I've been a developing tattoo artist for over 10 years, and I use the term "developing" to describe my avarice to learn more techniques from more artists. I venerate every moment of learning I can get my grubby little hands on, and there isn't much that I don't relish about tattooing. There is, however, one very, very low point that I would like to touch on, and that is... people.

I'll touch first base in stating my customer service skills don't rank up there with Sam Walton's, alright? I'm not a people pleaser... I could give two shits if you're satisfied with the fucking product you just had to have without thinking it through first, and yeah, I'm just fine with telling you how much of a moron you are for doing so. You liked it when you left, so fuck off. Sarcasm or not, this is why I'm not in retail, sales, or any other customer based work environments... I just don't care. This brings me to a crossroads, obviously, because I can not claim to be a tattoo artist if I have no customers, plus it's not very lucrative without them.

Do I succumb to my hatred of the general public and retire from something I love, or do I continue to bite my tongue and pray that I'll receive genuine fans of the art who have a real appreciation? Well... I haven't put the needles away entirely...

My solution to the fork in the road was to pave my own damn way by shedding the generally curious customer. I am unlisted, I do custom design only, and my work travels only by word of mouth. Alas, every once in a while some asshole tosses in a wad of bullshit in my bubble and I'm stuck with the pungent fumes of idiocy.

Fumes that linger like my latest episode of the angry needle. Ms. 19 has just lost an aunt to breast cancer and she wants a pink ribbon tattooed on her forearm. She has chosen me of all people to assist her, not a problem, until she involves her mother. Now not only do I have an indecisive 19 year old who is looking for the right symbol of respect, but now I have to convince her mother that she'll be just fine with the damn thing on her arm.

She won't be able to run for Miss America, alright, but it's not like she could have before hand anyways... move on. If you're afraid the tattoo is going to get in the way of a possible employer seeing you in a management position in their company... don't get it, or have it on a less visible part of the body. I am not responsible for the jobs you may or may not get on account of a tattoo, or on account of your lack of intellect for that matter.

It's not my fucking problem, and neither is your mom... so figure this shit out before you get here.