Metamorph Tattoo Studios, a long-standing tattoo shop in Wicker Park, is at risk of closing after more than two decades in business. The studio, located at 1456 N. Milwaukee Ave., has been operated by Derek Mullins since 2005. Mullins, who has worked in the tattoo industry for over 30 years, said the business has struggled significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Before the pandemic, Metamorph was often busy and had established itself within Chicago’s tattoo community. Mullins and his shop were also known for supporting an initiative to distribute clothing and food to homeless encampments throughout the city.
However, after pandemic-related shutdowns in 2020, Metamorph experienced inconsistent business before seeing a sharp decline. Mullins attributed this downturn to increased competition from new tattoo parlors opening across Chicago and elsewhere. He also cited staffing challenges and issues related to a neighboring vacant building as contributing factors.
Mullins stated that these setbacks have left him several months behind on rent and facing eviction. He reported that the business lost $59,000 last year.
“Everything hit me all at once,” Mullins said. “What’s happening right now is a market correction. … I have friends all over the world, it’s the same over-saturation in tattooing. Demand has gone down about 30 percent roughly, and the supply has gone up.”
In response to these challenges, Mullins recently launched a GoFundMe campaign seeking financial support to keep Metamorph open while he works on changing his business model.
“I am fighting to raise funds to ensure Metamorph doesn’t just survive, but stabilizes. This support will help cover back rent, provide the runway needed to restructure our team, adapt to the new labor market, and cover essential overhead while we pivot our business model,” Mullins wrote on the fundraising page. “This isn’t just about a storefront; it’s about preserving a piece of Wicker Park’s soul.”
The money raised would allow him not only to address overdue rent but also make changes such as returning to a revenue-sharing arrangement with artists instead of fully renting out stations and possibly increasing booth sizes for more privacy.
“Business models change, and you have to adapt,” he said.
Another ongoing issue for Metamorph is its proximity to 1460 N. Milwaukee Ave., a partially demolished building that has remained vacant since late 2020 following improper demolition work despite city landmark protections dating back to its construction in 1885. The property remains covered with scaffolding which Mullins says attracts taggers who climb onto nearby buildings including above his own shop.
“It blocks part of my business. It makes it look bad,” said Mullins, who has filed a lawsuit against the owner of that property. Although a construction permit was issued last October for repairs or renovations at that site, he said no progress appears evident so far.
Mullins acknowledged feeling some embarrassment about turning to crowdfunding but explained that he sees no other option after years spent helping others through community initiatives: “I have spent my career investing in this city and its artists,” he wrote on his fundraising page.“Now I am asking for your help to keep the doors of Metamorph open.Any donation or share will make a difference and help preserve a piece of Wicker Park’s soul.”
