Friday the 13th may be widely associated with bad luck, but tattoo lovers feel differently.
Delmarva's tattoo artists were inking up a storm Friday, etching special spooky designs into people's skin. While these tattoos typically come at a discounted price, for many, this tradition means much more than just a sales opportunity.
Angel, co-owner of Timeless Tattoos in Milford, expresses the sentiment shared by many in the industry, stating, "It's more of a fun tradition that we have been doing for a long time... something to remember."
In Dover, DeepWaters Tattoo, a new establishment that recently opened its doors, sees this day as an opportunity for both artists and customers.
The owner, Michael Passwaters, said it's a chance for aspiring tattoo artists to gain more experience. He notes, "The up-and-coming tattoo artists in the industry that don't have a big clientele they really boost that and they can get their artwork out and advertise to a wider field of people."
For some, getting a tattoo on Friday the 13th has become an annual tradition. One customer mentioned, "I already have one, but I'll probably get one every year." However, for others, like Michel Leamons, it was a spur of the moment decision. "It was actually really spontaneous. I was at home, saw the post, and decided to get a tattoo," Leamons shared.
Pew Research reveals that 11 percent of Americans have at least one tattoo, with 22 percent having multiple tattoos. The studio owners we spoke to believe that Friday the 13th celebrations will likely increase these numbers, as the day tends to attract first-time customers eager to enter the world of body art.
