In the Flesh

I think the hallmark of a great tattoo is whether it holds up without context. You are putting some permanent image or phrase on your body and going out into the world. Ideally it has some sort of meaning to you, unless you somehow just went into the tattoo parlor and picked a random design off the menu. And maybe that’s all that matters, whether it means something to you.

But I feel like tattoos are intended as some sort of self expression. Which means, you know, expressing yourself to others. The ideal tattoo shouldn’t just express something as simple as “I like a thing” to people, either. Say someone has a tattoo of Dolly Parton’s face on their chest. What’s the response to that? Probably goes like, “Hey, isn’t that Dolly Parton?”

“Yes, it is Dolly Parton.”

“Neat.”

Not much there. And maybe you like to identify by the things and people you enjoy. That’s fine. I just don’t know if I’d count a tattoo of that as a great tattoo. It sort of is what it is. Almost like you’re branding yourself with something. You’re a walking advertisement.

Nah, a great tattoo in my mind can be appreciated for what it is and what it communicates beyond what it can be recognized as. Aesthetically pleasing, makes people curious, some sort of relevant quote that applies beyond the context of its source material… That’s the ticket.

Now if only I had some well-made examples to point to… Maybe even on a shirt…