Thinking of getting a tattoo? While some may cringe and think, 'Ouch!??And that thing is on forever!' others may simply need more information about this historical and popular form of body art before they make the decision to mark themselves for life.
According to Dave Marshall, professional tattoo artist at Blue Lotus Tattoo, 461 W. Gilman St., evidence of tattoos on the bodies of mummies shows tattooing as body art has existed since the beginning of mankind.
Historically, tattooing was mainly reserved for royalty, said Brian Jansen, owner of Capital City Tattoo, 1349 Williamson St.
'It was after the patent of the electronic tattooing machine in 1896 that tattooing became more available for common people. Before that, it was more of an exotic thing to have done.'
According to www.geocities.com, sailors have always been big patrons of tattooing, 'from the earliest Polynesian adventurer to the modern sailors of today.'
In the 1700s, tattoos acted as exotic souvenirs for sailors journeying to new lands. The website said, 'When Captain Cook discovered the tattooed natives of the South Pacific, Cook's sailors were looking for the perfect souvenirs of their journey into foreign lands, and tattooing was the most exotic.'
With its rising popularity, trends in designs tattoo clients choose have also emerged. Jansen explained celestial motifs such as suns, moons and stars are recent favorites, but classics such as roses, hearts and lettering are always popular. Yet, every design is unique and is more than a trendy accessory, he said, 'Tattooing is more than mainstream trends. It is an art form.'
Motivation for getting a tattoo varies as much as the design of the tattoo. According to Jansen, 'For as many people that get tattoos, there are that many reasons why they get them.' Tattoos to signify events, remember something or someone or just for pure adornment can be reasons why people get tattoos, he said.
Marshall said he recently tattooed a woman who had just survived cancer and that was her reason for getting a tattoo.
'Every person who comes from a different walk of life will have different reasons,' Marshall said.
UW-Madison sophomore Tricia Nechodom had a female symbol tattooed on her hip last year on spring break in Panama City as 'kind of an impulse thing.'
'I picked [the female symbol] because it represents a lot of who I am ?? not that I'm extremely feminine, but just the power of it,' she said.
Prices for a tattoo in Madison range from a $40 to $50 minimum and are dependent on the size and place of the tattoo, as well as how long it takes to be done.
Marshall advised anyone thinking about getting a tattoo to 'do your research' and be sure to find an artist who will fit you and your design best. Jansen suggested going to the shop to see the work coming out of it before making the final decision.
'Get a feel for the place,' he said. 'This is going to be on you forever.'
