Tattoos

[scarlett71177]

Are there any of you out there that are professionals and have tattoos? Are they visible? Have co-workers/clients/students/etc... ever seen them? Do you bosses know? Have you ever caught flack because of your tattoos

Comments

[lady_bracknell]

When I worked in the music industry, a lot of people had tatts. Tended to be more the techy or creative or front of house people than the managers, but there was never any flack, even for people with really visible ones (neck, wrists, etc etc). I've known people try to move out of music and into more corporate environments and be met with some... I guess surprise would be the word, but if you're super-skilled it matters less. I know the bf sometimes gets asked to make sure the people on-site at super posh events have 'an appropriate look' (that includes not only people with large/obvious tatts but no zany hair or clothes too). In his world it works both ways, though - he organises tatt/biker festivals and things like fetish balls where the square dressers and clean shaven are made to feel awkward too.

[scarlett71177]

I would think even the professional side of the music industry would be mostly accepting, but yeah... corporate might be something else.

I can see where the clientele at an event would make a significant difference in what is deemed appropriate- but it would be fun to shock both sides, wouldn't it? lol

[lady_bracknell]

I know a guy who was working at high-end kink/fetish events so often as a draper he bought a bondage tux, lol.

IDK if what kind of tattoo you have makes a difference too - I imagine the style of tatt in your icon at the top or a simple b/w tribal-influenced design might be more 'acceptable' than, say, a full colour flame cuff or a glittering dolphin on your neck or something.

[scarlett71177]

A bondage tux, lol. I'm envisioning going to the tailor to get that fitted. *hee hee*

I'm thinking in the education of young people, it doesn't matter what kind of tattoo you have, it's all perceived as immoral or something. I remember back in the 90s one of my teachers had a tattoo that showed occasionally, but I don't know if she ever got any crap for it or not.

I'd like to get something done on my forearms, and it would show sometimes, I'm sure. I don't know if it would be a risk to my career or not.

[moonlitwoods]

Tattoos are so common anymore that it's not the issue it used to be. In some situations or circles maybe, but not in general.

I work in a professional corporate environment, and while we're not like a law office or anything, the white collar employees abide by the "casual Fridays only" rule. But tattoos are visible on necks, ankles, calves (on women in summer), hands, etc.

One of our project managers has a very colorful horimono-style nagasode tattoo on his right arm that you can see when he folds up the cuffs on his dress shirts -- or on Fridays when he wears more casual shirts. The tattoo is GORGEOUS. He gets compliments, not flak.

*uses icon of Gaara because he has a tattoo on his forehead*

[scarlett71177]

Yeah it's strange, it doesn't seem like age is a factor- either people are okay with it or they're not.

That's awesome that people are allowed to have tats blazin' in the office. And your manager's tattoo sounds amazing!

I wonder if geography has anything to do with how accepting people are?

[kudosirony]

I have my tattoo on my wrist. Very easily seen as I mostly wear t-shirts or three quarter sleeves. When I worked at the vet clinic, only the district people cared so I'd just vet wrap my tattoo whenever they popped in. At Saks, no one cares, a lot of us have tattoos. Obviously, none are offensive, otherwise they would need to be covered. I have some people who respond negatively to my tattoo but mostly in a "why would you do that?" sort of way and not in an aggressive manner. I don't think it's ever made clients turn away from me. Every job is different but I think they're becoming more "acceptable" to a degree in the workplace. All of my bosses have known I have a tattoo and most respond positively

[scarlett71177]

Ideally I'd like to get my wrist done, but I'm thinking of moving it up my forearm or somewhere else entirely. I had at least two teachers in high school with tats, but they were the little butterfly/heart on the inside of the ankle kind of thing. You had to look to see it. I'm terrified I'd never get a job, and the market is already crap, lol. I could probably find a job in Detroit or something, but IDK how schools in the burbs would feel, ya know?

I think office jobs are much more open-minded about stuff now. It's a good thing.