I have 7 tats right now, and I got my first one in 1985. In my experience, the ink acts like a "filter" of sorts. Some times, people will react negatively when they do see my ink, and that's their perogative. When this happens, I instantly kinow that I probably wouldn't hit it off with that person anyway. When people are able to look past the ink, I know that they are less interested in my appearance and might really pay attention to the matter at hand.

As far as size is concerned, some people seem to think that the large tats are trashy. You should be aware that in order for your inkwork to really show details, it has to be large. I have heard way too many times that someone wants a picture of their father, with a wreath around it, and then his name, but they want to fit it all in a 1 inch diameter circle. It just doesn't work like that.

As far as the impact on business goes, the business owner really has the final word. I have worked in several management positions, and I now own 2 companies. The last people that mentioned anything about any of my tats were the Soviet Ambassador to Iraq, and some security personnel for the President of Iraq. Their comments were based on curiosity and I ended up doing business with both of these entities.

One thought that comes to mind is that of the business customer base. If you work in the automotive industry, you are going to encounter people with tattoos as your customers. How do you feel about tattooed people standing in your showroom, writing you a check, or slotting some time for you to make your sales pitch. I have experienced "commonality" with many customers and vendors thanks to my ink. I can honestly say that being tattooed has not made any detrimental effect on my business that I am aware of.

In case you are wondering, I have a military insignia on my forearm that is visible most of the time, and the rest of my work is above the elbow or on my back.

With regard to "Tramp Stamps", It doesn't mean that a girl is a tramp anymore than it means the ink was "stamped" on. It's just a catchy name, that's all. It's not like there was an official tattoo nickname soceity that sat down and considered the need for a fully descriptive name for female tattoo work. This is just the same type of nonsense that we used to hear about in grade school, earring in the left ear means homo, in the right ear means druggie. Grow up.

And as far as going to hell, I think that people who run around telling others that they are going to hell will go to hell for that in itself.

 

Of course you didn't. As is typical, you imply.

Maybe you are naive in the outside sales world. A very good friend of mine is HUGE. Yet, he is very successful in tools sales working with distributors and business to business sales. Not to mention participating in his company's and customer's trade shows.

The distraction exists regardless.

 

I never stated or implied that I was not judgmental. It is you who offered the corrosive comments. This just happens to be an area that I believe your thoughts on the matter to be incorrect.

 

Wrecking Balm : The Devastatingly Effective Tattoo Fade System! Don't know if this stuff works, but I've heard it advertised a lot on the radio. Suppose to remove unwanted tattoos.

 

I think what I put on my body is my own buisness. I have 3 and am looking forward to more. I have one on each arm for my children. The last time that some one asked me if we were going to have more children I said no because I am out of arms.

My next one will be a memorial tat for my parents. I just havent decided on a design yet.

 

Being judgemental is something we all do. I have been condemned by many for being judgemental. Can you say hypocrit? It's a fact of life that we all judgemental in some degree or another. It may not be right, but it's true. If you're big enough to accept the decision you make, be big enough to accept the consequences too. That being said, I thought about getting a tattoo in my younger years, and the one I thought about was the confederate battle flag, and getting it on one of my shoulders. That would have brought out some criticisms from some folks, I'm sure. Never got it though.

 

No I did not. As is typical you make a snipe comment with no backup.

I do not deny that there are exceptions to every rule. As a matter of fact I pointed this out earlier.

I never said it had anything to do with "distraction", nor "implied" it. Others used the word distraction, not I.

 

I suggest you go back and read your posts. Anytime a person makes a statement about another person's positions they are making judgement calls about them. So, either judgement calls are okay, or being hypocritical about them is --- which is it?

He asked for comments from all angles didn't he? He's a grown man and doesn't need you to rescue him, does he? Should we all just hold hands, sing around the camp fire and only say happy thoughts?

So you're making a judgement call about me, correct?

Now... the picture below... if you had two equally qualified candidates and one of them looked like the guy below, which would you hire to meet with your most important customer (in a white collar industry). Be honest about it....

 

Looking at the photo above, it would be hard to not be judgemental. I bet this persons parents are proud of them.

 

That(picture) is going alittle to far...its kinda creepy.

But i love tattoos. There addicting.

 

I feel I should try to follow up on my post yesterday, even with all that is said I personaly for my own reasons would still never go with a tatoo or piercing but in reading the pro's and con's of such a decision I realize the importance that people place in regard to these things. I also realize more now that whether I agree or disagree the reasons at times that brought some one to the decision to have one to honor a loved one since departed or one that signified the unity of a group that fought for our freedom to enjoy the bounty of the greatest nation on earth or simply to say, hey this is me, this is who Iam, these are names of the most important people in my life. Iam as guilty as the next as I live in a small community out on a ranch in isolation for the most part which I love but it does allow for being critical. I do know that even though I did and do not agree with my wife's tatoo it was her decision to make for her self and it did not change how much I do love her. I guess in clossing we are all whether we like it or not have to simply remember toleration, thats a hard pill to swallow when your standing there looking at a face full of iron and ink looking back at you but there is a real living person with feelings in behind all that with most likely very real reasons for thier exspression of them selves.

 

Ironically, what I stated are supported by your comments.

You are correct. But, then again, I have never pretended not to be judgmental.

It is / was not my intent to rescue any one. It is specifically your comments that I addressed.

 

False.

Why then did throw about the label as a negative when you apply it to others?

So you shoot the messenger? My comments are based on facts. To deny that they can often have an impact of someone's career and the business world is burying one's head in the political correct sand. If you go on the attack specifically because I state some realities, then you are either in denial about the realities, ignorant of them, or just purposefully trying to stir the waters.

The stereotypes many in this world perceive about tattoo wearers are supported by data from the American Academy of Dermatology. Furthermore, the policies of many businesses, the policies of the US Marines and US Air Force, the policies of hundreds of police jurisdictions, etc. support that visible tattoos can impact your career. The US Surpreme Court has ruled that body art does not constitute free speech in the work place and is not protected.

---------------
Careerbuilder did a survey:

42 percent of managers said their opinion of someone would be lowered by that person's visible body art

81 percent of respondents think piercings in places other than the ears are unprofessional

76 percent of respondents believe visible tattoos are unprofessional

Why display something that lowers your standing with your employers?

----------

Some data from a study conducted by the American Academy of Dermatology:

Those with tattoos:

1. Are more likely to have been jailed.

2. Are more likely to be a heavy drinker.

3. Are more likely to be using drugs.

4. Among students: to be suffering from depression and having two or more sexual partners (gee, the tramp stamp name came about for no reason....)

5. Are 4 times (400%) more likely to have dropped out of high school than the general public.

6. Are 50% less likely to have a bachelors degree.

7. 9% were drinking or under the influence of drugs when getting their first tattoo.

Do a Google search on "tattoo policies" if you think there isn't a negative career and social implication. The US Army is one exception, it relaxed many of its policies because its desperate for recruits.

Draw your own conclusions rather than attacking the messenger.

 

Can you please answer my question concerning the man pictured? What about the other examples I made (bone through the nose, body odor, etc.)? Will you go on record about them?

 

I am Orins wife Michelle and I am proud of my tatoo and I was not on drugs or drinking at the time of when I got mine. I wanted one since I was 13 and I had to wait till I was 18. Then I had to find a tatoo parlor that I felt comfort in. I was 29 when I got mine and it is one of my family names on it with a heart. But also I only had one partner and that is my husband that I love dearly. Also I nevered been in jail. Plus I did graduate from high school. So I guess what is the problem about a tatoo? You guys that are against tatoos have to grow up.