For decades, tattoo artists in New York City operated in the shadows, facing legal restrictions that effectively banned tattooing within city limits. A landmark 1967 court ruling upheld a ban on tattooing, forcing studios like Bang Bang—one of the few defiant exceptions—to operate underground or in secrecy. The underground scene thrived despite police raids and public stigma, with artists developing discreet methods to serve clients while evading authorities. This history reflects both the resilience of tattoo culture and the broader struggle against outdated regulations that once stifled creative expression.
NYC tattoo history: surviving a 36-year ban at Bang Bang Secret NYC
