New law would change who tattoos

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - Vigo County officials are currently looking at changing the county's tattoo ordinance.

Right now, a 16-year-old can legally give a tattoo in an established shop. That's just one thing that would change under the new ordinance.

Max Egy started his professional career at 15 1/2, but did his first tattoo when he was much younger.

"I was nine. I did it on my dad. I was just trying it out. From that point on, I was pretty much hooked," Egy said.

Vigo County health officials are trying to make sure artists are at least 18 years old.

"We have done some research and a lot of the other surrounding states that has kind of been that base line, being 18 years of age," Megan Bland of the Vigo County Health Department said.

"If you look at a lot of famous artists, like Durb Morrison, Kat Von D, Don Ed Hardy, all of them started really young and it shows. It definitely shows in their work," Egy said.

Teenagers wanting to break into the industry at a younger age will have to enter into an apprenticeship at one of the local shops.

"They are going to be able to do other things like sketching and that kind of the thing. They are just not going to be able to tattoo on an actual human until they are 18."

Also in the proposed ordinance, those looking to get a tattoo must be 18 years of age, unless they have a parent present.

The meeting on the proposed ordinance will be Oct. 21 at 5 p.m.