Tattoo artist
J.Tegsh-Eruult, of Elegant Saloon, answers questions on the craze.

How many tattoo saloons are there?

Last year’s tattoo
competition saw competitors from 16 saloons, but I’d say, about 10 saloons
offer regular service. There are also skilled tattooists who work
independently. All of us try hard to develop our trade into a form of art.

Is the tattoo competition annual?

As of now, the
organizers plan to hold it once every two years. This means there won’t be a
competition this year.

What style is most popular with young people?

For some time, the demand
was for tattoos on celebrities. That is why you see many people with the same
tattoo. Now, young people seem to prefer tattoos with a patriotic message and
done in the traditional style, for example, a patriotic slogan in the Mongolian
script and in the traditional pattern.  3D tattoos are also in demand.

What is the average age of your customers?

Mostly, they are
between 20 and 40. Some older people also come, but they are not many. Older
people are generally averse as in their time prisoners had tattoos. It was also
common for soldiers to tattoo the first letter of their beloved on their hand.

What about women?

About half of my customers
are women. They mostly want small and elegant tattoos but some women also
choose big ones.

Where do you get the ink?

The ink I use is
brought from Japan and USA. I am a member of an American tattoo studio that manufactures
Super Roll tattoo equipment. I use these. Chinese colors are not very good.