A progression into acceptance
As we know, tattoos serve many purposes. Historically, tattoos served many purposes, such as social identification, punishment or branding, and adornment for aesthetic purposes. Yet, they are often stigmatised and frowned upon, as society often associates tattoos with negative influences, social deviance, and an act of rebellion. Has the perception of tattoos changed? Does it still belong to the underworld, or has the meaning grown beyond the horizons?
Digital marketer Eva Ngu thought long before getting her first tattoo. The opinions of those around her and how she truly felt about having something permanently inked on her skin were among the many overwhelming feelings she had to consider. Back in the day, conservative minds often associated tattoos with bad influences, negative images and the underworld.
But to her personally, it was the uncertainty of what she wanted and the fear of regretting a tattoo that halted her resolution.
However, once she decided that she would get a tattoo of a flower on her left arm, she received positive comments about it. “I finally decided to get one because I was certain about the design I had in mind. Furthermore, my family members have become open to the idea and are more accepting of tattoos these days compared to 10 years ago.”
When Ngu finally got her first tattoo inked, the transition was an artistic flair that, to her, complemented her personality. She felt that the charm of contemporary tattoos makes them an accessory that many people desire.
Space Studio minimalist tattoo artist Denny said that contrary to common assumptions about having a tattoo, his clientele comprises diverse individuals from all walks of life and various professions — teachers, lawyers, doctors, bankers and more. Denny opined that it is time to debunk the myth that only gangsters and those of lowly professions get tattoos.
“Our customers range between 18 and 60 years old, encompassing a wide range of individuals. Interestingly, 70 per cent of our clientele are women, as our studio specialises in minimalism and simple designs,” he added.
The artist believed that tattoos held meaning deep in the heart. Referring to his artwork as ‘emotional tattoos’, Denny said that although labelling someone as ‘emotional’ may seem negative, regardless, emotions are what make us humans. The 28-year-old also said that ‘emotional tattoos’ can evoke cherished memories for the owner, even if they do not appeal to others.
Denny, who became a tattooist about four years ago, also shared that although people often emphasise the emotional aspect of tattoos, it is important to note that tattoos can also be purely artistic expressions.
“If a tattoo resonates with your personal style and you genuinely love it, there’s no reason not to get it. Ultimately, the decision to get a tattoo should be based on your own preferences and the aesthetic appeal it brings to your life.”
But the changes in the current tattoo scene do not stop there. Denny revealed that there is a conflict between traditional tattoos and fine-line tattoos, or single-needle tattoos. To him, traditional tattoos were designed and inked more boldly to ensure their longevity, lasting for decades and beyond.
“However, with advancements in tattoo needle technology, thinner and tinier needle configurations have emerged, allowing artists to create different styles of artwork. One such style is fine-line tattoos or single-needle tattoos. These thin needles enable artists to achieve incredibly intricate details on the skin. It’s worth noting that fine-line tattoos may fade faster due to less ink being deposited into the skin compared to traditional bold tattoos.
“When it comes to choosing between bold and fine-line tattoos, it ultimately depends on your personal preference and understanding of how the tattoo will heal over time. In the end, the power to decide the artwork for your body rests solely in your hands,” he said.
Traditional tattoos are still a favourite
With two decades up his sleeves in the tattoo business, renowned tattoo artist Jeremy Lo shared that it has always been people’s favourite pastime to decorate themselves. Having read through multiple history books about tattoos, Lo said that the purpose of tattoos varies from time to time.
“If we look back in history, originally, it was for mating reasons. At some point, someone with tattoos will look better and stronger. Then it became fashionable.
“After that, some use tattoos to mark their achievements. And also with different tribes, tattoos help identify which clan they belonged to.”
When describing having a tattoo for an individual, Lo said that it is akin to a woman putting on make-up or a man wearing an expensive suit. Tattoos are complementary and enhance the look of an individual. Some have tattoos as part of their collections from different artists.
When he first started, the 40-year-old Jeremy disclosed that tattoo design references were limited to imported tattoo magazines or the creativity of both the artist and the customer. “Now, designs are just one click away, easily available on search engines and social media.”
He added that although many prefer contemporary designs these days, tribal tattoos are still a favourite. “Most people who like ‘modern tribal’ or ‘blackwork’ would often visit my studio. I also get people who want to get something related to their tribe, as they would want to know more about their roots and heritage.”
As a tattoo artist, Lo does tattoos based only on the colour black. An abstract shadow cast upon the skin, Lo’s designs lean towards the elements of Bornean culture such as the Iban, Kayan, Penan, Kelabit, Bidayuh, Kenyah and Punan.
Tattoos as a form of expression
For whatever reason a person gets a tattoo, it remains a form of expression, a symbol of meaning that prompted the person to get permanently inked. As a tattooist who specialised in both cultural and modern elements, Blackout Tattoo Studio artist Ken Jax said that many of his clients visit him to get a tattoo to honour someone in memory or as a spontaneous decision.
“Many people decide to wear tattoos to express their artistic nature, their beliefs or their feelings. In other words, to show their individuality. Some clients prefer getting a hand-tapped tattoo instead of the usual machine tattoo when getting the traditional tattoo for the experience.” And among the countless clients that had visited him, some foreigners would engage him to get a hand tap tattoo as memorabilia.
Having been in the industry for two decades, the 42-year-old revealed that the trend to get a tattoo remains the same regardless of the era. “There is no difference in the trend of getting inked. People just get it based on what they think. And many were inspired by search engines, observing their favourite actors, actresses, and influencers. This ideology never changes, despite the years.”
People get tattoos for whatever reasons they want. Whether it is to remember someone, to motivate oneself, or to remind oneself about respective cultural roots, getting inked does not always relate to the underworld scene.
In today’s era, individuals flaunting their tattoos are a normal sight. The idea of getting a tattoo never really changed; it was only the minds of society that influenced the evolution of tattoos. People are more open-minded these days as they realise tattoos are part of the battle scars that are carried around.
Alex Sim, 29, Business Owner
“I had my first tattoo last year on my birthday. I always wanted a tattoo but didn’t know what to get or where to get one. I thought about it for a long time and finally decided to do it. It has been a year, and I have seven tattoos now. It is addictive! After I get one, I will feel that I can’t wait for the second one, so I will browse for designs online to try to fill the empty parts of my body. Each of my tattoos has a meaning. To me, if I get a tattoo that is meaningful, I won’t regret getting it in the future. Furthermore, everyone appreciates personalised elements, as it makes it seem as if they really own it. It is the same for tattoos.”
Julian Leonard Henry, 50, Chef
“I got my first tattoo on my 25th birthday. At that time, I didn’t understand much about tattoos; I just thought it was a fashionable thing to get. Through the years, I finally understood what tattoos meant, especially the Iban tattoos and their meanings. As an Iban descendant, it was through tattoos that I found out about my ancestors. I am a ‘Dau’ Iban, descendent of a warrior tribe, with my great-grandfather being Penghulu Guyang Jangka, while my grandmother is one of the founding members of Sarakup Idup. So I decided to carry the mark of my ancestors through my tattoos. By doing so, I want to continue the tradition of who I am.”
