Tattoos are a taboo subject, by and large. Among Millennials, it's commonplace to find some girl sporting a vibrant flower upon her wrist, or a young man adorned with the snaky, fires of his tribal tattoo (meaning unknown).
In a community populated by older, weathered, and oftentimes unfavorable opinions from both older generations looking down on the art and the youths of today still making up their minds, it's obvious one thing is certain: the style is still a gray area, and with that fogginess comes the misconception that either all tattoos are "good" or "bad".
To get them, or not is to sit through possible hours of someone repeatedly poking you with a metal stick. This hasty generalization oversimplifies the very complex mythos behind tattooing, and exactly what those tattoos mean in relation to where we've chosen to place them.
1. Tribal Tattoos
Tribal tattoos are akin to wearing stylish clothes: you want to look good, not look like you're trying to look good. People with these tattoos are usually conscious of their physical appearance, very direct in conversation, and have simple, yet attainable goals for themselves. Often, tribal tattoos have curves and angles that highlight the human form and therefore tend to be worn by people who don't mind clocking hours into gym time.
2. Names
Names, bar anyone taking a quick stroll to their local law offices, are a pretty permanent thing, so combining a pretty permanent symbol of someone with the permanence of a tattoo means one of two things for this person: they have either put a lot of thought into this, and really want this tattoo, or they haven't thought at all about it. People with name tattoos either over plan or, more likely than not, like to live in the moment. These people are thrill-seekers, passionate, and probably highly idealistic.
3. Face Tattoos
There's no judgement here but believe me, don't PO someone bearing ink on their face. I won't lie, I was WEAK when I got my first tattoo, a tad nervous and more than a little jumpy. It didn't hurt going through the skin and meat of my chest but damn, you definitely felt when it hit the bone; now imagine that happening all over your face?!?! Someone willing to go through that ordeal is serious and committed to their actions, and believes they speak louder than words. They're probably seen as more standoffish than most, but at their core, are more philosophical and artistic than at first glance. Also, they're probably less traditional, not going for your standard "white picket fence" living arrangement, and may hold job credentials you didn't even know existed!
4. Full Sleeve Tattoos
First of all, I'd say they're among the more stylish, brave, and outwardly confident people you might meet. Having a tattoo showing almost constantly is a big step to take, and those who did it know perfectly well that not everyone will see their decision my way. Therefore, these people have a rebellious streak, tend not to care one way or the other about popular, public opinion, and are in turn very opinionated themselves on issues and values close to them.
In any case, marking your body in a very permanent way is a huge change no matter what the art is. Whether it be a tattoo of a small constellation or a full portrait of Gramma on your back, be proud of your ink, or the choice not to. Either way is a choice you've made and, if you're comfortable and confident in making it, feel empowered by that. There's nothing "good" or "bad" about getting a tattoo; it just is. The sooner people realize the art is just an extension of the human body, and not something to be judged, the better.
