Culture has certainly shifted on the perception of tattoo's. They are not as taboo anymore, but I figure still in certain professions it might be good to be able to cover them when needed. Like a lawyer probably shouldn't have a face tattoo.
I love tattoos and am working on a design for a new one. None of mine extend beyond my sleeve line, etc.
Don't get one would be my advice. I got one at that age and regret it every time I see it. If said person just has to get one tell them to put it on their back or somewhere they can hide it. Do the research on a GOOD artist and spend the extra money. You get what you pay for on a tattoo.
What advice would you give a young person (let's say college age) if they were considering a tattoo?
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I have several and started when I was 18. My personal rules (not for everyone) are:
1. Good ink ain't cheap. Cheap ink ain't good. Find a quality artist...it's forever
2. No words/letters/foreign characters/people's faces
3. Nothing I wouldn't mind showing my boss, coworkers or family
4. Consider placement vs your day-to-day work. I have a full sleeve on my right arm, wear short sleeved shirts but I work in a relaxed environment an noone cares about tattoos. It was a consideration I made before getting it.
5. The body is a temple...all good temples have quality art hung on the walls
6. I usually wait a year or more when I decide I really want a piece. If I still want it after that time, I get it
They are certainly more acceptable today than ever before. That said, I still think go with less visible ones to start. Everytime I see a neck tattoo or on the hands or face, I just can't help but think why??? No significant other names or chinese writing. No one cares.
What advice would you give a young person (let's say college age) if they were considering a tattoo?
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I probably wouldn't tell them anything. If there college age then they are old enough to know what they are about to do is permanent. I doubt what you say is gonna change there minds if they want one regardless. I for one dont mind them though. I would suggest to them probably to get something respectful and not trashy.
I had a great uncle who got a naked lady on his forearm when he was in the navy. It was one of those old school green ink ones. He could make her dance when he flexed his forearm. I always thought it was really cool when I was a little kid. He always regretted getting it.
Also know what is acceptable in regards to your career. Although that has changed drastically in the recent past. I am a coach and you would rarely see a teacher/coach with a tat when I started in the early nineties. We have a female teacher with a mohawk and tats all over her head this year. That still seems strange to me.
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