Whenever I see tattoos or piercing I can't help but think that these people are covering up for a lack of personality and are terrified everyone will find out they're actually quite boring.
I am living proof of this.
Just a douchebag hiding behind tattoos. Anyone who has met me can testify it to be true.
It's different for everybody, but for some people it seems as though it's a hobby. Just like how metal is a hobby for many of us. They talk about artists, symbolism, themes etc and the next big trend just like how we discuss metal here. Know a few people who do suspension, and though I personally don't understand, they feel some sort of "out of body euphoria" from it. There are probably a few people who think it's cool and just do it for that, but there are way more people who see it as art.
Edit: I do get what you mean, though, because sometimes it does seem to be a huge fashion show. But am speaking for the really passionate/artsy ones i've came across.
It is. It is an appreciated art form, just like music. I love to talk artists with people, compare pictures, study the style etc. Just like music. Some people, like myself, are into it. Some arent. I do however hate all the hype tattoos have gotten within the last few years. If not for the sole fact that artists are charging 50% more, tattoo shops are almost as common as dispensaries, but most of all, because I get sucked into some stupid ass conversations because of my tattoos. Like some dumb drunk sluts who want my opinion about getting a koi fish tattoo, or some bro wants talk about his big plans for his
epic sleeve. Its cool, I get it. It just gets really fucking old. But, then you meet someone whos real, and has some sick shit and you spit game. Makes it worth it.
But yeah, suspensions...Ive wanted to suspend for years but Ive been looking for the right person/setting...And in LA I just cant seem to find what Im looking for, yet. Yeah, there are plenty of people hosting events where there are suspensions, but it just seems like something that needs to be treated with more reverence, respect and an attitude of ritual. Not just suspending in some dude's garage bro.
Yeah I'm with FD. I mean if someone's a douche and talks about the same tattoos or piercings they've had for years all the time - I have witnessed this - it's one thing, but just having them doesn't mean they're trying to prove anything.
Im not trying to proove shit with my tattoos, but know plenty of people that are. I know of a lot of women, personally, and I blame Suicide Girls.
But seriously, not every heavily tattooed individual is not trying to proove shit or hide behind their tattoos.
With me, all of my tattoos have a specific meaning. (Yes im gonna get cliche for a moment) They are memories and images that im constantly reminded of marking a certain time in my life.
Now I never got anything done for the thought of, "Oh, that would look cool". Yes, I wanted them done by a good artist, so they came out well, because fuck if Im gonna carry it around might as well have it look good...
But what the fuck do I know? Im just a slack jawed yokel.