Welcome to the very first edition of BME’s Big Question! In this weekly (hopefully) feature, we’re going to ask a handful of the community’s best and brightest piercers, tattooists, heavy mod practitioners and shop owners for their opinion on one question or issue that’s affecting the body modification community. Many, many thanks to all of the contributors.
If you’d like to be a part of future editions, or if you have an idea for an issue or question you’d like to see addressed, please e-mail me.
This week’s question:
* * *
 |
| Meg Barber |
Call me old fashioned, call me “against modification” … whatever. I’ll look at you and laugh, but yes, you can be too modified for this industry.
The way I see it, the average client isn’t coming in to completely transform their body. They are coming in for a cute accessory, a nice little tchotchke to accent their face or body. They aren’t completely immersed in the modification world, nor do they wish to be. They will identify more with a piercer or tattoo artist that is lightly and attractively modified over one that is totally pierced, tattooed, and implanted.
I work in a very high end piercing spa in Manhattan. At our studio, I am the most heavily modified person on the staff. Clients really need to hear me speak before they will trust me at times, and they never believe me when I say something doesn’t hurt or whatever, because I am obviously a pain freak. Also, my mods can be a distraction — some clients are too busy staring at my earlobes to listen to what I am trying to tell them!
We carefully screen our employees before we hire them, and if we deem them to be too modified, we pass on them even if they are very skilled. We want our staff to reflect our clientele, and I know Maria really had to do some thinking before bringing me on because of my appearance.
I know it sounds a little judgmental coming from the standpoint of a heavily modified piercer working in the modification industry, but that’s the way it is with our shop, and I personally like the policy.
 |
| Stephen DeToma |
I absolutely think that it’s possible, but that’s not to say that it applies to all businesses. I think a large part of the equation involves the vision the owner of the hiring studio has for the business. It’s unlikely that a tattoo studio supplementing its monthly income through piercing would hire an individual with heavy, visual modifications. The studio I apprenticed in, which was largely a flash-based tattoo studio, fired a tattoo artist for tattooing his chin/lower lip area. I don’t think there’s any denying that there are people who operate tattoo and piercing studios across the country, people who modify people’s bodies on a daily basis, who are themselves uncomfortable with modified individuals.
It’s certainly putting all of your eggs in one basket to assume that simply because you have these modifications, you’ll be able to get a job piercing (or otherwise).
Region certainly will play a part. You may be too pierced to work at a mom and pop tattoo shop in Kansas, but the same person may have no problem finding work in Oregon, Austin or elsewhere. I think it’s important to point out that, while it’s each individual’s right to do with their body what they see fit, it’s a business owner’s right to build their business in the same manner, regardless of if anyone else likes it. A studio environment, for as relaxed and open as they typically are, is still a customer service based, retail environment that requires public interaction. Who do you cater to? Who is your client base? And what is their level of comfort?
Is it a question of approachability? The owner may be concerned with people’s ability or willingness to converse/have work done with someone bearing such strong mods. I think we all know that to judge a book by its cover is foolish, but the general public who do not operate on the same level we do from day to day, tend to shoot first and ask questions later.
Do the quality of the modifications come into play? Someone with a great deal of crooked, improperly placed piercings in their face for example, does not make a great spokesperson for the business. What about the subject matter? If you have a pentagram tattooed on your face or an upside down cross branded on your forehead, you’re sending a strong message without saying a word to potential employers.
 |
| Steve Truitt |
I think it would depend on the place they’re trying to work. Most tattoo artists are a lot more conservative in appearance than a lot of piercers, so I could see it harder for someone to get into tattooing if they look really extreme.
Many “normal” people are getting tattooed now because of TV shows like Miami and L.A. Ink. I could easily see a lot of those type of people getting scared away if they went to a studio and saw someone with giant horns and a huge plate in their lip, so if that’s the type of client a certain studio caters to, then it definitely wouldn’t work to have someone that looks that crazy working there.
On the other hand, personality can go a long way. I’ve seen quite a few heavily modified people that are extremely friendly and outgoing and have no problem making conversation and dealing with other people. Then I’ve seen a lot that are distant and withdrawn and they don’t seem to be able to relate to people and that can make people very uncomfortable, which wouldn’t be good for a working environment.
The quality of the work is also important to note. If someone is covered with very well done professional work, it shows. If they are covered in a bunch of crap they did themselves or at someone’s house or by someone who just sucks, it also shows and makes the person look that much more unprofessional. Also, if the work they have done is aesthetically pleasing to look at and fits the person then that person seems to have fewer problems dealing with people.
The Lizardman is a great example of this. Everything he has done is obviously professionally done and looks like it should be there. Nothing he has looks out of place or like it doesn’t belong on him. His intelligence and personality also play big roles in how his interactions with people go. Any time I’ve seen people meet him for the first time they go away saying, “Wow, I just met the Lizardman, he’s so cool,” etc. I’ve seen poeple meet other heavily modified people that aren’t as outgoing (I’m not going to name names here and offend anyone in particular) and walk away saying things like “Wow, that guy was crazy looking … what a freak! Why would he do that to himself? What’s wrong with him?”
So overall, it may not necessarily be that someone is too modified to work in a shop, but that they don’t fit in because of a combination of their mods and personality.
 |
| Ryan Ouellette |
I never ever in my life thought I’d get to a place where I could legitimately have a “kids these days” opinion on something, but here it is. Body modification, like all pop fashion, is just getting stupid. The problem is that “kids these days” don’t ease into modification, they jump in face first — pun intended. I don’t think that studios have a problem with modified employees, I think they have a problem with unprofessional-looking employees. In my studio we all have lots of visible mods, mostly tattoo sleeves, but I also have large gauge punched out conches, microdermals on my face, numerous piercings, yada yada. But I still consider myself to be professional-looking. As a studio owner myself, let’s say two people came into my studio with the exact same experience looking for a job. If both are heavily modified, but only one does it in a way that complements a professional look and mentality, then that’s the one I would want.
