Tattoo artist David Libert is looking to open a new tattoo parlor in Evanston in hopes of creating a safer alternative for many tattoo enthusiasts during an era when body modification tools can easily be accessed through online shopping.
He is on the path toward achieving his goal after Evanston’s Land Use Commission unanimously approved his shop Sweetheart Ink Co. to open up at 530 Kedzie Street in the city’s 3rd Ward. The establishment still needs to get approval from the City Council.
“It’s important for me to emphasize the safety of this because in the era of Amazon, Temu and all the other (online retailers) out there, the ease of getting access to body modification tools is scary,” Libert said. “I want to say the tattoo artists at my shop will be vetted not only by me but through special certifications.”
An at-home tattoo kit can be purchased on Amazon for less than $15, worrying tattoo artists like Libert for its increased safety concerns.
Part of the Libert’s safety elements follows a recent effort in the tattoo community to place restrictions on what type of ink tattoo artists can use when adorning their customers. The hopeful owner told commissioners the Alliance for Professional Tattooists is having conversations with the Food and Drug Administration to make strict standards, something he would look to follow if his Evanston establishment gets full approval.
“That legislation hasn’t gone through yet but I’ve been up to date and a part of this group,” Libert said.
Libert is working with his father, Steven, in the business venture. Steven told commissioners his son would oversee the tattooing and day-to-day side of the business while he would handle back office work.
A drafted plan outlining the interior of the Sweetheart Ink Co., a tattoo parlor proposed at 530 Kedzie Street in Evanston. (Photo provided by City of Evanston)
The parlor will have three artist stations, a waiting room, a photo area and an accessible bathroom, according to city documents. David will work one of the three booths and work with other artists to occupy the remaining two.
Steven also said tattoo practices will only take place on the property’s first floor. The second floor will host a residential unit occupied by David as he looks over business operations.
Sweetheart Ink Co. anticipates being open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Evanston’s prospective tattoo parlor comes as the art form sees growing popularity in the United States with an August Pew Research Center poll saying roughly one-third of American adults have a permanent tattoo. The industry is expected to be valued at $3.92 billion in 2030, a more than $2 billion increase from its $1.89 billion value in 2022, according to Fortune Business Insights.
Corey Schmidt is a freelance reporter with Pioneer Press.
