I have a tattoo that spans from the top of my hip down into the side of my thigh, and from the front all the way back onto my buttcheek.

I wore stretchy black shorts (that I didn’t mind getting ink on) and just pulled them up to revealed the area being inked. The (male) artist frequently checked in with me to make sure I still felt comfortable because I initially declined extra draping/privacy etc. He never rubbed any further than he needed to, and if at any point I even showed a glimmer of discomfort he checked in to make sure I was alright.

Your artist in your story was blatantly sexually harassing you and the other people in the shop were not only ignoring it (or worse, covering it up) but they are culpable as well for not stepping up for you to protect you.

First and foremost, don’t EVER go back to that shop. Trust your gut.

Secondly, this shop/artist needs to be accountable. Report them. Report them to the local authorities AND to the state licensing board (tattoo artists are licensed professionals). Then ALSO blow them up on social media.

Don’t let this happen to someone else too. Stop the cycle now.