Tattoos and the professional

On July 6, 2011, in Career, Do you want to be an Architect?, by Bob Borson

Right up front … I don’t have any tattoos and for the most part, I ignore them on other people. So why am I talking about them? I received an email from someone who has been a chef for the last 10 years and wanted to know what my opinion was on tattoos within the profession of architecture. At first I thought this was an easy question to answer, but after letting it bounce around my head for a while, I’m not sure I know how to respond.

“I was wondering what your opinion/experience is on tattoos in such a profession. I have a full arms worth that I could cover with long sleeves but would be creeping out of my cuffs.” and “Do you think tattoos will diminish my perceived credibility as an architect?”

In order to respond to this email and articulate a position, I decided I should figure out what I actually thought about tattoos and would the presence of tattoos on an individual color the way I view them as a professional. The person who sent in the email told me that he has two “full sleeves” meaning that both of his entire arms – from the wrist to his shoulders – are completely covered in tattoos.

Generally speaking, I don’t understand the motivation that would cause someone to permanently mark their body with a tattoo. There are some instances where I understand why – like the great number of individuals in the service who get tattoos that will identify them with a certain branch of the military – I get that. If you are going to put your life on the line and count on the people around you to help make sure you don’t die, you get a free pass. The tattoos I don’t understand are the “barbed wire around the bicep” type tattoos. I can’t help but think that eventually your current super-awesome arm, full of muscles and looking sweet – is going to look like a pair of pantyhose with laundry stuffed into one leg once you become a senior citizen. Not as cool anymore but does anyone really care about that sort of tattoo in the workplace? Once you’re dressed for work it won’t be visible … so no big deal right? Maybe, but what we are really talking about here is the perception of the individual and the thought process of getting that tattoo in the first place.

I had a potluck roommate in college who had a tattoo … but it wasn’t just any tattoo *shudders* but the part that has scarred my memory ever since was the location *double shudder* It is possible that I might be jaded in my opinion.

This is ‘Hot Stuff‘, a character from the comic book associated with ‘Casper the Friendly Ghost’ and ‘Wendy the Good Little Witch”. This was the tattoo that my roommate had so lovingly place on the inside of his thigh, high and tight to his … ahem, (whispering) groin. In his version of the tattoo, the trident that Hot Stuff was carrying was pointing towards his hot stuff and in script underneath were the words … you know what’s coming here don’t you? … “Hot Stuff”. I know what you thinking but no, it wasn’t hot. It was very, very far from hot. It was my daily torment to see “Hot Stuff” because my roommate like to be in our dorm room “au naturale” as often as possible – which pretty much meant whenever he was in the dorm. As you can probably surmise, he and I did not stay in touch after that year. I have no idea where he is or what he is doing now but since he was the first person I had up close and very personal experience with who had a tattoo, it’s possible that I might have transferred some opinions of him onto all people who have tattoos.

Back to the original question: Would a person who is considering the field of architecture experience any difficulties if they had tattoos? Should it matter if someone has tattoos? I know that we architects are a purportedly creative and receptive group artistically so that adds a bit of a wrinkle to this question. For me and my office, I concluded that it doesn’t matter as long as it isn’t visible when dressed for work. We don’t have any jobs here where you can sit comfortably in the back flexing your creative abilities and not interfacing with the client. Since that’s the case, you have to realize that you don’t just represent yourself, but the people and company you work for. I am put in a position to represent and speak on behalf of my company daily and there isn’t any doubt that my appearance is judged by the individuals I address – they are professional people and there is a certain amount of professionalism that is expected. Does a tattoo prevent me from being professional? Of course not but I’ve said it here before – when you work in a service industry, perception is reality.

I really wanted to conclude that having an assortment of visible tattoos on an employee would be a non-issue – and it still could be based on the job they were filling. In trying to address this question, I attempted to make it a black and white issue but I don’t think that’s possible. There are many things that would come into play – where the tattoos are located, the content of the graphic, the role of the employee, etc. I don’t speak for my company, these are just my opinions, but I wonder how this question would play out in the offices of other professions? Minster, school teacher, doctor, lawyer, accountant, etc.

About the author

Bob Borson

Dallas architect who specializes in modern design. I'm AIA, Leed AP, NCARB certified, and previous Dallas AIA Young Architect of the Year (2009).

Visit Authors Website

http://twitter.com/sabjimata deva cottage i.d.