A lot of it has to do with clientele. You can look one way to do surface piercings for college kids, but you probably need to have a more subtle appearance to do $200 gemstone nostril piercings for older women. Most young people are just stupid, for lack of a better term, and they can’t imagine a world where they are 30 and need to pay a mortgage. They want to just live in their 17-year-old world and sell T-shirts at Hot Topic for $8/hour dreaming of the day they can be a super cool body piercer — and I would know. Because I did that.
I’m of the opinion that your hands/neck/face should not be tattooed or heavily modified until you have a steady career. I think that this is a profession where body modification should be embraced by both client and practitioner, but people should still treat it as a profession and try to maintain a respectable image.
 |
| John Joyce |
I don’t think it’s being too pierced, too tattooed, or too modified that keeps shop owners from hiring people. I think it’s being too covered in poorly done tattoos and piercings that keeps studio owners from hiring them.
For example: If a person has a lot of horribly done piercings or tattoos, or cheap jewelry all over their face, then it definitely doesn’t speak well for that particular person’s interest in the industry. If someone has taken the time to get 15 or 20 piercings, then by that point they should have enough interest in the art of body piercing to do some research. They should know the difference between a well placed piercing and one that looks like it was just smacked on with a dart gun. They should know the difference between a super shiny mirror finished Anatometal barbell and a dull piece from some mall store (*cough* Hot Topic *cough*). If they haven’t picked any of that up, then it shows that they really don’t care that much about this industry, or themselves for that matter, and I wouldn’t even waste my time interviewing the person. Now if someone walks in with 15-20 well placed piercings, all with super nice Anatometal, or Body Vision jewelry in them, I will immediately know that this person cares about their piercings, and put thought into them, because that’s exactly what I’d expect them to do with clients that they will be working with.
The same goes with someone looking for a tattoo apprenticeship. If you walk in and are covered with absolute shit, then it doesn’t speak very well about yourself.
The more interested you are in anything, whether it’s body piercing, tattooing or stamp collecting, the more research you should do on the subject. That research and your knowledge on the subject is what’s going to put you ahead of the 15 other people that have asked the studio owner for an apprenticeship that week.
It’s important for these people to remember that getting 15 piercings in two months, or stretching to two inches in six months, doesn’t impress a good piercer. It shows you are impatient, and not very responsible, and that is about it. The same can be said for kids getting their hands, throats, or even their faces tattooed before they have any other real coverage. It doesn’t impress a quality tattoo artist, and it doesn’t tell us you’re hard core, or more bad ass than your friends. What it does show is that you are impatient, and have put zero thought into the rest of your life.
There once was a time when tattoo artists wouldn’t do those things, and piercers cared more for their clientele. Unfortunately, this industry is full of rock stars and posting images that might make ModBlog seems to be more important these days.
 |
| Joy Rumore |
I do think that one can be “too modified” to work in a typical street shop.
A large portion of customers coming into street shops are first-timers. Most come in with groups of their friends. All minors come in with their parents if they are planning to get worked on. Before they even get into the shop, they are nervous. Often, extreme modifications or a large amount of modifications can make people more nervous if they aren’t used to being around them. Things that one is unfamiliar with are usually first interpreted as scary. They may project this view onto themselves and worry they will be classified as a “freak” even if they get a small, discrete piercing or tattoo. Some even think these heavily modified people couldn’t possibly be competent enough to perform a clean, safe procedure. Usually this is based on some fear that the practitioner must be mentally unstable or on drugs to think the way they look is acceptable and healthy.
If a minor or someone there with peers finds the extreme/multiple modifications attractive or interesting, they are often afraid to admit to their parents/peers that they are attracted to that kind of look because they will be be scolded or shunned. On top of that, parents may be more apprehensive about allowing their child to get a small piercing, viewing it as a “gateway drug” into looking like someone on the fringe of society and thus lessening their chances for a successful life. Most parents constantly strive to open doors for their children, not close them over something as “trivial” as a piercing.
Practitioners at specialty shops or custom/appointment-only shops tend to have better reactions to their heavy modifications because they are frequented by those in search of being heavily modified themselves. If those visiting specialty shops are not into heavy modification, they tend to expect seeing those who are extremely modified because these artists are often seen as “more serious” about their chosen lifestyle/career.
Day in and day out in every shop I’ve worked in (no matter what state), there are those who gasp and denounce what they see in our portfolios. I’ve always tried to educate those people and show them modifications on me so they can see that they are less scary or painful. I take more of an anthropological approach to these interactions. I explain the history and meaning behind the modifications. I try to compare personal body modification to more mainstream, accepted forms like cosmetic surgery, makeup and even haircuts. I don’t win them all, but I win most.
 |
| Ron Garza |
While I know many people will say no, I will answer with a resounding yes.
While it is true that people do come into a tattoo shop expecting to see the people working there somewhat covered in ink and some piercings, I don’t think having a very visibly modified staff is always needed or warranted. While yes, it is always better to speak from experience on things to clients, I don’t think the demand is that great for clients to know what having a one-inch lip or nostril hole is like to warrant so many people having them now.
