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.

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?

Tattoo Effects

Many people who tattoo, choose to create a specific theme and others, well they don't. Whether it is an all over theme or just a random spot, who’s to know, it may just be an accident. I have found over the years, that while some people have themes that evolve, most others are intentional right from the start.

I happen to have an overall tattoo theme of nature and honestly, I didn’t begin with that intention in mind; it just happened that way. The design was of random creations I chose, which have progressively grown into a pattern. I had found myself acquiring similar types of patterns and after recognizing that, I realized it fit my life, so I just went with it.

My thematic design is one of my own abstract artistic ideas of a small garden. It consists of some of what you may find there on any given day, such as flowers and butterflies, etc., and also of what I imagine should belong in any garden; Fairies. Each of my tattoos is positioned in varying places over my body, not just in one spot; purposefully. I am by no means covered from head to toe, but do have some close to my head and toes!

What effect do your tattoos and themes have or create, and what affect do they have upon you and others who see them?