Bustling wee shop is a welcome relief
We are back and even busier than we were before lockdown
IT’S less a case of “new normal” at Archangel 1608 Tattoo Studio and more like “back better than ever” as close contact services get back up and running again.
Owner David McKinlay and his trusted small team have been getting the shop near Glasgow city centre ready for getting back to business.
New measures include hand sanitisers, perspex screens and partition walls in the reception and procedure room, a video-entry system and online consultations via Zoom and FaceTime.
Customers must wear a face covering or visor and answer an extensive health disclaimer, while a forehead thermometer check determines whether they can get their tattoo on the day.
David and the other artists are kitted out in face masks and protective aprons.
He said: “It’s been frustrating because for a long time we didn’t have a date of reopening to work towards.
“But we used the time to prepare the studio and prepare ourselves so that from today we can go back to doing things safer, and make people feel as comfortable as they are in their own home.”
He added: “The phrase ‘new normal’ is horrible. For us, it’s back better than ever. Better at what we do now than we were in March, adapted and safe.” He said: “We are busier than we were before lockdown.”
Record reporter Magdalene Dalziel commended the trio of artists for getting the studio ready.
She said: “David and the team could not have done more to ensure clients feel safe and comfortable when they visit.
“I feel, despite social distancing, we’re all closer than ever in some ways, and it was a relief after months of no contact with a lot of people to be in this bustling wee shop and see signs of normality returning.
“I’ll definitely be booking up for Archangel soon – once I’ve decided what quarantine-themed tat to go for.”