Some cities are much more tattoo friendly than others – Denver, Atlanta, Austin and Seattle and Portland quickly come to mind. But then, traveling through parts of the south, mid west and east, the attitudes can be extremely different — even for just one-inch stretched lobes. In some of these communities where tattooing or piercing aren’t as prevalent as in other urban markets, I have personally witnessed staffs’ outward appearance actually intimidate potential clients and keep them from getting work or coming in. While some of us will all say we don’t do this for the money, we will all agree that no money sucks ass. So for the most part, we are doing it for survival, and are therefore doing it for the cash. Why alienate yourself further by losing all sense of resembling something somewhat human?
While I readily admit my views on the subject are more than a little biased from being visibly heavily tattooed and pierced for the better part of 15 years — and I do have respect for those that are “lifers” and are able to live life with visible heavy mods — I don’t think that life is for everyone, nor could it be. The thing separating individuals is the mental and emotional strength it takes to deal with public on a daily basis while being heavily modified. Many can’t deal with it mentally and I have personally known a few people that died at their own hands, in my opinion, because of it.
I used to want to tattoo my face (more), but I had promised my father, who already knew about my extremist nature, I wouldn’t tattoo my face until after he passed. At the time, I didn’t think I was going to make it past 21, much less be alive 16 years later, so I really wasn’t thinking of the future then, nor was my world view quite as encompassing as it is today, which definitely changed my outlook on things. I simply thought my father didn’t know the full depth of my passion for this.
What I didn’t understand was that he had the benefit of years of wisdom of being alive during very racially sensitive times and he knew first hand that division that exists in society for simply being different. For me to want to oust myself from that mainstream, on my own and on purpose, was something he couldn’t understand. Now that I have the benefit of a few years behind me, I can see the wisdom in his words.
The actual act of piercing is as old as man itself, and one can not deny the fact that for the most part, modification is a very western thing in today’s fashion circles in the USA and western Europe. Don’t get me wrong, there are enthusiasts in every culture and nation, but for the most part, piercing in the modern context that we know today is a very western idea. This was apparent to me while traveling through certain parts of Europe and not even receiving service at certain bars and restaurants because of my appearance.
I’m also in the process of having tattoos removed from my neck for the same reason. What means something to me can mean something completely different in another land, half way around the world. I was in Frankfurt, Germany, and got mistaken for a Nazi because of a tattoo on my neck that I received years ago. (I have a needle, barbell and captive bead ring in the shape of a Celtic cross on my neck.) What I didn’t know, but found out traveling through Germany (a culture highly aware of the sensitivity of Nazi symbolism that is lost here in the States), is that the Celtic cross has been adopted by some white nationalist, neo-Nazi and neo-fascist groups. Once I had it explained to me that a guy who winked at me and whispered what sounded like “Heil Himmler” in my ear probably actually thought I was part of one of those organizations, it became painfully to clear that what meant one thing to me, meant something completely different halfway around the world. Couple that with the fact that I was already a stranger in a strange land, an intruder into their country, and I didn’t see any reason to make myself stand out anymore than I already do with all my visible tattoo/modification work. I came back to the States and began laser tattoo removal sessions. I go back for my third treatment soon.
Another story that comes to mind is while traveling through Java and getting on packed trains — standing room only — on our way to see the presidential palace in the capitol of Bogor, we were singled out and had seats open next us, with everyone standing packed like sardines around us. It seemed no one wanted to sit next to the tattooed infidels. Even trying to buy water or bread at a stand was also a bit difficult, as they would just look through you and take the order of the person behind you, completely refusing to do business with someone who was clearly in violation of religious laws of the land with his physical appearance and attire. That doesn’t make you feel too good about the way you come off to others. Of course, being the asshole American and starting to yell or cause a scene would do no good, in addition to portraying me as an American stereotype that I don’t want to perpetuate. So, simply smiling and walking away mildly disgruntled is about all you can do. This was with me looking as normal as I can be, no piercings anywhere, and this was still the treatment I received. I can only imagine these people’s reactions if I had had a two-inch lip piercing or multiple sets of sub- or transdermal horns.
Of course, it wasn’t like this everywhere, but when it did happen, it only reinforced the fact that I was a visitor in their land. It was their home, not mine. I didn’t want to be overly intrusive or do anything to single me out any more than I already had with my very western way of walking, kneeling, dress and tattoos.
Because I’ve had these types of experiences that I feel so strongly about, and know what it’s like to be so visibly heavily modified — especially in another country, and since I don’t plan to live out my life here in America, my viewpoints may be a bit different from others’.
 |
| Derek Lowe |
Yes, it is possible to be “too modified” to work in a piercing/tattoo shop … at least to work in some piercing and tattoo shops. I don’t think it’s the rule by any means, but it is something I foresee happening more frequently over the next five years.
Just as with hair salons, clothing stores and restaurants (to name a few), there is an increasing diversity with regards to the style and “vibe” that shops are going for. Many new shops, and older shops who decide to remodel or move, are opting for more of a “spa” or “boutique” feel. I personally think this is a smart move, but I won’t bore anyone with my thoughts on that.
A studio with a “high-end” vibe is going to tend to attract a high-end client. That type of clientele, to put it quite bluntly, may not want to look at, let alone be touched by, people with facial tattoos, stretched nostril piercings and three inch earlobes, while getting their piercing or tattoo. Clearly there are giant doses of hypocrisy, ignorance and short-sightedness in that sort of outlook, but that’s the reality of the world where we live. While those of us in the “community” might not understand how someone could feel that way, many people do feel exactly that way about heavier, or abundant, modifications. As a service-oriented business, piercing and tattoo shops have to give some consideration to the experience and comfort level of their potential customers.
Gone are the days when a piercing or tattoo studio could treat people however they wanted, because there were so few shops that clients simply didn’t have other choices.
