The Economics of Everyday Things 20. Tattoo Parlors
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Oct 9, 2023 The podcast explores the increasing popularity of tattoos in the US and how social media has influenced the tattoo industry. It discusses the challenges faced by tattoo parlor owners in recruiting and retaining artists, unusual tattoo requests, and the evolving trends in tattoo designs. The speaker also shares their passion for coding and mentions their unique Martha Stewart tattoo.
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Tattoos Are Now Mainstream
- Tattoos have become mainstream: 32% of Americans now have at least one tattoo, up from 21% a decade ago.
- The US tattoo industry includes ~20,000 shops and did about $1.5 billion in business last year.
Portland Shop Surrounded By Competitors
- Tyler Adams opened Grizzly Tattoo in Portland in 2011 when it was the only shop in his neighborhood.
- Now five shops are within walking distance, showing rapid local growth in tattoo supply.
Learning Tattooing Through Apprenticeship
- Stacey Martin Smith apprenticed unpaid by showing up daily, setting up, and observing artists to learn the trade.
- She exchanged labor for hands-on education before formal tattoo schools proliferated.