As I spend more and more time in downtown Sacramento, it seems that I see more and more tattoos. This realization led me to wonder: does the economy affect tattoo parlors? Do less people get tattoos? Do different people get tattoos?

According to Royal Peacock tattoo artist Jan Hill, not much has changed. "I haven't noticed a decrease in business from the economy at this time," he says.

There is a noticeable economic trend influenced by the weather. Less people are liable to get tattoos during the winter than during the summer. "Wintertime slows business down for tattooing," says Hill. "When it's harsher weather, people don't come out."

Business also tends to decrease specifically around Christmas time when people are putting their money towards gifts. According to American Graffiti artist Ryan Tanton, "right after Christmas it tends to pick back up again."

The state of the economy also hasn't changed the diversity of clientele. "In the last two years or so there's been a more diverse clientele," says Tanton. "But everyone gets tattoos. It's not a specific age group."

"Everyone gets tattooed for all different reasons. All different ages," says Hill.

So what encourages people to get a tattoo, even in a period of unstable economy? "That's not for us to find out or figure out," says Hill. "That's for each individual person to know."

Would the state of the economy deter you from getting a tattoo?

Royal Peacock is located at 2101 P Street. To check it out, click here.
American Graffiti is located at 16th and J Street. To check it out, click here.

To read the previous two articles about Sacramento tattoo parlors, click on the "storyline" tab to the right.