So why do you want a tattoo?

So why do you want a tattoo?
October 4, 2010
By Kay Lockett
Wharf.co.uk

Are you inked? Then you are among the 20 per cent of Brits who have got at least one tattoo.

From those who hide Tweety Pie under their shirt and tie to exhibitionists coloured in from head to toe, a celebration of all things permanently inked came to Tobacco Dock in Wapping this week.

The tattooed, pierced and fire breathing to artists, photography exhibitions and trade stalls all came together for the sixth London International Tattoo Convention.

This year, more than 200 of the world's most respected tattooists practised their art in public.

It is estimated that 29 per cent of 16 to 44-year-olds are tattooed, according to Tattoo Life magazine, which organised the event.

So what compels people to permanently scar their skin with everything from tribal sleeves to loved ones' initials?

We asked some colourful characters about their body art.

Mark Burridge, 31, a mechanic from High Wycombe, showed off one of his many unPC tattoos - an obscene picture of Princess Diana on his bottom. He said: "They are good for a laugh - why not?

"My tattoo artist helped me come up with the idea for Diana, he has some great ideas and I agree to them.

"I have some space for a few more and my next one is going to be on my stomach - something a bit more tame this time."

Mr Burridge's girlfriend, Fiona Carr, 25, is a big fan of his body art. She said: "They are brilliant. His bottom was the first thing I saw before I even knew his name.

"I don't have any tattoos myself, he has enough for the both of us."

Steve Knight, 29, who runs pubs in Buckinghamshire was under the needle having The Hulk and Thor tattooed on his thigh - two of all the Marvel comic characters he wants covering his leg. He said: "Tattoos are a passion and I have been getting them done since I was 17.

"This is my sixth and there are definitely more planned. I get a mixed reaction to them, but my son, who is three, loves them and that's all that matters.

"He has already told me he wants his face tattooed to look like Spiderman. Of course when he is old enough we can go together to a good reputable artist if he still wants one. And I wouldn't stop him doing it."

Duane Considine, 27, from Northampton, who was having a design inked by hand in an ancient Samoan style said: "I have a few tattoos but this is my first one done by hand. I have always been interested in Samoan culture and have done a lot of reading about it. There was an opportunity to have this done so I grabbed it.

"It feels uncomfortable - but not much different to the modern way."