Tattoos, like many things in life, can be brought on by an experience, an influence or sometimes just pure boredom.

Tattoos are a preference and, like fashion, they make a statement. They can be a meaningful symbol of a personal experience or just an act of spontaneous adventure.

Whatever the reason for getting ink done and whether or not it is bold or subtle, a tattoo reveals part of an individual’s sense of style.

Most of us may know tattoos as something we brand our bodies with to remember, reflect or personalize a part of who we are through art. But how did this famous art form begin?

The word “tattoo” derives from a Tahitian term “Tatu” which means to strike or mark. History takes us back to Egypt, with the original look of tattoos stemming from the Greeks, Thacians and Britons. It has been a form of fashion and expression for hundreds of years and today it has adapted to the latest technology.

Lately, the concept of tattoos as fashion statements has exploded through the media and into cultural mainstream.

Shows such as Miami Ink and L.A. Ink display the lives of tattoo artists. Kat Von D, a highlighted tattoo artist in both shows, has made her assortment of full body tattoos into quite the statement, and her popularity has most definitely influenced people of all kinds into sporting some ink.

Just as trends come and go in fashion, so it goes with tattoos.

We are all aware of women getting the tattoo on the small of their back which was all the rage once upon a time. But people today are getting more creative with what and where their tattoos are.

Although tattoos may go hand in hand with love, sex and rock ‘n’ roll, it’s not just a stereotypically rebellious act.

Singer Rihanna collaborated with designer brand Gucci and UNICEF for an accessory line called “Tattoo Heart” this year. The star tattoos on the back of her neck inspired the design for a line of handbags, wallets and jewelry for the public to experience and, hopefully, buy.

Another appearance of tattoos in fashion is the popular collaboration, which you may love or hate, between famous tattoo artist Don Ed Hardy and French designer Christian Audigier. Don Ed Hardy is known as the “godfather of modern tattoo” for his sophistication, depth and sense of experimentation.

The popularity of the tattoo-inspired designs has created other labels stemmed from this one such as Paco Chicano and Affliction.

“With Ed Hardy, Christian not only created a brand, but a lifestyle of street couture,” states www.donedhardy.com.

“Sailor Jerry,” a label created by tattoo artist Norman Collins, states: “Every one of Sailor Jerry’s designs reflects an extra level of depth, some detail that communicates more than the content would indicate.”

His clothes definitely have an “out at sea” feel, featuring anchors, boats and ships in a clean and bold style.

Much like fashion, tattoos are a form of artistic expression and can be as powerful as the clothes on your back. It is all a matter of how you want to be perceived.

Asking a few people around campus about their opinions of tattoos, one student said: “Tattoos are a reflection of a person’s personality.”

“Tattoos represent a sense of who you are through your creations,” another student claimed.

Although tattoos are permanent and can’t be interchanged like each season’s new items, they can still remain classic in the meaning and thought of each design.

Being able to personalize a work of art onto your own body is definitely something to make a statement about.

Published in Volume 64, Number 10 of The Uniter (November 5, 2009)