Are tattoos still cool?

Let’s find out what different generations think about tattoos and how they see them

Words and multimedia by Marilia Marques Muniz

Tattoos were once symbols of rebellion. Today, they are more about fashion and expressing someone’s personality. From small designs to full sleeves, tattoos are a form of art that can be fun for everyone, although not everyone is into this kind of art.

Nowadays, tattoos are more common, and we see them on people of different ages. But the question is: are they still cool?

The Younger Generation

Ingrid Gomes, 19, has no tattoos. Born in London and currently studying architecture, the19-year-old feels she is too young to get something permanent inked on her skin – and would like to be completely sure before getting one.

However, she is open-minded and has no prejudice against this form of art. Her mother has several tattoos, and Ingrid thinks they look really cool and beautiful.

The Generation in Their 50s

Diane Gomes, 49, has several tattoos.

Diane was born in Brazil but has been living in London for over 20 years. She is a rock ‘n’ roll lover and is passionate about tattoos.

Diane has always loved tattoos and even travelled to Poland to get a full sleeve tattoo.

She got her first tattoo at the age of 16, and now, at 49, both of her arms are almost completely covered in tattoos. She is still thinking about getting a few more.

Inside the Tattoo Studio

Haunted, a tattoo studio located on Holloway Road, agreed to let one of its employees be interviewed and allowed photographs to be taken inside the studio.

Friz, a tattoo artist at the studio, was quite busy that day. With Arsenal playing, many people were coming into the studio wanting to get tattooed on the same day.

Behind the Needles

Friz, 28, is a British tattoo artist working at Haunted.

So, Are Tattoos Still Considered Cool?

With different opinions, tattoos nowadays are no longer just about rebellion, but more about personal style and a way of life.

Although some people still have certain prejudices against tattoos, they are no longer as taboo as they once were. People of different ages get tattooed, choosing all kinds of designs, from small ones to much larger pieces, from something very symbolic to a completely covered arm.

And surely, every tattoo has a meaning to the person wearing it. It might not be something particularly deep, but a design can speak a thousand words.

Tattoos are a way of expressing yourself, with the added bonus of looking charming and very stylish.