I think it’s more likely to find a “you’re too modified” stance at a studio that is owned by someone who isn’t a piercer or tattoo artist. A non-industry owner is likely going to look at things from more of a pure business perspective, where someone who is a piercer or tattoo artist is more likely to let their passion for their craft, and their personal feelings, influence their decisions, while potentially ignoring the ramifications those decisions might have on their business.
To completely rebuke what I just said, I should point out that I work at a very successful shop with more of a non-traditional atmosphere that is owned by a woman who is neither a piercer or tattoo artist. Over the years we have employed people who only had standard earlobe piercings on one end of the spectrum and people with full facial tattoos and half-inch nostril piercings at the other end of the spectrum.
For us it’s primarily about having the best person for the job, and not about how many modifications they do or don’t have. However, I won’t say that the extent, or the nature, of someone’s modifications will never ever influence a hiring a decision for us.
Anyone thinking that being heavily modified isn’t going to be an issue when it comes to finding a job, even as a piercer or tattoo artist, is potentially being a little naïve and short-sighted, in my opinion.
 |
| Allen Falkner |
The answer to this question is not nearly as black and white as you might think. In a perfect world the answer would be no, it is impossible to be too modified to work in tattoo/piercing shop. However, the answer is more complex and has a lot to do with customer relations and other qualities about the potential employee.
Let me give a quick example. Erik (Lizardman) Sprague, arguably one of the most heavily tattooed people in the world, could walk into almost any tattoo/piercing shop and get a job on the spot. Why? Well other than the fact that he’s highly intelligent and incredibly charismatic, he’s also very famous and would draw people into the shop. He’s a professional freak and this is part of his appeal. Would this work for another person? Maybe, maybe not. Like it or not, it all breaks down to the business’s clientele and how to appeal to people that walk through the door.
Yes, it’s true. People that seek out tattoos and piercings want the different and unusual. It really is the nature of the business and to a certain extent visible modifications are expected. I would even go so far as to say that, in most cases, it’s a prerequisite to work in a studio. That said, there is still a limit. People like the strange and the bizarre, but they don’t want to stray too far from their comfort zone. Does this mean someone with implanted horns and full facial tattooed can’t be excellent employees? No, far from it. The issue simply breaks down to what customers will accept. Most would agree that the tattoo/piercing community is more open-minded than most. However, even the most liberal aren’t always the most accepting.
What do you think? Let’s hear it in the comments.
Please consider buying a membership to BME so we can continue bringing you articles like this one.
Comments
374 responses to “BME’s Big Question: #1”
I think a nice range within the studio also works. Like, have a cute little girl at the counter with some tattoos and a septum ring (hint hint, hire me!).
I think a nice range within the studio also works. Like, have a cute little girl at the counter with some tattoos and a septum ring (hint hint, hire me!).
I agree with John Joyce, quality most definitely over quantity. When I go into a shop I’m not looking at how intensive one is modified, but more so how well done are their modifications. I know that here in St. Louis, MO if you’re working in a place like Iron Age or The Pearl that are really mainstream that you have to be a bit more low key because there are so many young people walking in looking for their ears pierced or a butterfly on their hip. Its scary to them. But as for the more hardcore shops around here it goes back to the quality over quantity.
I agree with John Joyce, quality most definitely over quantity. When I go into a shop I’m not looking at how intensive one is modified, but more so how well done are their modifications. I know that here in St. Louis, MO if you’re working in a place like Iron Age or The Pearl that are really mainstream that you have to be a bit more low key because there are so many young people walking in looking for their ears pierced or a butterfly on their hip. Its scary to them. But as for the more hardcore shops around here it goes back to the quality over quantity.
Shawn- do you think it’s a literal generation gap or just a matter of experience? inexperience=idealism in a lot of cases.
Shawn- do you think it’s a literal generation gap or just a matter of experience? inexperience=idealism in a lot of cases.
25 u dont neen me 2confirmur self worthless u stated it just fine urself in ur parigraph of nonsense. u caN twirl ur hair nsum fancy clubwhile me and my bi–tch blow up insum back alley way inthe beem of the taxi lights
25 u dont neen me 2confirmur self worthless u stated it just fine urself in ur parigraph of nonsense. u caN twirl ur hair nsum fancy clubwhile me and my bi–tch blow up insum back alley way inthe beem of the taxi lights
Bradly is seriously one of the all-time great trolls. He’s like a unicorn. We’re truly blessed to have him here.
Bradly is seriously one of the all-time great trolls. He’s like a unicorn. We’re truly blessed to have him here.
Hey I’m the biggest losser of all. Have you SEEN my hairline lately. SHEESH!
Hey I’m the biggest losser of all. Have you SEEN my hairline lately. SHEESH!
