JANE is 18 years old. She makes her way to a well-known studio for her first tattoo, a small sternum piece.
She notices her anxiety as she walks into the room full of artists and clients. She’s asked to lie down on the cold, cling-film-wrapped table and take her top off. As the artist begins to place the stencil, he asks her to take off her bra. “Are you single?” he asks. She wonders if this is normal.
As the appointment progresses and the needle jabs into her skin 200 times per second, the artist says “I can tell you take good care of yourself” as he leans on her breasts. She feels uncomfortable, but she doesn’t say anything because she’s afraid it will mess up the tattoo.
