Tattoos - Their Production and Their Future

Tattoos have become "the vogue of the counterculture", spotted on the bodies of movie stars, hockey players and of course, rock stars. Over the past half century, acceptance of tattoos has skyrocketed, thanks in part to do with North America's obsession with celebrities, and in turn, their body art.

When first opened, tattoo parlours were once dingy, dirty and no "normal'' person would step a foot inside.

Modern tattoo "studios" resemble your local day spa, with bright lights, clean waiting rooms and ''appointment'' only artists - appealing to a wider variety of people.

(seen here, Megan Fox - actress, David Beckham - soccer star, Rhianna - singer, Colin Ferall - actor)

While the production side of the tattoo world has evolved in part because of advancements in technology and higher standards demanded by paying customer, a major reason for its changes can be attributed to those in power - the policy makers of the the 20th century.

Without acceptance by "'the man'', not as many of today's tastemakers (those in the public eye) likely would not have tattoos, and therefore neither would most of the general public.

Many leaders realized that if they could not control the people, they could at control how the tattoos were performed, and by who.

Today tattooing is known as the sixth-fastest-growing retail business in the United States, and it now attracts middle-class women as their single fastest growing demographic group seeking to be “inked”. Due to its prevalence tattooing is now accredited by government agencies as an art form and a profession. This practice that was once considered taboo and was for the most part largely confined to sailors and street hoodlums has now evolved into a fast growing highly prized fashion product for celebrities and millions of middle-class consumers alike.

http://www.tattooartist.com/history.html 

It has become evident that tattooing has definitely become a culture in its entirety. A home away from home, for many people. The act of someone permanently marking your body to creates a bond between artist and customer.

"Beyond just the ink and the egos Beyond the cool factor and the personas

It's about the culture and the lifestyle It's about personality and expression

It's not that we want to be rebellious, its that we dont want to conform. It’s not that we're trying to be different, its that we're still the same. It’s not that we're trying to be apart from society, it's that we want our own. The studio is not just a place to be, its a place where you can belong.

Our intentions are deeper than skin deep. As important as it is to build a business, it's equally as important to cultivate minds and raise a culture."

Now a little something for your viewing pleasures: Wiz Khalifa one of the many rappers that are "inked" from head to toe...   

 "I AIN'T ADDICTED I'M COMMITTED"- Wiz Khalifa 

**WARNING; VIDEO CONTAINS COARSE LANGUAGE**