Different people, different tattoos & reasons

With over 10 tattoo studios in Lubbock, many tattoo artists believe their work is slowly becoming more mainstream. People are getting tattoos for a variety of reasons, whether it is for sentimental reasons, expressing one’s faith or just getting something to express one’s interests.

Justin Adkins, a tattoo artist at Big Buddha Tattoo Parlor, said he believes tattoos are becoming more common for different reasons.

“We always joke that it’s [tattoos] not just for sailors and prostitutes anymore,” Adkins said. “It’s not uncommon for parents and their kids to come in and get tattooed together, and that most of our clientele are 18 to 21-year-old girls who come in to get tattoos.”

Adkins said the popularity in young adult tattoos shows, such as L.A. Ink, have contributed to the exposure and publicity of tattoos. He said it contributes to why tattoos have become more mainstream.

“They’re colorful, and they’re bright…”

However, the reasons for getting tattoos differ from person to person. Adkins said none of his tattoos have any sentimental value, and he never tattoos fads or lover’s names onto his body.

“I don’t have a single tattoo on my body with sentimental value.  I don’t have a tattoo on my body that means anything at all,” Adkins said, looking at his inked arm. “They look cool, they’re colorful, and they’re bright. I like them. It’s pretty much how I roll. You know what I mean?”

To other people, such as Marlon Kraus, tattoos take on a sentimental and emotional role.

“I’ve been kicked out of college twice,” Kraus said. “This one that I have, here on my shoulder, represents a new beginning.”

“A cool thing to do…”

Kraus said his other tattoo, which has his family members’ initials, represents family unity and is a way to remember his family. Although many people get tattoos for different reasons, Kraus said that a lot of people get tattoos because it’s the “cool thing to do,” and it is trendy.

Justin Adkins said the most important thing someone can do before getting a tattoo is to research and be completely sure about the design. Adkins said he questions whether the age of 18 is too young to make lifelong decisions, and said a lot of people end up with bad tattoos because of insufficient research.

“You have to know what you want,” Adkins said. “Do you really know what you want when you’re 50, when you’re 18?”

Read on to get information about Lubbock Tattoos>>>

Want to get inked?

1. Big Buddha Tattoo Studio

www.bigbuddhatattoo.com – (806) 741-0112

2. Inkfluence tattoos

inkfluence.com – (806) 744-8282

3. Identity Ink

identityinktattoo.com – (806) 741-1465

4. Death & Taxes Tattoo & Body

www.lubbockink.com – (806) 771-3645

5. Esparzaz Tattoo

(806) 632-4660