I would add that the location of employment is probably another factor. NYC vs. Mobile, Alabama kind of thing. Also, I would think the entire package is relevant. Does the person with ink creeping out at the cuff look otherwise staid and “professional” or is that person looking more like, you know, cool. So many factors! But I do think that tattoos are so mainstream now that it would have less impact on your cred than, say, giant ear spacers.
http://twitter.com/sabjimata deva cottage i.d.

I would add that the location of employment is probably another factor. NYC vs. Mobile, Alabama kind of thing. Also, I would think the entire package is relevant. Does the person with ink creeping out at the cuff look otherwise staid and “professional” or is that person looking more like, you know, cool. So many factors! But I do think that tattoos are so mainstream now that it would have less impact on your cred than, say, giant ear spacers.
Anonymous

Yeah, that’s an interesting question, Bob. I think that the right person could pull it off, but they’d have to overcompensate in friendliness and competence. As you say, perception is reality, and first impressions do weigh heavily. Someone who’s able to build instant rapport and demonstrate a high level of knowledge and skill could probably survive visible tattoos, but it’s definitely an impediment.
http://www.lifeofanarchitect.com Bob Borson

I would agree with everything you said although I wonder where the line is drawn between professional and cool. I can only assume that employers try and perceive where their clients base would drawn that line and then act appropriately. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a heavily tattooed architect – is it because I don’t get out much or because it doesn’t happen?

Thanks for sharing your opinion – really appreciate it.
http://www.lifeofanarchitect.com Bob Borson

I think you articulated my feelings quite well. Since we are really talking about perception rather than ability, having to compensate with how people think their architect (or other professional) should look is definitely a consideration.

deva cottage i.d. had an interesting point in that tattoos are fairly mainstream so depending on your client base, who knows – it could even be a benefit. With the people I work with, I’m not so sure that they would initially respond well to a heavily tattooed individual but eventually they would get past it if the person was good at their job.

Cheers
Bob

Around here tattoos seem to be the territory of 43 year old, slightly dumpy Wall-Mart Grandmothers. Judging by DWELL mag the more urban demographic is different.
jbushkey

Perhaps the more important question is should people who have jobs try to get into architecture?

30%? unemployment
interns working for free (mostly illegal, but not hard to find)
The current cost of an architectural degree vs benefits and compensation
unpaid overtime is fairly common

Anyone considering architecture would be wise to do some research before taking the plunge. The forums at AREforum.org and archinect.com are a good place to start. If this guy just wants to get away from the ovens and earn better pay I would say architecture is probably not the best choice. Architecture really is not for anyone without an all consuming passion for it. I remember Bob saying somewhere in this blog that he really has no hobbies outside of architecture.
http://twitter.com/Splintergirl Amy Good

I tend to agree with you on the struggle back and forth here. For us, we have asked employees to cover tatoos when clients are coming. Not as much that they offend us, but they likely could offend a prospective client. We have no means of characterizing what their perception will be. Honestly, I’ve wanted a tattoo for some time. But, I just keep thinking about the idea that it needs to be somewhere that I can cover while at work. Then, I think, what’s the point if no one will see it? (P.S. I’m terrified of needles)

I think it will always be a back and forth kind of conversation…much like that of earrings and gauges in the ears.
Grusso

This was my first thought on the issue too.

If the climate now is anything like it was 6 to 8 mos ago, then your friend is going to get very few opportunities to be accepted or rejected for his tattoo.

I eventually gave up looking for something, and just started out on my own. So far things are limping along well enough for me.

As usual fascinating post Bob!

Thanks for your hard work.

G
http://twitter.com/mlehoopah Emily Hooper

I am a tattoo advocate (I have four myself). Living in New York City, it is more likely to see someone without a tattoo, across almost all professions (entertainment, design, service, legal) with which I interact professionally. I’ve also noticed age is a relatively inconsequential factor, too. However, most people I interact with are careful to conceal their ink because they are aware of the sigma that still exists. I actually commented once on a small design behind someone’s ear and made the woman very self conscious. She started apologizing immediately, commenting how old it was and making excuses for the appearance.

I’ve lived in some very conservative communities, both domestically and internationally, where my tattoos have actually kept me out of establishments and from participating in certain activities. I am aware that my liberal tendencies may reflect poorly on my company, so I have amassed a collection of jewelry that covers my one visible (wrist) tattoo. It took my boss six months to notice that I had a tattoo there.

I still love each and every one of my pieces and don’t regret a single one, but I do respect that not everyone shares my opinion. I need to be mindful of what makes others uncomfortable, especially as it relates to the professional world.

