Many people think that tattoos are associated with bikers, gang members, sailors and criminals
Yes, back in the day the stereotypes of tattoo studios were indeed: dark, dirty, homophobic, racist, gang-related, miscreants, hellions. Some of those adjectives are linked either with the conjunctions “and” or “or”, however as time has progressed over the years it has all changed.
Generally, tattoos seem to be frowned upon. Society has built up this image that people with tattoos, as well as tattoo artists, are scary, irresponsible, unreliable, partiers and drug addicts. And I have known a few who fit those descriptions, however not all of us are like that, and to a lot of us it is about the artistry and sharing our talent with the world, even if it is creating beautiful art pieces on skin and not your typical art piece hanging on the wall.
Having visible tattoos definitely changes the way humans look at you. There are times I catch someone staring at me. Not staring in a way that they’re observing my artwork,but staring at me as a person. Making judgments about me. It doesn’t bother me now like it used to. Most of the time. But there are still times I want to just yell out, “I’m not dangerous!” What ever happened to society always saying don’t judge a book by its cover, however society always judges people with tattoos and piercing. Unfortunately there’s no changing what people think if they never give you a chance to show them who you really are.
Why is it that putting an image or quote on your skin that you admire or has meaning to you automatically makes you a bad person? Someone who is ‘clearly’ insecure about themselves. Someone who ‘must have issues at home’. I’ve heard it all and am very tired of it all. I believe it is way overdue that stereotypes of tattoos and tattoo artist come to an end.
They say its not acceptable as a professional business person to be tattooed and yes, lots of business wont give you a job due to the fact you have ink, however there are so many doctors, lawyers and even pastors who are completely tattooed.
Tattooing has come so far today, not only is it just images and quotes on your skin, it goes as far as cosmetics; Permanent make-up, covering up of veins and scars, creating nipples after a mastectomy and lots more – It helps boost self confidence and can completely change someone’s life.
Good Tattoo Studio are no longer found to be dark dirty studios but actually are upmarket, clean studios found in good locations – well at least some of the professional reputable studios are. We all follow rules and regulations. We are extremely strict about hygiene – ensuring the studio and all equipment is always clean and sterile. Our sterilization equipment is state of the art and we spend a great percentage of our income on improving our artists as well as the studio to maintain the highest quality and standards in the industry. We will also never tattoo minors under the age of 18 (which will be my next article on Tuesday, if you are interested in finding out as to why)
I do believe that society is becoming more acceptable of tattoos as the generations get younger, Celebrities and idols become more inked up. This is art and should be seen as such. Hopefully through continuous education the narrow minded ideas about our industry will one day be something of the past.
