How Tattoos are Changing their Image
By Tamika Hawkins
March 8, 2004

For one local Chicago tattoo artist, his career is more than a job---it's an art.

"People assume their tattoo is going to come out how it comes out," said Miles Maniaci, 28. "They don't realize it's a craft involved."

Maniaci, who works at Lakeview's "Chicago Tattoo and Piercing Company" attended art school, but said he sharpened his skills through an apprenticeship.

"They don't have school for tattoos, it's pretty much handed down," Maniaci said. "I draw a lot… a lot of people have some schooling and don't draw at all."

According to a recent Harris Interactive poll, 16 percent of adults in America have tattoos, and Maniaci attributes this to a societal change in perception.

"Now people realize you don't have to be a biker or sailor," Maniaci said. "You can do a lot more and the element of [tattoo] removal is a comfort."

image by Tamika Hawkins

Maniaci at work at the Chicago Tattooing Company

Still, he also said that he hasn't met many people who regret their decision to get tattooed.

"I do have people come in with the name of someone they're no longer with, but in general I don't hear anyone say 'I wish I never had tattoos,'" Maniaci said.

It's a Sunday night, and the bustling tattoo parlor on Belmont Ave. is filled with people checking out designs from the posters hanging securely on the wall.

The constant buzz of Maniaci's needle pierces the ears, as well as the skin, but many customers don't seem to mind the pain.

Kimberly Tester, 22 and her roommate Shanna McGarry, 24 are planning to get matching tattoos.

"The tattoo means the same to both of us," said Tester, a Tennessee native and bearer of five other tattoos. "It doesn't hurt that much."

In the minds of Tester and McGarry, their vortex-designed tattoos represent a symbol of their friendship.

And since the two will be moving to different states soon, the tattoos will be a daily physical reminder of their connection.

But not everyone aspires to mark their favorite designs or boyfriend's name on their body in permanent ink.

The poll also states that 31 percent of those without tattoos thought that people with tattoos were less intelligent and 42 percent found tattooed individuals less attractive.

San Francisco native Dana Ross said she doesn't dislike tattoos, but decided against the increasing trend because of her religion.

"I'm Jewish," said Ross, 26, "and I think you're not supposed to mark your body in any way to be buried in a Jewish cemetery."

Still, her stance on tattooing is driven by an even deeper philosophy.

"On a personal level, I believe that out of respect of the Holocaust victims and survivors who didn't have a choice about being tattooed…I wouldn't do it," Ross said.

Jose Morales, 25, a hotel bar manager from Chicago, browsed the tattoo designs while waiting for a friend.

"I have two tattoos, and I think it's cool," Morales said. "I've always wanted one, every since I was little."

Even celebrities like rapper 50 Cent, actress Angelina Jolie and rocker Ozzy Osborne all sport tattoos, but Maniaci warns prospective tattoo-seekers to do their homework when choosing tattoo artists and locations.

"Shop for tattoos," Maniaci said. "A lot of portfolios are the same, but you want to see line work…[the tattoo] should look smooth and have a perfectly consistent line."

He also said many clients aren't concerned with sterilization, and he encourages people to question cleaning practices of artists.

Even if the tattooing trend trickles down to a slow halt, for now Maniaci is simply content doing what he loves.

In a soft-spoken voice that contrasts the blare of his completely tattooed-covered arms he talked about why he believes tattoos are so addictive.

"After the first one, the thought of permanency goes away, and you're thinking more about what you want to convey," he said. "Tattoos are magical."