Mod 3: podcast

Podcast Event EssayPodcast Event Essay
Tattoos are a remarkable thing. Permanent, live changing symbols embedded into your body and in your soul for your lifetime. Yet, they have such a negative and controversial background. Personally, I have no tattoos but a majority of my family and friends do; I always ask the meaning behind each inked artwork and each one tells a story. My sister has “hope” in Japanese on her right shoulder; she says it gave her strength when her biologically father left her stranded. My other sister’s favorite tattoo is a grenade in the shape of a heart exploding, this is to give her guts to know that guys, love, and relationships are not what makes you and that you control your heart and destiny. If these personal decisions on body modification are a reflection of who you are, then why are they looked down upon? Why do we grow up in a country that strives off of expression, personality, and individualism, but we cannot get jobs or respect with a symbol on our bodies? People need to be mature and accepting because it is not our duty to judge others, we need to learn how to respect their self-expression.
In Michigan, we all know the economy is bad. But I wonder if it plays a role in the profits and use of tattoos and piercings. In no matter what economical condition, beauty parlors, tanning salons, and weight loss centers will be open, does the same thing apply for tattoos? This year, the annual tattoo expo show in Kentucky reported that up to 60% of those who attended got a tattoo (Hall). Hall reports that the nation’s bad economy plays no superior role in tattoos. He adds that people will invest money into their bodies no matter what, tattoos are no different. He says that most people get tattoos “on special occasions,” and they are always willing to invest money in their bodies, tattoos are no exception. The owner of Lost and Found Tattoos, P!nhead said himself that the economy is not affecting his business and he and Jeremy believe that Michigan can be broke as ever, and people will always want to modify themselves physically. P!nhead wonders that in a few years the economy will change, however. Being so close to a college campus, will Lost and Found Tattoos feel a drought as younger people try and save money, or are you always young and dumb? I’m sure a majority of people with tattoos got them done and a younger age, so maybe the economy won’t play a role at all. A blog user from the site everytattoo.com asks this very question, will the economy effect tattoo and piecing sales. He personally feels that some tattoos will be modified for money reasons, big ones minimized smaller and some customers just not coming in anymore. But his responses say otherwise. The television show Miami Ink has a new season coming; everytattoo.com reports on it saying that now tattoos are “mainstream, more and more people are flocking to the shop to get ink” (Miami Ink.) Personally, I do not think the economy state will ever directly affect the tattoo industry because people will do what they want with their bodies at any cost. Another personal opinion I have on the economy’s relationship to tattoos is the fact that tattoos and piercings have been taking place throughout the course of history; they will not simply stop or suffer because a few states are not making secure bank.
As I mentioned, people will always waste money on selfish, self-modifying things. However, tattoos are a lifelong commitment. They can represent something; give you hope and faith; and they can remind you of your past and your future. If this is truly the case, why would the economy effect tattoo’s sales. You can morph your body into anything you want, and you have control of your body. Do what you want with it, and not what others want. Personally, I cannot wait to get my tattoo; I want my dad and my grandpa’s name. I want to honor them for the rest of my life. People often don’t look deep enough to realize that tattoos can be positive. Tattoos and piercings are an art form; they are personal reflection of whom they are on.

I have two very good friends, “big brothers” if you will, who own and work at a very successful tattoo shop in Ysipilanti. P!nhead is the owner and main tattoo artist. He has several employees and interns, Jeremy is one of them. I interviewed both of them and asked them numerous questions pertaining to their industry. The first interview was with P!nhead, then with Jeremy.
Me: How long have you been in this industry and what made you want to get into it?
P!nhead: I started about November 1998 and I really wanted to get into tattoos and piercings for the groupies. Just kidding, I wanted to express people in ways that they normally cannot, I wanted to make art and to make a difference in someone’s life unconventionally.
Me: What are the pros and cons to doing this every day?
P!nhead: Well for starters, what I make in a day some people make in a week or a paycheck. But every day is different; some days I come home short of a profit. Also, this is a field that is always growing and expanding once you get into it there are jobs everywhere. It is all expressive, no one can say “that’s not good enough,” or “this is not up to our standards “because everything is self-reflective. The cons are this job is not for everyone, sure the hours can be great, like sleeping in every day, but it is demanding on time. You have to deal with people who think they know what they want or exactly how to do it, but I am the professional and sometimes they aren’t right.
Me: Tattoos and piercings usually have negative stereotypes, what are some that you see, and how do you want to change them?
P!nhead: The most common stereotypes I think of is that everyone with tattoos are bikers, pirates, criminals and druggies. Some think we are “wierdos,” people who live off of pain, torture, and violence. Or that we are sadistic and Satan worshipers. My favorite stereotype is that we are all social outcasts, who isn’t a social outcast? They think that we tattooist are just junkies who couldn’t make it in the real world. Most of my friends in the business have been in school for years and have degrees in arts, graphic designing and similar areas. But I do want to change the way people look at us. I want them to think positively and respect our art-
Me: How does the location of your shop influence what types and “sterotypes” of people that come in?
P!nhead: Well, since we are off of Eastern Michigan we get a lot of younger people coming in.
Me: Does Michigan’s economy play a role in the amount of business coming through?
P!nhead: No, not at all. A tattoo isn’t like getting a new shirt, you either really want one, or you don’t. People will always pursue what they want.
Me: Finally, what do you want to get off your chest about tattooing and piecing?
P!nhead: I want people to stop asking me what I want to do in twenty years. I have a wife, children and a successful business. I am an artist. They look at this as a hobby but it is my life.


Me: You are a new intern at the shop. Why did you want to get into this field?
Jeremy: Well, originally I just needed a job. I moved back to Michigan and the economy, well, sucks. P!nhead’s a great friend and I soon realized this is what I want to do forever.
Me: What are your goals and dreams for tattooing?
Jeremy: I want to become different and always evolve. I want to do crazy things with this art and not be so conventional.
Me: Are they any pros and cons to the job?
Jeremy: Well I could make lists about pros; they people I work and deal with, the hours, the money, and the personal expression. But as far as cons go, I really have nothing. I love doing piercings and can’t wait to start tattooing.




Work Cited
Garcia Sr., Justin"P!nhead". Personal Interview. 15 November 2008.
Hall, Gregory A. “Expo shows the draw of tattoos doesn't fade in tight times” Draw of tattoos doesn't fade in tight times (24 November 2008) 24 November 2008.

TylerDurden. Online Posting. 17 October 2008. 24 November 2008.
Miami Ink Season 3. THE TATTOO PARLOR IS OPEN: MIAMI INK RETURNS FOR A THIRD SEASON ON JUNE 12 25 November 2008. < http://www.everytattoo.com/miamiinkseason3.html>