As an artist, I can say from a personal perspective that we see the world a little differently than most. Art is expressed in all forms and seen in all forms.

I've always wanted tattoos. From an early age I couldn't wait for the "pretty pictures" to be on my skin. Now, tattoos have developed a much greater meaning and purpose, symbolizing self-expression and creativity. I have three tattoos, each expressing something different about me.

On my left wrist I have a circle of white daises, accented by small blue and purple flowers. This tattoo represents my grandma, who passed away from blood cancer years ago. Daisies were her favorite flower, and by having them encircling my wrist, my lifeline, I keep her close at all times.

On my right forearm I have a cursive quote of Vincent Van Gogh's saying "Normality is a paved road: it's comfortable to walk but no flowers grow on it." to represent my own ideals of transcending ideas of normality, but also to tie into the flowers that I already have around my left wrist.

On the inside of my right ankle bone I have my third tattoo, a Norse symbol for "create your own reality" which symbolizes my desire to take action in making the decisions necessary to succeed and achieve my goals.

It's hard to believe that someone can look at artistic expression as something that marks unprofessionalism in a workplace environment. On so many occasions I have talked to individuals with tattoos who have been denied job opportunities because they have visible tattoos, whether it be on the arm, wrist, or neck. Anything that can't be directly covered up by business casual attire is designated as inappropriate and therefore non-hirable.

The main question: Why are individuals with tattoos seen as less qualified than those without?

The answer: It is simply based off of the stereotype of normality. Anything deemed as unusual is turned away, especially in professions that are clean-cut in the image and individuals they hire, such as medical professionals.

How do my tattoos make me less qualified to do a job? How they do impact my ability to work in the same manner as an individual with no tattoos?

The answer to these questions are obvious, but the results are still consistent, with those who have visible tattoos being denied job positions.

Art should never be treated as a negative. Any individual is entitled to their right of self-expression, and therefore should not be penalized in a workplace environment for cosmetic appearance. Ink doesn't affect character. Break the stereotype.