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To Dye For
Tattoos are big business as mainstream America embraces body art.
By Melissa Adams Published: July 21, 2005
It was a sea of walking, breathing art, and the canvas du jour was human skin. The occasion was the Body Art Fair, held this past May at the Orange County Fair and Exposition Center. Here, with electric needles buzzing like locusts and heavy metal tunes competing for airtime, tattoo aficionados and body artists gathered for two days of seminars, contests and mutual admiration.
Manning a booth for the Worldwide Tattoo and Piercing Directory was Margo Bennett, editor of a publication that lists venues around the globe practicing an art form that’s seen explosive growth in the last 10 years.
“People are very proud of their tattoos today,” says Bennett, who’s been editing the guide to studios, artists and events related to body art since 1993. “Especially since 9/11, they’re using them to tell their story and to say something meaningful about their lives.”
Tattoos, which began drifting from the biceps of drunken sailors and outlaw bikers to celebrity midriffs and collegiate ankles about a decade ago, are now finding increasing acceptance in white-collar ranks. If the latest Saks Fifth Avenue catalog is any indication, they’re compatible with au courant fashion targeted to upscale shoppers. On nearly every page, models sport ink.
Ancient art
The practice is hardly new. According to some scientists, a mummified human body from about 3300 B.C. bears the first tattoos. The term “tattoo,” from the Tahitian “tattau,” meaning “to mark,” was mentioned in James Cook’s records of his 1769 South Pacific expedition. Because tattoos were considered exotic in 18th century Europe, tattooed Indians and Polynesians drew circus crowds.
According to Glove Guy owner Rob Lavariere, who’s been selling latex gloves and anesthetic creams to tattoo artists for the past 10 years from his Huntington Beach shop, the movie industry launched the recent explosion of interest in body art. “Thank God for Hollywood,” he enthuses. “When the stars get tattooed, everybody wants to.”
Back in the ’60s, it was hard rockers like Janis Joplin and Greg Allman who beamed a message of rebellion with tattoos. But when Cher, a prominent singer and Oscar-winning actress, flaunted ink in the ’90s, the practice began to shed its tawdry image and morphed from skin graffiti into “art.”
In the ensuing decade, such admired thespians as Angelina Jolie, Charlize Theron and Nicholas Cage have brandished skin art. There’s hardly an NBA star who’s above distracting fans from missed free throws with tattoos. With supermodels, playmates and pop icons like Christy Turlington, Kate Moss and Rosie O’Donnell as role models, is it any wonder you can’t stroll through a mall without spotting “tatts” on people of all ages?
Local needles
At Newport Tattoo, artist Kareem Masarani says he’s busier than ever these days. A nine-year veteran of the art, he’s needled doctors, lawyers, professional athletes, salespeople from Tiffany’s and even a 70-year-old grandma. On a recent Saturday, he’s focused on a butterfly on Jill Brown’s forearm, an appendage already adorned with starfish, stars and flowers.
“I got my first tattoo when I was 16,” recalls the 20-something Hot Topic employee, an aspiring buyer at the alternative clothing shop. “Now I’m working on a sleeve,” she reveals, referring to a full arm of images.
The practice is addictive, confirms Pierrot Cameron, assistant controller at Fari. “I had a Chinese symbol of liberty tattooed on my shoulders when I was going through a divorce two years ago,” says the 41-year-old single mother of two. “Now I have eight tattoos of things that are important to me.”
Personal expression ranks high on the list of motivational factors for braving the needle. Ten years after she had a flower etched on her ankle, Irvine teacher Amada Bustamante added her twin daughters’ names to the design. AMP Art Director Tom Jackson, now 33, has made annual treks to tattoo parlors since his late teens. His inventory includes a phoenix on his left forearm in memory of his deceased brother.
“Tattoos are the norm now,” says the Costa Mesa resident. “They’ve never hindered me in interviews or affected my career.”
