Exploring tattoo artists’ understanding of decorative non-medical professional tattooing as a method of scar camouflage and decoration

ABSTRACT

Research surrounding the use of decorative tattooing by non-medical professional tattooists as a form of scar camouflage or decoration is limited. This study provides critical and deepening insights into tattoo artists’ experiences of tattooing scars, to help inform a more in-depth understanding of its uses from a health and wellbeing perspective. Specifically, it aimed to explore qualitatively, the different methods and techniques used by non-medical tattoo professionals to cover up or decorate scars, which can have a psychological impact on those affected. Six tattoo artists from legitimate UK based studios were identified through snowballing and purposive sampling methods. Data collection involved semi-structured telephone interviews. The data was then transcribed, and thematic analysis was then performed. Five themes were identified: Personal Opinion of Scar Camouflage Tattooing, Tattooing Methods, Scars and Tattooing Risks, Positive Impact, and Understanding of Customer Experience. These themes were then broken down into more specific sub-themes. The discussion considers these findings in relation to theory and existing literature, for example, around understanding of role, and makes recommendations for future study in this field.

KEYWORDS:

• Scars
• Camouflage
• Tattooing
• Qualitative Methods

Acknowledgments

I would like to thank Dr Stuart McClean who supervised this project, and supported me through the process. I would also like to thank Professor Diana Harcourt from the Centre for Appearance Research team at the University of the West of England, Bristol for all her support and expertise. I am grateful to all the participants, and to the charitable organisations who helped to facilitate this study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Declaration

This study was completed for the MRes in Social Research Health and Wellbeing pathway at the University of the West of England, Bristol. This is my own work. Where the work of others is used or drawn on, it is attributed.

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.