Tattoo parlour in move to bigger premises to meet growing demand

Human Canvas has relocated to a new unit in the Victorian Arcade in Walsall which means it can now open for longer hours and also on a Sunday.

The tattoo studio, which now has eight people working there, was first launched by Sarah Watts in 2010 and has continued to grow over the last four years.

Its rise in popularity has prompted it to move from its previous smaller location in the arcade to a more prominent site which can be accessed from Lower Hall Lane.

Mrs Watts, aged 29, known to many as Saz, said: "I started my business when I was 25 and opened the shop in about 2010 in Walsall town centre. I did it on a very small budget.

"I outgrew the unit I was in. I am moving to a bigger unit to deal with the demand with more customers. I knew I needed more space.

"I've been able to take on two new tattoo artists, a piercer and also two apprentices."

An official opening celebration was held on Saturday and Sunday to mark the move of the studio which also caters for piercings and body modifications.

It saw bands playing along with a magician and fire performance. There was also a graffiti demonstration and bands playing on the Sunday. A raffle was organised to raise money for the charity Compton Hospice in Wolverhampton.

The move of Human Canvas means it will now be open from 10am until 10pm Monday to Friday rather than until 5.30pm. It is now also open to customers on Sundays from 11am until 4pm.

As well as owning the parlour, Mrs Watts, a mother-of-three from Aldridge, is also involved in the Individual arts project which helps support young artists. This includes providing equipment, training and agreed locations for graffiti.

Human Canvas sees staff who are self-employed but work from the premises to provide the tattoo, piercing and body modification service. This can include the likes of ear lobe repairs.