Tattoos in the Workplace

Tattoos are part of a counter-culture. According to my father, it used to be the only people who had them were old-school sailors, art freaks, and those who had spent time in prison. Granted, not necessarily accurate, but an average human being growing up in the mid 20th century was immersed in this type of thinking. When it comes to tattoos on employees, my father is very adamant, “no way. Never.”

It is a very different time than when my father grew up. Over half a century later it is reported by Pew Research that 14% of Americans are tattooed. With so many people with ink on their bodies, is it still fair to determine a person’s employment status based on tattoos? Writer Rachel Hennessey of Forbes, a leading institution in business and financial information, found that most companies agree that a person’s physical appearance is not nearly as important as their job performance.

Yet even as the number of people getting tattoos continues to increase and companies being for job performance over physical appearance, the New York Times reports that 61% of human-resource managers said a tattoo would hurt a job applicant’s chances. This was found in an annual survey by York College of Pennsylvania’s Çenter for Professional Excellence. Even more interesting, the 61% is up from 57% in 2011.

Now, it is understandable that an extremely visible tattoo or one offensive in nature would be a problem. A skull tattoo across a woman’s chest could be just as distracting as someone who wears a banana suit to work every day in a law firm. What is being worn might not be important, but it certainly sets a tone of professionalism. Steve Winter, president of Brotman Winter Fried, a communications & public relations company in McLean, Virginia, agrees, “somebody with tattoos that are what I could consider tasteful, if qualified, I would hire in a heartbeat.  That would not prohibit me from hiring somebody.” When asked if he takes tattoos into consideration when he is hiring someone, Winter states, 

“It's really more a matter of presentation to our client.  While tattoos are certainly prevalent throughout society, you just don't know how some clients or some organizations will relate to or respond to people who have visible tattoos, so I see having staffers with tattoos as having to be more in line with society's general acceptance.  Personally, I have no issue with one or two tasteful tats in appropriate places and most people do not, but I will admit that I would almost certain not hire somebody whose arms, lets say, are completely covered with tattoos for an account services job only because you don't know how the client will respond.”

On another side of the coin, you have the non-corporate portion of the population. The question arises: Do the same rules apply? The standard answer appears to be that it depends on the industry. Managing Director and Partner of PR at Partners Salon & Spas, Dede Castronovo speaks on her business in the cosmetic industry. When asked if PR at Partners had a tattoo policy, her response answered many questions. “Not in this industry,” Castronovo says, 

“Because we are based in an industry that is dedicated to the art of individual expression, we can not prohibit tattoos, nor would we want to. The designers (hair stylists) use their tattoos as well as their hair as a form of expression. It would not make sense to completely restrict them. We do have issues with some facial piercings, but that is a whole other topic!”

Expression is important in some industries and tattoos are used as just that, expression. The hairstyling industry is about art and tattoos also qualify as art. Castronovo was quick to say that while she is accepting of them, she has had to ask some stylists to cover certain tattoos, “sometimes they are just too much. I never say that all of them should be covered but there was one that freaked me out a little bit. I had to ask the stylist to keep it under wraps while I was around!” 

Parents in my neighborhood have even reported that they would feel more comfortable with a babysitter/nanny with zero tattoos as opposed to one that is tattooed. Does the tattoo affect job performance? No but it does have the potential to influence the children being looked after. Interestingly enough, my younger sister has been a nanny for six years and many families. She is the most sought after person to look over kids. She has two tattoos. What keeps parents coming back to her is her ability to watch children. The fact she has ink on her body does not seem to influence their view of her. They have seen her performance and they know she is one of the best. 

My older sister also has a couple tattoos. She is fresh out of college and works in the accounting department of one of the largest companies in the world. She can cover hers up. No one knows she has tattoos and she does not plan on ever letting them know. That must be the secret. If no one knows you have tattoos, you cannot get in trouble for having them. Furthermore, if they are not visible, there is no issue of distraction.

Working as an intern for a successful public relations company, I have seen no tattoos on my fellow employees at the office, but I know they have them. Conversations come up while everyone sits at their desks and it is an open discussion. At the holiday party people do not work to cover their ink. Even the upper management knows. They are not hired or fired but as long as they follow the dress code, like my older sister, no one is the wiser.

Here is what one should take from this: not hiring employees based on tattoos is wrong. One can miss out on amazing personnel opportunities because the HR person does not like the word “believe” inked on a person’s wrist. On the other hand, those looking to get a job need to respect the company’s policy toward tattoos, i.e. the dress code. Just because you are proud of the intoxicated unicorn on your forearm does not mean the client spending thousands of dollars for your tax help will. It depends on the industry and the company. Respect their policy and they will respect you for it.

