Tony Tonez has dedicated himself to bridging the educational gap in the tattoo community

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

Removing a tattoo can feel like closing a chapter of your life. For some, it’s a way to: move on from a past relationship, a mistake, or a memory you would rather not carry on your skin anymore. It’s a very personal decision, and it’s okay to feel a mix of emotions about it. If you’re reading this, you might be considering getting a tattoo removed. Whether it’s: the name of a previous partner, a choice from your youth, faded or misspelled words, or substandard work, you’re not alone. Many people decide to part ways with their tattoos for various reasons.

Thankfully, the educational component of the tattoo industry is finally starting to surface. In an industry where formal education is often overlooked, one artist stands out as a trailblazer in tattoo education. Tony Tonez, renowned for his intricate designs and innovative techniques, has dedicated himself to bridging the educational gap in the tattoo community. Toney is elevating the standards of tattoo education, ensuring that both artists and clients benefit from a higher level of professionalism and artistry. His efforts are reshaping the industry, fostering a new generation of well-informed and skilled tattoo artists.

Most recently he launched “The Ink Chronicles” a survey of 1,502 Canadians on their attitudes toward the art of tattoos. From March 18^th to March 21^st, 2024, an online survey was conducted among a nationally representative sample of n=1,502 Canadians who are members of the Angus Reid Forum, balanced and weighted on age, gender, region and education. For comparison purposes, a sample of this size carried a margin of error of +/- 2.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20. Discrepancies in, or between totals are due to rounding. The survey was offered in both English and French.

“Canadians still have a long way to go when it comes to tattoo culture,” shared Tonez. “There are still many stigmas surrounding the art of tattoos that can affect people’s ability to get a job or even be taken seriously. Research is always needed before getting a tattoo. This isn’t an easy decision – it requires time, and dedication as it’s a lifelong commitment.”

Tony Tonez Tattoo Studio is a repudiable tattoo studio in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) that caters to “all walks of life”. The studio ensures everyone who walks in is treated with the utmost respect.

Tony opened his private studio in December of 2023 after gaining over 10 years of experience in the industry. He pulls inspiration from his cultural roots in “The Chicano Style,” a vibrant fusion that contains varied influences from Latino culture as well as his vast experience with street art. Tony is always seeking to generate more awareness about the craft, while sharing his: passion, artistry, and creativity. Tony has clients from all over North America, and travels across Canada to meet new clients who demand his skills.

“Canadians deserve to have safe options when it comes to self-expression,” explains Tony. “Tattoo removal has come a long way with regard to scarring or discoloration, but people need to ensure they are having the procedure done by a licensed artist who has all the certifications.”

“The Ink Chronicles” survey explored some interesting statistics. Did you know that half of tatted Canadians (51%) feel there is not enough information on tattoo removal? Many of them are looking at alternative options to hide or cover up their past mistakes. These Canadians still have concerns regarding removing a tattoo permanently.

One-in-three tatted Canadians (34%) feel that there are many health risks associated with laser tattoo removal. One-in-four (25%) say the pain associated with laser tattoo removal steers them away from having it done. And a staggering 71 per cent would consider a tattoo coverup before considering tattoo removal.

On the positive side of the ledger, exactly half of tatted Canadians (50%) feel that getting a tattoo removed could create an opportunity for a new start in life, or a new combination of quality and artistry.

The survey also asked all Canadians, both inked and un-inked about: trust, stigma, artistry and research related to tattoos. Eight-in-10 Canadians believe that when considering a tattoo, research is needed on: design, artist, process, etc. The number is much higher for inked Canadians (95%) than for un-inked Canadians (75%). Three-in-10 Canadians feel it’s hard to find a tattoo artist/studio they like and trust – again this number is much higher for inked Canadians (78%).

Meanwhile, half of the country (49%) feels that there is still a strong stigma attached to tattoos and nearly half (46%) are familiar with the different styles of tattoo art.

Whatever your reason for considering a tattoo or removal of a tattoo, know that it’s a personal journey. It’s about making a choice that’s right for you and your body. If you have any questions, or need support, don’t hesitate to reach out to professionals like Toney Tonez who can guide you through the process.