The Ink Link: I appreciate the art, but I’ll leave tattoos to the youth

The Ink Link is an ongoing project at CN&CO that showcases tattoos in the workplace. One of the great things about a tattoo is it goes against the commonly-held viewpoint that “what you see is what you get”. There’s a misguided belief in certain quarters that in order to be a working professional, it is categorically impossible to have a tattoo… because how can someone with a tattoo be a professional? We are putting paid to that perception through the stories showcased in the Ink Link. If you or anyone you know would like to be featured, please get in contact with us.

This edition of the Ink Link is by CN&CO admin goddess, Penny Hickinbotham.

Brothers in arms: Penny’s sons, Warren and Craig, sporting their tats

Well, I never thought I would say that I now like tattoos – but when both your sons have a couple, you have to change your mind!

Obviously back in my day, only sailors and bikers seemed to have tattoos and both these groups of people – and in particular their behaviour – left little to be desired. This created a stereotype in the minds of many in my generation, and one which for me has lasted years. Only now am I shedding this view.

Today things have changed. Tattoos are far more acceptable and everybody from doctors to lawyers to waitresses have their personal stories or journeys illustrated on their skin for all to see. A tattoo is a very personal thing and the fact that it is with you forever means that a lot of thought needs to go into what you have done. Having said that, and seeing some tattoos out there, I’m not sure everyone puts as much thought into it as I perhaps would.

Would I ever get a tattoo? Probably not, although my son has urged me to do so on more than one occasion. While I can now appreciate tattoos for the amazing artwork they are, and the personal story they tell, I think for me at least, I’ll leave tattoos for the youth.