2008 Woodie Awards
A look at tattoos, piercings, needles and you
By: Mallory Peebles
Issue date: 11/19/08 Section: Opinion
Needles penetrating your skin is no longer reserved for the doctor's office. If you are at least 18 years old and sober, most likely you can get anything pierced or tattooed. From my observation, both are becoming more prevalent among young adults and teenagers. I've experienced this firsthand -- since high school I've had five body piercings.
I also know more than a handful of people who got tattoos and piercings after high school. The obvious reason why they waited is because most people don't turn 18 until the end of high school. Legally, you can't get either until then, but that never stopped the determined ones. I got a piercing from a place that was known for piercing the underaged. I used a handwritten note from my "mom" and it worked.
I recently did some research and discovered that illegally piercing a minor can be quite costly. According to Piercer Sharrin Spector of Pierce Ink, the body piercer is slapped with a misdemeanor, $250 fine, and the shop is fined up to $5,000.
Piercing and tattooing is costly despite the underage issue. On average, a piercing can cost between of $30 to $80. That does not include the jewelry, which can run you another $20 or more. On average, a tattoo costs upwards of $80 or more depending on the size, detail, and time, since most tattoo artists charge by the hour.
Once you've gotten past the price, you also have to consider the upkeep and care. I have always opted for piercings because they can easily be removed unlike tattoos, which are permanent (for the most part).
After speaking to a professional piercer and tattoo artist about the two different types of body modification, I saw them in a different light.
Spector has been a piercer for 20 years and has owned Pierce Ink for 15. Pierce Ink is located in San Jose off Race St.
"Tattoos may last longer, but to me, a piercing can be a bigger commitment. It may be less of a lifetime commitment, but it requires constant care for at least three months," said Spector.
I also know more than a handful of people who got tattoos and piercings after high school. The obvious reason why they waited is because most people don't turn 18 until the end of high school. Legally, you can't get either until then, but that never stopped the determined ones. I got a piercing from a place that was known for piercing the underaged. I used a handwritten note from my "mom" and it worked.
I recently did some research and discovered that illegally piercing a minor can be quite costly. According to Piercer Sharrin Spector of Pierce Ink, the body piercer is slapped with a misdemeanor, $250 fine, and the shop is fined up to $5,000.
Piercing and tattooing is costly despite the underage issue. On average, a piercing can cost between of $30 to $80. That does not include the jewelry, which can run you another $20 or more. On average, a tattoo costs upwards of $80 or more depending on the size, detail, and time, since most tattoo artists charge by the hour.
Once you've gotten past the price, you also have to consider the upkeep and care. I have always opted for piercings because they can easily be removed unlike tattoos, which are permanent (for the most part).
After speaking to a professional piercer and tattoo artist about the two different types of body modification, I saw them in a different light.
Spector has been a piercer for 20 years and has owned Pierce Ink for 15. Pierce Ink is located in San Jose off Race St.
"Tattoos may last longer, but to me, a piercing can be a bigger commitment. It may be less of a lifetime commitment, but it requires constant care for at least three months," said Spector.
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