Spring Break
To tattoo or not to tattoo
Ashley Abernathy
Issue date: 9/30/08 Section: Features
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For some, the idea of a permanent image on their body seems tempting, but for others, the idea of ink on skin or disapproving parents is discouraging.
ECU student Valentcia Cooper opted to get a tattoo, citing a personal decision that she thought about months before actually committing to it.
"The time I realized I was going to get my grandmother's initials was when she was in the hospital," said Cooper. "I wanted something to remember her by and I will always have this [tattoo] no matter where I go."
Cooper is one of many who get tattoos that imply love for significant others.
According to Matt Kerley, tattooist at Skin Grafix in downtown Greenville, many of his customers come in wanting memorial tattoos for deceased loved ones or religious meaning.
"Many have their own personal reasons," said Kerley. "But, some people just get bored."
This can be the case for most students, especially freshmen, who come into the tattoo shop.
Alex Freed, a junior at ECU, got her first tattoo two years ago.
A palm tree, which is on Freed's hip, signifies her life at the beach. She created the design and believes it carries meaning and memories of where she grew up.
"I had been seriously thinking about getting a tattoo for about four months when I got to college," said Freed. "I knew I didn't want it to show and I had no idea what I wanted, just that I wanted one."
The idea of professionalism in a career setting may attribute to many students getting tattoos in easily concealed places like the hips, back and feet.
According to Kerley, the ribs are the most popular place on the body to get tattoos right now, especially for girls.
Kerley says he sees around eight to 15 people on his busier days, which show that tattoos are just as popular as ever, even with apprehensions by some.
Piercings are equally as popular, with nostrils and tragi becoming the common place to wear jewelry, according to Kerley.
While tattoos and piercings are appealing to some, there are some who refuse to get marked up.
Freshman Carrie Adams has decided to keep her body free from ink or holes for religious reasons.
"It's [tattoos are] going to be there forever and I wouldn't want it when I'm older," said Adams. "I don't even know what I would get."
There is much to consider when deciding to get a tattoo or piercing. Factors include pain, parents' opinions, religious reasons, permanence and cost. On average, most tattoos start at $50 and increase up to hundreds of dollars, depending on size and location.
To tattoo or not to tattoo? The decision is up to you.
This writer can be contacted at features@theeastcarolinian.com.
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