The Alliance of Professional Tattooists, Inc. is a nonprofit educational organization that was founded in 1992 to address the health and safety issues facing the tattoo industry. Up until that time, no organized effort to educate artists or standardize infection control procedures had been made and increased popularity was bringing the industry under the scrutiny of lawmakers and health officials. Recognizing the need for change, a group of concerned professionals formed APT and the work began. As a testimony to our success, look at tattoo advertising. In the early 90's, very few shops mentioned autoclave sterilization, sterile equipment or gloves. Now these procedures are standard.

With increasing numbers of people voicing concern about the safety of tattooing, it is more important than ever to have accurate information on hand to help others understand the truth about HIV and hepatitis transmission. Through education, knowledge and activism, APT and its members promote the understanding that professional tattooing is a safe expression of art.

Our work is important to artists, the communities they serve and the mainstream public. Legislators, many of whom have never seen a tattoo applied and who may have misconceptions and prejudices are busy drafting laws that will affect the industry. We seek to educate lawmakers, dispel myths and counter misinformation with researched fact. While APT believes the industry should police itself, it does accept that sometimes outside regulation is inevitable. For legislation to be effective, it must be fair, sane, and enforceable. The best way to ensure that is through a single, unified, organized voice.

Health officials and lawmakers have recognized APT as a professional, ethical and authoritative voice in the industry. Through education, awareness and an active approach in dispelling myths and misconceptions surrounding tattooing, we have been able to reach many of our goals. The organization continues to grow every year as we reach more artists and concerned individuals.

In order to provide artists with the most updated information, APT holds comprehensive seminars at tattoo conventions across the country on the prevention of disease transmission in tattooing. The seminar is designed for tattooists and conforms to the education requirements of many states and more importantly, OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogen Rule. To date, over 1000 members have completed our course and are now practicing methods of infection control and prevention of disease transmission. All Professional and Associate members are required to pass the seminar within two years of joining. After paying for the seminar the first time, members may retake the seminar as often as they wish, paying nothing but a small materials fee.

A.P.T. is a member driven organization. In other words, we are what our members want us to be. Our annual membership meeting is held every November in Richmond, Virginia, providing a forum for members to discuss concerns and direct the future of their organization. The home office maintains an open door policy. Members are welcome to call or visit during office hours and participate in the process. The shared knowledge of our members makes us one of the best resources of information the industry has to offer.

Our board members are elected from the membership and serve a two year term in a volunteer capacity. These are people who support the goals of A.P.T. and who work hard to assure that the organization continues to grow and develop.

Members receive Skin Scribe, A.P.T.'s newsletter, with updates on issues that effect their business practices. There are accurate and interesting articles on health and safety, information on taxes and financial shelters, a forum to ask health related questions, and a member only classified section. We welcome member input, and use the newsletter as a means to bring their concerns, comments and interests to the rest of the industry.

The public can call or email the A.P.T. office to request information about what to look for in a tattoo shop. Our pamphlet "Basic Guidelines for getting a Tattoo" provides quick, easy to understand answers to the most often asked questions. Other publications include "So You Want to Be a Tattoo Artist" and "The First Step in Safe Tattooing."

Please take a moment to review all the material available at this Web site. We look forward to having you join us in our efforts to keep tattooing safe and legal. Should you have any questions, please call (407) 831-5549 during business hours (Monday - Friday 10:00am to 6:00pm E.S.T.).