Thursday, 19th December 2013
To tattoo or not to tattoo?
It is looking even more likely that the current generation
will end up being a group of inked-up, old-aged pensioners. But with something
as permanent as tattooing, should you be making that dedication to a piece of
ink that you may regret in 10 years’ time?
The art of tattooing has
been around since as far back as the early-18th century and was first
introduced to Europe by voyaging sailors.
Traditionally associated with ‘men of the sea,’ modern tattoos are a far cry from their original origins. These days it is often harder to spot someone without a tattoo than with.
With celebrity influences such as David Beckham, more and more people seem to be concerning themselves with how the ink will look in fashion terms, rather than deciding on a tattoo that is meaningful to them.
Tattoo artist Rico Wolf says: “Tattooing isn’t good or bad in itself. Like anything - it is what you choose to do with it. To be fair some people do make choices that even people who love tattoos will think ‘what the hell!’”
Although in the past a lot of negative stereotypes have surrounded those of us who choose to have ink, many people are moving away from the typical ‘stamp tramp,’ quotes and sleeve tattoos and heading in a more artistic approach. In a more understanding generation, tattoo culture gives people the chance to be creative and use their skin as a blank canvas – their ink becomes part of their personality and identity.
Rico says: “On one side you have those people who make bad choices. On the other tattooing is being taken to an artistic high - to the point where amazing pieces of ink can match any other high-end artwork out there.”
If you are still unsure whether to take the plunge - take the time to consider your design and speak to tattoo artists as well as various people who already have ink before dedicating to go under the needle. There is NO rush.
Remember, once committed you will have it for the rest of your life – and although your chosen football team or girlfriend may mean the world to you at the time, that might not be the case years down the line.
Traditionally associated with ‘men of the sea,’ modern tattoos are a far cry from their original origins. These days it is often harder to spot someone without a tattoo than with.
With celebrity influences such as David Beckham, more and more people seem to be concerning themselves with how the ink will look in fashion terms, rather than deciding on a tattoo that is meaningful to them.
Tattoo artist Rico Wolf says: “Tattooing isn’t good or bad in itself. Like anything - it is what you choose to do with it. To be fair some people do make choices that even people who love tattoos will think ‘what the hell!’”
Although in the past a lot of negative stereotypes have surrounded those of us who choose to have ink, many people are moving away from the typical ‘stamp tramp,’ quotes and sleeve tattoos and heading in a more artistic approach. In a more understanding generation, tattoo culture gives people the chance to be creative and use their skin as a blank canvas – their ink becomes part of their personality and identity.
Rico says: “On one side you have those people who make bad choices. On the other tattooing is being taken to an artistic high - to the point where amazing pieces of ink can match any other high-end artwork out there.”
If you are still unsure whether to take the plunge - take the time to consider your design and speak to tattoo artists as well as various people who already have ink before dedicating to go under the needle. There is NO rush.
Remember, once committed you will have it for the rest of your life – and although your chosen football team or girlfriend may mean the world to you at the time, that might not be the case years down the line.
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Friday, 6th April 2012
Different Perspectives
On a recent visit to Lincoln Cathedral with my mother, for the first time since I moved to Lincoln in September, I actually went inside and had a look around. The building itself is stunning to look at, especially in the sunshine, but it's interesting to try and look at the history from a different perspective...
Within the Cathedral there is a section called the 'Chapel of St Andrew', where they honour the 'soldiers, airmen and seamen' from the past that fought for the country. In part of this area there were over a dozen different flags hanging proudly, which had been preserved from the warships.
The flag in the picture to the right really caught my eye and I continued to stare at it for a good five minutes. Not only could I see everything that it had been through and the past it had come from - I could see the opportunity to use the design and the kind of material to make a dress. This must sound ridiculous, I know. Then looking more thoroughly at the other flags, it became clear that each one could be made into some form of item of clothing - a special one-off collection could be made from this simple idea to further honour their history.
After coming to this realisation, it opened my eyes up and made me more aware of my surroundings. Ideas can come from anywhere - one person's perspective, doesn't have to be your own as well. If you take that little bit more time to take things in, you could see a different angle in something that you hadn't seen before.
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Friday, 16th March 2012
5 Tips to moving to University
1) Don't panic - I know that's obvious... But there will be hundreds of other students moving to your University that will all be in the same situation (especially your flatmates). This means you are bound to find something in common with at least one person, as everyone is nervous about moving away from home.
2) Try to do something with your flatmates once you've all moved in - it may be awkward at first, but the sooner you break the ice and start to get to know each other, the easier it will be.
3) Pack things that others might not think to pack - on my first day I was offering out drawing pins and white tack to everybody in my flat so we could all start setting our bedrooms up. Again, it helps to break the ice and makes you feel more comfortable around each other.
4) Avoid calling home too soon - it sounds horrible, but not calling home too often helps you settle in better and faster. It's nice to spend time getting to know your flatmates and people from your course. It’s better to ring home every other day at the most to let them know you’re getting on okay, but if everything is going fine, enjoy it!
