Tatoos, like all body art, are an intensely personal affair. But I have to deal with them on a daily basis.

To tatoo, or not? I can’t answer that question for you. But whenever I think tattoos, I think of Angelina Jolie, perhaps the most visible
reason I caution against them. First of all, fashion trends change with the weather. The biggest problem I see with tattoos are their utter
PERMANENCE. If they go out of style, you still own them, like it or not. When Angie was sixteen, she was very outspoken and rebellious and literally wore her philosophies on her body -- not pretty little butterflies -- but horrific jailhouse/goth tats that covered nearly every exposed area of skin on her entire body. I believe she began to regret the practice later on, “Billy Bob” notwithstanding. Her agent was heard to say, “If you get one more tattoo, I’ll fire you!” While the accuracy of the comment can’t be authenticated, the sincerity of it can.

I find tattoos, like hats, a big no-no when it comes to headshots, except for those whose bodies are covered head-to-toe in them, when it’s an integral part of their personas and shouldn’t necessarily be hidden.

Tatoos used to be the exclusive domain of convicts, bikers, sailors and prostitutes. With the recent advent of reality shows like “LA Ink” and “Miami Ink,” I find it highly unfortunate that they push the practice on the very young and impressionable, the very demographic group that these programs target. Not because I hate tattoos, but because of what a plastic surgeon client recently told me: “The biggest trend in plastic surgery in the future will be tattoo removal.”

Well, it depends I guess. I mean, if a CD is looking for a thug, sailor, biker, convicts, etc, then they might just be perfect for the role, whether it be principal, or extras for a scene. Only thing that sucks, is that they will more than likely only get casted for the same roles all the time, because of their outrageous tatts. I know make-up can cover tattoos, but can it do so for people who are inked up head to toe?

Here's a recent column of mine on the topic:

Dear Jackie:

I have two tattoos, a small one on my right upper arm, and a smaller one on the back of my neck. These have never been a problem for me in landing roles, but I recently decided that I want to get some more, and I'd like to know what you think. I'm not talking about going overboard, because I'm not looking to be cast in "tattooed guy" roles or anything. I just want to get a few more pieces, all of which would be coverable by a t-shirt. Do you recommend that actors stay tattoo-free? How much do you think this extra artwork will limit my cast-ability?

Inky,
New York, New York

Dear Inky:

Tattoos have become more common in recent years, and what was once considered taboo is now fairly mainstream. A 2006 study by The Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology reports that 24% of Americans between the ages of 18 and 50 have at least one tattoo. That means about a quarter of the people doing the casting will share your predilection. Those that don’t, however, may not be as open minded as you’d hope. A 2003 Harris poll surveyed Americans without tattoos: 42% admitted thinking people with tattoos were less attractive and 31% suggested those people were less intelligent.

Despite such prejudices, tattoos that are coverable by short-sleeved shirts aren’t likely to limit you, and—depending on your type—may give you an edge. A little ink can seem alternative and hip.

Casting Director Billy DaMota, whose recent projects include "Touching Home" starring Ed Harris and "HolyMan Undercover" with Fred Willard, had this to say: “I have two words for you. Angelina Jolie. There are many actors these days that have opted for body art and it doesn't seem to have hurt their careers. Jolie, Johnny Depp, Evan Rachel Wood, Alyssa Milano, Billy Bob, and dozens more - all have conspicuous body art, and it doesn't seem to have stopped the plum roles from coming their way. These days, make-up technology is absolutely amazing, truly state-of-the-art in tattoo concealment, so if you get a shot at that big role where visible tattoos may be inappropriate--unless you have a scorpion tattooed on your forehead--you should be able to make your tats "disappear" with little or no trouble.”

Jolie herself, in a 2001 interview with the New York Times said,
''When you're a young actor, they tell you not to get tattoos or cut your hair, don't do anything, just try to remain a blank canvas. But I couldn't get a part as a girlfriend on a television show to save my life, anyway. So it was great to say: 'I'm going to shave my head and get tattoos in places you can't hide. Then if I'm going to work, I'm going to work.' I wanted to have a self that was really strong and really me, and that I felt comfortable in.''

This approach works well when a professional makeup artist is on hand, although if you want to play more straight-laced types or do lots of classics, especially in situations where shirts are going to come off with frequency—think HBO or daytime soaps—you might want to avoid the trouble. When you can’t rely on a professional for help, you’ll be spending time and money covering your tattoos yourself. While lighter artwork might be hidden under simple foundation, large dark designs will be harder to disguise. And if you’re working under hot lights, or in a play with lots of action, you may run into trouble as your makeup washes away under sweat.

Fashion trends change like the weather.

In the sixties, it was love beads and sandals. In the seventies, Afros and double knit suits.

