Many employers often note that one colorful variety of self-expression may be a consequential factor when interviewing for jobs. But the threat of future employers does not discourage college students from the ever-expanding trend of body art.

Students on campus have articulated a common notion about this issue.

Mike McGovern, graduate student and instructor for introduction to printmaking, says he has lost track of how many tattoos he now has. McGovern feels that his body art will not affect his employers’ decision to hire him in the future.

“I did think about it when I first started getting them. I would like to teach art on a collegiate level and, of course, continue with studio art to supplement teaching,” McGovern said. “My tattoos won’t matter in a career like that.”

McGovern’s favorite tattoo is his most recent one that he and his fiancé of five years got together for their anniversary. The image is a severed hand; the five fingers represent each year they have been together.

Hillary Kowalski, senior communications major, has three tattoos, two on her left arm and one on the left side of her rib cage. Kowalski said her first tattoo, an image of a compass, holds significant meaning.

“This tattoo is about being young and finding a sense of direction. I found my direction when I left high school and went into the Navy,” Kowalski said.

Kowalski is looking for a career in politics. Ultimately, she would like to make a name for herself as a woman in Congress.

“I don’t think it will hurt people’s perspective of me, because the stereotype that Navy sailors get tattoos is often true,” Kowalski said. “Being a veteran in Congress is an admirable combination, and because this tattoo has patriotic undertones, I do not think it will be an issue.”

Christine Vinnes, junior art education major, has one tattoo and is waiting to get additional body art.

“As a child I was really shy and afraid of needles. I finally decided to get a dragonfly on my back,” Vinnes said. “As cliché as it might seem, this tattoo represents myself sort of spreading my wings and breaking away from that shy person I once was.”

Vinnes plans to have a career in teaching art and would like to establish herself in the working environment before she decides to get additional tattoos.

“I don’t feel like my tattoos are anyone else’s business. They are on my body and, therefore, a part of who I am. If someone decides to hire me, it should be based on my abilities not my personal life.”