The needle never hurts any less. It’s a fact I’ve learned from my previous tattoo sessions. As I lay on my back, Austin, the tattoo artist, prepared for the task ahead. The buzzing sound of the tattoo gun filled the air, almost like an angry hornet communicating through Morse code. Taking a deep breath, I braced myself for the pain as Austin began to fill in the ink outline he had started during previous sessions. Two hours later, the pain subsided, and the art remained.
Embracing the Unexpected
When I first walked into the tattoo shop three years ago, clutching a design of an allosaurus skeleton, I was surprised at myself. As a self-proclaimed “meek and mild” person, getting inked seemed reserved for those tougher or wilder than myself. I didn’t fit the image of someone who got tattoos.
However, three years and four tattoos later, I realized how foolish that thought was. Who gets tattooed? Almost everyone. Tattoos have never been exclusive to prisoners, sailors, or soldiers. Throughout my 11 hours of being tattooed, I’ve encountered people from diverse backgrounds who have chosen to express what they love through ink. None of them have transformed into rebellious bikers and ridden off into the sunset.
Yet, despite the intricacy of the artwork or the skill of the artist, tattoos are often still seen as juvenile and immature. Without understanding the motivations behind these intimate illustrations, some people continue to hold onto the stereotype that tattoos are the result of drunken decisions made in the late hours of the night—a true indicator of loose morals.
That’s not all—there’s a long list of knee-jerk objections: tattoos becoming dull and unwelcome with time, fading and sagging with age, being seen as mutilations of the body, or even leading to diseases like hepatitis. There’s also the fear that tattoos may hinder job prospects or even result in termination. Sadly, these concerns stem from the social stigma attached to an art form that many people engage with.
The Story Behind My Tattoos
As I reflect on my own tattoos, I can’t speak for anyone else’s motivations. Each person has their own reasons for getting tattooed. For me, the ink on my body marks a life journey I never expected to embark on.
The vast beauty of the American West captivated me. The moment I gazed upon the Milky Way shining above a landscape of dark rock and juniper during a 2009 trip, I knew I had to move out there. Two years later, I settled in Utah for good, finally able to explore the painted deserts and ancient formations I had dreamt of since childhood. Although I had never aspired to be a writer, I found myself carving a path towards a career focused on the wonders of prehistoric life. I began spending weeks at a time hiking the sun-soaked stone and sand, searching for hidden traces of ancient creatures. It was during this time that I knew I wanted to honor my affinity for this world through a tattoo—an allosaurus.
I entrusted the design to Glendon Mellow, an artist with a scientific background. The tattoo showcases the great Jurassic carnivore in a classic dinosaur “death pose,” with its head thrown back and jaws wide open. This dinosaur represents more than just my love for my adopted home and the prehistoric past. It symbolizes the unending mysteries and ongoing search for signs of life within the rocks and bones that have captivated my soul.
Soon after, two other dinosaurs, ceratosaurus and torvosaurus, found their place on my right arm, intertwining their skeletons around the allosaurus. Together, they represent the three apex predators of the Jurassic strata that I have assisted research crews in uncovering each summer. As I write this, I find myself in the midst of another tattoo on my left arm—a raven and coyote skull, juxtaposed with a claret cup cactus and a jackalope (a mythical western chimera, a jackrabbit with the horns of a pronghorn). The inspiration for this latest piece came to me while walking through the desert, where the lines between life and death intertwine.
The Importance of Personal Expression
Over time, these tattoos may fade, affected by the sun and the natural changes our bodies undergo. However, touch-ups can restore their vibrancy. Even if, by some twist of fate, I abandon my life as a desert explorer, these tattoos will forever serve as intricate reminders of the chapters of my life. That’s what keeps me going back under the needle—it’s not for others, but for myself. Tattoos allow me to carry reminders of what I hold dear, injected into a body that has never quite felt like my own. They are a way for me to choose my own skin and envelop myself in the memories of the past and the aspirations for the future. Tattoos, for me, are the best way to wear my heart on my sleeve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are tattoos painful?
A: Yes, tattoos can be painful, as they involve the insertion of a needle into the skin. However, the level of pain varies depending on individual pain tolerance and the placement of the tattoo.
Q: Do tattoos fade over time?
A: Yes, tattoos may fade over time due to sun exposure and the natural aging process of the skin. However, proper care and touch-ups can help maintain the vibrancy of the tattoo.
Q: Are there any risks associated with getting a tattoo?
A: While getting a tattoo carries certain risks, such as the potential for infections or allergic reactions, choosing a reputable tattoo artist and following aftercare instructions can minimize these risks.
Q: Can having tattoos affect job prospects?
A: Unfortunately, there is still some social stigma attached to tattoos that can impact job prospects in certain industries. However, attitudes towards tattoos are gradually changing, and many employers are becoming more accepting of visible tattoos.
Conclusion
Tattoos are much more than mere ink on skin. They are personal expressions of who we are and what we hold dear. The stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding tattoos often fail to capture the depth of meaning and intention behind each piece of art. Like my own tattoos, they serve as reminders of our life’s journey and the experiences that have shaped us. So, the next time you encounter someone with tattoos, take a moment to appreciate the stories etched onto their skin. After all, in the art of ink, lies a tale waiting to be heard.
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