Branding

Several years ago, I hated the idea of tattoos. I would find myself telling my boyfriend, "You can't put a bumper sticker on a Porsche." As time progressed, I starting finding beauty in the tattoos around me; from television shows to top-rated celebrities. Needless to say, tattoos are everywhere.

The infamous Mike Tyson tattoo from The Hangover I and II movie

 Kat Von D from the television show LA Ink

Popular hip hop rapper Lil Wayne

"You can say anything that you want with a tattoo. It can be simple and sweet, or it can have hidden meaning behind it. . . Be who you are-but do not limit the person that you will become and the opportunities that you will have down the road." (Porter, 2012).

Sources:

Porter, H.C. (2012). Tattoos - A Form of Self Expression. Retrieved from http://hcporter.hubpages.com/hub/Tattoos-A-form-of-Self-Expression

Verdict

I asked several friends on Facebook what their opinions were on tattoos. The verdict?

Sample

Every Friday the 13th, countless tattoo shops nation-wide offer $13 tattoo specials.

Suggestions in Florida:


Chrome Lotus - Orlando
Studio 13 - Cocoa Beach
Atomic Tattoos - Tampa

Is getting a tattoo something you would like to cross off of your bucket list? Friday, July 13, 2012 is only a few months away. Find a location near you that offers $13/Friday the 13th tattoos!

Fear

The first thing someone asks me after they see my tattoos is typically, "Why would you want to voluntarily put yourself through so much pain?" Surprisingly, tattoos are not wretchedly painful (trust me, my pain tolerance is considerably low). A tattoo feels as if someone is hitting you repeatedly with a rubber band; not too painful, but more-so annoying.

Worst Tattoo Customer, Ever!

On the contrary, there are a plethora of people who cannot say the same. . .

Development & Progression

"If you are thinking about getting your first tattoo, but are unfamiliar with the process, the thought might meet you with anticipation. Fear of the unknown can sometimes hold us back from doing things we really want to do. You might be concerned that it will hurt too much. You might be worried that you wouldn't know if the artist was doing something wrong." (Hudson, 2012).

Inspiration is half of the battle. Once you find an idea that is meaningful, it is essential that you research your prospective tattoo artist. Experienced tattoo artist will have an established portfolio or website showcasing their best style and pieces. In addition, tattoo styles have an expanding range.

What is your favorite tattoo style?

Sources:
Hudson, Karen (2012). Getting a Tattoo - The Process Step by Step. Retrieved from http://tattoo.about.com/od/tattoo101/ss/tattoo_process_8.htm

Inspiration

What inspires you?

We all acquire inspiration in our own way. Whether that inspiration is a picture, artwork, a significant other, a book - what does the word “inspiration” mean to you?