Our Mission

The concept for the Alliance of Professional Tattooists (APT) was introduced in 1991, in Secaucus, NJ at a National Tattoo Association Convention, when a group of like-minded tattooists recognized a need to address health and safety issues within tattooing. A small, ad hoc group met shortly afterward in Glen Burnie, MD and by May of 1992, nonprofit status was approved.  Shortly after, in San Diego, CA, the very first tattoo specific bloodborne pathogens training titled, Prevention of Disease Transmission in Tattooing or PDTT® for short was given to 70 plus new members.

As the popularity of tattooing has grown, scrutiny from health officials and lawmakers has increased as well, creating a real need for consistent safety practices throughout the trade. The APT, a non-profit Business League, is devoted to uniting professional tattooists and educating all stakeholders on tattoo safety standards and best practices.

It is a member driven organization which is only as strong as the people in it. 

 We were pioneers then and we continue to forge the way today. With our public outreach we offer seminars as well as publications to the general public explaining safe practices and what to expect from a dedicated, professionally run tattoo shop. What good is running your business in the most responsible manner possible if  the general public thinks every tattoo shop is equal? While talent is  everywhere, those who care enough to provide the safest environment for their clients are not. Let the public know the difference.

When health departments and regulators ask for input, APT provides accurate, practitioner-informed health and safety information, so the rules tattooists work under are based on how tattooing actually works. APT does not write legislation or regulations. We advocate for tattooists and make sure they have the information they need to speak up for themselves where they live and work.  Staying informed is the first step. Standing together is the next one.