As a fashion major, we are told to express ourselves through our appearance. I wear bright colors, bold patterns and fun shoes to show off my bubbly and bright spirit but lately I have wanted to express myself in a new way. As the younger generation grows older, the way to express ourselves starts to change as well. Tattoos have become extremely popular with my generation in the past few years. It seems like most people I know have at least one tattoo. Whether it is a symbol of something that is important to the person or a fun design, tattoos have a way of expressing ones personality as a permanent reminder.

Yes, there are still downsides to tattoos. They are permanent. They can be painful depending on where you get it. There are some tattoos that can even be a regret if you do not think it through. And for many people, the opportunity for jobs can be limited. I, being one of those people, have never considered getting a tattoo for that reason. I had always heard it would lessen my chances of landing a job. If you want to have a prestige job title like CEO or a lawyer then, yes, getting a tattoo sleeve my not be the best choice for you. But in creative fields, like fashion, marketing, graphic design or creative writing, tattoos are becoming more and more acceptable to have. According to an article in USA today, tattoos are not only more acceptable in the workplace but they have gained popularity.There are even special make-ups and ways to hide it if they are not accepted in the company. The rules in the workplaces have changed depending on the company and will continue to change as the years go on.

This runway season, tattoos were sported on some of the top models in the industry. What was once a taboo and unacceptable on models has now become the fashion statement and inspiration. Along with tattoos being on the runway, magazines have also allowed models to be photographed with tattoos. Fully tattooed bodies have been seen in multiple magazines all over the globe. The tattoos enhance the garments being modeled. They enhance the beauty of the model. These are the statements that make me want to get a tattoo.

To spare my family the heart attack, I still do not have a tattoo. However, I want one in the near future. My opinion about them has changed. They are beautiful, timeless and a constant reminder of individuality. Creativity has no limit, express it the way you want.