Tattoo taboos
The jury’s out on whether tattoos are taboo in today’s workplace. According to a survey of 500 employees and managers on Vault.com, a career research website, 55.5% of employers have no policy on the practice.
Tattoos won’t keep you from getting a job at Bank of America on Via Lido in Newport Beach. “We have no restrictions on that,” says Manager Kevin Dodson. “Many associates here wear all kinds of personal art, and that wouldn’t be a factor that would sway my hiring decision.”
If you want to work at Wal-Mart, be prepared to cover images deemed violent or profane. And forget about cashiering at McDonald’s if you won’t wear your inky heart under your sleeve.
While much depends on workplace culture, employment advisors counsel job candidates to keep body art under wraps during interviews. “You never know who’s going to interview you and what their preconceptions might be,” advises Laura Kovach at The Creative Group. “Until you get a feel for the work environment, keep tattoos covered.”
Colleague Pete Zutshi agrees, urging applicants to avoid loud jewelry, perfume, bright colors, tattoos and anything else that distracts from personality, skills and experience. “Young applicants mistakenly equate showing tattoos with personal expression, despite the fact that they’re pretty conventional these days,” she observes. “Just like you wouldn’t talk about religion, politics or other topics that convey personal opinions, don’t flaunt tattoos.”
Such advice could be prudent for a whopping 36% of 2529-year-olds and 28% of adults in their 30s who have tattoos, according to a 2003 Harris Interactive survey. Having paid an average of about $100 an hour for body art, such Gen-Xers’ career paths presumably extend beyond bank robber or petty thief.
The Harris poll uncovered rampant prejudice among those with undecorated skin, who perceive tattoo owners as less attractive, less sexy, less intelligent and more rebellious than the unadorned a potent argument for being coy about what might be under those long sleeves. Despite negative perceptions, more than a third of those with tattoos said having one makes them feel sexier, while 26% feel body art boosts their attractiveness.
As tattoos have become more mainstream, the tattoo industry has matured. The National Tattoo Association, founded in 1976, now places increased emphasis on safety and professional standards. Since 1992, the Alliance of Professional Tattooists (APT) has been holding seminars and disseminating advice to educate shop owners on critical health and safety issues.
While there’s no official census of tattooed Americans, Dennis Dwyer, an APT director, confirms sharp industry growth in the past decade. From 1,800 members five years ago, his organization has expanded to around 3,000 today. Local artists like Michael Keith at Balboa Tattoo and Justin Warn at Costa Mesa Tattoo report a steady increase in business and a demand for better art.
“It’s not so much a garage thing anymore,” says Keith, who engraved a koi fish on his lawyer some six years ago. “We have better inks and techniques, and we take classes to qualify for state certification.”
Mainstream or avant-garde, the most burning question about tattoos today might be one related to the old chicken and egg dilemma: which came first, today’s low slung jeans or the ubiquitous design peeking out of them on the lower backs of trendy co-eds? OCM
Melissa Adams heads WordGeisha, Ink. She welcomes your feedback and ideas for covering the OC retail beat at melissa@wordgeisha.com.
RETHINKING INK
So you defied Mom and had that fire-breathing dragon tattooed on your arm when you were a rebellious teen. Now you’ve got a crack at your dream job, and you’re worried your symbol of youthful self-expression could hinder your chances. What to do?
First, comfort yourself that you’re not alone. According to a 2003 Harris poll, 17% of Americans regret getting a tattoo. Next, take action: cover it up with long sleeves or give Dr. Tattoff a call. Using technology that disrupts tattoo pigment to allow the body to absorb it naturally, laser tattoo removal specialists at the firm’s Irvine offices can clear or significantly fade tattoos you are tired of.
At $99 per visit, and with numerous visits normally required for removal, the process is not cheap, quick or painless. But with your new job in the bag, you’ll be glad you didn’t resort to bleach and a Brillo pad.
