So, what will tattoo appointments really look like moving forward? "Pretty different," according to Osajima. While you might normally sit in a waiting area, browse portfolios, sign routine consent forms, and perhaps socialize with artists and guests, that will no longer be the case. Lilith Tattoo stoped displaying portfolios and flash books for the foreseeable future; clients will be required to read and sign a COVID-19 protocol form. The two artists working will be stationed as far away from each other as possible, too.
When it comes to cleanliness, safety, and leaving with a finished tattoo, things may not feel that different after you walk out the door. But for a shop like Lilith, which prioritizes community and connection, the experience will change. "We're an all-queer shop that has some pretty strong community roots, so usually we have a very warm, communal feeling in the shop," Osajima said. "Now we're only going to have a maximum of two artists in at any given time; we're going to be working at the two stations furthest away from each other and really minimizing any interaction between our clients and the other artists and their clients."
