A Writer's Dozen - Archive

A Baker's Dozen: Reasons Your Character Might Have a Tattoo
By Donna First posted October 2006
Gang affiliation. A specific tattoo might be a sign of acceptance into the gang, common in street and motorcycle gangs. Cultural. Some African and South American cultures use tattoos as a sign of age (i.e. coming of age) or beauty. These are often facial tattoos. Prison. Many people in prison get tattoos; in fact, prisons often employ full-time tattoo artists. The tattoos can be anything from skulls or devils to dragons or pinup girls. Armed forces. Many armed forces personnel get tattoos signifying their membership in a particular group within the forces. Commemoration. People will often get tattoos to commemorate someone important to them who has died. This can be a parent, grandparent, sibling, or child. The tattoo might be a picture of the person, or a meaningful symbol -- a rose for grandma Rose; a fish for a brother who loved to fish. Milestone. People will often get tattoos to commemorate a milestone in their lives, such as losing 100 pounds, surviving cancer, surviving and leaving an abusive relationship, turning 40. The tattoo will often be a symbol reminding the person of what they achieved, and can serve as a reminder not to let the same (bad) thing happen again. Marking the birth of a child. People who lived life on the edge often find their priorities change drastically on the birth of a child, who becomes their reason for living. The child’s picture or name is often tattooed on the chest, near to the heart. Relationships. A couple will often get matching tattoos to symbolize the strength of their relationship. The tattoo can be a symbol, or each other’s names. Names, of course, can prove in time to be a big mistake. It’s the ‘in’ thing to do. All the ‘in’ people are getting tattoos, so the teenage or twenty-something boy or girl follows along. Rebellion. The teenager or twenty-something wants visible proof of their rebellion against the family, especially if it will anger or upset the family. A dare. Someone responds to a dare by getting a tattoo, something they might not ordinarily do. Love of art. Someone falls in love with a piece of art and wants to carry it with them forever. Just because.

October 2006