York? London? Berlin? I felt proud of this; so close to home and unexpected. Los Angeles, totally expected. The following posts will discuss how Los Angeles's tattoo culture has shaped the tattoo world.
The five most tattooed cities worldwide are Los Angeles, Sao Paulo, Mexico City, Milan, and Melbourne, with Los Angeles having the highest percentage at 43%.
How many tattoo studio parlors are there? Only in the United States, there is an estimated 21,000 tattoo parlors. This number includes all licensed and registered body art studios practicing tattooing.
The number of registered parlors may only reflect part of the working tattoo artists. There are over 38,000 reported tattoo businesses that employ more than 45,000 persons.
Looking at it in another way, tattoo parlors also help and support local artists and generate sustainable employment, help boost the local economy, and, depending on how popular and unique they are, can be a source of local tourism. People who want to be tattooed by a particular artist will travel to where that artist is.
How much do they earn? Well, according to the figure that I found:
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that, on average, a tattoo artist in the United States makes $49,520 each year. However, it all depends on how good the artist is, where they are located, and how popular their style is. So, this figure can vary.
Here I show you a list of the highest-paid tattoo artists:
Joaquin Ganga – Up to $12,500 Per Hour.
Don Ed Hardy (Retired) – Up to $2,500 Per Hour.
Scott Campbell – Up to $2,000 Per Hour.
Keith Scott McCurdy (Bang Bang) – Up to $700 Per Hour.
Ami James – Up to $500 Per Hour.
Anil Gupta – Up to $450 Per Hour
It's interesting to see that the Mexican tattooed population occupies "only" 32% when it is in the top 5 places in the world to get a tattoo.
Places where tattoos are more popular:
The Italian population is the most tattoo-friendly: about 48 % of Italian wear tattoos.
With a share of 47 %, tattoos are also in Sweden, no longer a minority.
In 3rd place in the global comparison, the United States With around 46 %. Tattoo-free skin in these countries is relatively rare among young adults!
Australia and Argentina Lie on the same with a 43 % tattooed population.
According to surveys, Spain, Denmark, and England Are just above Brazil, France, and Germany.
The study has found even more tattoos among German respondents than among German survey institutes: according to Dalia, about 36 % of Germans are tattooed—other surveys call rates Between 20 and 25 %.
Other tattoo-friendly countries are Greece (35 %), South Africa, Russia, Canada (33 %each), Mexico (32 %), Turkey (30 %), and Israel (25 %).
Places where tattoos are less popular:
In Iran and some other Islamic countries, the ShariaGesetz, which is publicly controlled, applies. Tattoos violate Islamic commandments and must not be carried out publicly by tourists.
Even if Turkey is One of the top 18, the countries with the most tattooed people are strict laws that prescribe how to present themselves in public.
The most cosmopolitan presents itself in this regard, Dubai. You should also publicly cover your tattoos out of respect for the locals.
Tattoos are not only prohibited in Islam: body art is also strictly prohibited in Judaism. In public places in Israel (Especially near religious metropolitan areas and sights), you should not show your tattoos out of respect.
Not everything is positive news; during the pandemic, Tattoo artists did suffer. Nonetheless, most millennials got more tattoos. Social media has influenced styles and trends and promoted tattoo artists worldwide.
With the rise of social media, more people are becoming aware of the art of tattooing, and the industry is growing.
This is not even talking about the tattoo removal industry, which is on the rise too! There is a business for everyone. I have heard that increased removing a tattoo hurts more than having it done. The numbers here don't even show the subculture side of this growing industry, such as Ink, needles, real estate, marketing, employment, tattoo exhibits, tourism, t.v shows, etc.
To conclude, tattoos are here to stay. The only change we can find is the increased popularity, especially with the wide variety of styles, inks, and artists. Less and less has become less underground and more an art.
In the next series, I will share what people have shared with me.
I'm pleased with the results of this mini-investigation. Please find the links below if you wish to do some follow-up reading or watch a video or two on the subject.
I can't wait to read what you say about the subject.
With love,
Iliana
Links:
https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/market-research-reports/tattoo-artists-industry/
https://tattoomed.de/en/blogs/tattoo-news/wo-gibt-es-die-meisten-tattoos
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/head-games/201909/why-people-get-tattoos
https://authoritytattoo.com/why-do-people-get-tattoos/
https://tattooschool.com/americas-booming-tattoo-economy-1-5-billion-industry/
https://blog.gitnux.com/tattoo-industry-statistics/
https://www.maximizemarketresearch.com/market-report/global-tattoo-ink-market/27167/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kglw-Yre_js
https://www.sueddeutsche.de/gesundheit/gesundheit-jeder-fuenfte-in-deutschland-ist-taetowiert-dpa.urn-newsml-dpa-com-20090101-190923-99-994055
https://themostexpensive.org/most-expensive-tattoo-artists/
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