Tattooing has been practiced for many centuries in many different cultures. The earliest known tattoos date back to around 3000 BC in Egypt but were found among tribe groups from the Polynesians to Taiwan, Phillipines, Borneo, Africa, South America, Japan, Cambodia and Europe. Tattooing in the Western world as we know today, grew it’s origins from the Polynesians and the discovery by eighteenth century explorers. This is when the practice grew popular among European sailors before crossing the ocean to North America. During the war era’s, tattoos were left to sailors and criminals before eventually becoming mainstream.
Tattoos have been growing in popularity over the past few years, especially with reality TV shows such as Miami Ink, LA Ink, Ink Masters and Tattoo Highway. While tattoos used to be a rare sight, it’s almost becoming a rarity to find someone without a tattoo.
I got my first tattoo when I was freshly 18, a series of stars going across my hips. It was a spur of the moment decision but one I haven’t regretted so far. I did have to hide it from my parents for a long time since they didn’t approve. Shortly after, I let a friend who was apprenticing to become a tattoo artist tattoo an anchor on my foot. It was another spur of the moment decision and it turned out horribly. I was really embarrassed of it for the longest time but now I embrace it and plan on getting it touched up to look a bit nicer in the future.
Since discovering my tattoos, my Dad started to show an interest and for my 21st birthday we went to get tattooed together (we’re still working on my Mom who still hates them, but you never know!). Now every year, my dad and I go to the Calgary Tattoo & Arts Festival together to check out the various artists, art work and culture that goes along with it.
Last year I decided it was time for a new tattoo, a design I had been planning for a couple years already. I booked myself time with an artist during the tattoo festival. This was the biggest piece I have had done and definitely the most painful. A grueling four hours later and I was ready to hobble out of the convention to show off my new ink.
I’ve found that once you get your first tattoo, you develop an itch for more. It hasn’t even been a year and I’m already anxious to get more work done! I think this is how so many people end up having full sleeves or their entire body covered, it becomes an addiction!
If you don’t yet have a tattoo but are considering getting one, there are a few things I recommend you consider beforehand.
- Pick a reputable artist and shop. Make sure you do your research with your artist. Find someone whose style and personality matches your ideas, who has lots of experience and does quality work. Ensure that the shop you are getting tattooed in is safe and sanitary. If they are reusing needles, run away!
- Choose your design carefully. While tattoo removal is an option, generally tattoos last a lifetime. Choose something that means something to you and that you will continue to appreciate as you grow older. There’s nothing worse than regretting a permanent piece of art that you have you carry around. My personal rule for getting a name tattooed on you is to save it for the deceased or your children. Relationships can change over the years and you just never know what can happen. There’s nothing worse than having that ex-girlfriend’s name stuck on you forever!
- Consider tattoo placement carefully. While tattoos are becoming more acceptable, some employers may still have policies on visible tattoos. If you keep your tattoos in areas that can easily be covered, you won’t have to worry about losing out on job opportunities on the chance your employer’s appearance policy doesn’t allow visible tattoos.
I want to hear from you! Tell me about your tattoos if you have any, or what you would get if you don’t!
The Ink Addict,
Becky
Kelsey MacDonald
