take less than what you deserve.”

Iz Mozer

Illustrative tattoo artist

Pink Rhino’s minimum price for a tattoo is $100, covering something from the size of a dot to a dime.

Deng paid $225 plus tip for her Jobu Tupaki tattoo from Tamae, an independent artist. Price is something Deng considers before scheduling future appointments. She’s wanted a large thigh tattoo of Chang’e, the Chinese moon goddess, for a long time but is saving up as she expects the price to be $1,000 or more.

In addition to the cost, the anticipation of pain can also deter students from getting a tattoo, especially their first one.

“Most people come in, they’re usually intimidated,” Mozer says. “I affirm and try to be there for clients reminding them that limits are important and that pain is okay to experience.”

After five tattoos, Roe feels confident that the temporary pain of getting a tattoo is worth it considering its permanence.

“It’s a very mild investment compared to what you’re getting out of that,” Roe says, adding that the pain isn’t as bad as one might expect. “It feels like a bee sting turned 10 notches down.”

While Tamae worked on Deng’s newest tattoo in a six-hour long session, Deng mentioned frequently that she felt relaxed. “You’re very gentle,” Deng told her artist. The chill music and persistent hum of the tattoo machine made for a soothing environment. Deng only complained of pain when Tamae’s machine got closer to her shoulder but maintained that the pain was worth it.

As an artist, Mozer feels it’s important to listen to the clients and respond to their pain and other concerns. They think the biggest red flag in a tattoo artist is someone pressuring clients into something they’re not ready for.

“If you have specifications about size and placement and how your body is treated, don’t take less than what you deserve,” Mozer says. “You can revoke your consent at any point.”

Herrera emphasizes that a client can always ask about health and safety standards. Every official body art establishment in Chicago must meet requirements set by the Illinois Department of Public Health. At Pink Rhino, every needle and cartridge is sterilized and single-use. Herrera is hopeful that every shop is the same.

“It’s okay to ask the artist,” he says. “A lot of people, I think, are afraid to ask their artist. Just for their peace of mind, we use everything disposable.”

Looking in the Mirror

Despite the hurdles they have to cross, students leave tattoo parlors with art they’ll have with them for the rest of their lives. For many, it’s a big step in self-love. When Roe peels the clear bandage off their newly inked skin each time they’re tattooed, they can’t help but proudly stare in the mirror.

“It is so exciting to see [yourself] exerting control over what your body looks like, and it’s a really direct way to do that,” Roe says.

Even unplanned tattoos have their beauty.

“So many of my friends have impulsively gotten tattoos that they love that have no meaning to them but just look really cool,” Deng says. “I think there’s something beautiful about adorning your body with art impulsively.”

No matter the size or price of a tattoo, the impact is permanent. Leaving The Same Scorpio’s tattoo studio last year, Carlson felt stronger than before.

“It really helped me feel like my body was my own,” she says. “Having that as something that was uniquely me really helped with feeling strong again and feeling like my body is mine.”