Reflection：From last month’s tutorial with Sasha, I realised the answers I get from the tattoo artists are too general. So I’ve had a further communication with one of the tattoo artists for more details. He thought that I also could have more in-depth conversations with people who have been interviewed before.
The tattoo artist kyokuto told me that he was subjected to school bullying in high school. He was over 183 cm tall in high school and he was very thin. (He is 187 cm now). So at that time his classmates would call him all sorts of nicknames behind his back, such as ‘Giant Monster’. Because in Japanese culture being tall is not something to be proud of, even if he is a boy. One day he was attracted to the tattoos and felt that each tattoo was different and so were the people. He felt that he should not be discriminated against for being tall. After that he got his first tattoo and started to try his job at modelling. He gained a lot of confidence, partly because of what the tattoos gave him and partly because he started to really think about his life. Now he is a tattoo artist and model.
Last time we talk about some people think tattoo is just an adornment on the body and a means of attracting attention for women, just like cosmetics. On this topic, we discussed it more this time. He feels it’s undeniable that some people will use this as a way to attract attention, but it’s a very small percentage of people. It costs a lot of time and money to get the tattoo removed. Apparently, people still use other ways to attract attention externally, like dressing up or hair colour.
Since I signed up for my new Instagram account, a tattoo artist liked my post the next day. I have to say that adding hashtags to posts is really useful. I immediately got in touch with the tattoo artist. And he was happy to help me with my project.
Questions：
- 1.What does tattoo mean to you? Why did you get your first tattoo?
- 2. Some people think tattoo is just an adornment on the body and a means of attracting attention for women, just like cosmetics. What do you think about this?
- 3. Do you believe tattoo has the power of belief?
- 4. Do you think tattoo will affect body image and self-esteem?
His answers:
- For me, tattoos are both fashion and determination.
That determination is unacceptable to the general public, and includes discriminatory views.
The first time I got a tattoo was influenced by my parents, seniors and artists. - I understand a variety of purposes, but in my opinion, tattoos are not just adornments on the body. Firstly it is not something that can be easily removed. So when you have a tattoo on your body, it definitely means something to you.
- Tattoos have the power of belief.
Just as you have the power to believe in God. If you think about it, the power is born there. - It affects both.
On the first day everyone gets a tattoo, they feel like they’ve gotten stronger.
This is something I feel I have changed in a good way.
The second interview with tattoo artist Daniel
I also interviewed a very famous Korean tattoo artist. He has done tattoos for many famous rappers in Korea. I’ve summarised some of his points from my conversations with him.
He says he likes to draw. And tattoos are a way for him to express his art. He is very cautious about painting on other people’s bodies. He is interested in listening carefully to people’s stories to design tattoos instead of a customer taking a random drawing from the internet and having it tattooed. Because he understands the importance of tattoos. He wants tattoos to express something that is really inside people and to give them strength.