Sometimes the mixed signals of our economy baffles me, but I guess it’s all in how any particular person looks at things. We here at Tattoo Blog have published numerous posts about the recession proof ability of tattooing recently, so I guess it was just a matter of time before the other shoe dropped, at least in New Mexico.
According to a recent article on KOB Eyewitness News in NM there is a rapidly increasing trend in tattoo removal. Because of the limited job market, and the fear it generates, I would not be surprised to find that the trend is quickly engulfing the rest of the good ‘ol US of A.
I am, of course talking about the increasing interest in tattoo removal. I, myself, have noticed the alarming increase in the snake oil, do it yourself, charlatans. Not only on the web, but also in various radio commercials for their useless crap. Considering that laser removal takes anywhere from six to ten sessions at $200.00 a pop, it’s not surprising that people look for a cheaper alternative. However, the hidden part of that equation is that if there were not a demand, there would not be a product.
The reason being given for the new trend in tattoo removal is, of course, the job market. According to the article, some employers are even offering to pay for the removal. With a “pay me back from your future earnings” clause I’ll bet. Still, the objections seem to be centered on visible tattoos, as in neck, hands, and facial tattoos.
Now even as hardcore as I am about my own ink, I have never tattooed any of those places on myself. I just never thought them to be a cool place to have my art. Not that I’m about to put anyone down for doing so. It is your body, your art, and I’m not about to tell anyone what to do with either. I would like to offer a small piece of advice, though.
If you do love your ink, then why not limit your tattoos to areas of your body that can be easily hidden? I understand the human need to express oneself as an individual, but what good is that if you are just going to have to pay out the ass to have it removed? Or worse, pay big bucks for some con artist’s crap cream and risk your health by trying to get off cheap?
My own ink stays, but if I want to I can hide it from a prospective employer with nothing more than a long sleeved shirt. Especially if that employer happens to be a tattoo hater. It’s either that, or limiting your prospects to jobs that don’t give a crap whether you are un-tattooed, or the second coming of the Enigma. Not a whole lot open in that field, I’m afraid.
As for the art of tattooing, it isn’t going to matter anyway. Tattooing always has, and always will be a part of the human condition to a large part of society. It may ebb and flow like the tide, but like the ocean it will always be there.
Peace out, Gang, and think before you ink. 😉