What does a tattoo say about the person sporting it? When
you got your tattoos did you do so intentionally, to make a statement? Tattoos
are a way to start conversations, and sometimes a way to initiate a
relationship with a stranger. This article discusses the psychology of tattoos,
why people get them, and the findings are very interesting.
Body art, body bling, self-graffiti,
walking billboards, fashionable ink accessories... Each of these expressions depicts
the physical nature of the tattoo. What's often NOT discussed, however, is the
emotional side of tattoos.
I vividly remember the first time I saw a "tramp stamp."
A woman was reaching for something in the front row of a large auditorium and a
few rows of men and women witnessed her walking artistry. Everyone had a
reaction. And once she left the room, we all talked about it. It was like group
therapy.
The responses ranged from "She's definitely a party girl,
probably drinks a lot, and has a lot of sex and a rough childhood, “to” She’s
probably really creative, edgy, a leader and an independent thinker." Some
liked her more, some liked her less and many guys were more interested in her
because of the tattoo. Whatever the response, we were all intrigued, and each
of us conjured up our own personal version of her story -- all from the sight
of a well-placed tattoo.
In those days, tattoos were still controversial. Now, they're more
accepted than ever. You could even call them "trendy." In the
nightlife scene, tattoo artists are rapidly becoming a popular career choice.
Sooner or later, we're going to see a leather-clad, tattoo-sleeved,
multi-pierced guy named Rocko at our kid's career fair standing next to the
"Be a DJ" booth. Although tattoos have been around for more than
5,000 years (Egyptians used tattoos to differentiate peasants from slaves and
social branding has been around a long time), ink art has really exploded in
the last 25 years.
Is it social branding?
Tattoos are a conversation starter. Either there's a story
attached or a "skin"-showing session or an emotional response derived
from the sight of ink art. And the emotional response from the sight of tattoos
leads to a modern-day version of social branding.
"He must be tough."
"She's probably easy."
"He'll never get a corporate job."
"She just wants to drink vodka tonics and dance on a
speaker."
Of course there are variables. In my opinion, the older you are,
the less chance you'll be forgiving of tattoos. Neck and face tattoos are
usually not as well-received as other locations no matter what your age (sorry,
Big Mike). Where you put the tattoo, how may tattoos you have, what the tattoos
is and the size of the tattoos all help shape the emotional response of the
viewer. And that observer could be anyone from a potential boss, a family
member or a date.
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Call Inflicting Ink at 401-683-5680 to schedule a free consultation to learn about laser tattoo removal for yourself, or to learn about adding the Quanta
USA laser to your tattoo studio.
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Inflicting Ink is a Rhode Island Tattoo Studio that embodies quality, consistency and pride, and offers a sterile, safe, comfortable, artistic environment to its customers. Nominated multiple times for the Best Tattoo Parlor in Rhode Island and Best Tattoo Artist in RI.
You may contact them for an appointment for a tattoo at (401) 683-5680 and of course walk-ins are always welcome.For more information, please visit our home page at
www.inflictinginktattoo.com