25 vgods other devilmade thisvideo just for and all ur celberioty friends
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_Ng1h50rnU
25 vgods other devilmade thisvideo just for and all ur celberioty friends
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_Ng1h50rnU
i can say that as a relatively young and some what heavily modified individual, my appearance hasn’t greatly affected my ability to find work, even in shops that strive for that boutique feel. i may be one of these “young and dumb kids” that have been mentioned in this article but i hope that my work speaks for itself. i previously worked only blocks away from your location meg, hell we had some of the same clients and even worked along side each other and i dont think i had a client ever feel uncomfortable with my appearance. i would like to think that the modifications i have chosen for myself are flattering and only enhance my appearance. all in all i think that it has a lot to do with how one presents themselves to their clients. ive met plenty of other practitioners who do great work, are less visibly modified nowadays, but have a terrible bedside manner. well thats all
i can say that as a relatively young and some what heavily modified individual, my appearance hasn’t greatly affected my ability to find work, even in shops that strive for that boutique feel. i may be one of these “young and dumb kids” that have been mentioned in this article but i hope that my work speaks for itself. i previously worked only blocks away from your location meg, hell we had some of the same clients and even worked along side each other and i dont think i had a client ever feel uncomfortable with my appearance. i would like to think that the modifications i have chosen for myself are flattering and only enhance my appearance. all in all i think that it has a lot to do with how one presents themselves to their clients. ive met plenty of other practitioners who do great work, are less visibly modified nowadays, but have a terrible bedside manner. well thats all
When I first got pierced over a year ago, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I had read reviews on BME and gone to the APP website to find a studio. I barely even noticed how modified the artists were, but I did notice the care and concern and respect shown to me. Now I actually notice the changes more, but I also know that I’m in competent hands, and if one of them “happened” to get their face tattooed, I’d notice, but my opinion of them wouldn’t change at all. It’s all in the attitude.
When I first got pierced over a year ago, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I had read reviews on BME and gone to the APP website to find a studio. I barely even noticed how modified the artists were, but I did notice the care and concern and respect shown to me. Now I actually notice the changes more, but I also know that I’m in competent hands, and if one of them “happened” to get their face tattooed, I’d notice, but my opinion of them wouldn’t change at all. It’s all in the attitude.
Is there a reason Cere was not interviewed for this?
Preposterous!
Is there a reason Cere was not interviewed for this?
Preposterous!
Bradly, I am hardly a “loser” for stating my opinion……everyone has one as do you…are you a loser for having an opinion? I guess anyone who doesn’t agree with bradlys opinion is a loser……
Bradly, I am hardly a “loser” for stating my opinion……everyone has one as do you…are you a loser for having an opinion? I guess anyone who doesn’t agree with bradlys opinion is a loser……
Well I would definitely say that I’m one of those ‘young, dumb kids’ being 20 with my neck and hands (and continuing more work on my hands) tattooed and several facial microdermals. i work at a mall store right now (being at school and not needing that serious of a job yet) and have noticed many trends in the difference between our modified employees (my boss and me) and the unmodified (the rest of them). We have many customers (oddly, it seems that mostly foreigners, especially hispanic customers) do not respond well to my boss and me but fine to others. However, when it comes to other customers, we often get better responses due to having a permanent fixture for our customers to focus on and relate to us with. Then again this is a difference between moderately modified and non-modified people, not heavily modified vs moderately modified.
The best input I can put on the situation is with a piercer I have gone to several times. When I first started going to his shop I would have classified myself as unmodified and then would have considered him heavily modified, although now I would say moderate to heavily modified. He had the first dermal anchors I had ever seen in person, large stretched lobes and tattoos down his arms. He is also a ‘big and tall’ type and thus a physically imposing person. However, as soon as we sat down for the first time to discuss a piercing and showed me that he had the best bedside manner ever, all physical traits were quickly forgotten.
People will always be quick to discriminate. They have to be comfortable with the person they are being worked on by but that doesn’t mean that their level of modification is their only criterion. If the artist/piercer is black, female, too fat etc. then someone is just as likely to not go to them if they have a biase. The only thing that transcends these biases is being able to make people see past them through intelligence, kindness, or whatever it is that a person may be looking for in someone to work on them.
Well I would definitely say that I’m one of those ‘young, dumb kids’ being 20 with my neck and hands (and continuing more work on my hands) tattooed and several facial microdermals. i work at a mall store right now (being at school and not needing that serious of a job yet) and have noticed many trends in the difference between our modified employees (my boss and me) and the unmodified (the rest of them). We have many customers (oddly, it seems that mostly foreigners, especially hispanic customers) do not respond well to my boss and me but fine to others. However, when it comes to other customers, we often get better responses due to having a permanent fixture for our customers to focus on and relate to us with. Then again this is a difference between moderately modified and non-modified people, not heavily modified vs moderately modified.
The best input I can put on the situation is with a piercer I have gone to several times. When I first started going to his shop I would have classified myself as unmodified and then would have considered him heavily modified, although now I would say moderate to heavily modified. He had the first dermal anchors I had ever seen in person, large stretched lobes and tattoos down his arms. He is also a ‘big and tall’ type and thus a physically imposing person. However, as soon as we sat down for the first time to discuss a piercing and showed me that he had the best bedside manner ever, all physical traits were quickly forgotten.
People will always be quick to discriminate. They have to be comfortable with the person they are being worked on by but that doesn’t mean that their level of modification is their only criterion. If the artist/piercer is black, female, too fat etc. then someone is just as likely to not go to them if they have a biase. The only thing that transcends these biases is being able to make people see past them through intelligence, kindness, or whatever it is that a person may be looking for in someone to work on them.