But you cannot simply remove a tatoo like a pair of worn-out platform shoes. In spite of what people say about the "timeless class and beauty" of tatoos, I would think twice, then three times before attempting anything that cannot be undone.

If tatoos are so apparently acceptable, desireable and "en vogue" now, why are so many people spending so much time covering them up?

I have two tats and love them both and have had no problems with them whatsoever. I do think you need to think long and hard before you get one because they are a big commitment. While they can be removed the procedure is costly and painful.

Most people are surprised that I don't have a tattoo - I guess I seem like the type!
When I think back to the hairstyles (and colors), clothes, shoes and jewelry I have worn - I can't understand why anyone would want to do something permanent to their body!
I would worry that 10 years down the line, CD's will be looking at you saying - those neck tats were popular in the late 00's - we need someone younger.
Styles change - why comitt yourself to something that will go out of style?

I couldn't agree with Robert more. You may want and love your tatoo(s), but think of the client who does not. You want to appeal to the client and not your inate urges that will change, like the weather as you go through each chapter of your lives.

quote:

Originally posted by Robert Kim Photography:
Tatoos, like all body art, are an intensely personal affair. But I have to deal with them on a daily basis.

To tatoo, or not? I can’t answer that question for you. But whenever I think tattoos, I think of Angelina Jolie, perhaps the most visible
reason I caution against them. First of all, fashion trends change with the weather. The biggest problem I see with tattoos are their utter
PERMANENCE. If they go out of style, you still own them, like it or not. When Angie was sixteen, she was very outspoken and rebellious and literally wore her philosophies on her body -- not pretty little butterflies -- but horrific jailhouse/goth tats that covered nearly every exposed area of skin on her entire body. I believe she began to regret the practice later on, “Billy Bob” notwithstanding. Her agent was heard to say, “If you get one more tattoo, I’ll fire you!” While the accuracy of the comment can’t be authenticated, the sincerity of it can.

I find tattoos, like hats, a big no-no when it comes to headshots, except for those whose bodies are covered head-to-toe in them, when it’s an integral part of their personas and shouldn’t necessarily be hidden.

Tatoos used to be the exclusive domain of convicts, bikers, sailors and prostitutes. With the recent advent of reality shows like “LA Ink” and “Miami Ink,” I find it highly unfortunate that they push the practice on the very young and impressionable, the very demographic group that these programs target. Not because I hate tattoos, but because of what a plastic surgeon client recently told me: “The biggest trend in plastic surgery in the future will be tattoo removal.”

Get all the tattoos you want AFTER you have made a name for yourself. Then they will accomodate you. Before that stage, it is competitive enough. Why give anyone one more reason not to cast you? It is expensive digitally removing tattoos!!It is a question of priorities and how badly do you really want to work....

Unless you have a big tat across your forehead, I don't think it will really matter. I wouldn't recommend having a big tattoo showing in a headshot, just because it would be distracting to your face. But I don't believe that you will only be cast as a prostitute or biker if you have a tattoo. There are plenty of actors out there sporting body ink. And the bottom line is, if you're a good actor, you will get the part.

I know this thread is old, but I just had to reply to it.

I am a female and I have 6 tattoos, located on my foot, ankle, lower back, ribs, hip, and a tiny dot on my pinky.

Unless I was wearing sandals or a bikini, no one would ever know I have any tattoos. And I will likely keep it that way.

I think the problem in telling someone NO you should definitely not get any tattoos, is the abundance of variables. Where will it be located? How big will it be? What role are you auditioning for? How proficient is the makeup artist on the set at covering up tattoos? Will you likely need makeup to cover it, or will clothing do the trick?

Lots of things go into whether or not it will hinder you to any extent.

As far as regret goes, thats a whole separate topic. All of my tattoos, except one are what are known as "traditional tattoos"--think Sailor Jerry--and have become deeply personal. This type of tattoo hasn't gone out of style yet, and because of their simplicity (as far as I'm concerned) they never will. I would personally never get any other style of tattoo.

Basically, I think Jackie's article put it perfectly. Just think about it.

When Paris Hilton wanted to get a tattoo, her tattoo-covered rocker boyfriend Benji Madden said, "NO."

He said he wanted her to remain "Pure" (I suppose in ONE sense, anyway). He wanted her to be, "the only girl in America without a tattoo over her ass!" Which is my main concern about tattoos for young people in general. Every young person wants to look "hip" and "cool." When Farrah Fawcett was the star of "Charlie's Angels," every girl wore that fluffy blonde do. Like any fashion, what's "IN" today will certainly become "OUT" tomorrow. But I believe that in many, many cases tattoos are largely a FAD, fueled by the media and reality television.

