My tattoo journey was a very long, unplanned sequence of events filled with missteps, impulsive decisions and ultimately pain, sacrifice and significant financial output to reach my current state of satisfied completion. Some of my brethren in ink will claim the tattoo journey is never truly over, but barring some unforeseeable circumstance, the desire to add more artwork to my body has never returned. When I was in it, getting more work done was always on my mind, sometimes reaching a desperate need to reach the finish line. I know I’ve crossed that line now, because I rarely think of my tattoos except when I wish I didn’t have quite so many.
This last item is what got me contemplating, which generally drives me to write so I can get these thoughts out and finish with them, which seems to be a recurring theme for me. I think modern society has grown more accepting of tattoos and they are more prevalent in the global community, being worn by people of all ages, male and female, and from all walks of life and in every station. No longer limited to porn stars and criminals, I generally don’t worry myself about how I may be perceived for being as heavily inked as I am. However, in business, it does concern me and I am self conscious enough about it to keep them covered at all times, which means long sleeves and pants even in the hottest of South Carolina summers.
This may be a misplaced concern of mine, as it is possible my business would suffer no adverse consequences for being seen as a tattooed man, but nonetheless, I can’t shake it. So much so, that on my YouTube channel–which I started a few years ago when I found myself longing to perform again, but not willing to actually join or form a band–I keep most of the videos “unlisted” so they aren’t seen by the general populace, because my tattoos are on full display. I can’t bear the thought of losing a client or a potential client because they are part of the anti-tattoo community. Sadly, in many of my best performances, or at least the ones I judge as particularly good, the ink is out for all to see. Take this one for example, which was one of my early performances that I am very pleased with:
I am slowly trying to think of my tattoos as a part of my overall style. An accessory like a watch or piece of jewelry. Like a beard or how one wears their hair, I think the overall package is what creates the image of the person. If you are well dressed, with hair and beard combed and styled, you shouldn’t fear that anyone will confuse you with a hobo or homeless person just because you’re rocking a big beard. I hope to someday arrive at that same place with my sleeved arms, because there is some beautiful artwork on them and I paid mightily for them, in blood, sweat and tears.
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