resources
Using the concept of trauma-informed care as a foundation, Santibañez expands on the vast political potential of tattooing, illuminating the unseen work tattoo artists perform without exception. Underpinning the infinite magic of tattooing is the emotional work that artists often come to fear and avoid. Santibañez argues that tattooing has enormous potential to both empower and disempower its recipients, and that we cannot fully realize its positive potential without first acknowledging the scope of what it accomplishes and supporting ourselves in our abilities and limitations.
Part manifesto, part love letter, part workbook, Could This Be Magic? features toolkit prompts and exercises, practical guidelines around good consent and boundary practices, and ideas for shaping a more ethical industry into the future. This work offers something to all artists from self-taught DIY tattooers to ritual practitioners, apprentices and longtime street shop veterans, from those newly engaging with activism to those who place politics at the forefront of their work. Sourcing quotes from artists from all walks of the industry, Could This Be Magic? is a profound exploration of the radical possibilities of justice-centered tattooing.
Available for purchase via Afterlife Press.
online workshops
Trauma-Informed Tattooing is a one-hour online workshop discussing trauma and PTSD, how it exists within the practice of tattooing, and sharing practices to facilitate a safer and more empowering experience for clients.
Compassion Fatigue, Boundaries and Burnout discusses the ways that tattooing as a service and profession can impact the emotional and mental well-being of its practitioners. It discusses burnout, compassion fatigue, and vicarious traumatization, their effects, and recovery and support strategies artists can employ for long-term career longevity.
Available for purchase in the shop as well as via pay-what-you-wish and free access options.
Tamara’s workshops are full of gently delivered lessons backed up by a wealth of research. The information presented is well organized and easy to understand. Trauma-Informed Tattooing should be required material alongside bloodborne pathogens training. I recommend both workshops to any tattooer interested in taking good care of themself and their clients! -Jen Munford, Three Bird Tattoo
Informed consent and trauma aware tattooing pamphlet:
Written in collaboration with the Women’s Prison Association, this pamphlet resource was developed in response to the needs of clients who are trauma-impacted or survivors of violence. The guide describes ways to integrate informed consent into the tattooing process, practical ways to be mindful of boundaries and communication, and tips for active listening.
Printable PDF available for free download here.
Tamara Santibañez’s “Trauma-Aware Tattooing and Informed Consent” should be mandatory reading for any tattooist working today. This pamphlet lays out the basics of humane practice in client/artist relations in tattoo shops and studios. Using clear, direct language, Santibañez introduces strategies for creating an atmosphere of mutual trust from the moment the client steps into the space. -Dan Gilsdorf, Atlas Tattoo
Tamara’s pamphlet on Trauma Aware Tattooing has been super helpful. Caring for our clients in mindful and considerate ways allows them to feel safe and held during their tattoo experience that to many can feel intimidating if not triggering.
This pamphlet gives language to things that many of us already practice in some form. It reminds us to be conscious and clear with each and every one of our clients. Working in a street shop, the repeated dialogue I have with my clients can become monotonous so it’s important to stay present. The active listening tips are helpful outside of communicating with clients, they’re something I try to bring with me to all of my conversations. This pamphlet is great to have on hand to gift to coworkers and to revisit every so often. -Paige Whitmer, Good Karma Tattoo
client bill of rights poster
Co-authored with K Lenore, this document outlines the rights and treatment a client should be able to expect during any tattoo experience. Meant for display in shop, private studio, and other tattooing environments, the graphic is available as a printable poster-size PDF for free download, or via purchase here.