I was thinking quite a few weeks ago about how this economic situation might affect small businesses and freelancer (me). I think for a while a lot of the leisure type business might be hit, including things like beauty therapy, hairdressing, the tanning salons (! - yer we need those in the UK!!
) would get hit as soon as people's disposable income and access to credit starts to fall. I work for small businesses a lot, some of them like this, so I looked at my options and made steps to get to a situation where demand would be steadier and less likely to be affected by the current situation. I guess I'm saying that as a tattoo artist you might want to think about that - that if people have less to spare, getting a tattoo might go down the list.
Is there anything else you could do that would be good for your exisiting clients? I dunno, parhaps you can give advice on sustainable living, for example..? Dunno what other strings you have to your bow.
Anyway, I'd be thinking along those line - have a back-up trade.
I've done bartering with some clients too when I could - especially the holistic masseurs! But I'm expecting in the future I'll be needing the cash, at least for a while.
I do hope things work out for you - I also have kids that depend on me, so that makes it even more imperative to plan.
I also think that things will settle down eventually.
Good luck!!