Good morning, I am a licensed professional tattooer of 23 years and shop owner in Virginia Beach for 7 years...I am writing to get some clarity on the proposed changes to tattooing codes, as regulated by the board or barbers and cosmetology, through the DPOR...

What is the specific nature of the proposed changes to the tattooer codes?

What does it mean to potentially have tattoo apprenticeships going through the DOLI, and how will that change the standards that currently exist?

...if you’re talking about and thinking of changing the regulations so that tattoo apprenticeships will be taken out of the tattoo studios, and put them inside a classroom, within the legislation of the DOLI AND DPOR, taught by instructors that do not have real qualifications and substantial experience, as a professional tattooers, then I completely disagree...and think that it’s not only an insult to tattooing, and degrading to professional tattooers, and even potential apprentices...tattooing is a tradition, a lifestyle, and a skill that has been handed down generation by generation, from mentors to deserving apprentices...the only way to properly learn the sacred craft of tattoo, is to earn it in a tattoo shop environment.

When will this meeting be, where, and how can I attend, so I can hear and be heard?

Thank you for your time and help in understanding what is going on here.

Gabriel Cece