The Inked Perspective

“When I get my first tattoo, I want it to have meaning. I guess I’m just philosophical like that.”- Some random guy at the gym that kept staring at me until I took out my headphones.

I always love talking to people about tattoos; theirs, mine, others, it makes no difference to me. If you wanna talk ink, I’m always down to stop what I’m doing and chat. Apparently, other people also feel this way, even when you are in the middle of your set at the gym. My favorite people to talk to aren’t the heavily inked, though, contrary to what you may be thinking. Don’t get me wrong, I am always in awe when I see the excellent craftsmanship that went into an intricate skull piece or seeing what I know was a painful spot. No, my favorites are those who aren’t tattooed, their virgin skin sparkling clean and their minds full of dreams or ideas.

I remember dreaming of what tattoos I would get, hell, I still day dream about what to put in the open skin I have left. What is it about the “pure skins” I love the most, you may ask? Is it the good ideas, the love of art, or the placement?

Nope.

I love that every tattoo MUST have meaning. Quite rarely do I run into someone who hasn’t been tattooed yet and they tell me they want something just because they want it. The majority of people who aren’t tattooed have been told at some point that you HAVE to get something that means something to you, for it shall be on your bodice forever. To those that believe this, from the bottom of my heart: I don’t know who came up with that, but there’s no rules written anywhere that this is the case.

Memorial pieces are great, having tattoos that mean something to you is awesome; I have several of both. However, not everything in life must have meaning. Sometimes it’s best to just see things as they are: cool as fuck. Don’t be afraid to pick some flash off the wall, or talk with your artist about something that will look dope.

Be free. Be you.

Tattoos are permanent, but our bodies aren’t. Put cool shit on them.

xoxo

-Jake