Tattooing can be a successful profession for creative’s types with an eye for aesthetics. Artists are known for their creativity in visualizing thoughts while also expressing their artistic selves by combining their technical expertise and creativity. Tattoos have been around for decades, but recent years have witnessed an increase in popularity in the art. More artists are now embracing art, thanks to the improved industry conditions. Ben Shaw is one of the proponents working round the clock to help tattoo artists to preserve their livelihoods.

Ben Shaw is a renowned professional tattoo artist with over two decades of experience in the industry. He is the co-founder and owner of Archetype Tattoo, a thriving tattoo shop notable for its high-quality tattoo work in a clean and professional environment. Ben is also the co-founder of the guild of ethical tattooists, an educational organization for professional tattoo artists. He is also credited as a founding member of the Launchpad, an online discourse group for vetted Tattoo professionals.

Ben, a former chairman of the board of Body Art practitioners, is also the state representative for the alliance of professional tattooist (APT), and APT pigment committee member. Body Art practitioners are the regulatory board for Body Art in the state of New Mexico.

Passionate about the tattoo industry, Ben believes it is time for the tattoo history to begin its self-regulation and speak up with a unified voice for their interests. 

“It is time for tattoo history to begin its self-regulation and start speaking up with a unified voice for our interests. Because if we do not, the tattoo industry is heading down a path of exploitation and over-regulation,” says Ben.

The goal is to create a better industry for aspiring tattoo artists. And if you are still doubting potential, Ben reminds you that anything is possible. You are likely going to face numerous hurdles, but resilience and innovation will keep you going during the tough seasons. The tattoo industry has also faced frequent challenges, but Ben believes it has also helped the industry evolve. “We have been disbanded for so long, but through joining forces against a common enemy, we can work together and have a unified front,” he adds.

This is the same energy Ben aspires to maintain in the coming years to unify the tattoo industry and represent their collective interest to the FDA and federal government. Ben wants to attend and share the stage at various tattoo conferences sharing more about the importance of unity and togetherness in scaling their promising career. He also wants to establish a presence in the tattoo industry and amongst the regulators and supply manufacturers. To him, the goal is to symbolize unity, representing a unified tattoo industry and championing the artist’s rights.

Leveraging his decades of experience as a community leader, Ben also believes that anyone who desires to become a leader can be, no matter the capacity. He is also dedicated to training and mentoring young individuals who aspire to venture into the path. “I’m open to sharing my regulation experience as well, demonstrating how to navigate regulations and to become a professional,” he says.