Tattoos have long been a hobby for some, and with the recent proliferation of tattoo-related television shows, interest in
them is broadening. Today, more than 45 million Americans have at least one tattoo. Leading researchers conclude
that tattoos have become something of a trademark for Millennials—a recent Pew Research Center study showed that 40
percent of adult Americans age 18-29 have between 1-6 permanent ink tattoos. Annual spending on tattoos in the
US is $1,650,500,000, with the cost of a large tattoo averaging [nationally] $150/hour. [Statistics are based on April 2015
research by the Pew Research Center.]
With an increasing number of adults getting tattoos, this permanent body art is becoming more accepted—fewer people
think it is related to deviant behavior, as still can be the perception among older generations. The negative stigma once
associated with people who have tattoos is on the decline. The evolving positive associations with tattoos are projected to
continue to rise and the trend to get tattooed will increase. We believe this is good for Alexandria’s King Street.
Therefore, We, the undersigned supporters of this petition, ask Alexandria City Council to approve the request for Special
Use Permit to James Marlowe, proprietor of King Street Studio, to be located at 1314 King Street, Alexandria, VA, 22314.