By Tana Burkhart
Entertainment Editor
Getting a tattoo, while sometimes part of a long-held plan, is one of the common decisions today’s college students are making.
Sam Hoover shows off some of his ink.
“Students see a lot of stars with tattoos,” says Lori Kelley, assistant director of Campus Life. “They see it all over social media and think it is cool.” Kelley also attributes the decision to the fact that students are finally away from their parents and have freedom to choose what they do. She warns that students should put thought into the decision, and go to a clean and reputable facility.
“I started thinking about what I wanted when I was 12 years old.” Says Sam Hoover, journalism major. “My dad went with me to get it when I was 16.” The tattoo Hoover is referring to reads “Adopted 03-30-08” representing the date of his salvation. Hoover has 6 tattoos now and plans to acquire more in the future.
Here are some things to think about before making the decision to get a tattoo.
- Research tattoo parlors– Do they have the proper credentials? Are the credentials displayed? Can you access the health records for the parlor? Is the facility clean? Do they use single use needles? Do you know of any individuals who have gone to the business for their own tattoos, and what are their stories/opinions?
- Decide what you want– Choose the tattoo you are wanting to get. Decide if it is something you will want on your body for the rest of your life (tattoo removal is expensive and painful). There are websites that can provide tattoo ideas, and even some that allow you to order a temporary version to try out.
- Choose the placement– Decide where you want to place your tattoo. Will you be able to cover it if needed? What career field are you going into and what are the tattoo rules/guidelines in that field? What will your parents/family think? What will the particular area of the body look like when you get older? Will aging cause the tattoo to lose much quality?
Some tattoo shops in the area include:
- Joplin
Flat Line Ink- 417-553-7768
Old 66 Tattoo- 417-781-6666
Blacklist Ink- 417-782-2500
Electric Art- 417-623-1905
- Neosho
Body Art Pros- 417-451-6055
Ozark Ink Tattoo Emporium- 417-451-7546
The Music Center /Inkwill Tattooze 417-451-7038
- Springfield
Next Generation Tattoo & Body Piercing- 417-889-9130
Eternal Tattoo- 417-877-8282
Ink Slingers- 417-864-8350
Kaleidoscope- 417-889-4465
- Northwest Arkansas
Odyssey Tattoo- 479-254-9270
Centerline Tattoo- 479-631-8282
Nevermore Tattoo Studio- 479-444-8287
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