Toronto shops Ink and Water and Tapestry Collective were both identified for their hostile treatment of racialized and LGBTQ+ apprendices in early 2020, leading to the disbandment of Tapestry Collective.

"I'm not as thrilled about it as I was in my 20s per se, but I still love it and I still want to be able to do it," Von D said about tattooing. "I just know I don't want to do it as a job."

The inks contain pigments that are mixed with water and may contain a variety of other components, depending on the ink. Published research has reported that some inks contain pigments used in printer toner or in car paint. The FDA has not approved any pigments for injection into the skin for cosmetic purposes.

Most artists recommend waiting at least 24 hours after your tattoo to change the sheet, but you might need to change it sooner if it starts leaking or the ink sack gets unmanageably big. Give your artist a call if you aren't sure what to do. Don't pop the ink sack.