Dr. Tattoff, 15374 N. Alton Parkway., Irvine: (888) 828-8633. OCM
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It was a sea of walking, breathing art, and the canvas du jour was human skin. The occasion was the Body Art Fair, held this past May at the Orange County Fair and Exposition Center. Here, with electric needles buzzing like locusts and heavy metal tunes competing for airtime, tattoo aficionados and body artists gathered for two days of seminars, contests and mutual admiration. Manning a booth for the Worldwide Tattoo and Piercing Directory was Margo Bennett, editor of a publication that lists venues around the globe practicing an art form that’s seen explosive growth in the last 10 years. “People are very proud of their tattoos today,” says Bennett, who’s been editing the guide to studios, artists and events related to body art since 1993. “Especially since 9/11, they’re using them to tell their story and to say something meaningful about their lives.” Tattoos, which began drifting from the biceps of drunken sailors and outlaw bikers to celebrity midriffs and collegiate ankles about a decade ago, are now finding increasing acceptance in white-collar ranks. If the latest Saks Fifth Avenue catalog is any indication, they’re compatible with au courant fashion targeted to upscale shoppers. On nearly every page, models sport ink. Ancient art The practice is hardly new. According to some scientists, a mummified human body from about 3300 B.C. bears the first tattoos. The term “tattoo,” from the Tahitian “tattau,” meaning “to mark,” was mentioned in James Cook’s records of his 1769 South Pacific expedition. Because tattoos were considered exotic in 18th century Europe, tattooed Indians and Polynesians drew circus crowds. According to Glove Guy owner Rob Lavariere, who’s been selling latex gloves and anesthetic creams to tattoo artists for the past 10 years from his Huntington Beach shop, the movie industry launched the recent explosion of interest in body art. “Thank God for Hollywood,” he enthuses. “When the stars get tattooed, everybody wants to.” Back in the ’60s, it was hard rockers like Janis Joplin and Greg Allman who beamed a message of rebellion with tattoos. But when Cher, a prominent singer and Oscar-winning actress, flaunted ink in the ’90s, the practice began to shed its tawdry image and morphed from skin graffiti into “art.” In the ensuing decade, such admired thespians as Angelina Jolie, Charlize Theron and Nicholas Cage have brandished skin art. There’s hardly an NBA star who’s above distracting fans from missed free throws with tattoos. With supermodels, playmates and pop icons like Christy Turlington, Kate Moss and Rosie O’Donnell as role models, is it any wonder you can’t stroll through a mall without spotting “tatts” on people of all ages? Local needles At Newport Tattoo, artist Kareem Masarani says he’s busier than ever these days. A nine-year veteran of the art, he’s needled doctors, lawyers, professional athletes, salespeople from Tiffany’s and even a 70-year-old grandma. On a recent Saturday, he’s focused on a butterfly on Jill Brown’s forearm, an appendage already adorned with starfish, stars and flowers. “I got my first tattoo when I was 16,” recalls the 20-something Hot Topic employee, an aspiring buyer at the alternative clothing shop. “Now I’m working on a sleeve,” she reveals, referring to a full arm of images. The practice is addictive, confirms Pierrot Cameron, assistant controller at Fari. “I had a Chinese symbol of liberty tattooed on my shoulders when I was going through a divorce two years ago,” says the 41-year-old single mother of two. “Now I have eight tattoos of things that are important to me.” Personal expression ranks high on the list of motivational factors for braving the needle. Ten years after she had a flower etched on her ankle, Irvine teacher Amada Bustamante added her twin daughters’ names to the design. AMP Art Director Tom Jackson, now 33, has made annual treks to tattoo parlors since his late teens. His inventory includes a phoenix on his left forearm in memory of his deceased brother. “Tattoos are the norm now,” says the Costa Mesa resident. “They’ve never hindered me in interviews or affected my career.” Tattoo taboos The jury’s out on whether tattoos are taboo in today’s workplace. According to a survey of 500 employees and managers on Vault.com, a