Great American ink
College students are using ink to express themselves and The Great American Tattoo Co. is the venue where many go.
Some tattooists want their art to be meaningful and have a lot of thought build behind it, while some go on impulse.
"Some things just aren’t tattooable,” said J.R., tattooist at The Great American Tattoo Co. “Working with people that don’t understand that is probably the most difficult part of my job.”
Introducing himself only as J.R., the man draped in tattoos, self-estimated at 60 percent, has interned across the United States, Europe and South America.
Formerly an animator for Disney, his forte is tattooing realistic pieces such as portraits. When asked what his favorite tattoo was – on his own body or one he gave – he replied, “Oh wow. That would be a long list.”
Though not able to choose his favorite, there are those on campus who don’t skip a heartbeat when asked the same question.
Freshman Monica Schwab has a deep connection with her tattoo and the story behind it.
She was on her way to see a movie with one of her close “energetic and outgoing” friends.
He told her that a goal of his was to get tattooed and go skydiving. She replied she would never take part in either one.
Two days later, her friend died.
While mourning, she went to his mother’s house and saw a sign that said “inspire.”
And now, in remembrance of him, she has that word tattooed on her hip.
“It’s a nice way to remember him, and I think that the word is perfect for really any circumstance in life,” Schwab said.
A lot of tattoos are done to remember a loved one, though Schwab along with sophomore Celeni Bobadilla agreed that neither of them would ever have someone else’s name tattooed on them.
Bobadilla has two star tattoos on each hip and said she got them to follow a trend. She wanted to get tattoos in that place on her body, and went to a professional artist to get them done for a low price. Even though it was spontaneous, she does not regret it.
“I actually plan on getting another one in remembrance of one of my relatives that passed away,” Bobadilla said.
All tattoos come with a story. Whether it’s humorous, inspiring or even devastating, every tattoo has its own special meaning.
The Great American Tattoo Co. is located on 102 W. Jefferson St., its business hours run Tuesday through Sunday, from noon to 8 p.m.
