Along with the numerous bars in Campustown, another common site that many students frequent are the tattoo shops.

Tattoos can be a form of expression, remembrance and individuality, but with social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest, local Campustown tattoo artists argue that being original with body art is rare among customers. Some tattoo artists in Campustown offered a few of their suggestions.

Jaded Angel owner, Bob Parr, said words in a tattoo are fine, but don’t overdo it.

“Big quotes on your side: overdone,” Parr said. “Nobody wants to stand around reading your body; images are much more enticing.”

Daniel Forrester, Lasting Impressions tattoo artist, believes Pinterest has hindered people from thinking on their own when it comes to body art.

“Ames is in a really weird place, because there are a lot of young people that don’t know about tattoos or tattooing and a lot of shops sort of prey on them by taking their money and giving them exactly what they want,” Forrester said. “Even though they could get something a lot cooler, instead of taking the time to explain what’s passable and what’s usable they will just do the bare minimum.”

Forrester understands that celebrity tattoos will always be trendy, but suggests to not follow the hype.

“Everybody wants what the new celebrity just got and no one wants to think for themselves,” Forrester said. “For example, right now we’re doing a rash of infinity signs with words and lettering, you probably know five people that have that tattoo.”

Forrester admits that although he has been guilty of just giving the people what they want, he finds it difficult to explain options without a client becoming offended. Any suggestion can be taken as an insult and with several tattoo shops in the area, customers have no trouble finding someone that is willing to give them exactly what they think they want.

“People can put a little bit more thought into what they want instead of what their friend puts on their Pinterest page,” Forrester said.

Parr said: “Don’t get something just because your friends are telling you to get [it]. Get something that you’ve been thinking about for a while; maybe six months or a year.” He added, “Don’t worry about how much it’s going to hurt, because your tattoo is going to outlast your friends and the pain.”

Tattoos are also becoming more popular in between fingers, a difficult area for tattoos to heal properly. As the area is small, tiny detailed scripts and fonts are a common request and although it can be done, Forrester advises against it, because the ink will spread under the skin over time and end up looking blurry.

Tattoos on the hands and face are a big commitment. Parr warns any customer or first-timer against getting tattoos in a place that might hurt them when trying to find a job.

Another warning that is not usually communicated to customers is the risk of tattooing someone else’s name onto their body. If it symbolizes a lost loved one or a child’s name, that is one thing; but tattooing a boyfriend’s or girlfriend’s name is never wise, Forrester said.

“Most people get names because they’ve messed up and they’re thinking that a grand gesture is going to fix everything,” Forrester said. “You’ve got to do something else with your life other than getting a tattoo to fix it.”

Forrester admits he does have friends that have tattooed a significant other’s name on their body but does not advise it for the average college relationship.

Body art is expensive. Unless a person is loyal to only one tattoo artist, many people tend to shop around for prices.

“Good tattoos are not cheap; cheap tattoos are not good,” Parr warns.

It is also suggested for people to plan out their body art with an artist beforehand and then schedule a time to come in for the actual tattoo. While walk-ins are welcome at most shops, quality tattoos take time and planning.

People are encouraged to not be afraid to ask a tattoo artist for his or her portfolio. A portfolio that is well-done can ensure a potential customer the artist can provide him or her with the craftsmanship he or she may want for permanent ink.

“A good tattoo fits the body right; it flows around the muscles and around the skeletal framework. It’s elegant and flattering,” Forrester said. “If you want something that actually has meaning to you, then you have to make your own magic out of it.”