14 i cant believe iactualy re read ur post it suck and u swallow andstop postimg here noonecares what u think thats for sure and as far as i can tell this thread is all about nuthin so what do u think about fourtune cookie icecream cones filled with confusiuos tutti-fruiti says pinaples are delsisous on top of a glass of with a rainbow unbrella to read
14 i cant believe iactualy re read ur post it suck and u swallow andstop postimg here noonecares what u think thats for sure and as far as i can tell this thread is all about nuthin so what do u think about fourtune cookie icecream cones filled with confusiuos tutti-fruiti says pinaples are delsisous on top of a glass of with a rainbow unbrella to read
well i have been piercing for 7 years and i always dreaded the day would come when i woule need to have my ears and labret closed and all my tattoos removed
finally were going corperate
i agrree with the quality aspect of it i dont want to be pierced or tattooed by somebody with utter crap all over them
but then again the two best artist at the shop im at are fucking sick as hell one has no tattoos what so ever and the other has random shit all over his arms and legs
i just wonder arnt we being a lil-up tight about this yeah kids are being young and very dumb but god werent well all young and dumb at some point be it piercing yourself with random shit in the bath room or stretching your lip big enough to fit a coke can through and then relizing fuck i need a real job
or fuck maybe that 18 year old kid with the huge lobes and the lip plate dosent have conventional plans for his life and is perfectly happy with that personally i hope to one day have a log cabin with no electricty and live off the land
but im also a fucking weirdo
i think we should lighten up
if people wanna be dumb and do things they havent thought out its thier problem cause no matter how much we tell them there not gonna listen they might but the prolly wont
its jsut like a client that wont stop playing with a piercing right after its done u tell them not to touch it or its gonan get infected,aggrevated etc…. and a week later they are back in your shop witha big boil on it or somethign resembeling the plauge on thier face u told them that its not good ot do that but they will do it anyway most times or even better example somebody doesnt like the length of a stud in their lip u tell them its to compensate for any swelling that might occur and that they can wait and switch it out for a shorter one in a few weeks
if they dont like the sound of that their prolly gonna do it anyway with cheap mall jewlery and be back in 4 days wanting u to fix it
telling people that they cant be too modified to get a job in the industrey is jsut gonna make them want to prove all of u wronge
or thats how i see but thats my opnion and all that good jazz
well i have been piercing for 7 years and i always dreaded the day would come when i woule need to have my ears and labret closed and all my tattoos removed
finally were going corperate
i agrree with the quality aspect of it i dont want to be pierced or tattooed by somebody with utter crap all over them
but then again the two best artist at the shop im at are fucking sick as hell one has no tattoos what so ever and the other has random shit all over his arms and legs
i just wonder arnt we being a lil-up tight about this yeah kids are being young and very dumb but god werent well all young and dumb at some point be it piercing yourself with random shit in the bath room or stretching your lip big enough to fit a coke can through and then relizing fuck i need a real job
or fuck maybe that 18 year old kid with the huge lobes and the lip plate dosent have conventional plans for his life and is perfectly happy with that personally i hope to one day have a log cabin with no electricty and live off the land
but im also a fucking weirdo
i think we should lighten up
if people wanna be dumb and do things they havent thought out its thier problem cause no matter how much we tell them there not gonna listen they might but the prolly wont
its jsut like a client that wont stop playing with a piercing right after its done u tell them not to touch it or its gonan get infected,aggrevated etc…. and a week later they are back in your shop witha big boil on it or somethign resembeling the plauge on thier face u told them that its not good ot do that but they will do it anyway most times or even better example somebody doesnt like the length of a stud in their lip u tell them its to compensate for any swelling that might occur and that they can wait and switch it out for a shorter one in a few weeks
if they dont like the sound of that their prolly gonna do it anyway with cheap mall jewlery and be back in 4 days wanting u to fix it
telling people that they cant be too modified to get a job in the industrey is jsut gonna make them want to prove all of u wronge
or thats how i see but thats my opnion and all that good jazz
I really agree with Meg and Ryan on this. I’m planning on getting full sleeves and being mostly covered, but I would NEVER tattoo my hands/face/neck. I’ve also only got a couple visible piercings (snake bites, eyebrow, lobes, industrial, and a daith). Most people don’t even notice cartilage piercings since they’re so used to seeing girls getting them gunned at Claire’s, and my lobes are small enough (7/16″, probably won’t go past 3/4″) that they don’t grab too much attention. I know there’s the whole “it’s your body do what makes you happy blah blah blah” argument, but getting 25 piercings in each lip and 18 in each eyebrow doesn’t look good on ANYONE.
I really agree with Meg and Ryan on this. I’m planning on getting full sleeves and being mostly covered, but I would NEVER tattoo my hands/face/neck. I’ve also only got a couple visible piercings (snake bites, eyebrow, lobes, industrial, and a daith). Most people don’t even notice cartilage piercings since they’re so used to seeing girls getting them gunned at Claire’s, and my lobes are small enough (7/16″, probably won’t go past 3/4″) that they don’t grab too much attention. I know there’s the whole “it’s your body do what makes you happy blah blah blah” argument, but getting 25 piercings in each lip and 18 in each eyebrow doesn’t look good on ANYONE.
I think it really is more about being approachable. If you’re too scary looking AND you’re not charismatic, you’re not going to be productive to business or the industry. You don’t have to look very different to be shunned if you’re not very charismatic. I know guys that have full black facial tattoos that can sell $300 nostril screws to middle aged professional women happily and comfortably without them even considering going somewhere else. And then there’s the other guy where people walk in, get bad vibes and leave. Be approachable and you’ll be employable.
I think it really is more about being approachable. If you’re too scary looking AND you’re not charismatic, you’re not going to be productive to business or the industry. You don’t have to look very different to be shunned if you’re not very charismatic. I know guys that have full black facial tattoos that can sell $300 nostril screws to middle aged professional women happily and comfortably without them even considering going somewhere else. And then there’s the other guy where people walk in, get bad vibes and leave. Be approachable and you’ll be employable.
I don’t think any of us were saying people shouldn’t have sleeves, facial piercings, microdermals, anything in particular. What I was saying was that there is definitely a point that’s “too much” for certain studios and a lot of that does depend on the personality and professionalism of the person, not necessarily a specific mod.
