 "Photo: Roddrick Howell/Echo staff photographer")
 "Photo: Roddrick Howell/Echo staff photographer")
 "Photo: Roddrick Howell/Echo staff photographer")
 "Photo: Roddrick Howell/Echo staff photographer")
Freedom of speech, self-expression, and art are just a few of the ways that tattoos are viewed in society.
Previously associated with bikers and sailors, you can't help but to notice the tattoos printed on students while walking the campus of N.C. Central University. These days tattoos are more socially accepted, especially among college students.
Some of the tattoos on campus have religious meaning to their owners while others have a focus on family and love.
"I got a Chinese symbol that means "believe" on the back of my neck because it motivates me to believe in God, myself and life," said mass communications junior Dioris Smith.
"I have two tattoos. I have my initials on my wrists and my mom's name on my forearm because I was bored and wanted to get a tattoo," said Philip Sadler, mass communications sophomore.
Many students that own tattoos said they are a part of them and important in expressing themselves.
"Tattoos are a representation of my life, the lessons I've learned, and the people I've met," said Roney Deas a psychology freshman.
According to a 2006 survey by the Pew Research Center, 36 percent of people between the ages of ages 18 to 25 have tattoos, and 40 percent of people between the ages of 26 to 40, have at least one tattoo.
The art of tattooing one's self can be costly. Depending on size and design, students can pay anywhere from $40-$500 for a tattoo.
"I stopped counting at about 11," said Deas. Deas is the owner of numerous tattoos.
Despite the popularity of tattoos, students should think carefully before going under the needle.
"I thought about getting a tattoo, but if I wanted to change my mind the removal would be too expensive and painful," said Steven Neal, mass communications junior.
There are several different removal procedures including laser removal and skin excision.
Dermabrasion, sanding the skin to remove a tattoo, and salabrasion,a procedure where the tattoo is removed by salt or salt solution, can not only be painful and but expensive.
"I know someone that has a tattoo and has regretted it since day one," said Deanna Dixon, athletic training junior.
"If I get one, I don't want it to be something that I'll regret later on down the road."
The American Society of Dermatological Surgery stated in 2005, that of all of the people treated with laser and light therapy, only 6 percent have a tattoo removed.
There are many things students should take into consideration when getting a tattoo.
"Consider a shop's health rating, the artists' hourly rate, their prior work, their ability to freehand, and you might want them to be a little social too," said Deas.
Thinking about getting a job? Most employers have dress code and appearance policies, depending on the industry.
"I put on a collar shirt, drew a line around the top of it, and told the artist not to go any higher," said Deas, who also has had his neck tattooed.
According to Vault, a career aid service, over half of the employees that have tattoos or piercings opted to cover up while on the job. Forty percent of those who were surveyed have one or more tattoos.
"Tattoos are about self-expression," said Lynne Jefferson, English professor whose 16 year old son has expressed his interest in getting a tattoo.
"Just make sure they're done in good taste and make sure they're in an inconspicuous place," said Jefferson.
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