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By Tracey Smith
 
January 29

Charm School 101 - Tattoos
Tracey Smith
Publicist, Image Consultant, Writer
CEO & Founder
Decorum Consulting, LLC
 
 
Charm School 101 - Tatoos
 
When I was born, my mother delivered a smooth innocent babe that was about to be molded like a piece of clay to form a creation that equated pure art.  The beauty of birth is the newness of thy own skin, unscathed, no scratches, abrasions, just smooth skin that had the softness of an Alpaca lambskin rug. 
 
I'm quite sure no mother has visions of their child growing up to select body art as if they were choosing a Christian Audigier hoody with a matching hat.  The items of clothing versus the body art or tattoos were like comparing apples to oranges. These were pieces of clothing that could be easily removed, and replaced with another ensemble that would or could be fashionably appropriate.  Whereas the body art was colorful, brash, obnoxious, stereotypic, cheap, permanent, and similar to the mark of a branding iron. 
 
What goes through the mind of a student who has had the luscious opportunity to be selected to attend their college of choice, to gain an education that will allow them to be self-sufficient, when they make a decision that may or is highly likely to be deleterious to their prospective employment?   Honestly, the first thought that crosses my mind when I see a student with tattoos, I could care less if it's a heart or barbed wire, it's an insignificant thought of self when they can choose to adorn themselves with ink that is permanent. 
When I was born, my mother delivered a smooth innocent babe that was about to be molded like a piece of clay to form a creation that equated pure art.  The beauty of birth is the newness of thy own skin, unscathed, no scratches, abrasions, just smooth skin that had the softness of an Alpaca lambskin rug. 
 
I'm quite sure no mother has visions of their child growing up to select body art as if they were choosing a Christian Audigier hoody with a matching hat.  The items of clothing versus the body art or tattoos were like comparing apples to oranges. These were pieces of clothing that could be easily removed, and replaced with another ensemble that would or could be fashionably appropriate.  Whereas the body art was colorful, brash, obnoxious, stereotypic, cheap, permanent, and similar to the mark of a branding iron. 
 
What goes through the mind of a student who has had the luscious opportunity to be selected to attend their college of choice, to gain an education that will allow them to be self-sufficient, when they make a decision that may or is highly likely to be deleterious to their prospective employment?   Honestly, the first thought that crosses my mind when I see a student with tattoos, I could care less if it's a heart or barbed wire, it's an insignificant thought of self when they can choose to adorn themselves with ink that is permanent. 
 
Most Tattooed Man

 

Does anyone ever wonder what the side effects of the infliction may be?  Are there any concerns of hygiene at the facility? What if it affects a future relationship? Do you think tattoo removal is as easy as White Out?  
 
What if you are lucky enough to be chosen to enter medical school and your career choice is oncology?  A physician is a person who is held in high esteem, people trust their physicians with their life and clarity of decision making.  Do you honestly believe I would allow a tatted physician to offer me a diagnosis?  Or what about a tatted kindergarten teacher, who will guide and bestow knowledge to my pre-schooler?  
 
In my mind, I automatically associate tattoos with someone that is inebriated on substance, or residing in a trailer park, or riding a Harley like "Easy Rider" in Venice Beach...bottom line, he or she would not be my primary care physician or specialist.
 
Unfortunately when we are young at heart, we make foolish decisions that can either remain with us as constant reminders, or we can receive a second chance to rid ourselves of the mistake, but the memory is fresh as the morning dew.  A tattoo is very similar to an unwanted pregnancy; you cannot change your mind once the creation has begun to morph into completion. 
 
The premium channels, i.e. MTV, VH1, etc... stress focused decision making while being a teen or student.  My hopes are to not berate your decisions but to offer you an altruistic approach to prevent cause and affect mistakes. 
 
High school was difficult due to peer pressure and bullying, but by the time college has arrived, wouldn't you think that no amount of pressure could allow one to succumb to actions that could hinder your future? 

I am proud to say that I have no tattoos, and no desire to have one, regardless of how small or if hidden.  Perhaps I'm not sadistic enough to enjoy the incessant poking of a needle that has been "only God knows where", or perhaps I'm afraid I might just wake up and smell the coffee and want this ugly artwork off my skin. 
 
These tattoo artists aren't Toulouse-Lautrec or Manet, they are some grimy individuals that offer a catalog of pain and enticement.  Do you believe they have advanced degrees?  Their only concern is your money, and the buffoonery you exhibit as you leave in visible pain and pride with your tattoo preciously covered in clear plastic bandages.
 
So to all incoming Freshman, who feel a surge of empowerment and independence, when you take that first sip of grain alcohol and your friends coerce you to go to the tattoo parlor, you should think long and hard about the investment your family has made in you.  Their child is their priceless commodity, and they are entitled to a return on investment. 
 
Think long and hard about the stupidity of a single night of substance and clouded judgment as well as the ramifications that can occur.  Think about yourself.  Be selfish and stoic in your decisions and remember; only you hold the key to your destiny. 
 
As an ex-pharmaceutical executive, I will be candid and state; that I would not give a nod of approval on anyone that had a tattoo, or anything that could prevent residual business in a territory where conservative residents dominated.  If you are considering your future, only you hold the key, drive responsibly. 

 
About Tracey Smith:
Tracey Smith is a successful publicist, image consultant, and writer.  She is the founder of Decorum Consulting, a boutique public relations agency.  Ms. Smith received her Bachelor of Science degree in speech-language pathology pre-med from Hampton Institute with a minor in psychology.  Ms. Smith gained invaluable experience in sales and management in the pharmaceutical industry, and has held positions in sales training, management, and product analysis.  
 
About Decorum Consulting:
DECORUM Consulting is a boutique agency that specializes in public relations, media relations, brand management, image consulting, and executive finishing.  Founded by native Chicagoan Tracey Smith, who possesses an extensive knowledge of sales management and product marketing from her very successful career in the pharmaceutical industry.  The goal of Decorum Consulting is to achieve top-firm results while maintaining at all times, the personalized attention only offered in a boutique environment.  The clientele ranges from medical thought leaders, lecturers, authors, radio personalities, and foreign policy experts. 

Contact Information: 
Decorum Consulting
Chicago, IL
 
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