"HAHAHA SUCKAH!!!"

When my tattoo colleague Charles Ong (Bad Influence Tattoo) asked me to tattoo his neck, my response was "Are you sure bro, you know that means, don't you?". To that, he replied "Yeah man!!". For me, it was an honor to initiate him!
Those statements may not seem very significant to the laments, but to us tattoo artists, it means total dedication and FUCK corporate! The irony behind that is we both work under the Bad Influence Tattoo Inc. umbrella.
About 16 years ago when I first got into the tattoo industry, it was a proverbial bridge I had to cross as well. I immersed myself and dedicated my life and career to the art of tattooing. It signified "No turning back. No regrets!" motto that I carry over onto my every day life til this day. Even my momma hated my neck tattoo, til she saw it consisted of hers and my pops name. A small grin resided over her disapproving frown as she raised her head to look up to my neck and utter these words I'll never forget, "At least the writing is nice!". Geesh, thanks mom!
I Still remember all the shit that came with having a tattoo. The looks, the stares, the constant pre-judgements any room I entered. Ladies would clutch their purses ever so tight as I walk by them on the streets. Some go so far as to switch to opposite sides when they see me nearing. The fights I would get into because I thought some fools were "maddogin" me. It took me awhile to adjust to the newly added attention. Mind you these were the 90's, when anyone with a neck tattoo was either a tattoo artist or an ex-con. Since I have no colored tattoos, guess which profile I most resemble? I can't say I blame anyone for how they perceived me, but it took getting used to. Just another factor to overcome with such a commitment.
Some tattoo artists don't have neck tattoos, nothing wrong with that. For myself, it was just me telling myself "Failure is not an option!". I guess its my way of disciplining my will to put my best foot forward everyday. God has blessed my with the talent I possess and the ability to to provide for my family, for that, I am ever so thankful. There's not one day I can remember that I've regretted my neck tattoos or the path that I've chosen because of it. It's enable me to experience so much and meet so many people, good and bad, that have I have shared so many stories with. I love what I do and without sounding too mushy, I love how i make people feel after the get a tattoo from me (I know, conceded!).
Nowadays, athletes, musicians, and even the kid that bags your groceries have neck tattoos. But to tattoo artists, I think the meaning still holds true and the process still sacred and personal.
Bottom line is, be wise about getting a neck tattoo, it's not for everyone, you may hinder life's opportunities as well as make them.

PEACE AND TATTOOS!