The gentleman has a strange relationship with ink. During the young years, the idea of rebellion, bikers, and being cool is a driving force…oh yeah alcohol too. The trend for many young people is the “classic” asian character, the arm band, or the endearing “mama” on the arm in a heart. Whatever your style of choice be, ink can be compromising. Many college graduates have a tattoo or a piercing and intend to get a job with said body modification. But what is the gentleman’s stance on such an issue?

Sometimes it just feels right. There are plenty of people who want a tattoo because they feel it suits them or because they feel a strong connection to putting tribal art on their butt…whatever it may be the gentleman should chose the placement of his tattoo carefully.

Tattoos should be located in an area that is concealed while in something as formal as a suit and as casual as a short sleeved t-shirt and shorts. The reason for this is not to be ashamed of your drunken ink-fest but to make sure that an employer never asks you to cover up your tattoo. Also keeping ink in discrete locations makes it easier to hide it should you decide 15 years from now that you no longer like the skull and cross bones you got on your forehead.

Besides seeing it, people don’t really care to hear about it. After getting a tattoo, it is fine to discuss it with friends. However, do not take every possible moment to remind party goers that you have a snail tattooed on your calf. If they don’t notice it, don’t draw their attention to it. However if the conversation is about tattoos then it is acceptable to discuss your own.

Keep it tasteful, keep it concealed.

-The Young Gentleman

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