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

Moulton, Kieran Lane

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.

Citation

Moulton, K. L. (2023). Exploring tattoo artists’ understanding of decorative non-medical professional tattooing as a method of scar camouflage and decoration. Psychology, Health and Medicine, 28(2), 540-547. https://doi.org/10.1080/13548506.2022.2057556

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Mar 21, 2022
• Online Publication Date: Mar 28, 2022
• Publication Date: Mar 1, 2023
• Deposit Date: Mar 29, 2022
• Publicly Available Date: Apr 29, 2022
• Journal: Psychology, Health and Medicine
• Print ISSN: 1354-8506
• Electronic ISSN: 1465-3966
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis (Routledge)
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 28
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 540-547
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13548506.2022.2057556
• Keywords: Scars, Camouflage, Tattooing, Qualitative Methods
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/9260764
• Additional Information: Peer Review Statement: The publishing and review policy for this title is described in its Aims & Scope.; Aim & Scope: http://www.tandfonline.com/action/journalInformation?show=aimsScope&journalCode=cphm20; Received: 2021-02-18; Accepted: 2022-03-21; Published: 2022-03-28