I get lots of tattoo photos through the mail. I also get images from newspapers, magazines and such. The ones that always fascinate me are the group shots of younger tattooists flashing various hand gestures and esoteric gang-style signs. To me, they stick out like a middle finger.

Speaking of middle fingers, what's with that, anyway? Is that particular gesture supposed to be a statement of individuality or toughness or defiance? I guess when you're in high school, but out here in real life, where tattoos have gained a great deal of respectability and are considered in many circles as fine art, it's embarrassingly passé. Tattooing isn't some secret society anymore. C'mon, it's featured each and every week on two television networks, it's a key ingredient in mainstream-magazine advertising, and everyone from bank presidents to astronauts have ink. Tattoos are featured whenever someone wants to sell clothes or beer or basketballs to the adoring public. Tattooing isn't just for bad boys and girls anymore. So why the bird?

Perhaps it's someone's outdated fantasy of living the tattoo lifestyle. These young, tough-guy tattooists have worked nine to five delivering pizzas for so long that give them a little freedom, and they act like '50s mobsters. They don't have to show up for work until noon, and all the rules fly out the window. No more acting like adults or responsible members of society. These toy gang-bangers didn't fit in when they were 14, and now, with a few bucks in their pocket, watch out, world! "I'm where it's at. I tattoo."

Want to be a tattoo artist? Then act like it. Have some respect for the countless artists who have blazed the trail before you, and climb down off your inflated egos for a minute. Sure they say the only people rock stars respect are tattoo artists, but that's no reason to abuse the power. Power is responsibility. To whom much is given, much is expected.

So, when you send in photos to magazines, cool it with the childish gestures. Cool it with the posturing. And, whatever you do, cool it with the brass knuckles and the guns. Forget the comic-book persona. There's a lot of bona-fide tough guys in the tattoo business and they wouldn't act that way on a bet. The reason is simple. They love the art and don't want to look like posers.

Bob Baxter
Editor in Chief
baxter@skinandink.com
www.skinandink.com