Attitudes towards tattoos are changing

There have always been negative connotations regarding tattoos and those who sport them, but according to Hamilton tattoo artist Aimee things are changing.

Aimee has worked as a tattoo artist for around five years and works at Skinks.

Skinks, which was established in 1996, is one of New Zealand’s most awarded studios.

Aimee, who has 32 tattoos, said people are becoming more accepting towards tattoos.

“As little as a year ago I was working at a very corporate company and I was in a quite high position. I had most of my tattoos apart from the heart on my face and my knuckles.”

Twenty-six-year-old Wintec student Alyson Eberle has 17 tattoos and said western countries like New Zealand are more accepting.

“I’m not saying that all tattoos will hold some kind of New Zealand cultural value, but I think that Kiwis are more accepting because tattooing has had a long history in this country.

“Tattoos use to be something that we’re only acceptable by navy men or marvelled at by people going to carnivals and sideshow acts. But I do find in western countries they are becoming more and more accepted and common.”

There has always been negativity surrounding tattoos, like the ideology that those with tattoos are criminals or druggies. Eberle thinks it’s offensive that others put all tattooed people under one section.

“I know that some tattoos can be offensive, but the percentage of people who have offensive tattoos are slim because most tattoo artists refuse to do those types of tattoos. But I don’t see how my cat on my arm is going to cause any harm in a cafe.”

Eberle finds it funny that her visible tattoos haven’t stopped her finding work but have led to rejection from some stores and cafes.

“I do think placement of the tattoos that I have could impact future employment but as of now I have had no issues with finding work and I have never been discriminated in the workplace for having tattoos.

“I have on the other hand been asked to leave cafes, stores, nightclubs and casinos because I have tattoos. All places that I was willing to spend my money at have turned me away,” she said.