History of Tattooing










Just for Me

I can't say exactly what first fascinated me about tattoos but somewhere along the way I came upon the concept of permanent body art. Mind you, no one in my family has tattoos and I definitely wasn't around anyone who had tattoos. I can't even tell you where I first saw anyone with tattoos but somewhere along the way I developed an intense interest in the art of tattoo. It's possible my interest is just an extension of my interest in art and personal expression. I have been drawing since I could first hold a crayon. The concept of tattooing seemed to fill some need for my own personal expression and maybe even as a way to rebel against the ultra conservative environment I grew up in.

At thirteen, much to my mother's dismay, I start wearing temporary tattoos basically continuously. My parents weren't to happy about it but consented so long as the tattoo was gone in time for church on Sunday. This continued through high school. During college, I began to test my independence from my parents which led to a ban on my getting a tattoo. The old "not while you're living in my house" was laid down to me and I respected my parents rule while I was living in their house. However, upon moving out on my own after college, the desire to get a tattoo was stiil going strong.

Now I was just left with the question of what and where. If I hade gotten it when I was thirteen it would have been an ankle band with butterflies or some celestial design. At twenty-one, my tastes had changed and I realized that where I placed it could have an impact on my later life. Unlike the piercings I underwent, a tattoo would be permanent. I didn't want it in a place that I might not want to have it showing later in life. I also was faced with choosing what I would permanently have on my body. With much consideration and talking with others who had already gotten tattoos, I decided to get my tattoo on my left hip. The tattoo I choose was the Chinese symbol for tranquility. Tranquility represents a sort of zen I hope to one day achieve.

However, the hard part was far from over. While I loved the idea of a tattoo, I wasn't so sure about the pain. I'd never had a high tolerance for pain and I detested needles at the doctor's office. I psyched myself up the best I could the day I went to get it. I was prepared for awful pain but not willing to back down from what I wanted over pain. To my surprise, it didn't hurt. Instead of hurting, it tickled. Upon finishing it, I couldn't believe I went through with it. I'd finally done something I really wanted that my parents were completely against. For me, my tattoo marked the end of my childhood and the start of my adult life.

I also realized a few other things upon getting my tattoo. Probably the biggest was that almost no one who knew me thought I would ever get a tattoo. A few long time friends had no problem believing it. This lead me to another discovering that I never fully pondered until I became tattooed. People have these set ideas about people who have tattoos and what they might be like. I was never really considered who people might perceive a person just because they choose to put a tattoo on their body. I am know fascinated by the attitudes about tattooing and those that have tattoos. This fascination has lead me to create this website.

My advice to others considering getting a tattoo is to think long and hard about, after all its permanent. Once you do decide to get one, do your homework about the studios in your area. Ask people where they got theirs done especially if you like the work. Check out the resources here for more information to help you in your decision. Also, be warned that they can be addicting. Once you have one, you may want another and another.

I can honestly say that I don't regret mine for a minute. In fact, I just recently got a second one.
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© 2003 Katherine L. Krcmarik • Michigan State University • Updated April 2003