In today's popular culture, tattoos are relatively common. Almost everyone I know that is my age either have tattoos or plan to get at least one. That alone amazes me, since about twenty or more years ago tattoos were still quite taboo. Everyone has their reasons for getting tattoos, but why did I get, and continue to get, mine?

It starts with body image. This is the case for many people who get multiple tattoos; we see a self that includes these works of art as a part of our image. Without them, I would feel less complete. Just like the jewelry, clothes, and hairstyle I wear, my tattoos are a part of the skin I'm comfortable in. This is also why the first tattoo is quite deliberate and well thought out. It sets the stage for future tattoos and the mindset of the wearer for years to come. This was most definitely the case for me.

I spent quite a while designing my first tattoo. On and off, as I thought of different or new things, I would change the design throughout the years. I wanted something that embodied what I stood for and what I loved in this world. It includes parts from my family crest, my faith, and my culture.

What finally made me sit down with an artist and get the tattoo was my mentality. My girlfriend and her family took me to the D.C. tattoo convention where I figured I would just find the right artist and get it done. Right then and there, simple and easy. Well, when you have a rather specific design, with details you haven't quite thought out, that's not the best course of action. This quickly became obvious to me. So I went to my girlfriend's artist, Rooster. He worked with me, made sure everything was perfect, then we got it done. My mentality throughout the whole endeavor was not focused on the permanence of the piece, but more what it stood for. That is why I wanted it as precise and perfect as could be, and that is what I got. That mentality is what brought me to and got me through the decision of getting my first tattoo. But what about the others?

As I mentioned, one of the reasons I get tattoos (other than body image) is culture. My family has always focused on our Celtic heritage and culture (namely highland Scottish/Pictish). I even don a kilt when necessary. In that culture, as well as the culture of my faith (Nordic culture), tattoos are prevalent. They tie me closer to my ancestors and my heritage, let alone the fact that they fit the mental image I have of myself. The subsequent tattoos I have gotten are less specific and detailed in there meaning, and more along the lines of adding to the look of the whole than anything. However, they still reflect a cultural and personal decision to look a certain way.

Lastly, I get tattoos because they look beautiful. Forget body image and culture, I genuinely love my tattoos because of they way they look and not just what they mean to me. That is the key to almost anyone getting a tattoo (at least from what I have heard); they simply “just love the way it looks”.

Tattoos aren’t for everyone, but they sure are great for me. Ink it up, my friends.