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Life & Style
April/May 2017
T A T T O O OR Jessica Villalvazo @yessicavazo
T A B O O Dalyna Lepe in Rancho Cucamonga, April 17, presenting her tattoos.Photo by Jessica Villalvazo
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early 45 million Americans have at least one tattoo on their body, which is 14 percent of America, according to Tattoo Statistics. The annual amount of money spent on tattoos in the U.S. is rounded to $1.65 billion. The average cost of a small tattoo is $45 while the average cost of a large tattoo is $150 per hour. The numbers increase as the years go by. Tattoos, which have been around since ancient times, are created as an expression of personality and a testament to rebellion,
aesthetic and individuality. Dedicated tattoo lovers become drawn to the adrenaline rush of being under the needle and some cover large areas of their bodies in artwork. The reasoning behind tattoos is a broad topic but many with tattoos can agree that it is a part of who they are. Travis Green, 23, of Fontana, is currently a bartender at a restaurant called The State. After large amounts of money and time were spent, Green has covered himself in a sleeve of Japanese artwork,
The Breeze
demonstrating the narrative of a Japanese folktale where a koi fish turns into a dragon. “It is a way to express myself. it’s also a little bit of a release,” Green said. “So once I got my first one I immediately knew I wanted to get a lot more.” As the world of tattoos is continuously expanding, so are the stigmas behind tattoos and the people who choose to cover their skin with them. Stereotypes such as irresponsible, careless and unprofessional are given to the people