Written by Anna Schroeder. Photo courtesy of Anna Schroeder.
Tattoos are becoming more socially acceptable than ever before. Most people you know probably have a tattoo or two. I got down to business with the tattooed students of SCAD, who shared their opinions and meaningful inks.
SCAD student Anna Currie currently has four tattoos. Her favorite tattoo is a cocoa and coffee plant placed on her right upper arm, done at Riverside Tattoo Parlor, here in Savannah, by artist Hillary known as Tikiwonder on her social media accounts. Currie’s tattoo is an ode to her late dogs, Coco and Latte. Currie has an additional meaningful tattoo dedicated to her family: a line drawing of her family’s birth flowers. Currie says that tattoos are becoming more socially acceptable, “because people are finally starting to express themselves. It’s more socially acceptable to be yourself.”
Evelyn Venezky has two “real” tattoos and two “stick n pokes,” which were a consequence of eighth grade. Her favorite tattoo is a cat line drawing that she designed herself. The tattoo isn’t dedicated to any specific cat, rather, it expresses her general appreciation of cats. When she grew up, Venezky’s dad had a lot of art books around the house, which were filled with tattoo-style artwork that ultimately inspired her tattoo design. “It’s very ‘clip-art-esque,’” she says.
Venezky’s tattoo was done by a friend at their house while hiding from Hurricane Ian this past fall. She shared that it was enjoyable because she didn’t feel the stress of going to a tattoo shop. She enjoyed being able to hang out with a friend and have creative liberty throughout the process. Venezky loves that tattoos are becoming more socially acceptable. “I think it’s because of the new ‘personal choice movement,’ and it’s no longer being associated with the bad stuff,” she says. “You’re not considered a criminal anymore, and art is being more accepted. Tattoos used to be for gangs and the military. Now, it’s seen more as an art form rather than branding.”
Rylee Fisher currently has nine tattoos. Her favorite tattoo is her most recent: three angels located on her upper stomach, symbolizing her lucky number three. She got it done by artist Ricky Mcgee at Anonymous Tattoo on Bay St. in Savannah. In addition to good fortune, the angels symbolize the meaning of the tarot card “The Cherub,” which conveys having divine energy and a watchful spirit. Fisher fully supports the newly found respect for tattoos. “I think tattoos becoming more socially acceptable is something that’s long overdue in society. Too often people are quick to judge others based on appearance, and now that they are becoming more accepted, it makes me feel like society is healing from some form of judgment.”
Naturally, an art school is littered with inked students. There’s truly no better place to flaunt your self-expression than a school dedicated to creativity. The social acceptance of tattoos is assuredly long overdue. Tattooing is an art form, and it’s about time it’s finally treated as such!