career research website, 55.5% of employers have no policy on the practice. Tattoos won’t keep you from getting a job at Bank of America on Via Lido in Newport Beach. “We have no restrictions on that,” says Manager Kevin Dodson. “Many associates here wear all kinds of personal art, and that wouldn’t be a factor that would sway my hiring decision.” If you want to work at Wal-Mart, be prepared to cover images deemed violent or profane. And forget about cashiering at McDonald’s if you won’t wear your inky heart under your sleeve. While much depends on workplace culture, employment advisors counsel job candidates to keep body art under wraps during interviews. “You never know who’s going to interview you and what their preconceptions might be,” advises Laura Kovach at The Creative Group. “Until you get a feel for the work environment, keep tattoos covered.” Colleague Pete Zutshi agrees, urging applicants to avoid loud jewelry, perfume, bright colors, tattoos and anything else that distracts from personality, skills and experience. “Young applicants mistakenly equate showing tattoos with personal expression, despite the fact that they’re pretty conventional these days,” she observes. “Just like you wouldn’t talk about religion, politics or other topics that convey personal opinions, don’t flaunt tattoos.” Such advice could be prudent for a whopping 36% of 2529-year-olds and 28% of adults in their 30s who have tattoos, according to a 2003 Harris Interactive survey. Having paid an average of about $100 an hour for body art, such Gen-Xers’ career paths presumably extend beyond bank robber or petty thief. The Harris poll uncovered rampant prejudice among those with undecorated skin, who perceive tattoo owners as less attractive, less sexy, less intelligent and more rebellious than the unadorned a potent argument for being coy about what might be under those long sleeves. Despite negative perceptions, more than a third of those with tattoos said having one makes them feel sexier, while 26% feel body art boosts their attractiveness. As tattoos have become more mainstream, the tattoo industry has matured. The National Tattoo Association, founded in 1976, now places increased emphasis on safety and professional standards. Since 1992, the Alliance of Professional Tattooists (APT) has been holding seminars and disseminating advice to educate shop owners on critical health and safety issues. While there’s no official census of tattooed Americans, Dennis Dwyer, an APT director, confirms sharp industry growth in the past decade. From 1,800 members five years ago, his organization has expanded to around 3,000 today. Local artists like Michael Keith at Balboa Tattoo and Justin Warn at Costa Mesa Tattoo report a steady increase in business and a demand for better art. “It’s not so much a garage thing anymore,” says Keith, who engraved a koi fish on his lawyer some six years ago. “We have better inks and techniques, and we take classes to qualify for state certification.” Mainstream or avant-garde, the most burning question about tattoos today might be one related to the old chicken and egg dilemma: which came first, today’s low slung jeans or the ubiquitous design peeking out of them on the lower backs of trendy co-eds? OCM Melissa Adams heads WordGeisha, Ink. She welcomes your feedback and ideas for covering the OC retail beat at melissa@wordgeisha.com. RETHINKING INK So you defied Mom and had that fire-breathing dragon tattooed on your arm when you were a rebellious teen. Now you’ve got a crack at your dream job, and you’re worried your symbol of youthful self-expression could hinder your chances. What to do? First, comfort yourself that you’re not alone. According to a 2003 Harris poll, 17% of Americans regret getting a tattoo. Next, take action: cover it up with long sleeves or give Dr. Tattoff a call. Using technology that disrupts tattoo pigment to allow the body to absorb it naturally, laser tattoo removal specialists at the firm’s Irvine offices can clear or significantly fade tattoos you are tired of. At $99 per visit, and with numerous visits normally required for removal, the process is not cheap, quick or painless. But with your new job in the bag, you’ll be glad you didn’t resort to bleach and a Brillo pad. Dr. Tattoff, 15374 N. Alton Parkway., Irvine: (888) 828-8633. OCM |
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