Kierston Sharp November 14, 2012 English 1101-028 Mr.

Borrero

The Somewhat Mysterious World of Tattoo Artists

Tattooing is more common now than ever before. Before its rise to pop culture stardom it was seen as a mark of criminals and those of lowly moral standing. Widespread tattoo crazes swept the world and now those individuals who provide services are seen as artists; those who obtain them are considered canvases. These people are no longer the thought of as criminals but are in fact seen as a fascinating, and at times, secretive discourse community; one which has a certain skill level only achieved by a unique kind of intelligence. On a day to day basis, they encounter many opportunities to apply their expertise in social situations. In order to explain this involvement, I will articulate how literacy in many facets, from verbal to the reading of the skin, affects the daily lives of those in the tattoo community. The art of tattooing is an ancient form of expression. The earliest tattooing has been traced back to an uncovered body found on a mountain between Austria and Italy in 1991. The man was said to be alive around 3300 B. C. (Krcmarik). He had a cross on his knee and lines down his ribs and is considered to be the earliest tattooed person. The Chinese and Polynesians were the next known people to take part in tattooing. It was done for ritual. When they came to Europe, they were seen as a mark of royalty. Only those in a high class were able to afford tattoos, thus making them prestigious. As time progressed, tattoos became more affordable and widespread, eventually earning the place of criminal reorganization.

These days tattoos are more common and widely accepted. Though in certain situations, like the business world, they are still frowned upon. Most people you see have at least one tattoo as they are sought after for more reasons than marking yourself for your particular crime or to show what social class you are a part of. Artists ensure that they know the historical facts which do not necessarily have to be about prehistoric times or ancient peoples. Vintage artists such as Ed Hardy and Sailor Jerry can also influence ones passion as well as the work they produce. (Clerk) One artist I interviewed, Brian Grayson, said that he was often asked what era of the history was his favorite or made him want to tattoo. Alot of times modern styles are just a spinoff of an original idea done years before with a little tweaking done to make it new. You have to know where you came from to know where youre going. (Grayson) Often the

authenticity of an artist is tested when questions like that are raised. He sat in the corner and caught up on his favorite magazine, Inked, to get news on the latest conventions, equiptment, and pigment colors. He commented on it saying, Just like someone who works on Wall Street reads up on their stocks, tattoo artists read their magazines. (Grayson) Professionals of any kind need to be aware of the roots of their occupation and the direction it is headed in order to ensure a future. When someone decides that they want to take up tattooing as a profession there are a few options that they can choose from. There are some trade schools but most people choose to break into the business via an apprenticeship. Getting an apprenticeship is not easy; people think that just because you have tattoos everywhere you can just walk into a shop, pick up a gun, and instantly be a master, said the other artist in the local shop, Nick Owens. There is more to it than just being able to draw. One must learn to make judgment calls such as skin condition, medications that affect tattooing, machine building and adjustment, design color and selection,

pigment reactions and variations. (Sanders) These concepts are more complex and require on the job experience. Pictures can only do so much when one will be forced to apply what they have learned on real people. In addition to abstract readings like skin, they must also read texts like manuals and legal documentation. Consent forms are to be signed by everyone before they get anything done to ensure that they are protected legally and it is in writing. While training, they learn how to write up their own forms that cover all of the major points that could lead to lawsuit. Apprenticeships can last anywhere from six months to two years depending on the natural skill level and ability to retain. (Sanders) Afterwards, one has to get their certification before they can legally tattoo anyone without supervision. Socially, tattoo artists deal with many different kinds of people from all walks of life. Tattoos are wanted as memorials, as a reminder, or even as comedy. Tattoo artists must possess a large amount of people skills. They must interact with the customers and negotiate fair pricing and get an idea of what they want. The word pain is usually associated with tattoos, giving the entire art a negative connotation because they appear to be masochists. As in any uncomfortable situation, you want the person inflicting the pain to be gentle and nice. When asked about this during our interview Brian retorted with Do you want someone rough poking you with a needle? (Grayson) They must be specialists when it comes to communicating with people. A lot of people who come in for their first tattoos are nervous and sometimes it can be difficult to persuade them to sit still and relax so that the experience is the best possible. I talk to people because it makes time go faster and it distracts them from the pain and sound of the gun. (Owens) Reading music is another literacy aspect of tattoo artists. Most people who are optical artists also have a soft spot for auditory expression. ( Schildkrout) The artists were listening to