Jackson Eberlin : Tattoo Artist - Marlowe Ink

Jackson Eberlin - The artist being held

Jackson Eberlin’s tattoo career chose him. He started his apprenticeship in 2001 and has been an independent artist since 2006. After working at a couple other shops he was ready for a change and started working at Marlowe Ink.  

Jackson has been in the business for over 10 years and has seen a lot. Nothing really surprises him anymore. I asked him what the weirdest tattoo was or anything that really sticks out in his mind. He could not answer. He has seen so many things over his career but says, “who am I to judge what is weird?!” Sure, there are some things he will not do. He does not tattoo faces, necks, or knuckles. Of course, it is dependent on the person. If someone is all covered in tattoos already, one more will not make that difference. If it is someone with more of a blank canvas, he will not do it. He agrees with his coworker Danny that once you do get a tattoo on your face or on your neck, you do become just a tattoo. People come up to you and always want to ask about it. It also makes it more difficult to have a more professional corporate career. Tattooing and being the cause of that difficulty is too much unwarranted stress. Jackson is covered with ink and says, “I can’t even go to the gas station or the store without people looking or asking or wanting to know. Like Danny said, people feel like they can touch you. Once I was at this tattoo convention and some guy grabs the back of my shirt. My first instinct is to turn around and throw a punch but then I had to stop and remember. It happens.  It’s part of the job really. I have become an advertisement for my industry.”

Of course, there are some things that Jackson loves to do. He is really into bold, solid work. He does do realism and portrait stuff but the more traditional stuff is where he wants to lean more as his career goes forward. “It holds true for years to come,” Jackson says, “In 20 years you will still see that what you have gotten is, I don’t know, a panther head. A rose will still look like a rose. You will still be able to tell that the tattoo is supposed to be a snake and not just a blob.” Along with people wanting celebrity inspired tattoos, recently Jackson’s clients have become more along the lines of geeky. They love comic books and video games, and they want tattoos that represent what they love.

There is nothing wrong with getting a tattoo of what you love but a client should not stress too much about it. He references back to trying to think of the weirdest thing he has seen and says, “I’ve gotten weirder stuff, more funny stuff, because once you are done with all the personal, you know, family type stuff, you have a lot of blank canvas. You start going ‘Oh this looks cool.’ Don’t put too much meaning behind it.”

To Jackson, one of the most important parts of the tattoo process is education. On both the client’s part and the artists. For the client, look at the artist’s portfolio. Look at their work. Look at what they can do. Not everyone can do every type of style. For the artists, use your experience to educate the client. Jackson says that he takes time explaining to the customers what the tattoo is going to look like years from now, “Ink spreads. Lightest colors fade fast and black holds true the longest.” The important part, for both the client and the artist, is to be smart about it.

An aspect of his career that Jackson enjoys still is the education of it all. “I love watching other artists tattoo,” he says, “I always learn something. I ask questions like, “how are you doing this?” “How did you get this effect?” There’s always something to learn. Even if it is to learn what not to do!” He is smart about it and brings all of that education into his work.

Danny Zelsman : Tattoo Artist - Marlowe Ink

Danny Zelsman - The artist doing the holding

Danny Zelsman started his career in the tattoo industry as a body piercer at 18 years old. He began his tattoo apprenticeship in 2007, and has been working as a full time artist for 3 years. After having worked for a few other shops, Danny has made his home at Marlowe Ink in Fairfax, Va where he has been for the last 6 years.

While he may not have a decade of tattooing under his belt, he has been working in shops for more than that, and has seen some trends that come and go. When asked about the popularity of tattoos among todays clientele, Danny comments that the media coverage might mislead people a bit.

"There is only about 30% of the U.S. population that is tattooed. It's still a part of the counter culture." When asked about the types of tattoos that are popular, he said that designs celebrities get, or what winds up on Pinterest, tend to influence a lot of people's decision for the designs they choose for themselves.

Danny knows it's not his choice what people get on them, and passes no judgement, but urges people to take heed when an artist says that a specific design may not be a good for a tattoo, or if they aren't the best person for the job. "Someone who does Traditional style tattoos may not be able to do realistic portraits. So, if they tell you they can't, or won't, do something, it's best to listen"

I asked Danny what style of tattoos he likes to do and he said that he "wants to be as well versed as possible. But, I have a particular appreciation for American Traditional." With bold lines, simple color schemes, and the use of black shading, Danny says "it's going to look good in 20 years" which is why he has taken such an interest in that particular genre.

