Welcome

The APT freely shares information to  help members, tattoo artists, health care professionals, legislators,  health inspectors and the public get the best and most up-to-date information on tattooing health and safety.

How Did the APT start?

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.  and shortly after, in San Diego, CA the very first tattoo specific bloodborne pathogens training titled, Preventing 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.