Also, it seems that a lot of the younger people with hopes of being a piercer or tattoo artist think that once they get that job they’re set for life so they shouldn’t worry about what they look like. I’ve been around quite a while (since 95), and there are very few piercers from back then still working in the industry now. Piercing is definitely not what it used to be, and I really don’t see it supporting all these people that are trying to get into it as a career long term.
And for those people claiming we are saying things like this because we’re “in it for the money”, as business owners we have to be and have to do what it takes to pay the bills. Quality piercing jewelry isn’t free, running a quality piercing studio isn’t free, so if it comes down to hiring someone who looks more professional and less intimidating to the “normal” clientele over someone who is extremely modified and scares customers it’s a no brainer. I’m pretty heavily modified myself (transdermal horns and third eye, subdermal implants, facial microdermals and piercings, facial tattoos, sleeves, hands, neck, etc) but in my opinion I wear it well and it doesn’t look out of place on me.
I don’t think any of us were saying people shouldn’t have sleeves, facial piercings, microdermals, anything in particular. What I was saying was that there is definitely a point that’s “too much” for certain studios and a lot of that does depend on the personality and professionalism of the person, not necessarily a specific mod.
Also, it seems that a lot of the younger people with hopes of being a piercer or tattoo artist think that once they get that job they’re set for life so they shouldn’t worry about what they look like. I’ve been around quite a while (since 95), and there are very few piercers from back then still working in the industry now. Piercing is definitely not what it used to be, and I really don’t see it supporting all these people that are trying to get into it as a career long term.
And for those people claiming we are saying things like this because we’re “in it for the money”, as business owners we have to be and have to do what it takes to pay the bills. Quality piercing jewelry isn’t free, running a quality piercing studio isn’t free, so if it comes down to hiring someone who looks more professional and less intimidating to the “normal” clientele over someone who is extremely modified and scares customers it’s a no brainer. I’m pretty heavily modified myself (transdermal horns and third eye, subdermal implants, facial microdermals and piercings, facial tattoos, sleeves, hands, neck, etc) but in my opinion I wear it well and it doesn’t look out of place on me.
Why not take a pole on the folks that are actually going in to a shop to get a tattoo and/or piercing the same question? I’m willing to bet you’ll get a better variety of answers on a much larger spectrum than just the small amount of the modified communities view on it. It has to be a very wide spectrum of poling as well, not just one catered to, lets say, 1,000 people all on the West to Midwest… A question/answer forum like this needs to be on a global basis, not just subjected to what people in the “industry” think, but aimed @ people who are not in the industry… Their answers, along w/the numbers they gather simply by seeing the few people that come in for small – heavy work is inconclusive… Have the “industry” take poles @ random points, on random strangers, asking them what they might think about it… I’m willing to bet the numbers will change drastically if you hit thousands of random folks…
Why not take a pole on the folks that are actually going in to a shop to get a tattoo and/or piercing the same question? I’m willing to bet you’ll get a better variety of answers on a much larger spectrum than just the small amount of the modified communities view on it. It has to be a very wide spectrum of poling as well, not just one catered to, lets say, 1,000 people all on the West to Midwest… A question/answer forum like this needs to be on a global basis, not just subjected to what people in the “industry” think, but aimed @ people who are not in the industry… Their answers, along w/the numbers they gather simply by seeing the few people that come in for small – heavy work is inconclusive… Have the “industry” take poles @ random points, on random strangers, asking them what they might think about it… I’m willing to bet the numbers will change drastically if you hit thousands of random folks…
Is it me or do all these industry people sound more like businessmen/women and less like artists.
Is it me or do all these industry people sound more like businessmen/women and less like artists.
Who would’ve thought that all of you would have such great writing skills and fantastic vocabulary for being such modified wieners……kidding…your mom’s must’ve proof read all of those! 😉
I could be mistaken, but I didn’t read the word “F*ck” in any of those…impressive!
I believe that this article is comical from a few different perspectives:
We were all pioneers in our own little ways. We might not have been the first to do something, but we might’ve been the first to do something in our own communities which has a much more considerable impact because people can converse with us, and not just view it in wonderment on television. The way we “professionally” conducted ourselves is the way the surrounding society learned to deal with things, and learn about new advancements. Some of us do great jobs at that, and others do very poorly.
The majority of people are too lazy to think more than one step ahead. Many of our customers are wasting thousands of dollars of other peoples money trying to figure out college, changing majors, discovering how to successfully put condoms on, or which end of the beer bong you put your mouth on. So why do we as professionals get irritated when they don’t bother to listen to us and care for their piercing/tattoo at all? Why are we so expecting?
People minds are so diverse that it is just so unfortunate to have to lump us all together and take an average consensus about what might be too wild or Modified. For instance…Some customers would vote us into presidential office, and others don’t pay attention to a word we say. They’re are so many views of what’s right or wrong, what’s too much or not enough. What some people see, others may not. I personally do not like eyebrow piercings (never have, never will) can’t stand ‘em. The next piercer will talk their client into two of them. Who am I to say? I have 5th gen horns in my head. Did I take it too far? Probably… But did I really? Some people love them, some people hate them. I hear from many people that wish they could have them. Most people comment on my 1.5″ earlobes before they even notice that I have huge HORNS. Though some people notice my horns from automobiles across from me at 4 lane major intersections. I’ve had police pull me over just to talk about my looks…*shrugs*. I can’t explain it…I don’t want to know an explanation if there were one.
Why do some customers trust piercers to be knowledgable because they’re covered in tattoos? Why does a girl ask me (the tattooist) what she should do about her infected navel before finding out I’m a 9 year piercing veteran?
What’s too modified? I don’t know. Do any of us “professionals”know? Think…some of us ARE reversing lots of our incredibly modified work nowadays. So who and what is too far?