When he was young boy, Danny knew that he wanted to be tattooed. He remembers telling his grandfather this at age 10, and being scolded "Tattoos are permanent reminders of temporary feelings!" Although his grandfather intended to discourage young Danny from getting any ink, they had sort of an opposite affect.

"That's an awesome phrase, and it's true. I remember exactly where I was in the world, what I was feeling, and everything else in my life at the moment of getting each tattoo. Sometimes you don't want to forget."

It's a theme that motivates Danny to keep getting more work.

If you look around his work station, you will see a collection of drawings he has made for client requests, gifts brought from clients as a special way to say "thank you", and and artwork from friends, including Marlowe Ink's manager Kim O'Keefe.

Having tattooed people from all walks of life, and for every reason under the sun, he leaves us with this advice-

"Don't put so much pressure on yourself, or the tattoo. If you fall off of your bike, get cut, and it leaves a scar, it will be with you for the rest of your life. You didn't choose that scar, what it looks like, or where it goes. But you can with tattoos. It doesn't necessarily have to mean anything, as long as it makes you smile. That's the important part"

Marlowe Ink : Tattoo Shop - Fairfax, VA

In the heart of downtown Fairfax, Va, right along Main Street, there is a tattoo parlor that is worth taking a look at the next time you are in the market for some new ink. Whether it's your first, and last, tattoo, or you're a seasoned veteran, Marlowe Ink will go out of the way to make you feel welcome. James Marlowe opened his namesake shop in 2001, and has been a staple in the Fairfax community since.

What makes a shop successful, and worth a clients time, is not the location, or building exterior, but the staff. James has been in the business for almost three decades, and has high standards for how his shop is run. With manager Kim O'Keefe taking the reins, they ensure a smooth experience for each client, by understanding the individuals needs, and accommodating as necessary.

Because of Marlowe Ink's close proximity to George Mason, Northern Virginia Community College, and Washington D.C. The clientele is diverse. They cater to everyone, from lawyers and police officers to musicians and college students. They've even seen a few local sports celebrities, from time to time. It's clear that they try to make everyone feel comfortable no matter what the circumstances may be, and with private studios, they can help ease your nerves, if you don't want to be tattooed in front of anyone, simply by shutting a door.

On a personal note- I really admire the integrity of the staff. James runs a great business, and has held high standards for his shop and artists working with him. They will not tattoo you just to make money, if they don't think the tattoo will work. And, interestingly enough, I found out they will not tattoo anything gang related, or life altering such as faces or hands. They work to educate the clients and make sure that the individuals can decide for themselves what their best option would be.

For more information about Marlowe Ink, feel free to stop in, give the shop a call, check their Facebook, Instagram, or website. They are open 7 days a week, and are ready to help you create your next tattoo experience.

Marlowe Ink

10405 Main St

Fairfax, Va 22030

703.383.0699

Www.Marlowe-ink.com

On Instagram @MarloweInkTattoo

UnTattooU - Tattoo Removal

While many love tattoos, for some people they are not what they need anymore. They represent a time in a person’s life that might have been relevant 15 years ago, but not necessarily now. Yes, tattoos are meant to be forever but “forever” does not have to mean, “until death do you part.” If you are not in love with your tattoo anymore, there are options.

For the past couple of decades, the industry standard in the tattoo removal process has been the Q-Switched Laser. It uses heat to break up the ink in a person’s skin. The laser can be uncomfortable and can take 10-20 sessions for the treatment to be complete! In the DC Metro Area, there is another way. It is a different laser and it is found just off of Maple Avenue West in Vienna, Virginia. The location – UnTattooU.

I had the opportunity to sit down with Norah Gourlay, RN, MSN, the Director of Operations at UnTattooU to discuss what makes it the place to go for tattoo removals. UnTattooU opened its doors for business in March of 2014 with two very special qualities. The first is they hire registered nurses to perform the treatments. Gourlay speaks of this as being a great asset to the company due to their education, assessment skills, and clinical expertise that you do not find in just anyone. The second is their method of tattoo removal.  It is the PicoSure Laser and UnTattooU is the only place using it in the DC Metro area.