And I will be sure to reflect on this post fondly in 10 days when I’m getting my fifth tatt!
Neal P

I don’t believe an arm or somewhere else full of tattoos is appropriate and they should be covered up. If not, then maybe architecture is not the right profession for you.

Also, Bob, experiencing a roommate like that in the dorm must have made for quite the “interesting” year in college.
Gloria Graham Sollecito

As I read you post, it occurs to me that one thing you can know about someone who puts their tatts out there is that they are not afraid of commitment, a good virtue, no?
ShellyM

I have a gut reaction to this question – why would anyone want to work with or for people who would judge them for their individual style. I say have the tattoos and know that there are some firms or clients who will not accept you. Chances are it might help eliminate those who are not a good fit anyway. My practical side of course realizes that sometimes we need to compromise our ideals to pay the rent.
Brenda Lynn

Bob, knows that I have something to say about this. For those of you who don’t know, my younger daughter (24) is a tattoo artist, in fact a very good one. At this time, I am ink free, BUT daughter is going to so a very small on for me on my ankle. This is a huge step for me. Needless to say, this is NOT what I had envisioned my sweet little baby girl doing when she grew up. I accept it, she is happy, talented and is supporting herself doing something that she loves, I have nothing to complain about. Having said all of that, let me comment on Bob’s article.

Tattoos, Body Art, Ink or how ever you want to label it, is becoming more mainstream. It has taken me a while to wrap my mind around accepting this personally. I think people can have tattoos and work as an architect just as easily as they can any other profession. There are products on the market, makeup to temporarily cover up tatts, one such product http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P231113 was developed by Kat Von D. Kat Von D is the star of LA Ink tv show. I first watched it trying to get some insight into the tattoo culture to better connect with my daughter. I have seen the show where she is in a bikini showing all of her ink and she has a whole lot of it. Then they applied her makeup concealer and you could not see even a hint of her ink. I don’t see why this wouldn’t be the answer to the “delimina” some people face.

Whether we like tattoos or not, our culture is changing and it is becoming more mainstream. My father has a tattoo on his left arm. He was in the Navy and has the iconic navy tattoo of eagle, flag & anchor. When I asked him why he did it he said because his father had been in the Navy and had the same tattoo on his arm. My daughter as repeatedly tried to get him to let her touch his up, it is faded and blurred, but he says no. He said that it really hurt a bunch. She tells him that procedures have improved and it isn’t like it was when he got his in the early 1950s. By the way, my daughter was enamoured with his tattoo from the time she could notice such things, I tell him that he is the reason she loves tattoos.

Sorry I got so long winded, Bob.
http://www.lifeofanarchitect.com Bob Borson

I think this blog qualifies as a hobby … doesn’t it?
http://www.lifeofanarchitect.com Bob Borson

While you may have many, they are not readily visible or in your face. That is a huuuuuge distinction here because we are essentially talking about judging a book by its cover and to what extent does that happen in professional circles.

I know people with large tattoos but when they go to work you would never know it.
http://www.lifeofanarchitect.com Bob Borson

That year sucked … there are many more stories associated with that guy and his behavior – none of which I would put down in writing. If we are ever in the same place at the same time, I’ll be happy to share a few.

Thanks for commenting and adding your opinion to the conversation.
http://www.lifeofanarchitect.com Bob Borson

Yes – that would probably be a fair statement and and interesting one to consider. I think that’s a good quiver in the argument for how mainstream tattoos are becoming and their presence shouldn’t matter.

Thanks Gloria!
http://www.lifeofanarchitect.com Bob Borson

While I don’t disagree with you, I think your initial statement might be a little over-simplified. It doesn’t necessarily mean that the people who would consider you for employment take issue with tattoos, it’s if they perceive that their client base would have an issue. Again, this is about perception, not reality.
http://twitter.com/YoungNM Nick Young

Bob,

As a young, aspiring architect, nearing the end of my college education and beginning to look at employers, it becomes a major aspect that image is everything. We still have offices where many of the owners and boss’ are part of the baby boomers’ generation +/- a few years or so. Many of those were brought up on the strong morals and traditional values as us “youngsters” do today.

I cannot agree with Brenda any more when she says that our culture is changing. Tattoos are no longer strictly a symbol of ex-convicts, punk rebels and troublemakers. Many people see tattooing as a form of beautiful art, that is only growing more and more popular.

