Tattoos and tattoo culture can be quite the controversial topic. On the one hand, tattoos may prevent one from being hired at a certain job or company, on the other tattoos are one of many permanent forms of self expression. To many students, however, tattoos are a necessity to expressing oneself. Many students in college have at least one tattoo, be it a big one or a small one. Tattoos are known for being very painful, but this does not seem to matter to those who desire the tattoo. The result of the pain seems far too rewarding. There are two main methods for students to achieve their dreams of having tattoos: the traditional tattoo shop method, or the stick and poke method.
I’m sure we all know how the traditional tattoo shop method works. You might make an appointment. You sit in a somewhat comfortable chair. You have your skin disinfected. They place the stencil or draw the design. Then, they take a tattoo gun and place the needle into your skin, forever marking your flesh with ink. This method is only performed by qualified professionals, and it takes quite some training to become one of these individuals. To be blunt, this is the most common, most safe, and also most expensive method.
The stick and poke method of tattooing can be qualified as something else altogether. It is basically a homemade tattoo. The artist does need any qualifications whatsoever to do this, however, all that this means is that one should be careful with where and who you receive a stick and poke tattoo from. For example, a Purchase student, Daniella Chiaramonte, gives stick and poke tattoos that are artistically unique, and, in fact, quite safe. Stick and poke tattoos are objectively less painful than the traditional tattoo shop method. Stick and poke tattoos give one the freedom to get a, usually very small, tattoo in a much less costly manner than one otherwise could. Unfortunately, it does take longer than a normal tattoo, though.
Overall, tattoos leave a lot to be said. Are they good? Are they bad? Simply keep in mind that no matter the method, one must be careful with getting a tattoo. Consider where you are placing the tattoo, who you are getting it from, and make sure that the tattooing instruments are sanitary. Happy tattooing!
