News / LGBTQ+
Inclusive Tattoo Studio fundraising to save its space
An inclusive tattoo studio has launched a fundraiser to save its space. Picnic Studio has been a creative safe space for the trans and queer community of Bristol for a year and a half.
But now the studio is facing closure as they struggle to afford the rent.
The bright and fresh studio is located in Hamilton House among other creative groups – photo: Violet Poynter
Picnic is a tattoo studio located in the heart of Bristol, in Hamilton House.
is needed now More than ever
Since opening, it has been more than just a studio; it has been a home and a safe space for so many people, especially the queer and trans community.
Run by trans artist Billy Martin, 26, the studio host a team of queer resident and guest artists.
They spoke to Bristol24/7 on what makes their studio special to people and why the outpouring of support has them motivated to fight for their space.
Owner Billy Martin built the studio interior from scratch as they took on their first business venture – photo: Violet Poynter
“Our clients don’t have a lot of money and they can’t really afford to get tattoos. Which means not much money comes in, so, I’ve been putting all my own money and savings into this.”
It was in this moment when they realised they had nothing left, that they announced the closure on their social media. But then people were really sad they tell me, which they say has surprised them.
“So many businesses are closing, I thought people would think it’s just another casualty of that. It’s a shame, but that’s how things are.”
Many people commented on how this was the only place they were willing to get their tattoos and that filled Billy with a drive to try one more time to keep the business going.
For the past year and a half since its opening, it’s evident that Picnic has been a place where people could feel seen, celebrated, and safe while expressing themselves through art.
After recalculating their funds and strategising a new business plan and with the help of their supporters, they launched a fundraisers to ensure rent is paid, residents can work and equipment can be maintained.
They’ve set a target for £1,800 and have currently raised £655.
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The studio originally came about when Billy decided to leave their job at another tattoo studio in Bristol that they say had a “toxic workplace.”
This is something that they tried to warn others about, adding that some of their colleagues at the time also left the business for the same reasons.
Their former employers allegedly told them that “without us, you won’t make any money and people are only coming to you because of us.
“They’re is so much of that. It is still heavily male dominated and issues within the industry that aren’t openly talked about.”
Billy adds: “ Everyone I’ve spoken to who has a load of tattoos, has had a bad experience. My own first tattoos were shit, it’s a common thing.
“Some customers apologise a lot and speak to their tattoo artists like they’re some type of God and they have to speak to them really carefully.” They seem baffled that this sort of dynamic is so prevalent throughout the industry.
Reflecting on their own studio and their approach to work they add: “I’m not saying this studio is particularly nice, this should just be the standard.”
But the industry is starting to change they say.
Tattooing someone should be an experience that is done with care, consideration and complete trust – photo: Violet Poynter
Bodily autonomy is something that tends to take for granted, for people whose bodies don’t necessarily feel like safe or comfortable places it can be a more emotionally heightened experience to allow someone to tattoo you.
Billy is keen to emphasise that the artists here are not just welcoming and friendly, but are consciously aware of that.
“People take for granted other people’s trust and that really annoys me. Whether it’s just from a hygiene perspective, or whether it’s the tattoo process itself.
“Everyone here has a tattoo licence, everyone needs to have hygiene training and lots of other studios don’t do that.”
“When people get tattooed by me, I’m like this is huge,” they enthuse. “Even though I do it all the time. It’s always a big thing for me.” Positive experiences are an absolute bare minimum to them.
Picnic Studio’s resident artists have a range of creative items to purchase – photo: Hannah Massoudi
Billy briefly touches upon the issue of creative licence, with many artists copying other people’s style, they are keen to ensure all of their artists have a unique style.
It’s evident that this more than a business to Billy and the other artists here.
They talk widely about ensuring the trans and queer community are safe here, but they’re keen to emphasise everyone who books with them is welcome.
Main photo: Hannah Massoudi
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