Tattoos--No Longer A Stigma
For the longest time tattoos have carried with them a certain negative reputation and stigma. Tattoos were once considered a sign of rebellion and defiance and borne by those who chose to live life on the edge. Early on in the industry, tattoos were only found on thugs, military men, and ex-cons. In fact, many states made tattooing illegal, leaving artists no choice but to do their work out of motorcycle shops and bars. In the early days of the industry, both the artists and those getting tattooed had to be extremely careful and secretive out of fear of being caught, a punishment that carried with it a hefty fine and possible jail time.This only added to the "edginess" of getting a tattoo which is exactly what enticed and attracted most people.
The tattoo industry has come along way since then and tattoos are now more socially acceptable and popular than ever before. Locating a tattoo shop or artist is no longer as difficult as it once was due to an estimated 20,000 tattoo parlours nation wide. With annual tattoo conventions and gatherings taking place all over the world, this industry has come along way from its once humble beginnings. So how did this once rejected and ignored culture make its way into mainstream society with such overwhelming acceptance and popularity?
One of the biggest influences on the tattoo industry was its acceptance into pop culture. Today, many A-list celebrities, as well as top selling musicians have tattoos. In fact, some of Hollywood's most elegant and fashionable women have decided to get tattoos. The same passion for tattoos has also made it's way into the world of professional sports as many of today's most celebrated athletes have gone "under the needle" to get their ink. As if actors, musicians, and athletes weren't enough, the tattooing industry has also made its way into the ever popular world of reality TV with programs such as Ink Masters, LA Ink, and Best Ink.
While there is still an association attached to those who are tattooed, it is no longer a negative. Today tattoos are just as common among doctors and teachers as they are on bikers and construction workers.Tattoos are now looked at with admiration and appreciation for the artwork and designs.The days of underground tattooing may be in the past, but the tradition and origins are still revered, cherished, and respected.
The tattoo industry has come along way since then and tattoos are now more socially acceptable and popular than ever before. Locating a tattoo shop or artist is no longer as difficult as it once was due to an estimated 20,000 tattoo parlours nation wide. With annual tattoo conventions and gatherings taking place all over the world, this industry has come along way from its once humble beginnings. So how did this once rejected and ignored culture make its way into mainstream society with such overwhelming acceptance and popularity?
One of the biggest influences on the tattoo industry was its acceptance into pop culture. Today, many A-list celebrities, as well as top selling musicians have tattoos. In fact, some of Hollywood's most elegant and fashionable women have decided to get tattoos. The same passion for tattoos has also made it's way into the world of professional sports as many of today's most celebrated athletes have gone "under the needle" to get their ink. As if actors, musicians, and athletes weren't enough, the tattooing industry has also made its way into the ever popular world of reality TV with programs such as Ink Masters, LA Ink, and Best Ink.
While there is still an association attached to those who are tattooed, it is no longer a negative. Today tattoos are just as common among doctors and teachers as they are on bikers and construction workers.Tattoos are now looked at with admiration and appreciation for the artwork and designs.The days of underground tattooing may be in the past, but the tradition and origins are still revered, cherished, and respected.