What's the Deal With "Shop Minimums" For Tattoos?

If you want a tattoo - even a very small one - and you go to have it priced in a tattoo shop, you might be surprised that even something the size of a nickel will run you $50-$75. When you ask why it's so much, you'll be told that the price is the "shop minimum." But what does that mean and what is its purpose? Are they just trying to scam you out of extra money?

No, it's not a scam. The shop minimum covers the very basic expenses that have to be covered for every tattoo, no matter how big or small. Clean and sterile equipment, clean and sterile workstations, and licensed, health-board certified, insured studios is what you're getting for that shop minimum. The minimum for tattoos is more than that for piercings because more equipment is used and exposure is riskier so the steps that have to be taken to ensure your safety are more extensive than for a body piercing.

So, it's true. A tattoo the size of a nickel could cost the same as a tattoo the size of a half-dollar because of the shop minimum. But do you really put a price tag on your own safety?

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In the News: Piercing Implant Technology Used to Help Man Swallow

Prototype 'piercing' restores man's ability to swallow
This is really fascinating if you're interested in medical science and technology. The same process and idea behind trans-dermal implant piercings has now been used to enable a cancer survivor to swallow for the first time in two years. Peter Belafsky, a California surgeon who specializes in voice and swallowing disorders, was inspired when he took his own daughters to get their ears pierced and saw the multiple piercings on the counter girl at the shop.

Dr. Belafsky had been working on ways to treat Oropharyngeal dysphagia, a condition that prevents the patient from swallowing (which obviously includes eating and drinking) because the esophagus doesn't open and close like it should. The piercing gave Dr. Belafsky the idea to use an implanted device that would allow the patient to operate the esophagus functions manually. Since it's a new concept and the FDA doesn't allow clinical trials on anything they haven't approved, the idea was tested (successfully) on a physician and tonsil cancer survivor from Uruguay who had lost esophageal function after undergoing radiation therapy on his throat area.

By implanting a small plate and rod, which greatly resembles the anchor piece of a trans-dermal implant piercing, into the man's trachea, the patient now has full manual control to open and close his esophagus as needed. The tip of the rod acts as a For the first time in two years, Daniel Fiandra is not only swallowing but learning to eat and drink as well. All because a guy took his daughters to get their ears pierced!

Another Cool Implant Story: Photography Professor Had Camera Mount Implanted In the Back of His Head

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In the News: Percy Cummings Story is Bunk, But These Are Not

A satirical "news" story about a gay interior designer, Percy Cummings, who ejaculated on a TSA official after being groped in the groin during a security check due to his genital piercings setting off alarm bells, is bogus. I saw the tongue-in-cheek article a few weeks ago, but now the headline is popping up everywhere as if it's a real story. Well, it's not. But I think the reason so many people are taking it seriously is because it raises a legitimate concern and, sadly, runs a striking parallel to some other TSA horror stories that actually did happen. Recently, a travel blog writer put together the Top 10 Outrageous Airport Security Incidents and lists each one in gloriously horrifying detail, including one woman who was forced to remove her nipple piercings with a pair of dirty pliers while being watched by TSA security officials.

Airport security screenings are supposed to be for our safety and peace-of-mind, and instead they're causing more anxiety than the threat of terrorism itself. Piercings are going to continue being an obstacle for travelers, especially if they're private piercings not meant for public viewing. If you're traveling and have any piercings you prefer to keep to yourself, you're better off removing them and then replacing them after your flight.

Have you been through the new airport security screenings with piercings, and have they caused you any problems? Comment below with your stories!

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Convention/Events Calendar Updated

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Forum Discussion: What Do You Think of Tattoo TV Shows?

InkAllDay writes: "I enjoy tattoo tv shows but solely for the purpose of seeing the tattoos. Kat Von D herself has said that all of the drama and whatnot on the show is fake. She said the only real thing going on is the tattoos. I was just wondering how the people of about.com felt about these tattoo shows?"

I already gave my thoughts on this subject, which you can read here, but how do you feel about the shows? Do you have a favorite? What is it that you like/don't like about them? Join the conversation and tell us what you think!

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Tattooed, Pierced, and Looking For Work

Finding a job in these stressful economic times is difficult for anyone, but having tattoos and piercings can make it even harder. Many employers aren't concerned with how intelligent, talented or qualified you are if you have visible body art. Oftentimes, it's a struggle to find a balance between staying true to yourself and making necessary sacrifices in order to get a job. This article* - Finding a Job When You Have Tattoos, Piercings Or Body Modifications - will get you started in the right direction, give you advice on how to find work and impress a potential employer even if you have body modifications.

*Note: This article is just the beginning of what will eventually be a large collection of informative pages on finding a job when you have body art. It will continue to grow over the next few weeks, so stay tuned for updates on new additions to the piece.

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Body Art and Job Seeking (Cont'd)

Continuing from what I posted last week, I've got more to share with you on the topic of looking for work when you've got tattoos and piercings. I've added more company names to the list of tattoo-and-piercing-friendly employers, plus added another page of career fields that are typically accepting of people with body art. The following pages cover several aspects of body art and employment issues.

Body Mods in the Workplace: Corporate BS Meets Ignorance and Prejudice

Do Employers Have the Legal Right to Discriminate Against Body Art?

Finding a Job When You Have Tattoos and/or Piercings

Career Fields That Are Open to People With Body Mods

Specific Companies Known to be Body Art Friendly

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