My personal advice as a tattooist/piercer/modifier is that I do know that when I’m in an establishment that allows employees to have piercings and one shows up with some poorly sized oozing piercings all over…that’s tasteless and unprofessional. Fix yourself please. Heal one thing at a time, then you’ll learn what tasteful might actually be.
***Know your limits!!!***
What does THIS mean? It means that if you have a weak personality, cannot converse with people well, or are a poor salesperson…you might not want to have very many modifications that will further discredit your “professional” showmanship. If you have a strong personality, are educated, or could sell scratch-offs to the blind, by all means have at it and look how you want, but be also prepared to be discredited by many just on general overall appearance.
Who would’ve thought that all of you would have such great writing skills and fantastic vocabulary for being such modified wieners……kidding…your mom’s must’ve proof read all of those! 😉
I could be mistaken, but I didn’t read the word “F*ck” in any of those…impressive!
I believe that this article is comical from a few different perspectives:
We were all pioneers in our own little ways. We might not have been the first to do something, but we might’ve been the first to do something in our own communities which has a much more considerable impact because people can converse with us, and not just view it in wonderment on television. The way we “professionally” conducted ourselves is the way the surrounding society learned to deal with things, and learn about new advancements. Some of us do great jobs at that, and others do very poorly.
The majority of people are too lazy to think more than one step ahead. Many of our customers are wasting thousands of dollars of other peoples money trying to figure out college, changing majors, discovering how to successfully put condoms on, or which end of the beer bong you put your mouth on. So why do we as professionals get irritated when they don’t bother to listen to us and care for their piercing/tattoo at all? Why are we so expecting?
People minds are so diverse that it is just so unfortunate to have to lump us all together and take an average consensus about what might be too wild or Modified. For instance…Some customers would vote us into presidential office, and others don’t pay attention to a word we say. They’re are so many views of what’s right or wrong, what’s too much or not enough. What some people see, others may not. I personally do not like eyebrow piercings (never have, never will) can’t stand ‘em. The next piercer will talk their client into two of them. Who am I to say? I have 5th gen horns in my head. Did I take it too far? Probably… But did I really? Some people love them, some people hate them. I hear from many people that wish they could have them. Most people comment on my 1.5″ earlobes before they even notice that I have huge HORNS. Though some people notice my horns from automobiles across from me at 4 lane major intersections. I’ve had police pull me over just to talk about my looks…*shrugs*. I can’t explain it…I don’t want to know an explanation if there were one.
Why do some customers trust piercers to be knowledgable because they’re covered in tattoos? Why does a girl ask me (the tattooist) what she should do about her infected navel before finding out I’m a 9 year piercing veteran?
What’s too modified? I don’t know. Do any of us “professionals”know? Think…some of us ARE reversing lots of our incredibly modified work nowadays. So who and what is too far?
My personal advice as a tattooist/piercer/modifier is that I do know that when I’m in an establishment that allows employees to have piercings and one shows up with some poorly sized oozing piercings all over…that’s tasteless and unprofessional. Fix yourself please. Heal one thing at a time, then you’ll learn what tasteful might actually be.
***Know your limits!!!***
What does THIS mean? It means that if you have a weak personality, cannot converse with people well, or are a poor salesperson…you might not want to have very many modifications that will further discredit your “professional” showmanship. If you have a strong personality, are educated, or could sell scratch-offs to the blind, by all means have at it and look how you want, but be also prepared to be discredited by many just on general overall appearance.
LOL at bradly.
Apparently trolling on modblog is the new way to spend time? Please take your bitch and go back to the alley you crawled out of.
LOL at bradly.
Apparently trolling on modblog is the new way to spend time? Please take your bitch and go back to the alley you crawled out of.
bradley why dont you just stop being a bitch and respect other peoples’ ideas?
afterall tis is a community of people hanging together to talk about body modification,their expierences,their thoughts..
if you dont like it, like you made it clear at first point,
then just do not post.
isnt that easier for everyone?
bradley why dont you just stop being a bitch and respect other peoples’ ideas?
afterall tis is a community of people hanging together to talk about body modification,their expierences,their thoughts..
if you dont like it, like you made it clear at first point,
then just do not post.
isnt that easier for everyone?
and agreeing with sarin
and agreeing with sarin
I found this article very interesting. From a client’s point of view, the first few times I went into my favourite piercing shop the only thing that made me hesitate was that there were heavily modified helpers everywhere and I had nothing done. I felt embarrassed, but it was my hang up and I got over it quickly when I discovered how lovely they all were. Being approachable goes a long long way.
I found this article very interesting. From a client’s point of view, the first few times I went into my favourite piercing shop the only thing that made me hesitate was that there were heavily modified helpers everywhere and I had nothing done. I felt embarrassed, but it was my hang up and I got over it quickly when I discovered how lovely they all were. Being approachable goes a long long way.
Sarin Please do not replicate these tattoos. u are one of thebiggest wsate of skills i have seen to date maybe oneday u will all wake the freckles up this post has nuthin to do with me cuase im a winner and ur not so there and 46 thx but at this point in time i haveno desire to talk to my mom but im waitin on edan to wake up as we speak boy she’s acutie and i do luv her and this is my blog
Sarin Please do not replicate these tattoos. u are one of thebiggest wsate of skills i have seen to date maybe oneday u will all wake the freckles up this post has nuthin to do with me cuase im a winner and ur not so there and 46 thx but at this point in time i haveno desire to talk to my mom but im waitin on edan to wake up as we speak boy she’s acutie and i do luv her and this is my blog