the Beethoven Radio Pandora station while working on their pieces. One of them explained that he was a classically trained pianist and that music helped him achieve the freedom of mind that he needed to produce great work. I asked him if he felt like there was a difference between his art with and without music. Yes, I visualize the notes, I play things that sooth and relax me, and without it the pressure of having to put a masterpiece on someone can get to you. (Owens) He is literate enough in music to know what suites him and his clients situation. By playing music that did not get his first time client worked up she was able to better handle the uncomfortable feeling of the tattoo. Returned business is the livelihood; therefore, tattoo artists work very hard to keep their customers happy and coming back for more ink. While observing a tattoo shop, I witnessed a first time tattoo and a regular customer returned for more work. The first time reaction was one of exciting satisfaction and the women even stated that she would be coming back for the next tattoo she decided to get. The regular had 12 tattoos done by Brian and would not go to another shop for any of his modification endeavors. The artists in this shop conduct themselves in a manner that appeals to people, which guarantees them a means of survival. Customization is one of the biggest factors of tattooing today; it puts more pressure on the artists to input their own opinion and style into a drawing while still catering to the wants of the recipient. (Caplan) Designs were limited to the prints on the wall of the shop. There was very little detail in them as well as a small variety. Today, you can have a basic idea of what you want and leave it up to the artist to accomplish what you envisioned. Nick Owens was brought an idea for a Latin phrase while I was there. Though he did not know the meaning of it he did his research in order to know whether the font should be bold or flowing or abstract. A lot of times, being able to draw letters is much more valued in this community than being able to write them.

Later that night, he was reading a part of The Hunger Games to read the description for the mockingbird pin worn by the main character. When I commented on his choice of literature he grinned and replied with this: I need to read this description for the Mockingbird pin. . . someone wants me to do it and Id rather do it the way the author described it and not the way the director envisioned it(Owens) This represents the many artists who value words over visuals. By choosing the books description over the movies interpretation, he is able to give his customer a much more valued and unique product than they had initially expected. Literature has many forms ranging from hard text, to skin, to music. The discourse community of tattoo artists has proven, through observations, to not only be concerned with pictures but all planes of literacy. Their competence in such areas helps them to develop the interpersonal skills needed to be successful a field that brings in such a wide variety of people. It is vital not only for having the ability to do this but as I learned, also for the final product. People often have a misconceived notion that the memebers of this community are incriminant when in actuality, they have to be well rounded and cultural to achieve their maximum potential. These artists engage in literacy on an everyday basis in order to better themselves and the tattoo that manifests.

Works Cited

"Caplan, J., Ed.: Written on the Body: The Tattoo in European and American History." Caplan, J., Ed.: Written on the Body: The Tattoo in European and American History. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 Nov. 2012. <http://press.princeton.edu/titles/6922.html>.

Clerk, Carol. Vintage Tattoos: The Book of Old-school Skin Art. New York, NY: Universe, 2009. Print.

Grayson, Brian. "How Deep Does That Needle Go?" Personal interview. 2 Nov. 2012.

Krcmarik, Katherine L. "History of Tattooing." History of Tattooing. Michigan State University, Apr. 2003. Web. 12 Nov. 2012. <https://www.msu.edu/~krcmari1/individual/history.html>.

Owens, Nick. "Delving Deeper." Personal interview. 2 Nov. 2012

Sanders, Clinton. Customizing the Body: The Art and Culture of Tattooing. Philadelphia: Temple UP, 1989. Print.

Schildkrout, Enid. "Inscribing the Body." Annual Review of Anthropology. By William H. Durham and Jane H. Hill. Vol. 33. Palo Alto, CA: Annual Reviews, 2004. 319-44. Print.

Walsh, Ryan J. Painting on a Canvas of Skin: Tattooing and the First Amendment. N.p.: n.p. n.d. N. pag. Painting on a Canvas of Skin: Tattooing and the First Amendment. The University of Chicago, 31 July 2011. Web. 30 Oct. 2012. <http://lawreview.uchicago.edu/sites/lawreview.uchicago.edu/files/uploads/78.3/78_3_W alsh.pdf>.