Why do people permanently ink their bodies?

Whether you love or hate them, tattoos are a significant part of artistic expression among all ages. Some people cover their bodies in ink, while others hate the idea of permanently marking their skin. Some tattoos represent something important or meaningful, and some have absolutely no meaning at all. So, what exactly makes someone want to ink their bodies permanently?

Although tattoos can be found on people of all ages, they seem to be a significant part of the college community. Students who had completely sworn them off can now be seen sporting multiple tattoos. Professors who you could never imagine having a tattoo, have had them since before you were born.

Psychology professor Dr. Karl Kelley, for example, has a tandem bicycle tattoo, though he did not have a great experience getting it. “It’s like a cat scratching sunburn,” he said. “Although, I don’t regret it because it’s something that is meaningful to me. It reminds me of the best times with my son.”

There are a thousand different reasons why someone would get a tattoo. To get a better perspective, here’s a look into why some people on our campus community decided to permanently express themselves through tattoos.

“Well, I guess my tattoo means a lot because my mom’s first tattoo was a rose too. She took me on my 18^th birthday and paid for me to get it done because it’s the same as hers. We are best friends, and it’s a physical representation of our relationship.” Olivia Smith, ‘21

 

“There are two reasons that I chose this tattoo. First, my nickname back in high school was ‘alien.’ I wasn’t always picked for groups, so a bully at my school started calling me an alien. Eventually, my friends helped me embrace the nickname and turn it into a positive thing for me to embrace. Second, the alien is Kif from the show “Futurama.” I related to this character a lot when I was 15 and living on my own; I would come home and right away turn on “Futurama.” I got this tattoo because Kif and “Futurama” got me a through a tough time in my life that others couldn’t see.” Kallie Pifko, ’21

“I wanted a tattoo because… well, I don’t actually know why. I just like tattoos. I chose this tattoo because Mighty Car Mods, a YouTube channel focused on DIY car modifications [that]inspired me to start working on my own cars and to create a hobby out of it. They are a huge inspiration.” Michal Steczek, ’21

 

“I don’t have a tattoo right now, but I want one. The tattoo I want is the childhood cancer ribbon, and it will have my sister’s name on it. She had leukemia when she was in preschool until she was in, I believe, fifth grade. My mom got the tattoo as well. I thought that I would do it too because she went through so much pain when she was little.” Greg Williams, ’21