Over the centuries, artists have used nearly every material imaginable to make their masterpieces. Since human beings first discovered how to express themselves with art, creatives have utilized anything they could get their hands on, from insect dyes to oil paints. Although there are many distinctive mediums, some artists prefer a canvas that cannot be compared to any other: the human body.

The art of tattooing has existed for thousands of years, as evidenced by mummified remains adorned with ancient ink. Civilizations in regions such as the Indo-Pacific used a hand-tapping technique to press designs into the skin, and Native American tribes have a long history of using tattoos to signify cultural and social connections. In modern times, traditional tattoos are still an important practice among the Maori peoples of New Zealand.

Contemporary tattooing in America originated in the 18th century, when Western sailors discovered tattooing techniques during their voyages to the South Pacific. The practice quickly became popular among the seafaring crowd; for many years, tattoos were exclusively associated with rowdy sailors or soldiers. But in recent years, tattoo shops have spread to every part of the country, and more people are getting inked than ever before.

For tattoo artist Joe Montalbano, who owns Ritual Tattoo Collective in Lancaster city, the art form's appeal is the way it connects people to each other. "I love meeting the person I'm tattooing and getting to know them," Montalbano said. "You also get to see the person's reaction to the work in real time."

Montalbano, a Lancaster Mennonite School graduate who grew up in Landisville, entered the world of tattooing in 2017, after he traded one of his paintings for a tattoo. After cutting his teeth as an apprentice, Montalbano became the owner of Ritual Tattoo Collective in 2019. In 2021, Ritual Tattoo Collective moved to its current location on West Orange Street, where Montalbano slings ink alongside resident artist Ian Ross. Montalbano and Ross prefer American Traditional tattoos, a distinct style that features bold outlines and simple color palettes. Although clients may choose from dozens of hand-painted designs that line the shop's walls, Montalbano and Ross accept walk-ins who have something else in mind.

A living canvas is an obvious aspect of tattooing that separates it from other mediums, but there's another element no other artist contends with: bedside manner. Receiving a tattoo can be a painful undertaking, and many tattoo artists put a lot of effort into making their clients as comfortable as possible. "It's about going through the journey with someone, whether it's a quick walk-in or someone's first tattoo," said Anthony Sardi, a Hempfield High School alumnus who works at GrindHouse Tattoos in York. "It's a really cool experience."

Bedside manner is one of many things that piercers and tattoo artists have in common. Miley McMillan, who works with Sardi at GrindHouse Tattoos as a piercer, considers her clients' comfort level to be a top priority. McMillan keeps her station fully stocked with candy, snacks and bottles of water to make sure guests' blood sugar isn't too low when they get a new piercing. "My clients really appreciate that I'm not trying to rush them out the door," said McMillan. "We're going to sit and chill for a couple minutes, turn off the lights and watch 'Adventure Time.'"

"Up there in importance with quality of tattooing is the experience you provide," Montalbano said. "The more comfortable you can make somebody, the easier they're going to be to work with."

As the daughter of a tattoo artist, McMillan became familiar with the world of tattooing and piercing at a young age. Although newer to the industry than McMillan and Montalbano, Sardi named the rich history of the art form and its supportive community as key factors in his decision to start tattooing in 2023. "I think working the front desk and signing people up for tattoos and piercings gave me such an appreciation for it," added Sardi. "I wanted to give someone the experience I've gotten."

"If you're considering a tattoo, the best thing to do is to walk in here," said Montalbano. "Talk to us in person, face to face. We're nice people, and we want to give you your favorite tattoo."