I must admit, that i have multiple tattoos, but though i don’t regret a single one of them, i do make the conscious effort in making sure that they are not visible whether i wear a shirt and tie, or a polo shirt. Like you said, this is an industry based on service, and perception is everything when i elaborate and say that many clients may judge you if you were to have a sleeve, or visible tattoos, and may not take you seriously. But i do think that many clients that will be part of the Generation X or Y that may be looking for a designer for their future home or office may be open and acceptable to our body art.

This is a very personal subject for me because i am part of not only generation Y, but as an individual who loves the art of tattoos, and the stories that come along with them, i believe in the expression of my values/beliefs, and interests through tattoos.

Architecture for me is the ability to be creative and express my interests, thoughts & design creativity on paper and through form, but this is a business based on art and the ability to go above and beyond.

I also believe that though it is a back and forth subject with many excellent points on both sides, i believe that people need to be able to have the freedom to express themselves, rather than be another robot of corporate America that we view as black and white. Life is in fact way too short to not fill our life with color rather that stay a basic black and white. Though i know that i will be pursuing more tattoos in the future, i will still be certain to stay business appropriate and keep the necks and arms ink free and not risk losing or making a client uncomfortable.

(haha sorry for the long wind of comment, but i could go on all day with this.)
Peter Zimowski

I am the fledgling who emailed Bob about this topic, and all your comments are extremely insightful. I was motivated to write Bob because I was on archinect.com and the “model” wearing the CAD junky t-shirts had a full sleeve of tattoos. I now that media coverage of a profession tends to lean towards the artistic side of things, (see Dwell hipster artists) so I wanted to hear from day in day out professionals. There are those in tattoo culture who say things are changing and it doesn’t matter that much anymore, but I wanted to hear from other people.
http://twitter.com/JoseStucco jose stucco

Does this blog truly satisfy the “outside architecture” requirement? I would say it is at
least a hobby and possibly a part time job. Keep up the good work.

“Are you surprised to hear that I don’t have a hobby? I don’t know many architects that do – at least not ones in my age bracket.” Bob Borson

http://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ive-just-won-the-lottery-what-next/

This is meant as a little ribbing and hopefully doesn’t come across as argumentative.
http://www.lifeofanarchitect.com Bob Borson

Not at all – my tongue was firmly planted in cheek when I wrote my response. I probably spend as much time thinking and working on this blog as I do my full time job. I think it only qualifies as a hobby because nobody is paying me to do it.

Now smoking bar-b-que … that’s a hobby. I think when I become semi-retired (architects never fully retire) maybe I do that – I think I’m good enough at that to have people pay me.

Cheers!
http://twitter.com/NaplesArchitect Wojciech Kulicki

I’m an architect and have plenty of hobbies. I think your life is based on the boundaries you set. If you want the balance badly enough, you can get it. Just a thought…
http://twitter.com/cogitatedesign Keith Palma

I don’t have any tattoos but have many friends/relatives that do… it’s one of those things that you either ‘get’ or you don’t and if you don’t you never will. Should they (a)effect employment, no… do they, yes.

Come on Bob, admit it, you want a tattoo of yourself on your forearm so you can flex the might of LOAA. Or better yet a tramp stamp!
Richard

Professionally there is a draw back. People dropping $10,000 on a set of plans don’t want a member of the outlaw motorbike gang drawing their home. They want the prim and proper type doing the work. Now that I’m on my own, I understand the artificial world must be created to earn money. I have tattoos on my upper & lower arms and always cover them. The one time I accidentally showed one of my inks, because of a rolled up shirt sleeve, I lost the client…lesson learned. Sleeves stay down and the always smiling part time comedian stays in character.

Regardless of how we may feel about the tattoos, it is what the client may feel about them, and since the average client I deal with in in their mid to late 50′s….and from upper middle class. They don’t want the biker doing the work. They want the boy wonder…So that’s what I give them. Who I am as a person means nothing. They don’t care that I’m a grandfather and social conservative who attends temple every week. They want to “see” that I’m a good guy, and the tats get in the way of that. It’s all about the client.

And now the final question: Would I hire someone with Tattoos? Only if they could be hid from view and the person I hired understood that was part of his employment. I would never hire someone with nose – eye- lip – tongue rings. Nor would I hire someone with coloured hair (of the outrageous kind). My opinion is that if you want to dress for the circus, go work there. A professional office requires a professional attitude and visuals are what it’s all about.
Adam

architecture = art
tattoos = art
architect with tattoos = perfection <3