Tattoos: With or without meaning?

Rather than being perceived as a stylistic decision like a helix piercing, or just a cute adornment, tattoos seem to represent an invitation to deep dive into our personal lives.

“What does it mean?” “Who is it for?” “Why did you get it?”

From the day I turned 18, I have agonized over thinking what would be meaningful enough. With friends getting sentimental birth flowers that come with a heart-wrenching story alongside the pressure of future regret, it seems like a big deal. But are we taking the decision too seriously?

It would be count the number of adults I’ve met still in the same state of limbo about their tattoo choices. Many are worried about finding the perfect one to represent them that it seems to take on the importance of a cutie mark.

So, do tattoos really need a deep personal or symbolic meaning, or is aesthetic value alone enough?

To be dramatically thought out, while others see them as a piece of artwork on the body

There are two differing takes on the importance of meaning behind a tattoo. Some perceive them as needing to be dramatically thought out, while others see them as a piece of artwork on the body that can be chosen and admired for the design. Is it the story behind it or the artwork itself that we should focus on?

Tattoos can be appreciated simply for the aesthetic

On one hand, tattoos are revered as a lifelong commitment. They need to reflect something deeply personal that has made you who you are, or serve as a reminder for who you want to be. This is drastically different perspective from those who see the body as a canvas. Instead, tattoos become a way for individuals to adorn themselves- like permanent jewellery, tattoos can be appreciated simply for the aesthetic.

Personally, I think it doesn’t have to be as black and white as this when choosing a tattoo. If the tattoo resonates with you, it already has personal meaning in this way. You have picked it out as it represents something that you like.

Likewise, most tattoos could be deeply meaningful for the person who have them, but to others, simply look like decoration. This is often the case with symbols: a forget me not to represent dementia, or a semi colon for mental health awareness may not be obvious to the average observer.

Tattoos exist as a form of expression, so having rules on which ways we can do this may risk removing the whole point

Alongside this, the value of a tattoo can be just as subjective as the design or placement. If the reason for choosing a particular tattoo is because you liked the design, why is that then less acceptable than everyone else’s subjective meanings? Tattoos exist as a form of expression, so having rules on which ways we can do this may risk removing the whole point.

The hesitation that many feel around tattoos probably comes from stereotypes in old media: people with tattoos are depicted as impulsive, unprofessional, or even delinquents. As tattoos would previously be seen to represent someone, it made sense for the decision to be so weighted. Yet, now that tattoos are more socially acceptable, we should make use of our newfound freedom.

Sometimes we may only see the meaning behind them when looking back

As tattoo sourcebooks have gradually been replaced by custom designs, there has been unnecessary pressure put on the experience. It is important to remember that tattoos are an art form: if the design appeals to you enough that you want to have it etched into your skin, why do you need to have more reason than that? Sometimes we may only see the meaning behind them when looking back.

If you’re thinking of getting a tattoo, remember to take the pressure off and just focus on what you like. If you spend your whole life waiting for the perfect encapsulation of yourself, chances are it will end up like those stickers you saved in a drawer but never used, or the champagne chilled for a special occasion- you’ll never get around to it.

While I’m definitely not saying to go on a night out and get a moustache on your finger or a deathly hallows symbol on your hip, people will like your tattoo even without a story behind it. You’re not a Britain’s Got Talent contestant after all.