The tattoo industry in Spain is experiencing a significant surge, with a staggering turnover of €216 million, indicating a profound shift in cultural perception toward this art form.
Tania Dmitrochenko, an esteemed tattoo artist and proprietor of Arte Salvaje-Tania Tattoo in Valencia, with over twenty years of experience, sheds light on the industry’s evolution.
“Tattooing is experiencing unprecedented growth. The number of studios is proliferating, alongside increasing demand,” remarked Dmitrochenko. Her studio serves as a microcosm of the industry’s diversification, offering a spectrum of styles ranging from traditional black and white to intricate watercolors and lifelike designs, as reported by Activos.
The clientele base spans across all demographics, from teenagers accompanied by parents to elderly individuals seeking to immortalize their grandchildren’s names on their skin.
Fidel Prieto, secretary of the National Union of Professional Tattoo Artists and Ringers (UNTAP) and owner of Acme Tattoo in Madrid, echoes similar sentiments. Prieto observes a rising preference for minimalist and small tattoos, particularly among the youth, as a means of commemorating cherished memories.
However, amidst the industry’s flourishing popularity, concerns loom regarding unregulated practices. Dmitrochenko highlighted the emerging trend of “wedding tattooing,” a practice discouraged by both herself and Prieto due to associated health risks.
Calls for regulatory oversight are intensifying to address unprofessional practices and ensure industry standardization.
Additionally, innovations such as facial and capillary micropigmentation are gaining traction, appealing to individuals seeking subtle enhancements. Dmitrochenko specializes in therapeutic tattoos, offering solutions to cover scarred or damaged skin.
With an estimated 4,500 to 5,000 legal tattoo studios across Spain, witnessing a five-fold increase in just over a decade, and potentially an equal number operating without proper licensing, the industry’s economic significance and cultural influence continue to ascend.
Prieto reflects on the dynamic nature of the business, where studios frequently open and close, and tattoo artists often relocate or share spaces. This fluid landscape underscores the evolving role of tattooing in Spain, transitioning from the fringes of society to mainstream acceptance.