Decorations for the Body

Just when it seemed as though the body art explosion was calming down, the tattoo and piercing scenes have made a comeback - especially among students in Buffalo.

Several of Buffalo's 32 tattoo parlors are located on the Elmwood strip, an area heavily populated with university students and other young people.

Having a decorated "beach body" is a priority for many soon-to-be vacationing young people. Hilary Golond, a freshman undecided major, chose a belly button ring as her form of adornment.

"I got it so that when I went to Cancun I'd have a belly button ring. I was a little nervous, but it was painless and fun," she said.

According to Liz Moberly, an employee of Nickel City Tattoo, business could not be better.

"Business is booming, especially among youth. We're seeing more people now for tattoos than we have in the last two years," she said.

Moberly credits the media with the steady stream of young people who choose to get tattooed or pierced.

"I don't know one girl in this trendy world that does not have her belly pierced," said Moberly. "Christina to Britney, it is a fact, it is seen all over the media, adolescent girls with their navels pierced."

This increase in piercing among younger peoples is interesting, according to Nick Bennet of the Black Rock Tattoo Company, because minors need parental consent to be pierced or tattooed.

"Anyone under 18, according to New York State law, must have a parent accompany them into the tattoo shop in order to give their permission for their child to get pierced or tattooed. For those under 18, getting a tattoo may be harder than buying beer," he said.

But according to Keith Karollman, owner of CowPok on Elmwood Avenue, revenues for the piercing business are no longer flowing in from solely adolescents.

"The age group has broadened greatly. It's not just teens and punks anymore," he said. "Yesterday, I did a 55-year-old woman's navel. The oldest I've ever done is a 60-year-old. Everybody's getting something done, from Moms to lawyers ... you name it."

But why do people choose to decorate their bodies? Moberly, who has eight tattoos herself, has her own theory on why people want tattoos.

"Most of our customers want their tattoos for personal reasons. They have their favorite cartoon character such as Mickey Mouse, the name of their girlfriend or boyfriend, one of their parents or a close family member, even a dead relative, or a favorite pet," she said.

Moberly also said people often ask for a significant personal date or one of a historical event such as 9/11. Other common tattoos include "a design of their favorite flower such as a rose, or a common celestial object such as the sun."

Melissa Stachewicz, a senior double majoring in psychology and legal studies, said she got her tattoos for various reasons.

"I have a swimming frog right above my right hip, and I have a rose on my left shoulder blade," she said. "The rose was my first one, and I got it because my guy friend said I wouldn't; the frog I got from my boyfriend for my 20th birthday."

According to Stachewicz, getting one tattoo usually sets people on the path to more.

"Tattoos are very addictive; once you get one, you want more," she said.

Sean Best, a sophomore business major, agrees.

"I think tattoos are very addictive. I have five of the best tattoos anyone has ever seen, and I plan on getting 10 more. I want to look like Iverson," he said.

According to Gentleman Jim, a tattoo artist at Blue Dragon of Buffalo, some people choose to get tattooed because of the longevity of a tattoo.

"People really like the fact that tattoos are permanent, especially when they tattoo their lover's name in some part of their body," said Gentleman Jim.

That latter reason often brings even more money into the tattoo business.

"Thirty to 40 percent of clients come in to change the tattoo of their lover's name and cover it up with a new tattoo," said Moberly.

Gentleman Jim, who refers to him self as an "amateur social worker," does his part in trying to reduce the number of unwanted tattoos.

"I counsel people very carefully before they get their tattoos. I ask them if they're sure they want a specific tattoo," he said. "They have to feel comfortable with the tattoo since they have to live with it. I'm not in it for the money."

While the tattoo and piercing business steams ahead, some people choose to stay out of its wake.

"I kind of always wanted to get a piercing, but my parents are really strict so I never got one," said Katlyn McBrearty, a freshman undecided about her major. "When I got to college there was nothing that I really wanted to have, so I still didn't get one."

Jose Sierra, a senior communication major, said he does not think tattoos would suit his lifestyle.

"I'm too conservative, and I want to go to law school. A tattoo would be bad for my image as a lawyer," he said.

Dr. Gerald Goldhaber, a professor in the department of communications, agrees that tattoos are not for everyone.

"I suppose a tattoo would be a commitment, and I am only committed to people, not body art," said Goldhaber. "Besides, I would have to show it off if I had one, and I'd rather show off my nice clothes."