Even in 2011 as the tattoo industry has slowly become mainstream the body art that people get can find that they no longer have a job. It's funny how slow that the work place has not changed with the rest of society. Doctors, lawyers or even congressman get them- this should show the world that body art has come full circle and acceptance should almost be assumed. This is not the case and I don't see it anytime soon either. The problem is still the older generation is still in charge and they haven't been able to change with societies views. With this in mind we as artist have to be proactive in protecting our clients interest.
What's it mean to to protect our clients? When an 18 year old kid comes in wanting a name or other design on the neck it would be our responsibility to discourage that from happening. Why let someone that young get a tattoo in the neck region when you as an artist know that it won't be accepted in his/her workplace. Clients usually come into the shop all gong ho getting tattoos in spots that are not socially acceptable, friends usually get them there and they think it's cool. Or the famous let me get my boyfriends name on my neck and I ONLY been with him for 2 weeks. Education is much of our job as tattooing someone. If you knew something bad was going to happen to someone would you not try and warn them before it happens? Same thing as education and your client.
I know as a tattoo artist personally with all the tattoos I've got that it would be very hard if not impossible to get a job at a bank or say selling insurance. Why? Because with dealing in the financial sector people have the image of some professional looking person. If you have a client in that profession it's probably better for them to place a tattoo in a place where it can be covered by clothing. Hands, neck, even below the elbow wouldn't be a good idea. One thing I believe and emphasis to lots of women is the fact that society still doesn't accept tattoos on arms for females. I'm seeing a hell of a lot more of them these days but have also heard the troubles they are having getting employment. So yes it's personal preference for location of a tattoo. But be responsible and warn your clients about the potential side effects and hassles that can occur.
Personally I will not do side of the neck tattoos on anyone 18-23. At this age I do not believe that a client has settled into a career and the tattoo that I put on can cost them in many ways in their desired career. Boyfriend girlfriend names are the same. If I did this I know some time in the near future it would be covered up. I've been in the business a long time and the story is always the same 2 or 3 weeks later. So artist in this industry need to be pro active and involved with their clients. Education will always pay off because the client sees that you care about their interest and it saves you as the artist a big headache in the end.