Many younger tattoo artists, those in their twenties and early thirties, don't know just how good they have it. They step out of art school and into a vibrant industry with dozens of shops in every town. No muss, no fuss. Sure, they complain how the old-timers (anyone older than they are) won't give them the time of day, but with so many shops opening their doors, there's bound to be an open station. And if all else fails, they pull out the credit card and open a shop of their own.

This is truly the Golden Age of Tattooing. Or another one, if you know your history. Body art is accepted almost everywhere and, more and more, scoffing at tattoos is considered out of touch or old-fashioned. All of this, of course, has not been overlooked by the movers and shakers. Tattoo clothing, TV reality shows, corporate conventions, nationwide chains, the whole enchilada. At this very moment, somewhere on this planet there's a group of money-hungry investors considering ways to capitalize on ink.

So, what's in the future? Or is tattooing so stitched into the fabric of everyday life that it will last forever? Sure, back in the '60s, we thought that long hair and bell-bottom jeans were cool, but, deep down inside, we knew they were faddish and wouldn't last forever. They were just fashion. But tattooing is more than that. It's in the skin and not going away. Permanent, that's the word. Tattooing is permanent like the Rock of Gibraltar. You can bank on it. It's here to stay and never going away. Like sissy bars on Harleys. Like puka-shell necklaces. Like the record industry.

Ooops. Bad examples—or are they? Tattooing is an art form, and art forms have a way of changing with the times. But tattoos are permanent, and you can't just get rid of them like a bad haircut. Even if everyone gets sick of ink, there will always be an industry just to service, repair and upgrade the tattoos you've already got. But what about all the artists riding the gravy train? I mean, how many are there now, fifteen, twenty thousand tattoo artists in the U.S.? That's a lot of mouths to feed.

Right this minute everything looks safe and cozy. Even with a failing economy, shops are thriving and waiting lists are filled three months in advance. Miami Ink was the last big shot in the arm, increasing both the popularity and acceptability of body art. Then L.A. Ink and London Ink and, before long, Lars Krutak in Tattoo Hunte—and who knows what else is in the pipeline?

This is all good. Artists doing what they do best. Plus, supporting and creating art is a great way to protest what the bean counters and politicians of this world have done to our aesthetic consciousness. But, beware. When the corporations grow tired of us and there's another, tastier gravy train passing through town, be sure you have some money put away, have a solid health plan and, above all, don't forget the old guys that paved your way—'cause sooner or later, that'll be you.

Bob Baxter
Editor in Chief

baxter@skin&ink.com
www.skinandink.com