Senior Hayden Zawko got her first tattoo when she was 16 years old. She got a blue hammerhead shark on her mid abdomen. She had been wanting this tattoo since she was 13, which made her certain she would regret it later on. Which was something she worried about at first. However after having it for some time she loves it more and more everyday.
“The tattoo symbolizes how I had to push through and overcome hard times, similar to how a shark has to keep moving to survive,” Zawko said.
Contrary to some other people who get tattoos, English teacher Alexandra Malagon’s first tattoo was a big deal to her, and it had a lot of meaning behind it.
“Ever since I was a child, I have loved drawing. In high school, I continued taking art classes that helped me express my creativity. Art has always been a big part of my life, which inspired me to get my first tattoo. My first tattoo features a rose, a lily, and a dream catcher. At the time, getting a tattoo was a big deal to me. I was proud of myself for taking a step toward becoming an independent adult. My parents were very supportive and proud of my design because it was something I drew by hand,” Malagon said.
Since Malagon clearly thought very long and hard about her first tattoo, she has some insight for other people who are thinking about getting their first tattoo.
“My number one piece of advice is to know the artist who will be tattooing you. Safety and sanitation are extremely important when getting a tattoo, and it does not matter how small or large it is; proper practices are crucial. You also need to remember that tattoos require proper aftercare, which individuals must follow for weeks after their appointment. Good artists will always communicate aftercare instructions with you,” Malagon said.
Overall, her feelings about tattoos are very positive. She notes that every time she looks at a specific tattoo she is reminded of the meaning and the specific time or memory.
Graphic design teacher Joe Zimka also is a tattoo lover. The meaning behind his first tattoo is also quite thoughtful.
“I always appreciated art, and I thought tattoos were cool. So, I thought, maybe getting a tattoo would be up my alley, once you get one, they lead to more. It was a Bible verse and a scroll, and it’s for nothing is impossible with God. I was a soccer player and the Adidas’ there’s nothing impossible’ campaign was up my alley, and I thought for a first tattoo, why not get a Bible verse?” Zimka said.
He also has some great advice for anyone thinking of getting a first tattoo. Specifically, teenagers.
“Be smart about it, don’t be stupid about it. $50 tattoos in somebody’s basement is probably not a great idea. I have $50 tattoos in some from somebody’s basement. Instagram is a great place to research tattoo artists in your local area. If there’s something you’re interested in, go to a tattoo shop and appreciate the artist’s skill and have them create the composition. They know more about tattoos,” Zimka said.
For senior Gabi Selvas, tattoos are not a new concept. Getting her first tattoos in as early as eighth grade. What matters most to her is that it’s meaningful.
“I always wanted a tattoo, so once I figured out what was meaningful enough to put on my body I wanted to get it tattooed,” Selvas said.
Selvas’s favorite tattoo is that of a sunset, it was her first real tattoo that she got going into junior year. The sunset symbolizes every day is a new day, so when the sunsets you can make a change and start fresh. Selvas’s advice for people that want a tattoo is to really think about where you want it and if you still want it there when you’re older, as well as keeping in mind any consequences you could face with the area or tattoo itself.