Career: Body-art and tattoos

A tattoo is a form of body modification, made by inserting indelible ink into the dermis layer of the skin to change the pigment. Body art is an age-old tradition that has seen a major change over the years. What started as tribal markings and indications which proved one’s worth in various circles of society has evolved into a branch of fine art

Tattoos were not that popular in early India and were frowned upon. However, nowadays it has become a fad to get inked. We have evolved greatly from such times and while there still are a few people that believe tattoos are not acceptable, a larger number have come around to appreciate and recognise it as an art form.

There are two kinds of studios that have come up. One of them are ‘tattoo parlours’ that mostly deal with flash designs, popular images, and offer a sort of brochure or catalogue system of pre-existing designs. The others are ‘tattoo art studios’ that may charge higher prices, but deal with quality work, customised designs and put in many hours with a client to give them something unique. 

Growth areas

Tattooing is definitely a fast growing field as a lot more people are getting accustomed to it and view tattoos as a fashion statement and a form of self-expression. It is most popular among 18-35-year-olds but is not necessarily restricted to them. Although anyone can open a tattoo studio, the growth of their venture is directly proportional to the level of skill, the quality of the design and customer satisfaction that it can provide. 

Skills required

Becoming a tattoo artist necessitates one to possess a strong sense of art, design and patience in addition to practicing good hygiene. It has become imperative for artists to make their clients feel as comfortable as possible. Understanding what they’d like to get and representing their ideas through art that not only suits their body type, but also complements their personality is the paramount skill required. 

Remuneration

Beginners can earn anywhere between Rs 8,000 and 28,000 a month depending on their skill and the standing of the studio they work with. This field has huge potential to fortify itself in the Indian market. Like any area of work, if done with passion, hard work and focus, tattooing can be greatly rewarding.

Powerful grace in tales

Studying outstanding speakers drives one point home — they are great storytellers! Fine speakers know that stories have deep resonance across diverse audiences. They establish empathy with listeners instantaneously. There’s subliminal power in a tale — stories appeal both to our rational minds and our emotional selves. Their messages and morals are powerful means to propel focus in a talk. 

All stories start in a business-as-usual (BAU) situation where there’s suddenly a crisis with adverse consequences. Thereafter, a series of struggles drive the narrative to a conclusion. A protagonist undergoes transformation and emerges with deeper understanding about himself, his situation and his relationship with humanity. 

There are two genres of stories in the world — the tragic and the comic. When the crisis finds happy resolution, it is a comedy. When the outcome is disastrous, the story is a tragedy. In both kinds, results are shaped by protagonists. Hence, any story’s powerful message is — control over a situation is largely in our own hands. 

Great speakers know instinctively how to use stories to make their point. But this can also be learnt through the following steps: 

Engage with diverse tales: From anecdotes to epics, biographies to fables, every kind of story can help you highlight your particular message. 

Seek stories from daily life: Recount organisational folklore, neighbourhood tales or stories from personal experiences to provoke, persuade and motivate. 

Know your audience: Research your listeners fully and present stories that nurture their aspirations and sentiments. Steer clear of disturbing or controversial tales. 

Emote, but don’t get emotional: Stay focused on the moral, not the drama, of the story. 

Finally, don’t repeat stories: If you’re bored with a story, no matter how remarkable it is, think of a brand new tale. 

You’ll keep your audience spell-bound. 

Source:TOI