TATTOO ARTISTS UNION COOPERATIVE

We’re very excited to share the launch of a brand new tattoo artists union cooperative project led by Vancouver-based tattoo artists Pifa (@pifanida), Riley (@zap.mommy), and Ayasha (@littlelotus.tattoo).

The More Than Inkers union cooperative project has been years in the making, starting with conversations between tattoo artists and arts union organizers over tattoo appointments, coffees, and beers back in 2021.

The working conditions for tattoo artists have dramatically deteriorated over the past two years. Changes to Instagram and other social media algorithms have meant a rapid drop in exposure and bookings from clients, with some tattoo artists seeing up to 80% fewer bookings.

To launch the new More Than Inkers Union Cooperative, the artists have designed a series of repeatable union flash designs with solidarity tattoo appointments available November 21 to 23, 2024 in Vancouver, BC.

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Most new tattoo artists are independent contractors with their own sole proprietorship businesses with rental agreements in shared studios. The modern approach to union organizing and employer/employee relationships is a model that only fits for a small number of tattoo artists as workers.

The tattoo artists and union organizers will be hosting a solidarity social at the UCI Studio in early January and will begin accepting new applications to join the union cooperative in the Spring of 2025. The first goal of the cooperative is developing an extended health and benefits plan for tattoo workers.

Want to support the new union cooperative, but can’t make an appointment? Make a solidarity donation to the tattoo artists organizing fund.

To schedule your tattoo appointment, please fill out the following form or connect with the artist by e-mail or their booking pages: