Nowadays, tattoos are far less taboo in the workplace than they were a decade ago. According to Fox News, 21% of individuals in the U.S. have at least one tattoo, with 14% sporting more. Yet, 25% of them have expressed regret for their chosen design.
Nothing is more embarrassing than having to deal with a tattoo of your ex’s name on your bum or a poorly-outlined emoji on your hand. While there are a handful of removal methods available on the market, you might be better off without a tattoo you know you’ll hate. When selecting a design, here are a few tips to consider before going under the needle.
Tip 1 – Decide, But Take Your Time
Tattoo designs should never be a last-minute decision—nor should they be a drunken one. Not every design requires a cinematic backstory, but it should evoke an emotional response.
Take the time to explore designs online and work with an artist to develop a piece you know you’ll love. If you’re set on a quote, ensure that there aren’t any misspellings in your design. Be extra careful with foreign text—look up their meaning or consult with a professional.
Tip 2 – Pick the Ideal Placement
The decision-making process doesn’t end when you select a design. You’ll also have to think about placement. While you might be a fan of visible ink, your employer—or parents—may not feel the same. If you need to cover up your tattoo in the workplace, avoid placement on the neck, hands, or calves (if you wear a skirt).
Also, keep in mind how your tattoo will look as you age. If you’re toned in your twenties and decide your flat abs are the perfect spot, they may not look the same in the next thirty years. When your skin sags, so does your tattoo.
Lastly, consider how much sun exposure you get regularly. If you’re a beach bum, a highly-exposed tattoo might fade quicker than you’d anticipate. As a rule of thumb, protect your tattoo from UV rays with at least SPF 30 sunscreen.
Tip 3 – Think About Your Career Options
While only 4% of employees face discrimination in the workplace due to a visible tattoo, not every employer is as lenient as the next. Healthcare and law, for instance, aren’t too fond of tattooed employees.
On the other hand, the U.S. military is remarkably forgiving of tattooed individuals. As per Army Regulation 670-1, there is no limit to the number of tattoos an individual can have in the army. With that in mind, soldiers cannot have neck, hand, face, or neck tattoos. Furthermore, the military doesn’t permit racist, sexist, or derogatory tattoos.
Conclusion
You’ve probably heard it before, but we’ll say it again—tattoos are permanent. Thus, you’re going to want to walk out of your favorite tattoo shop with a design you know you’ll love decades down the road.
Want to work with some of the best tattoo artists in Buffalo, NY? Pay us a visit at Lucky Deville Tattoo Co, and you’ll walk out of those doors with a tattoo you’re proud of.
