Why getting a Vegan tattoo is worth it

Veganism might have started as a dietary practice. But over time, it grows into a revolutionary advocacy that manifests in all the tiny details of a person’s lifestyle.

For many, if not all vegans, it’s important to account environmental welfare when shopping for clothes, groceries, makeup, and other consumables. Many vegans have also turned to the ancient art of tattooing, lining up to get vegan tattoo Portland tattooists offer to show their commitment to the vegan lifestyle.

Commitment is the fuel of advocacies. In the vegan tattooing world, for instance, Alfredo Meschi stands out. As a committed vegan since 2014, Meschi decided to make his body a “permanent performance piece, a political manifesto” by having 40,000 cross mark tattoos on his body. His tattoos signify the number of animals killed every second for human consumption. As a thespian and writer, he also joins photoshoots, showing the ways animals (e.g. pigs, cattle) get killed to satisfy humanity’s appetite for ham, bacon, sausages, and other meat products.

As part of his advocacy, Meschi also makes sure that the ink, disinfectant, and healing ointment used for his tattoos are all cruelty-free and vegan.

Vegan tattoo: What is it, exactly?

Yes, getting inked is a form of self-expression. While others see it purely for decorative purposes, vegans like Meschi took the art of tattooing to a whole new level. With their inspiration, vegan tattooing came to life. But, what is vegan tattooing really all about?

Experts’ discovery of 12,000-year-old pre-historic tattooing tools suggests that getting inked is deeply rooted in human culture. Initially an avenue for personal and cultural expression, tattooing is now used as a form of non-violent activism.

However, most tattoo artists have been using ink and tools sourced from animal products over the years. The moisture strip could contain gelatin, the tattoo ink sometimes has bone char, and the stencil paper is usually made of lanolin from sheep’s wool. The non-vegan products used in traditional tattooing now concerns many people trying to get a vegan tattoo Portland tattooists have to offer. Hence, the need to innovate.

In vegan tattooing, the process itself takes on a new form with the use of different techniques and products. Aside from advocating animal welfare and committing to it, vegan tattooing makes use of stencil pencil, balm, ink, and other tattoo products that are guaranteed cruelty-free.

Why should we try to keep the tattoo process vegan?

Veganism advocates the idea that a plant-based diet is healthier than an animal-based diet. This is the same concept applied in vegan tattooing. In a gist, making the tattoo process vegan is a way to promote health.

Traditional tattoo ink usually contains carcinogenic chemicals. And, these chemicals get inside the body through the bloodstream and lymph nodes. If the ink is chemical-based, the level of toxicity can be high. By using vegan products, one can avoid the use of toxic chemical-based ink. This ensures better overall health and immunity.

Meanwhile, studies show that making the tattoo process vegan is also a way to promote better skin health. Rashes and allergic reactions are common after-care issues when getting a tattoo.

By opting for a vegan tattoo Portland artists offer, you’ll be given organic, plant-based balm to heal your skin. And, the entire tattooing process uses vegan ink that doesn’t contain the allergy-causing shellac.

What are the best places to get a tattoo in Portland?

With the growing popularity of veganism, there’s no question about vegan tattooing taking the attention of mainstream body art enthusiasts. In no time, we’ll be seeing a growing number of vegan tattoo studios around the world. If you’re in Portland, for instance, you might like to visit the following studios to get inked:

• Scapegoat Tattoo – Based in Stark Street, Buckman, Scapegoat Tattoo is a team of 12 tattoo artists striving to make the tattooing process entirely ethical and vegan. Tattoo rates start at $100 with additional costs depending on the complexity of the design.
• Ritual Arts Tattoo – Since 2011, Ritual Arts has been offering custom tattooing and a wide selection of vegan and socially responsible aftercare products and body jewelry. The studio is open Tuesdays to Sundays from 12pm to 7pm and is closed on Mondays.
• Skeleton Key Tattoo – Based in SE Hawthorne Blvd, this studio accepts walk-ins and appointments. Customers can choose from a portfolio of existing designs or opt to have a custom-designed tattoo.

Getting inked is a huge decision to make, but it’s all going to be worth it. Why so? Getting a vegan tattoo isn’t just for temporary body art or beauty enhancement. It can easily be considered as a brand. You have to know how to wear your design as proudly as you can as it’s going to stick with you for a long time. When choosing a design, for instance, you can choose to associate yourself with a specific conservation concept or organization. Or, you could promote a specific cause, such as marine conservation, wildlife protection, or river rehabilitation.

Ultimately, getting a vegan tattoo is a sign of committed engagement. Animal welfare and conservation are serious topics with social relevance. And, the call for urgent participation grows ever louder every single day as news of deforestation and animal slaughter also becomes more prevalent. Alfredo Meschi calls this movement “artivism,” the use of art for non-violent activism and influence social action.

Today, more people are attracted to the vegan lifestyle for a lot of reasons other than health. As the more intelligent species, human beings are now beginning to see the long-term and wide-ranging benefits of going vegan.

Are you willing to take part in this movement? Are you looking forward to a greener world that’s safe for everyone, including animals? If yes, you might like to start learning more about veganism.

Read more about veganism, eating fruits and vegetables, and taking natural supplements, such as organic turmeric capsules, on the articles made by the vegan marketers at Ardor SEO. Doing this helps you rediscover the benefits of switching to this lifestyle and start loving it.