Tattoos: The Deep Skin Accessory

Written by: Alia Barker

Creative Director: Lauren Jones

Styled by: Lauren Jones

Shot by: Lauren Jones

Modeled by: Mia Klauberg, Aliyah Rivero, Alana Wilson, & Olivia Shipley

Tattoos serve as a kind of skin deep accessory. Unlike jewelry that can shift and change, tattoos are an accessory that truly remain embedded into a person’s everyday style. Tattoos can express sensuality, creativity, and sentimental meaning. They have a deep, rich history surrounding them across many cultural backgrounds, and they can serve as one of the most meaningful ways to leave a mark on yourself.

Tattoos are not an invention of the modern world; they are products of practices that have been around for over 5,000 years. One of the earliest records of the practice is from ancient Egyptian culture: markings were discovered on hundreds of female mummies dating back to 4000-3500 B.C.E. Historians theorize that these tattoos were designed, created, and then passed on from older women to younger women in Egyptian society. Some speculate that these tattoos were found on noble women, while others guess that the tattoos were symbols found only on "promiscuous" women. Historical and cultural evidence of tattoos can be found across Egypt, Asia, Europe, Polynesia, North America, and more–they seem to be a universal, human practice.

Tattoos can vary from culture to culture and from person to person. In traditional American culture, tattoos are often considered “unprofessional”. Lots of people avoid getting tattoos in fear of facing criticism from their employers or traditional family members. In other cultures, like Polynesion culture, tattoos are recognized as spiritual and sacred. Artistry and precision work together to create intricate designs. Each person’s choice to get tattooed may stem from a different, unique place. For some people, the act of getting a tattoo is purely artistic, they get it because it looks interesting and matches their style. For others, tattoos serve as meaningful, sentimental marks of self expression. Tattoos have historically been used as a way to honor special parts of personal identity or as a way to remember a loved one. Getting a shared symbol or meaningful phrase is a way that tattoos can be sentimental and special. The permanent quality of tattoos make them an exciting, big decision for a lot of people. Each person’s tattoos can tell a story. They are the ultimate form of visual, lasting self expression.  

Debate, discussion, and societal expectations regarding tattoos has spanned across decades. In some cultures, tattoos are considered acceptable, while in others they are looked down upon. They can be considered a form of rebellion and personal stylistic freedom. Music, fashion, and other art forms directly influence tattoo trends–people become inspired by the art that surrounds them, and this shows up in the designs they choose to get tattooed. Tattoos can be used to pay homage to the art that inspires and motivates them. They quite literally allow people to leave a lasting mark, one that’s skin deep.

If you’re thinking about getting a tattoo, do it! While trends go in and out of style, tattoos are sure to remain as a popular form of self expression and physical artistry. Next time you accessorize, think about adding this deep skin accessory to your look.