A Vegan Tattoo Parlour in Amsterdam is Saving the Animals

A tattoo session underway at the studio
A tattoo session underway at the studio | © Sea Shepherd
Tom Coggins

In order to raise money and awareness for their ongoing marine conservation projects, Sea Shepherd Conservation Society has launched a vegan tattoo parlour in Amsterdam. This studio only uses animal-friendly products and will help fund Sea Shepherd’s campaigns across the globe.
Sea Shepherd’s artistic director, Geert Vons, devised the project and will serve as the studio’s principle tattooist. Geert has worked with the charity for years and spent time onboard Sea Shepherd ships that were assigned to the Antarctic Ocean. During these stints, Vons tattooed his fellow shipmates and developed a distinctive style that combines nautical themes with tribal motifs. Aside from inking other members of Sea Shepherd, Vons has also designed many of the organisation’s most eye-catching graphics, including their current logo and Jolly Roger flag.

A poster for the studio’s grand opening

Vons began organising tattoo sessions on dry land in early 2018 and put together a studio inside Sea Shepherd’s store near Amsterdam’s Museumplein. Rather than profiting from this project, Vons decided to use his tattooing talents to generate funds for Sea Shepherd and transfers every penny the studio makes from inking sessions directly into the charity’s coffers.

The studio is located inside Sea Shepherd’s store in Amsterdam, near Museumplein

As the studio only uses ink and materials that are made from vegan ingredients and haven’t been tested on animals, tattoo enthusiasts can get inked safe in the knowledge that they aren’t buying into industries that exploit animals. The studio welcomes ideas from clients, but recommends that people base their designs around nautical or oceanic themes, as these types of tattoos match up well with Geert Vons’ personal style.

Sea Shepherd was founded by former Greenpeace member Paul Watson in 1977 and employs a fleet of ships to disrupt whaling, sealing and fishing operations that breach international marine conservation laws. They have conducted many high-profile campaigns over the years and famously appeared in a documentary created by Animal Planet called Whale Wars, which followed Sea Shepherd’s efforts to stop Japanese whaling in the Antarctic.
Sea Shepherd, Alexander Boersstraat 52, 1071 KZ Amsterdam, Netherlands, +31 20 233 7701

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Culture Trip Spring Sale

Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.

X
Edit article