Client Spotlight: Tattoo Visa
There is a sweet spot that lies between what we see as “work” and “play” when the two merge and you get to work with friends to bring their vision to life. When Tattoo Visa asked us if we wanted to collaborate with them on a logo, of course we said yes! Long time friends of ours, and fellow enablers of creative types, we felt that it was a dream project and are excited to share a little bit of background on who they are and what they do!
What the heck is Tattoo Visa?
Tattoo Visa is an immigration law firm assisting tattoo artists from around the world to obtain visas to work in the United States.
Is there really no one else doing what you guys offer? (or at least that are as specialized) and why not?
There are hundreds of thousands of law firms out there, but no one like us who is dedicated solely to this industry. After a decade in the business, we’ve built a rock solid reputation and have a network of support and friends who help us succeed for our clients. I truly believe there is no other law firm out there with the knowledge of both the regulations and the tattoo industry. We have heard many times from artists that “other lawyers said this wasn’t possible” and that could not be further from the truth.
Tell us what makes an ideal client for you?
We cater to tattoo artists of “extraordinary ability.” An ideal candidate for a visa or green card would have a significant following, prizes at international conventions, previous work at prestigious studios, and a solid social media following.
Can you tell us about what you (the team) loves about the work that you do?
We are tattoo lovers as well as legal professionals. I think that is why our reputation is so great– because we have a passion for this industry and it shows in our work. We also love to travel around the world and meet new artists! We often wrap up a case feeling like we’ve made a new life-long friend, because in many ways you learn an artist’s entire life and career while preparing these applications. For some artists, moving to the US is a huge step up in their career and it is an honor to play a small role in that journey for them.
On a larger scale, I believe that exchanges and interactions with people from other countries and cultures makes the world a better place. In turn, greater diversity fuels creativity and innovation in art (and beyond) and the cycle keeps repeating. If I’m having a hard day, I remind myself of these small and large perspectives. It’s hard not to love your job when you feel like your work matters.
One of your most memorable “tattoo visa” moments?
Every single approval notice is celebrated in our office. Immigration can often be an uphill battle and in a few cases we’ve really had to fight for our client. Those wins are so gratifying!
Can you talk about where tattooing has been, where its at now, and where its going and is there a ceiling to that space? Your work? Will our kids not get tattoos cause its for parents? (haha i kind of joke, but also…)
Artists today are quite simply mind-blowing. They continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in tattooing– the subject matter, techniques, style. Even technology with the advent of 3D imaging is totally pioneering. There really is a genre for everyone. As for Tattoo Visa, I believe that international artists are always going to be a thing. With the rise of social media, artists can easily have a global platform and following. Clients can find artists who specialize in unique styles and there will always be an incentive to come to the US to tattoo new clients here.
As far as future generations, tattoo art is a $3 billion (that’s billion with B) per year industry. I think it’s safe to say that it's not going anywhere. Personally, I hope my daughter and son will appreciate art and tattoos– and if they like tattoos at all– I can introduce them to some great artists!
What were you looking for in a logo?
We were looking for something that reflected the global nature of our services, but steered clear of obvious imagery for tattoos and the typical boring law firm logos. The topography elements that WAU incorporated in the logo invokes the globe, the human body, tattoo linework, etc.. It really hit all the points for us. Working with artists and other creatives, we felt pressure to have something that was visually appealing and also usable in lots of different spaces (from business cards to patches on hats). WAU nailed it!
Why were you interested in working with WAU?
We’re based in New York City, but our origin story is in Washington State (where our entire team is originally from and where Jasmine and Amilla still live). We also take a lot of pride in being a lady-gang (Tattoo Visa is a women-owned and -run business in a male dominated field) and we were stoked to work with other badass Washington State women! WAU also had the portfolio to show us they could deliver on the “cool factor” we were looking for.
Getting a logo is kind of like getting a tattoo … some people really struggle to decide on what to get, who to get it from, go back and forth… can you describe that process for you guys? Perhaps share some behind the scenes conversations, anecdotes or funny thoughts that you explored?
Personally, I don’t think you need to overthink it! You don’t need some huge symbolism behind tattoos (or logos for that matter!). What’s important is that you love it. I also firmly believe that they can be like scrapbooks in time, only it is something that you wear everyday, symbolic of where you were at that point in your life. You won’t find any lower back tattoo regret here! ;)
Combined, how many tattoos does the T.V. crew have? Is that a prerequisite for employment? :)
LOL the total count would be impossible. Our attorney Katia probably has the fewest (she has five including a half- arm sleeve) if that gives you an idea. :) Our case manager Amilla does not have a lot of real estate left! I think a love for the industry is a prerequisite to work at Tattoo Visa but we also have artist clients who don’t have any tattoos! I will say, after looking at amazing artwork day after day, it probably wouldn’t stay that way for long!
What are some near term goals for T.V.? Longer term goals for T.V.?
Our short term goal is to hire a Spanish Case Manager to facilitate cases for our Spanish speaking clients. We are also sponsoring three tattoo conventions in the US this year and hope to expand to the international convention circuit next year, provided Covid can GTFO. Long term goals are to just level up so to speak, grow our team and client base.