A Work Of Art: 5 Reasons Why People With Tattoos Are Awesome

“I love your tattoo! What does it mean?” is probably a question I get several times a week about many of my wonderful markings.

I began my tattoo journey at the tender age of 15. Of course, when my parents found out about my pride and joy, I was, indeed, grounded for a dreadful period of time.

Regardless, I loved the feeling of getting my first tattoo as much as I loved sitting in the chair for my 14th.

What made me get so many, you ask? Well, some are a result of spur-of-the-moment decisions; some I had planned for years. Some were random, and many were inked on my skin for the reason of transition.

A new piece usually means something has changed or is changing in my life. Choosing to express myself with tattoos leaves me hearing statements like, “You're so beautiful; why ruin yourself with tattoos?”

But, in my opinion, my tattoos make me the beauty I am, and there are plenty of reasons why people ink are awesome:

They March To The Beat Of Their Own Drum

When I was younger, I knew I was different. Discovering my love for getting ink was almost like a relief for me.

Being unusual is nothing to feel bad about, and sometimes, I get looked at by strangers, teachers and even family members strangely because of my tattoos -- but that’s perfectly fine by me.

I got my tattoos for me, not anyone else. Life is not about pleasing others, and ink is a form of self-expression to me, just like singing or playing the piano is to someone else.

Self-Liberation

People who decide to get tattoos know the first thing about feeling self-liberated. A new piece means a new journey and a new addition to something that will be apart of you forever.

People with tattoos decide to forget the stigma of what people think when they see a visible tattoo and do it anyway.

When I get new ink added on me, I feel like I have a new piece to my crazy life story, and I did it for myself. Having a keen sense of self is something our generation lacks, and people with tattoos get them to make themselves happy.

Commitment Is Not An Issue

When you get a tattoo, you are agreeing that for the rest of your life, you will have it inked on your body. I take commitment seriously, and my tattoos go to show that I’m not scared of committing to anything.

When I get it fixed in my head that I want something, I go after it and don’t stop going until I get it. Having tattoos is a commitment you make to yourself in knowing you will never be able to part from them.

They Usually Have Badass Stories

Each one of my tattoos has a significant story behind it, and I gladly tell the stories when asked. My life is far from ordinary, and my tattoos definitely prove that.

Life is about living without doubts and doing exactly what you want. My story is different from others, but I live knowing at least I have one to tell. People with tattoos have a sense of self and obviously aren't scared to share that through their art.

A story is meant to be told; why not tell it how you want?

They Don’t Care What People Think

Sure, unless you work in a profession that does not care about presentation, you do want to have presentable tattoos. But other than that, who cares?

It’s my body, and I will do with it what I please. “Why would you put a bumper sticker on a Benz?” Well, it's my Benz and I will do what I want with it.

Other people will forever have opinions about anything you do, but they are not you, and you don’t have to care what they think. Your life is your life, and as long as you're being safe, do with it what you want.

Photo Courtesy: We Heart It