As one of the founding principles of Wolf and Shadow Tattoos, inclusivity and acceptance is a vital part of our company. This is especially true when it comes to the LGBTQ+ community. Wolf and Shadow Tattoo Collective is LGBTQ+ owned and operated. More than 80% of our staff are part of this community. We believe in creating a safe, inviting, and loving space for all. Anyone is free to be themselves. What better time to celebrate this kind of love and inclusivity than during Pride month? We jump at any excuse to celebrate and lift up our LGBTQ+ friends, clients, and coworkers. It is of the utmost importance to create a safe and non-hostile space.

Why is it important to create a safe environment in a tattoo shop?

Getting a tattoo is undoubtedly a vulnerable experience. There have been countless stories of people going into a tattoo shop and being made to feel uncomfortable, taken advantage of, harassed, judged, or just generally mistreated. While these stories have become a norm in much of the tattoo culture of the past, we strive to be a driving force to make a pivotal change in the community. Through our actions, we hope to show our clients and friends that we see them, accept them, and love them.

This tattoo shop is founded on ideals of compassion, encouragement, and inclusivity. We take pride in the relationships we’ve built with our clients. We understand that half of the tattoo experience is the way you feel while you’re there at the shop.

How do we make a difference in our community?

Giving back to the community is a tangible way of making a difference and being able to see this difference in action. In November of 2018, we hosted a tattoo fundraiser to assist those that were affected by Hurricane Maria. In April of 2017, we co-hosted a fundraiser for Planned Parenthood when their federal funding was in jeopardy. Wolf and Shadow Tattoos has also raised funds for those affected by Hurricane Michael and hand-delivered supplies to the area. The shop works closely with pet rescues, hosting fundraising and art events to help animals in need in San Diego.

We remain committed to giving back to the community that has enabled us to thrive as artists.

Love and positive change come through awareness and action. Whether it’s through asking someone’s pronouns, posting a picture of a tattoo done on a person of color, displaying art created by someone in the LGBTQ+ community, or simply sharing your own story, there are small but important steps we can take in our day-to-day to ensure that we are fighting for what’s good and right.