Posted on Oct 04, 2018
The Dreaded Tattoo Question…
Those with tattoos, whether they be permanent, inkbox, or temporary, are often faced with a deeply personal, even intrusive, question. What's the meaning behind your tattoo?
Those with tattoos, whether they be permanent, inkbox, or temporary, are often faced with a deeply personal, even intrusive, question. What's the meaning behind your tattoo? For some the answer is easy: a parent’s birthday, a sibling’s name, an important quote, meaningful flowers or a tribute to a furry friend. But for others, the answer can be less obvious.
It’s estimated that 40% of American adults have tattoos. It seems unlikely that every single one of these people walked into a tattoo parlor with grand notions of a quote unquote meaningful ink. It begs the question, then: why are so many people compelled to ask about the meaning of your tattoos? And, is an artistic, wacky, or random tattoo any less legitimate than a deeply meaningful one?
This dilemma ultimately bottles down to personal preference, but if you’re struggling with this debate here are some reasons to assure you that it’s 100% okay to have a tattoo without meaning:
It’s your body!
You are in charge of your own choices and your own skin. So, if you want that kitty-themed sleeve or a Homer Simpson tat on your leg (maybe even a hybrid Homer Simpson Kitty tattoo?), you should go for it!
Sometimes the experience of getting a tattoo is more significant than the tattoo itself
I have a few tattoos and one of them happens to be of a flower. This tattoo has no deep symbolic value to me, other than indicating my slightly greater than average affinity for flowers. That said, this particular piece is a reflection of the period of my life when I got it. I was living alone in Vietnam, I spoke to the tattoo artist via Google Translate (thank you Google!), and this tattoo will always remind me of the freedom and sense of adventure I felt when I was there (not to mention the pho!).
Aesthetic
Think of your body as a journal and tattoos are your story. So maybe that weird geometric pattern on your arm doesn't mean anything, but it looks badass and that counts for something, right?
Self-confidence
Whether it be scars or even stretch marks, tattoos can enhance areas you may be self-conscious about. And who says getting a tattoo to boost your self-confidence isn’t meaningful?
But what if I regret it?
If you have a design in mind but are worried you'll hate it in a decade, inkbox is here with Freehand Ink, customizable tattoos and a broad selection of semi-permanent tats that you can try out! Get a feel for your dream ink, see if your Mom passes out when she sees it and ask your friends if you've spelt "regrets" right.
Written by Rebecca Damiani