Tattoos are a permanent marks on your skin that cannot be washed off the next day.
I grew up in an artistic family where we were not judged by the way we decided to express ourselves. Whether that may be from a tattoo, a photograph or a painting, my parents taught me never to judge a book by its cover, because everything is art and art is beautiful. It is what is on the inside that truly counts.
Ever since my siblings were born I knew that I had a responsibility to them. I remember holding all four of them and that memory is something that I cherish each and every day. This memory also led me to want a tattoo so my sisters, brothers and parents are not only a part of who I am internally but visibly as well.
My tattoo was more than just a spur-of-the-moment type of thing. I knew exactly what I wanted but I was not quite sure exactly where I wanted to put it. It was the hardest part about the process, because nowadays tattoos have a negative connotation and some may argue that they are unprofessional. That could be true depending on the type of tattoo and where you decide on placing it.
The important part to remember is that it is something you will have for the rest of your life and my advice is to really think about what you want, why you want it and where will you be placing it? I also asked myself these questions because tattoos are in no way cheap. Even if you get four colored-in hearts like myself, they still charge the minimum fee, which can be more or less expensive depending on where you go.
I personally believe that tattoos should have meaning behind them because they are permanent and will never go away. That is the reason I placed my tattoo on my back.
When my twin brothers were born, I used to put them on my left shoulder and would pat their backs to help them fall asleep. Nicholas, when he was only a couple weeks old, started to pat my left shoulder back at me. After those first few times of my brother doing this, I knew that it was where I wanted my tattoo to be.
I have always heard different opinions of tattoos and views about how they may affect professionalism. However everyone is distinct and we are all unique. I personally believe that in a work place your tattoos should be covered up if they are large or inappropriate. However if they are small then I do not think it is a big deal.
Tattooing is a form of art and it needs to be respected more. For some people like myself, getting a tattoo can become an emotional and physical connection between yourself and something else.
I do want to get another tattoo, even though they are expensive. I don’t think I will be getting one for a while but it is definitely on my mind and it does hold a specific significance. I just do not know where exactly I want to place it yet.
Being conscious of your place of work or major can also persuade you to locate your potential tattoo in particular spots as well. You want to make sure this is something you are okay with looking at for the rest of your life. Again, professionalism is something I do suggest that everyone should take into consideration when debating whether or not to pursue a tattoo. My tattoo also does not show when I wear a tank top or a T-Shirt and that is something I will not have to ever worry about being an issue because you cannot see it.
My tattoo is a straight line of four hearts to represent my two sisters, two brothers and my love for my parents for giving them to me. But it was also important to me that I respect myself, who I am as a person and that I didn’t change my own views and morals because someone didn’t agree with my decision. I struggled with some other views people I knew had on tattoos as well and different people who looked down upon me getting a tattoo was difficult but at the end of the day, your body is your body and you only have control of yourself.
