Vanguard

Issue date: 2/26/07 Section: Lifestyles

Media Credit: Chris Gunn Photo Editor Chassity Grech-Ebbole, owner of L. A. Body Art, applies a new tattoo to customer. According to Chassity, many are getting body art to fit in.

"People used to get body piercings or tattoos to stand out, now people do it to fit in," Chassity Grech-Ebbole, owner of L.A. Body Art in downtown Mobile, said.
Chassity is the number one tattoo artist on the Gulf Coast according to "Tattoo Magazine."
Even though piercings and tattoos are more accepted by today's society, the industry is in trouble futuristically, Chassity said.
Everyone seems to be rebelling these days, and worst-case scenario, Chassity fears, is the industry could become a "once upon a time."
Chassity says it is all about supply and demand, and the demand will never outweigh the supply. If the industry continues making rings for piercings and upgrading tattoo ink, and society has decided that this rebelling phase is over, then the industry will suffer.
Right now, everyone has a different reason for getting a tattoo or piercing. One of the grand thoughts about body piercings and tattoos is that it "is" a crazy thing to do. From the minute a needle goes through your body or paint is being etched into your skin, you can feel an instant sensation of craziness. After the fact, your piercing or tattoo is a friendly reminder that you are a rebel.
It is also an interesting conversation starter. There is always a story behind someone getting a piercing or tattoo. It's just another way to express yourself. Many people argue that it is okay as long as you aren't hurting anyone.
Sometimes, however, they do hurt employers. If an employer won't hire you, then it is probably because the piercing or tattoo is distracting and does not coincide with the image a company portrays.
Stephen Hedrick, CEO of the Mobile Symphony Orchestra, said in the work environment they are inappropriate if you can see them, but he has no problem with them otherwise.
Sarah Wright, Education Director of the Mobile Symphony Orchestra said, "It takes away from the real image of a person."
Well, "beauty is in the eye of the beholder," an L.A. Body Art employee argues. One of the problems is "the world is close-minded."
Chassity mentioned that she was denied a checking account at Compass Bank because of her tattoos.

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