The body-piercing and tattoo industry is making a comeback in the Buffalo area. According to owners of some of Buffalo's many tattoo and/piercing parlors, business is stronger than usual among college-aged patrons.
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.
According to Liz Moberly, an employee of Nickel City Tattoo, business could not be better.
"Business is booming, especially among youth," Moberly said. "We're seeing more people now for tattoos than we have in the last two years."
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," Golond said. "I was a little nervous, but it was painless and fun."
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," Bennet said. "For those under 18, getting a tattoo may be harder than buying beer."
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," Moberly said. "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."
Moberly also said people often ask for a significant personal date or one of a historical event, such as Sept. 11, 2001.
"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, a tattoo artist at Blue Dragon of Buffalo.
Gerald Goldhaber, a professor in the Department of Communication, said tattoos are not for everyone.
"I suppose a tattoo would be a commitment, and I am only committed to people, not body art," Goldhaber said. "Besides, I would have to show it off if I had one, and I'd rather show off my nice clothes."
-Compiled by Dena-Kay Martin
-Written by Bernardo Tagliarini
Photo: Meredith Forrest Kulwicki