Norah Gourlay explains:

“The PicoSure Laser is the newest laser on the market for tattoo removal. It’s also FDA approved for facial rejuvenation, fine lines, wrinkles and acne scars. For tattoo removal it is the newest technology. The older technology, which isn’t a bad technology, has been the standard for over 20 years is the Q-Switched Laser. The PicoSure uses a photomechanical action to break up the ink, so it’s not relying on heat which can cause destruction to surrounding tissue. The PicoSure is also very good with blue and green ink where previous technology did not do as good of a job removing those colors. Blues and greens can come off very easily, sometimes in as little as 3 or 4 treatments.”

Nothing is perfect and like the Q-Switched Laser, there is always a possibility of slight skin discoloration. It is true of any light-based treatment. Another thing that makes PicoSure different is it can get through scar tissue that builds up during laser treatment. Gourlay says they are, “completing treatment series for some people that have had 20 Q-Switched treatments and their tattoo has become recalcitrant. That means it is stubborn and will not get any lighter. The PicoSure can get through that to break up the ink. While it can take 12-20 rounds with a Q-Switched Laser, Gourlay averages that the typical PicoSure client only needs about 6. The Q-Switched Laser is great for all skin types though, from the extremely pale to the extremely dark. The PicoSure is great for most skin types but the testing on darker skin has not been as extensive as the Q-Switched. Luckily for their clients, UnTattooU has both lasers.

While it is more expensive than the Q-Switched process, PicoSure is much faster. It provides a quicker option for the clients that come into UnTattooU. It could be a bride getting ready for her big day, a new military recruit, someone in the corporate world looking to advance in a career where tattoos are not viewed as professional (or even allowed), or just the average Joe with an ex’s name tattooed on his arm. Anyone and everyone are welcome.

UnTattooU also works with tattoo parlors in the area. They have a great relationship with many and are looking to expand that rapport in the future. Artists send clients to them to get tattoos lightened up before another one is done. It is very much an ink-friendly business. Actually, it is a friendly business all around. Has anyone has ever walked into a doctor’s office and immediately felt like something bad was about to happen? The walls are white, the receptionist is in a closed box, and there is that one flickering light in the waiting room? Maybe that was just my doctor’s office but that is not UnTattooU. You walk up the stairs into a very warm and welcoming reception area. The receptionist is very kind and everyone is willing to answer your questions. Norah Gourlay was extremely knowledgeable and pleasant to talk to. The environment makes you feel comfortable from the warm colors of the walls to the coziness of the chairs.

If you are looking to get a tattoo removed, give UnTattooU a go. Their consultations are 100% complementary and they work to customize a removal plan specific to you, your skin-type, and your tattoo. They are affordable and work out payment options and interest free financing. Treatments start as low as $75 and if you refer a client who buys a treatment you get $100 off your next treatment. That offer is for providers as well. There is also a 10% military discount.

UnTattooU will be at DC Tattoo Expo #5 that is taking place January 16-18, 2015 at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, VA. To find more information about UnTattooU, visit their website at www.untattoou.com or on their Facebook at www.facebook.com/untattoou. You can also give them a call at (703) 255-2600. If you have a tattoo you want to remove definitely take a look at UnTattooU.

DC Metro Ink - A Brief Introduction

Washington, D.C. The District of Columbia. The capital of the United States of America, arguably one of the greatest countries in the world. It is a place of politics, education, history, and culture – a melting pot, if you will. Let's talk about that DC culture. Focus it a little more and let's talk about tattoos.

Tattoos have been around for centuries. They have graced everything from the faces of warriors before battle to the ankles of teenage girls on Spring Break. Tattoos provide an outlet for individuality. They are self-expression and self-identification.

According to a Pew Research survey, as of December 11, 2013, 14% of ALL Americans have at least one tattoo. That number is about 45 million people. Financially that is estimated to be $1.65 billion (yes, with a B!) spent on tattoos annually.

With all the tattoos in this great nation, this blog looks to focus on just one segment of that population: the DC/Metro area. With this we are going to explore tattoo parlors, tattoo artists, and the people that have ink on their bodies.

Who am I? My name is Lauren. I have grown up in the DC Metro area my entire life and for as long as I can remember I have been fascinated by tattoos. They are part of my family, friends, and coworkers alike. Am I addicted to ink? No, I wouldn't say so. I can, however, spend hours listening to people tell me stories about their tattoos. Whether it is a beautiful piece of art that takes up the person's entire back or the name of an ex-lover on the arm, every tattoo has something behind it. Tattoos are artwork and they are one of the most ultimate forms of self-expression I can think of.

There are many different parts to this project and so much fun to be had. Are you ready? I’m ready.

Let’s do this.