5) Take items that remind you of home – it helps you to feel more settled. Your bedroom at uni starts to feel like a home-from-home (photos are especially good for this).
Just enjoy the move! It may feel nerve-wrecking at first… but once you've unpacked and you've gone on your first night out, you can really start to have fun living the uni lifestyle and start to love your course.
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Wednesday, 14th March 2012
Today
This isn't going to be 'one of those negative posts', but a post to help to pull something positive out of what has been a horrible and sad day for both my family and I.
Not only was he one of the most giving people I know, but even through everything he's been through over the past few years, he has stayed strong and still put others before him, especially his family. I've lost an amazing cousin, his kids have lost a great Dad and my Uncle has lost a loving Son.
Fighting each step of the way, I am proud to be able to call him a friend, an 'older brother figure', let alone my cousin. Guaranteed to cheer the room up no matter what, he was a rock for my family and I don't think there is one bad memory. He was a massive part of my childhood and I could always count on him for a laugh… I will miss him a great deal.
It became a lot clearer today that people shouldn't take life or anybody for granted. Watching Jeremy Kyle this afternoon suddenly seemed trivial and hearing people moan over petty things made me angry. You have to live your life to the full and enjoy each and every moment no matter how hard, just like my cousin did. Take advantage of the people in your life that make a difference and make you happy, because everything can change in an instance.
It's times like these, which truly make you realise what is important and what isn't...
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Monday, 5th March 2012
5 Tips to looking good this summer
1) Beat the rush – plenty of high street shops have started getting summer clothes in already. I know what you’re thinking, ‘it’s only March’ and it is barely warm yet. But for all of those on planning on going away early or hoping for a hot British Summer this year – stock up on your new summer wardrobe now and avoid the rush!
2) Always have your sunglasses with you – not only do they look good with all the different styles that are available, (I’m loving the round retro look which Topshop seem to be liking this season,) they do a great job against protecting your eyes from direct sunlight – wishful thinking in England I know. Also great for covering those ‘no make-up’ lazy summer days.
3) Pick up on new trends now – both pastels and clashing prints are going to be pretty big this Summer. Depending on how daring you’re feeling, mixing ethnic and deco prints creates a striking beach look. For more casual days, anything in pastel tones says ‘Summer 2012’ – especially in denim.
4) Keep cool – sheer fabrics, particularly of the printed type, are hugely popular at the moment and so there is no excuse not to look good whilst keeping cool in warmer climates.
5) Have options – with the British weather being so unpredictable it’s always worth carrying a big enough bag to carry options for layering. For those moments where the weather suddenly changes, or it becomes colder in the evening - there is nothing that says a maxi skirt or a floaty dress can’t still be rocked. As long as you have a chunky knit or cape with you to throw over the top, you’re still good to go.
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Monday, July 18th 2011
Negative Portrayal
We live in a world where
stereotyping has become a norm. People are more concerned with labeling an
individual based on their image/behaviour before having the chance to get to
know the person as a one. Society groups people together based on an opinion
which has accumulated over time to be what is perceived as a ‘type of person’.
A single word can be said and immediately an image of what you relate that word to will pop into your head. If i was to say ‘Beautician’ - you’re picturing a Barbie type looking person, that sounds quite dumb, with a nail file in hand and wearing bright pink clothing? Although this is what is commonly portrayed in the media, what you probably don’t know is that in a lot of cases this is far from the truth.
From experience, this occupation is far from glamorous and a lot of hard work is put into gaining the qualifications in the first place to acquire the knowledge needed to do the job. Yes most beauty therapists take pride in their appearance, but it is what they are selling. Would you want to buy food off of someone who didn't wash their hands, no? In the same way you probably wouldn't want to be pampered by a Beautician who didn't take pride in the way they look…
Every single person has a role or a job to do, but it doesn't solely make them who they are.
Therefore in the future when passing that ‘chav’ in the street, having a treatment done by a ‘beautician’ or queuing behind a ‘business man’ in his suit, we should be less quick to judge and pin them with labels, which are making human beings less open-minded to a different kind of person to themselves.
A single word can be said and immediately an image of what you relate that word to will pop into your head. If i was to say ‘Beautician’ - you’re picturing a Barbie type looking person, that sounds quite dumb, with a nail file in hand and wearing bright pink clothing? Although this is what is commonly portrayed in the media, what you probably don’t know is that in a lot of cases this is far from the truth.
From experience, this occupation is far from glamorous and a lot of hard work is put into gaining the qualifications in the first place to acquire the knowledge needed to do the job. Yes most beauty therapists take pride in their appearance, but it is what they are selling. Would you want to buy food off of someone who didn't wash their hands, no? In the same way you probably wouldn't want to be pampered by a Beautician who didn't take pride in the way they look…
Every single person has a role or a job to do, but it doesn't solely make them who they are.
Therefore in the future when passing that ‘chav’ in the street, having a treatment done by a ‘beautician’ or queuing behind a ‘business man’ in his suit, we should be less quick to judge and pin them with labels, which are making human beings less open-minded to a different kind of person to themselves.
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