Tattoo Obstacles

To work in a line of business outside of the tattoo encompassing circle, may become complicated if you are tattooed.

Most employers have policies against the visual of body art and state so in their policy manuals.

Of course what can’t be seen can’t be used against you, so the only issue in this instance is that you must hide what you gained to see or have seen by others. It has long been a concern for those who tat, that we may not be accepted by all, and that’s okay. However, to say we can not work in a particular field or company, when we know we can because we are schooled and qualified, just because we have one is short sided, disappointing and a form of discrimination.

The great thing is that when you look around, you see that this old attitude is being confronted more and more everyday.

Some rules made to be broken, are better off that way.

Tattoo Opportunities

To work with tattoos one must have talent; talent in design, imagination and vision. The need for a college education is not a necessity, although it is beneficial in general; especially if you acquire a degree in business or marketing. Promotion of a portfolio of work, tattoo applications and potential opportunities is essential to grow the business. It’s a bragging right which should be acted upon. And although knowing how to draw, believe it or not, is not required, since most designs can be traced, the potential on going work opportunities without this ability will be limited.

Word of mouth and presentation are definitely great components for advancement, so being a very personable tattooist, whether one wants to or not, tends to attract a following.

A great tattoo artist can usually do it all.

Communication while being tatted is similar to a get together for updates on the goings on of life or gossip; at least it is for those who become regulars. There is always something to talk about, or a need for distraction, while sitting for any period of time obtaining a piece of art which causes aspects of minor yet at moments, irritating pain.

For newbie’s it’s just a nervous reaction!

Show you care.

Misconceptions

I don’t think I can stress enough the topic of research before acquiring a tattoo. No one has all the answers and some have more than others so get a bit from here and there; just make sure you trust where the advice is coming from.

Misunderstanding concepts about tattooing have always existed and will continue to; just as in any line of work. Superstition and gossip is usually the cause for confusion and research on any possible misconceptions may help to alleviate this problem. Who knows, it may save you from making a big mistake and at the same time, you may find your worries were all for nothing. Better to be safe than sorry, always.

Some of the most common delusions involve health, equipment and designs. Go to a licensed establishment or artist with experience, and ask about their safety procedures in inking especially regarding their equipment. As far as designs go, anything is possible with a talented tattooist.

Themes, Designs and Styles

The symbolism and point of tattoos change depending on the culture in which they are given. The receipt of one may or may not have its own purpose as well. The understanding of a tattoos meaning may change significantly and knowing what you are receiving and why, should become a priority in order to avoid conflict or confusion.

There are multitudes of themes, designs and styles available or you could create your own. For most getting a tattoo is simply picking a design you like and getting it. The choosing of a tattoo artist is not always a major concern for some either, however, if you are serious in your venture of acquiring body ink, these choices will have an exact point to them and be of major importance.

Whether tattooing for fun or for purpose, the communication of your feeling of the piece of artwork you intend to adorn may be found through multiple avenues. Here are a few to consider:

Symbols and meanings
Man or Woman - Sentimentality
Child Identification
Outcasts, slaves, convicts and punishments
Decorations for bravery
Protection: talismans and amulets – magical
The Occult
Forensic aspects of tattoos

Religious Beliefs and Tattoos

Tattoo markings have an impact on every aspect of life; for some more so than others.

Individuals who ink for spiritual concerns may do so to show devotion or morality; it is a personal choice.

Religion is a touchy subject in this realm of ink, just as in any other. What ones beliefs may be, are not necessarily the same as another’s. People tend to take offense to what they are unfamiliar with or to what they do not believe in. The idea that we are all entitled to our own opinion and form of expression is subjective; always has been and may always be, as is our right to freedom of any sort.

Who draws the lines to right and wrong, and do we really care about these lines applied by others regarding those we place upon ourselves, literally? Should we? Does choosing to tattoo really need to provoke conflict or do humans just need to find a fight? Where's your spirit?

What we who ink dare to do, since we are able to, should be our choice anyhow.

Age old questions which are still aging...can't we all just get along?

