Body art like healthcare renders strong opinions that can create heated arguments from those for tattooing and those that are against it. Some of the opinions for body art are that it’s your body and you can do what you want with it; to it being a freedom of speech and you have a right to express yourself the way you choose. Opinions against body art are that it is taboo to some religious beliefs; many parents think that it is primitive and view it as a “bad boy” or “bad girl” feat usually tied to gangs, drugs, and or rock n roll.

My own personal opinion is that if you choose to have one; think about the future before you do it. With today’s global technology people should have learned from personal experience or their friends and family that love does not always last forever. So placing that special someone’s name all over your body – just may not be a wise decision. If you are like me and have not had much success in the love forever department; you might find yourself removing several names.

Personally, I don’t like the idea of permanent ink, do not choose to endure the pain, don’t like needles or wish to risk infection; so I don’t have one. However, if I were to get body art it would be discreet, tasteful, and nothing all over my body. Again, this comes from wisdom of working in several office environments and being familiar with how Corporate America negates “what it takes to be a successful person.” Nonetheless, I respect your opinion and if you want to tattoo yourself from head to toe, by all means go for it…

With October being breast cancer month, I wanted to write a hub honoring my sister, Marilyn who lost her battle with breast cancer on March 28, ‘97. Being fairly new to the HubMob, I have been frantically attempting each week to keep up with the chosen topics. I was elated when I saw this week’s topic because a week ago, I was fascinated by the end of a news clip concerning breast cancer survivors and tattooing. Some survivors are tattooing over scars on their chests, while others are getting tattoos and body painting for cosmetic reasons.

Many times harsh radiation and chemotherapy leaves an individual without eyelashes, eyebrows, and causes severe hair loss. Some individuals feel saddened or self-conscious about their looks during this time so many have resorted to improving their looks by having eyebrows tattooed in, getting a tattoo to camouflage the area when the areola and nipple are removed during a mastectomy, and wearing human hair wigs. I guess you can surmise that breast cancer survivors are rebuilding their self-esteem and confidence by tattooing “the girls” as termed by Oprah and numerous others. Some survivors are getting modest tattoos of the pink breast cancer ribbons to remind them of their journey while others are choosing to go all out with the tattooing and body paint.

Unfortunately, no matter how much the family told my sister just how beautiful she was still. The weight gain from the steroids, and the surgical changes that this cruel disease did to her body caused Marilyn to struggle with those demons that consume you with “feelings of inadequacy.” Yes, I refer to those thoughts as demons because as women we are already way too critical of how we look and feel about ourselves when our bodies are in a healthy state. I can only imagine how my sister must have felt, but in all honesty she was truly beautiful and my hero for the six years that she survived the disease. For this reason I know it is important to always remain open-minded to new ideas. If my sister was still living and wanted to have the body tattoos done, as long as it had been proven to be safe I would support her decision 100 percent.

According to Tattoo Johnny.com there is Seven Steps to the Perfect Tattoo that everyone contemplating their first tattoo should do to avoid some common mistakes. You can read the article in detail at the link provided, however a summary of those seven steps are as follows:

1. Be in The Right Frame of Mind - Never get tattooed under pressure.

2. Your First Decision is to Select the Right Design -It should be something that you love.

3. Use High Quality Tattoo Stencils - The most important step is to make sure the artist uses the best materials available to perform the job.

4. Test Drive Your Tattoo – You can adjust for size, placement, and see what your tattoo will look like prior to it becoming permanent.

5. Finding the Right Artist - Be responsible and find a reputable qualified professional.

6. Appointment Day – The better you sit, the better your tattoo; so be well nourished and get plenty of rest the night before your appointment.

7. Caring For Your New Tattoo – No tattoo is finished until the healing is complete!