In the fifties, every red-blooded American teenager bought a motorcycle jacket like their counter-hero Marlon Brando in, "The Wild One." But how many of those baby boomers would still look great in that same jacket TODAY?

My entire post was best summed up this way: "Not because I hate tattoos, but because of what a plastic surgeon client recently told me: “The biggest trend in plastic surgery in the future will be tattoo removal.” I've had to Photoshop so many tattoos from my actor clients recently that it's almost becoming an epidemic. As I observed earlier, if so many tattoo wearers love their tats so much, WHY ARE THEY ALL SO CONCERNED WITH COVERING THEM UP AND HIDING THEM??

If you grow to dislike or get tired or bored with your tattoos, you've got them for LIFE.

“Whatever works.”

www.robertkim.com
Exclusive Back Stage Discounts
www.imdb.com/name/nm0453647/

I can agree with you Robert on certain aspects of this subject. Actors should be aware that its a possibility you will be rejected from certain opportunities because of a tattoo. You may also be type-cast because of a tattoo. It is a permanent thing, and kids and young adults don't always think about that before they get one. Yes, tattoos have become a fad, and hip styling "accessory" to revealing outfits. but to some, tattoos are meaningful pieces of art that share a story.
I'll admit, I have a tattoo. Its on my back. It is a huge totem pole running from the base of my neck, traveling down to the small of my back. It is not meant to be part of a fad. Its more of a narration of my life. I got it on my back because I knew as an actor, I could still get significant work if its not seen in most situations. People with a lot of tattoos are looked at differently than most everyday society members. People who are all inked up are looked at very negatively, so I could see why people keep their work covered up, unless they're at a tattoo party, or a convention for tat artists. Tattoos are a touchy subject for actors. If you have a small tattoo on your ankle, or a little teeny tramp stamp, or a star behind your ear, you can easily cover it up if need be. Its those with large tattoos that have to make a decision. Do I cover it up with make-up? Do i only take on roles that cater to my body art? Or do I get the tat removed?
It just goes to show that you really have to be smart making decisions about getting permanent work done.

Tatoos are fine, but if you have one, don't show it in your headshot.

It will limit you with CD's and directors.

Have your photog take some shots with the tat showing, for the rare occasion when you think it might help you. Even then, don't think it's going to make a big difference in your chances of getting the job. Fake tatoos are great today.

In my first film, we hired a non-tatooed actor and applied fake tatoos, because he was the best actor for the part.

Good luck.

Best,

Ron

It's competitive enough out there. Why make the odds even worse by getting a tattoo. Besides, have you ever seen a 55 year old woman with lots of tats on all that saggy skin? It's nasty, not classy. I have to agree with Robert Kim on this one- WHOLEHEARTEDLY. You will never change the way society views those with lots of tattoos. It's ghetto. Say what you want but you cannot be a lady with your arm and cleavage covered in tats of snakes and scorpions. I like being a lady. I like looking like one too. I love my perfect breasts and cleavage just the way they are thank you very much. Hey, I never said the rest of me was perfect- but that area is just as God intended and tattoo FREE....

quote:

Originally posted by miss stone:
It's competitive enough out there. Why make the odds even worse by getting a tattoo. Besides, have you ever seen a 55 year old woman with lots of tats on all that saggy skin? It's nasty, not classy. I have to agree with Robert Kim on this one- WHOLEHEARTEDLY. You will never change the way society views those with lots of tattoos. It's ghetto. Say what you want but you cannot be a lady with your arm and cleavage covered in tats of snakes and scorpions. I like being a lady. I like looking like one too. I love my perfect breasts and cleavage just the way they are thank you very much. Hey, I never said the rest of me was perfect- but that area is just as God intended and tattoo FREE....

I thought we were going to keep the topic limited to tattoos within acting, but since we're not, here goes: Miss Stone, I must say, when I first read your response, I hesitated to even respond because of the level of ignorance it held.

"Its ghetto." Really? Is Princess Anne ghetto? What about Winston Churchill? And really, what does "ghetto" really mean to you? It is people like you--those that limit their knowledge of tattoos to scorpions and snakes on arms and cleavage--that are going to keep people looking at those with tattoos in a negative light.

And your statement claiming that we will never change the way society views people with tattoos is ridiculous. Its eerily reminiscent of a time when people said gay people would never be accepted.

Also, I must add that I don't know what your definition of being a "lady" is, but it seems pretty superficial. I personally was raised to believe that being lady is all in how you act, and how you treat others: with respect and free of judgement.

I am a smart, compassionate, helpful member of society, and while I have chosen to make myself different (with clothes OFF, I must reiterate), it really does make me sad that you may believe that all of that is null and void if I have pictures on my body.