We as a society have become a society in which we seek blood for retribution of crimes. Even when those who paid their dues to society we still seek to punish those long after they get out of the joint. I can see if those who commit crimes against children or any sexual crime should not be black balled. What about those who were imprisoned for drugs or involuntary crimes? Should we give them a chance to simulate back into society? I think so personally. I think a person should always get a second chance at life. In the tattoo industry I've seen some of the best artist come from behind the walls. Yea they screwed up but the art has to speak for itself.
Some states are regulating the industry where if a person is a convicted felon they cannot tattoo. I believe that is horse shit for one. Most of these agencies wouldn't know what a good tattoo is if it hit them in the face. Most inspectors never had any real experience in the Tattoo field so how could they try and pass a law like that? I have a standing rule for artist in the shop. NO Child Molesters or Sexual Based Crimes!! Other then that if your art is good and you have brains then lets see how it works.
Tattooing is a lifestyle-Those who have the talent should be given the opportunity to make a living. Prison is always going to be a fact of life. There is more then 1 million people incarcerated in this country. Most of the crimes have to do with drugs. Personally I thought we would have learned from prohibition that making stuff illegal don't work. Again the so-called shot callers have an agenda of trying to make people offend again because thats 30,000 a year in their pocket.
Artist in the joint are creative not only in the art that they put out there but also how they go about doing that art. Home made ink, Home made Tattoo Machines and not to mention being under the pressure of being caught with the supplies and spending time in seg. Most of the artist in the joint don't just make it through on the tattoos alone. They also do drawings on such things as cards or envelopes. Some of the best pen work I've seen comes out of the joint.
Most people out there that do not already know that most of us are blue collar individuals. We work hard every day to make it in this world. Sometimes shit happens and people make mistakes.Below are a couple of links u should check out. Look at the amazing art that comes from the "Hood" and from the "Joint". Think about what the art is trying to convey and the experience the artist had to go through. Remember not all tattoo artist are Kat Von D who was spoon fed her career. Most street artist came from an environment that was picture perfect.