Step into a tattoo shop in Kansas City and the energy is instant. The buzz of the machine. The smell of green soap. People hyped up, nervous, or hella sad, carrying stories they’ve never told anyone else. Tattoos in this city aren’t just decoration. They’re survival notes, love letters, memorials, fresh starts.
That’s why the 2024 study by Dr. Sara A. Kohlbeck, PhD, MPH, and her colleagues at the Medical College of Wisconsin grabbed me so hard. The research — Art on the Skin, Lifesaving Within: Exploring the Role of Tattoo Artists in Suicide Prevention — confirmed what artists like me already live every day: tattoo shops can be safe spaces, and tattoo artists can be allies in suicide prevention.
What Dr. Kohlbeck’s Study Found
- 79 tattoo artists in Wisconsin were surveyed about their experiences with clients.
- Most reported that at least one client had made them worry about mental health. Many had heard suicidal thoughts shared in the chair.
- Comfortable, but not trained: Many artists felt okay talking about mental health but weren’t sure how to start the conversation or what to do if it escalated.
- Real opportunity: With basic training, artists could better recognize warning signs and connect clients to help.
The conclusion: Tattoo artists are already on the front lines of these conversations — now it’s about giving us the right tools.
Read the PubMed entry: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38949264
Read the MCW feature: MCW Knowledge — Art on the Skin
Everybody’s Welcome Here
At Nick Young Tattoos, inclusiveness isn’t just a line — it’s how I move. All genders. All sexual orientations. All faiths. Every walk of life. Whether you’re from Waldo, Raytown, the Plaza, Strawberry Hill, or the West Bottoms — you’re respected in my chair.
One of my favorite things is the mirror moment. When a client stands up after a session and catches themselves in the glass — the shift is immediate. Shoulders square. A smile cracks through. Sometimes tears. That look of regaining something lost? That’s why I love this work.
Why This Hits Home
I’ve lost two family members to suicide. That kind of pain doesn’t disappear. It fuels me to take every client seriously, knowing that tattoos aren’t only about linework and shading — they’re about connection.
I’ve been in dark places myself. There were times I couldn’t “just snap out of it.” It spilled into my work, my life, everything. Community resources helped me get back on my feet. That’s why I keep a resource list at my station, revise it constantly, and will soon post it here on my website so anyone can access it. Because we’re all fighting battles, just on different levels and with different views.
Confidentiality and Care
Here’s what you can expect in my chair:
- If you talk, I’ll listen.
- If you’d rather stay quiet, that’s cool too.
- What you share stays between us.
- If it feels like you’d benefit from more support, I can point you toward real resources — the same way I’ve leaned on them myself.
Resources
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — Call or text 988 (24/7, free, confidential)
- Crisis Text Line — Text HOME to 741741 for a live counselor
- Local KC Resources: Coming soon — I’ll be publishing my curated list here so anybody can find what’s available close to home.
Thank You, Dr. Kohlbeck
To Dr. Sara Kohlbeck, Director of Suicide Prevention Research at MCW, and to her team: thank you. Your work is groundbreaking, and it validates the lived truth of artists like me in KC and across the country. You’ve shown the world that tattoo shops aren’t just about ink — they’re about people, survival, and connection.
And to anyone reading this: your story matters. Your life matters. If you ever sit in my chair, know this — you’re safe here.
Thank you SOOOO MUCH for taking the time to read this post!
🤘 Nick Young
1024 W 103rd St Kansas City, MO 64114
Licensed Tattooer • Inclusive Space