Trauma aware or trauma informed tattooing is one where Ruby intentionally makes space for and is aware that some clients may have experienced past trauma/PTSD/C-PTSD, that it may show up during a tattoo session, is fully prepared to encounter and support clients with safe practices and empathy. The nature of tattooing in and of itself can activate trauma as we are working directly with the body, which can hold past traumas even when we are unaware of it.
With the actions of booking an appointment and showing up to get tattooed, we sometimes assume that this is implied consent, however we strive to never assume. Ruby personally knows from her own past traumas that it’s not always easy to speak up in the moment, so she makes a point to ask open ended questions throughout the process and create a safe environment that encourages client input.
Getting a tattoo, big or small, intricate or simple, can be nerve-wracking for many people. This can be especially true when it comes to those who have never gotten a tattoo before and those who have been through trauma. It is important for Ruby to be open and communicative during the whole process to avoid any possibility for a negative experience.
Ruby has done hundreds of tattoos and she strives to create a safe space for each and every client that she works with. It is an important part of creating a safe space not only to listen and communicate as clearly as possible, but also by:
Another thing we take seriously is trying to make the space as comfortable as possible by offering the following:
Ruby tends to limit guests that clients bring along, but if the client would feel more comfort- able or felt that they needed a support person, that would be acceptable with prior communication (post-pandemic, of course).
Tattoos can take several hours depending on the piece, so getting to know the client and their preferences is something that is vital for a great overall experience. Some issues like abuse, self-harm, scars of any kind may be an uncomfortable thing to talk about for clients. When working with clients who have some sort of scar they want covered up, it is important to let the client bring the topic up if and or when they are ready to. Of course it may be necessary to talk about the scars themselves by assessing how old they are, if they are flat or raised, how hard they will be to work with, and the sensitivity level. These details can help Ruby see how well they can be covered, how they might heal, and how well they will hold up. This is a part of Ruby’s personalized experience to create the best piece possible. When it comes to how far into detail on the discussion of the personal matter of the scars, it is best to leave that up to the client.
With the actions of booking an appointment and showing up to get tattooed, we sometimes assume that this is implied consent, however we strive to never assume. Ruby personally knows from her own past traumas that it’s not always easy to speak up in the moment, so she makes a point to ask open ended questions throughout the process and create a safe environment that encourages client input.
Getting a tattoo, big or small, intricate or simple, can be nerve-wracking for many people. This can be especially true when it comes to those who have never gotten a tattoo before and those who have been through trauma. It is important for Ruby to be open and communicative during the whole process to avoid any possibility for a negative experience.
Ruby has done hundreds of tattoos and she strives to create a safe space for each and every client that she works with. It is an important part of creating a safe space not only to listen and communicate as clearly as possible, but also by:
- Paying attention to body language and tone
- Being gentle both physically and verbally
- Asking for consent prior to shifting, adjusting or removing clothing while tattooing
- Answering any and all questions truthfully and to the best of her ability that come up throughout the process
- Creating a stress-free, no-rush environment
- Communicating clearly about what to expect during the process, describing the steps beforehand and talking through them as they are performed (for info to help you prepare and ease any concerns, check out our Get Ready Guide, Photo Guide and Aftercare Guide)
Another thing we take seriously is trying to make the space as comfortable as possible by offering the following:
- Pillows (with sterile pillow cases of course!)
- Water and snacks
- Ask if the client wants to talk during the tattoo or do their own thing (put headphones in, play a game on their phone, etc.)
- Checking in regularly to see if clients need a break and ask how they are feeling
Ruby tends to limit guests that clients bring along, but if the client would feel more comfort- able or felt that they needed a support person, that would be acceptable with prior communication (post-pandemic, of course).
Tattoos can take several hours depending on the piece, so getting to know the client and their preferences is something that is vital for a great overall experience. Some issues like abuse, self-harm, scars of any kind may be an uncomfortable thing to talk about for clients. When working with clients who have some sort of scar they want covered up, it is important to let the client bring the topic up if and or when they are ready to. Of course it may be necessary to talk about the scars themselves by assessing how old they are, if they are flat or raised, how hard they will be to work with, and the sensitivity level. These details can help Ruby see how well they can be covered, how they might heal, and how well they will hold up. This is a part of Ruby’s personalized experience to create the best piece possible. When it comes to how far into detail on the discussion of the personal matter of the scars, it is best to leave that up to the client.
HEALING WITH ART
Ruby has tattooed scar cover ups for people who have self harmed and want to help heal that part of their life with something beautiful and a reminder of their strength. This way they can look at their tattoo and be reminded of a good memory rather than negative. Covering up scars from the past can be a part of the overall mental healing process and even give the per- son a sense of closure and perseverance. Ruby has tattooed over scars on her best friend, which was not only a personal experience for her friend but for Ruby as well. Self harm is an issue that hits close to home and is important because it directly affects people that she cares about.
There are also other situations in which someone may want to get a tattoo to help them heal. For example, scars from surgery, abuse, stretch marks or other injuries that are not self- inflicted. Ruby once had a client who got a tattoo with a former partner who was abusive. She wanted it to be covered up so she was not constantly reminded of this trauma. Ruby usually does not do tattoo cover-ups but because of the situation she made an exception. The client wanted this part of her life to be over and the tattoo symbolized resilience and this helped her to move onto a new chapter in her life. The fact that Ruby can make this impact moves her a lot in ways she can’t put in words. She never felt like tattooing made such an impact until recently.
Knowing that she can help people heal and move on with their lives through art is something that gives her a sense of validation in her work. Another client she had worked with had a traumatic birthing experience. This caused her to associate pain with trauma. Ruby quotes “When she came in, I remember her telling me that as soon as I walked out and greeted her gently she immediately felt at ease. She was very nervous and almost left because she was so scared after going through a traumatic experience giving birth to her daughter. The thought of going through pain again was terrifying to her. She cried at the end of her session and we hugged.”
There are also other situations in which someone may want to get a tattoo to help them heal. For example, scars from surgery, abuse, stretch marks or other injuries that are not self- inflicted. Ruby once had a client who got a tattoo with a former partner who was abusive. She wanted it to be covered up so she was not constantly reminded of this trauma. Ruby usually does not do tattoo cover-ups but because of the situation she made an exception. The client wanted this part of her life to be over and the tattoo symbolized resilience and this helped her to move onto a new chapter in her life. The fact that Ruby can make this impact moves her a lot in ways she can’t put in words. She never felt like tattooing made such an impact until recently.
Knowing that she can help people heal and move on with their lives through art is something that gives her a sense of validation in her work. Another client she had worked with had a traumatic birthing experience. This caused her to associate pain with trauma. Ruby quotes “When she came in, I remember her telling me that as soon as I walked out and greeted her gently she immediately felt at ease. She was very nervous and almost left because she was so scared after going through a traumatic experience giving birth to her daughter. The thought of going through pain again was terrifying to her. She cried at the end of her session and we hugged.”
OUT OF THE DARKNESS SURVIVOR PROJECT
The idea for this project was born from so many of Ruby's loved ones having battled with their mental health. Ruby's Survivor Project: Out of the Darkness to learn more about what we're doing to help raise awareness.
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