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

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!

Lines Drawn

Any body mark can cause one to think outside the box in which lines are limiting, only if you can’t see past them.

If you decide to acquire a tattoo, you have intent and a purpose in the end. Whether it be in the design itself or its placement, there is a choice. How about the affect these lines which you choose to put upon your body will have? Are they to be expected and is that acceptable?

Birthmarks, although being natural, many times cause a commotion of some sort, just as tattoos do. The attention people receive as a result of them may be of a positive or negative nature. They are an unrequested, both in appearance and placement, piece of what could be considered art. There is no choice in the matter.

Where do you draw the line of freedom of opportunity, choice and opinion? What about when you have no choice in drawing them, what then? The limits to what we can control should rightously be explored.

I say to each his own lines must be drawn.