Art.

It is defined as the expression of human creative skill and imagination. Few have stepped out of the norm and chosen an unconventional form of self-expression through body art.

Tattoos range from simple phrases to elaborate designs. The more detailed a tattoo, the more painful the process. Various techniques are used to achieve a desired effect.

The most basic and well-known technique that most students use is a tattoo machine by a professional tattoo artist. One needle is utilized for the outline while a series of needles assist in shading. Techniques from Japan and Thailand involve jabbing the skin with rods that have needles on the tip. The Japanese technique known as Tebori helps achieve the vibrant colors and shading that Japanese tattoos are recognized for.

Body art can be extremely detailed, representing a myriad of personal beliefs, ranging from faith, values, to even musical tastes. A number of students have chosen to express something of momentous value in their life by forever etching it into their skin.

“Tattoos are a way of wearing what you believe in,” said junior Alex Rofail, who had his first tattoo done in January of 2012. “I wanted something permanent on my body to show my faith.”

Though traditionally seen as taboo in many cultures, tattoos have become more common sights on teenagers. By law, a person must be over the age of 18 in order to get a tattoo, but a handful of underage students got tattooed with parental consent.

Rofail was granted permission by his parents to have his tattoo done as a 17th birthday present.

“I had been planning it for a little over a year,” said Rofail. “It was special that I went to have it done while he was there.”

For some students, tattoos represent the tight bond a person has with a family member. Senior Tony Dickerson has his mother’s name tattooed across his chest. The tattoo shows Dickerson’s love and respect for his mother.

“My mom means a lot to me, “said Dickerson. “When I was born she got my name tattooed on her back, so we made a deal that I would get hers on my chest.”

Senior Stanley Lindsay has two tattoos that he says have deep meaning. The first on his wrist is of his sister’s birth date. The tattoo shows his love and adoration for his younger sister.

“It will always remind me of her when I’m away at college,” said Lindsay.

His second tattoo represents a philosophical meaning. The phrase “Ambition Over Everything” is tattooed on the upper right side of his chest. The phrase is a constant reminder of Lindsay’s primary goal.

“To me, [the tattoo] means to have a desire for something and to never give up,” said Lindsay.