by Madison Naves | WeINSPIRE Journalist 

BIRMINGHAM, AL. -- The soft whir of a tattoo machine hums in the background of a vibrant tattoo shop in San Francisco, California. The buzz is the audible introduction of a tattoo session for enthusiasts. Sessions begin the embrace and permanent link to a work of art. The connection can produce such invigorating sessions that they are referred to as “Ink Therapy.” The relationship between client and artist becomes essential because of the care needed when selecting tattoos. Cori Jin, known to her 366K followers as Gold Caviar, recognizes the importance of her place in the tattoo industry, especially as a woman of color. She emphasizes the importance of creating beautiful works of art and comfortability and enthusiasm in her craft. 

Jin began her interest in art at the age of 11. Her parents embraced her hobby at the time by enrolling her in art classes. By the time Jin graduated high school, she knew she wanted to study art deeper by attending an art institution. Her parents prompted her to study graphic design as a compromise to the high cost of art school and the frugality of an art career.

 “It didn’t end up working out, so I ended up dropping out because I didn’t like it at all,” Jin said.

A year later, Jin relocated to Canada to continue her education with a heavier focus on art. She decided to expand upon her art through tattooing with a local Canadian tattoo shop artist finding beauty in ink.

Jin says her authenticity and honesty made her different growing up but is now the very thing that connects her with her clients.

“I didn’t have any friends that were heavily tattooed or were in the art community,” said Jin. “I felt very different growing up; I was the only one.”

"After receiving a tattoo and featuring my art at Canada’s King Panther, I was asked by the Social Media Manager of Anbu to be interviewed for a video. The Social Media Manager mentioned to the owner that I was looking for an apprenticeship, where I started my tattooing career."

“I was lucky to be in the shop where there were many women, and for the most part, we were all Asian,” said Jin. 

The comfortability that Jin was able to establish during her apprenticeship was stark in contrast to when she attended her first tattoo convention, where she found that Caucasian men dominate the tattoo industry. 

zippia.com updated its demographics in April of  2021 to report that the most common ethnicity among tattoo artists is white, making up 66% of all tattoo artists. Unfortunately, the industry is also male-dominated, with women making up only 25%, while men make up 71%. The disparity in the industry becomes evident when women come forward with stories of sexism, gatekeeping, misogyny, and sexual coercion from male tattoo artists. These disparities can discourage other women, queer, and POC from pursuing a vast industry where their talent and knowledge can be pivotal for clients to receive beautiful tattoos. On the other hand, when there is diversity in artists, tattoos that clients love and artists are proud of are made. Jin has mentioned that some of the art that she is the proudest of are tattoos created to cover self-harm scars, tattoos inspired by her Asian heritage, and tattoos created on dark skin, which is commonly discriminated against for tattooing.

Jin has used her humbling confrontations as a minority to speak out about the mistreatment of women and POC in the tattoo industry. In addition, she hopes to teach others about the information she learns to change tattoo culture and debunk common myths and stereotypes.

Jin’s strong following has allowed her to connect with other artists in the industry and learn from their experiences. As a result, artists like LauInk and FaeTattoos have established themselves as prominent tattoo artists to encourage future generations of female tattoo artists to pursue a career in the industry without fear. For example, Jordanne Le Fae, known online as FaeTattoos,  was recently able to open her own shop called Weird Ink Society in St Paul, MN. She mentioned how despite being considered a minority in the industry, it makes her a stronger artist.

"People [historically] underestimate women, and I believe that women are [historically] known for being better for task management and organization; So we are naturally better suited to succeed in the tattoo industry because we are able to understand the importance of and execute all of these things, Le Fae said.

“While it is still perceived to be a male-dominated industry, there are more women tattooing now than ever before, and I anticipate a huge change in our tattoo society within the next few years because of it."

One of the practices that women are trying to change in the industry actively is gatekeeping. Gatekeeping is to withhold information to help or elevate another colleague in hopes of deterring their success. With differing opinions, techniques, and practice, artists must lean on each other for advice and development. 

“Some older tattoo artists have the mentality to gatekeep [the tattoo industry]; they don’t want new people to come in, ” Jin said. 

“Back then, it was like a boys club, so having women, women of color, and queer artists [was rare]; The opportunities were practically taken away.”

Lack of validity and opportunity is why Jin feels compelled to speak out on her platform, to encourage a welcoming introduction to tattoo culture, educate others about tattoo practices, and offer a space for other minorities within the industry. 

Jin’s mission is to continue educating her followers about the misconceptions of tattoo culture while proving herself and other minority tattoo artists as valid in the industry. Her straightforward approach has allowed other minorities to come forward about mispractices in the industry, gain education and apprentice opportunities. Jin says that she hopes to open a tattoo shop one day to employ POC, women, and queer artists, establishing a safe place for artists and clients. To explore more information on getting tattoos and finding the perfect artist for you, check out the artists featured in this story and their tips on tattoos.