The health of tattoo artists

Abstract

Introduction: Tattoo artists perform physically demanding work. Absence means loss of income. This research examines how tattoo artists stay healthy for work. Method: This study is a qualitative research. The interviews were semi-structured with four categories: work method, workplace furnishment, lifestyle, and health complaints. Voluntary response sampling was conducted in Amsterdam, where 133 tattoo artists were approached via social media. The transcripts were encoded open, axially, and selectively. Results: 12 interviews (9%) took place. The analysis yielded seven categories: work method, lifestyle, problem-solving behaviour, attitude, emotions, social, and absence. Discussion: There seem to be similarities that consist of autonomy over work methods and division between work and leisure time, lifestyle adjustment, and experiencing emotional and financial satisfaction. Conclusion: It could be stated that tattoo artists stay healthy for work because they have the possibility to be autonomous and experience their work as valuable.