Difficulties Faced by Selected Tattoo Artists in Their Chosen Profession in Jaen, San Isidro, and Gapan City, Nueva Ecija

Abstract

Tattoos had a bad reputation in the past that continued from one generation to another. This caused the tattoo artists to lack validation and recognition from other people. This research aims to identify the challenges tattoo artists face in Jaen, San Isidro, and Gapan City, Nueva Ecija, as well as their motivation to overcome these challenges. The researchers used a phenomenological design in conducting this study; a total of six tattoo artists were selected from Jaen, San Isidro, and Gapan City, Nueva Ecija, using a purposive sampling technique.

Moreover, semi-structured interviews and audio recordings were used to gather data from the respondents. From the results obtained, in terms of their difficulties, most respondents mentioned that the problems they encountered included discouragement in continuing their career, no regular clients, high competition, dealing with stigma, discrimination, and physical pain. While according to their motivation to overcome their challenges, the respondents mainly stated that their families inspired them to continue their work. Overall, being a tattoo artist was not an easy career because they experienced discouragement, no regular clients, high competition in the work field, discrimination, stigma, and physical pain. Based on the acquired result, despite the difficulties of tattoo artists, this field still lacks value and acceptance.