Tattoos: Sexuality and Mentality

Tattooing in itself is often considered taboo; and in truth, the types of tattoos, design and placement, will help determine this factor if you are interested in knowing. As in all aspects of life, there may be more to something or some action taken than you know or for that matter, care to know so, doing some research would be wise.

For example, Tramp Stamps ever wonder who the hell thought of this label. Many women choose to get a tattoo on their lower back and are not what would be considered a tramp in its sexual context. Since, this label irks me so, I decided to look it up and as with most everything there are varying view in society and an altogether differing view in reality; a simplified version of the statement is that it objectifies an all too common chauvinistic and ignorant attitude.

Moving on, some tattoos are purposeful in their usage as sexual lures, marks of fertility or pledges of love. Others are acquired for sexual pleasure; genital piercing, both male and female, which has become what some may consider an extreme measure and yet it extremely popular; just ask around.

Stamp it up my fellow inkers, stamp with pride!

Response and Reality

Everyone feels differently about the idea of a tattoo in general, but how do you feel when you find there is so much more to it than meets the eye? What is your response to it and the person, who gets, has or wants one then?

Acquiring a tattoo is not necessarily a form of rebellion or retaliation of life itself as some choose to believe. This form of art is a medium of expression in which the options are many and expanding daily. For those of us who do tattoo, this reality brings joy in that the negative labels applied may be softened if not dissolved completely; that the positives of this form of artwork may be acknowledged, accepted and appreciated.

In life there will always be controversy in the discourse of this topic, because we as individuals are not all one in the same. However, the belief in the opportunity of change should not, no cannot be ignored.

Art and the love of it, lives strong.

Cosmetic Purposes

Every tattoo serves a purpose; most times it is a form of enjoyment and interest in art and design. The idea of the permanence in inking is welcome. Especially in the cases of individuals who desire a tattoo to cover up some area on their body which they may find unappealing, such as a birthmark or scar. However, some aspects of covering may be more of a cosmetic concern than others.
Breast Cancer and the physical wounds it may leave behind, is a prime example of a differentiating concern. While covering scars, either partially or completely may not at all times be possible, the option of a tattoo may in turn bring back to a woman the desire to look again into a mirror and smile again.

Tattoos are becoming more than art; they offer personal reassurance and signify hope. They provide women with an opportunity to rebuild self-esteem and love once again of their body. Through the beautification of their battle wounds, they may regain pride and strength in their survival and acceptance of life anew.

Alice Kuchar, my tattoo artist and friend, has been tattooing for over fourteen years and has gone out on her own to develop a small business of inking where she will also specialize in mastectomy cover ups. Her web page is in the works; the domain name is to be alicetattoos.com.

Just something to keep in mind...

The love of self is essential.

Cover up

Tattoos for removing the memory of…

Unlike laser treatments used to remove a mark, tattoos may be used to cover one up as I have mentioned in a prior post, So you have a tattoo, why did you get it?, sometimes that option works out better. This may not be the right avenue for everyone or every type of marking, but may be an avenue worth considering.

We all know that not all marks are a thing of beauty, but it may be said, that there is the possibility that they could be. With the right artist, artwork, and placement a tattoo may make an eyesore a thing of the past. Why live with something the makes you unhappy if you don’t want or have to? Remember, No Regrets.

Some forms of cosmetic surgery can become costly and not all tattoo cover ups need be. It is all within your reach, in choosing what design is right for your given situation.

Research every possible cover up opportunity!

Memoirs

Tattoos in memory of…

The times of tattoos being considered only taboo are fading. There may always be racist views of some sort with this form of art and otherwise, however, against all odds tattoos have come a long way.

For many, they have become a way to maintain an image, for life; a way to capture a thought or moment, like a photo, and wear it with pride. They provide a new outlet for capturing and displaying all forms of memories. The artwork possibilities are becoming endless. A great tattoo artist will be able to ink almost anything you would like, just about anywhere; all things considered.

For those who may choose to pay their respects, but would rather not have them displayed with permanence, a temporary route, which has a growing number of outlets as well, may be choosen.

Whatever the case may be, tattoos provide for many, an additional opportunity for maintaining a meaningful memory.