Tattoos not ‘in’ with
mom who founded anti-ink clothing line
By Chris Mac Kenzie
The Alpine Sun
ALPINE — “I’m not against tattoos,” explained Susan Herzig, President of INKFRE, a new clothing line. “It’s just that I want young people to know more about what they are doing to themselves before they get a tattoo.”
It all began when Herzig’s sons turned 18 and promptly got their first tattoos.
“It’s California state law that a young person under 18 must have parent permission to get tattooed, so, because many parents are against the whole idea, the kids must wait,” Herzig said. “Tattoos are the ‘in thing’ these days, and so many girls and boys do exactly what my two sons did when they turned 18…They get their first tattoos.”
Herzig emphasized again that she’s not against tattoos but thinks that young people need to know the reasons for leaving our natural canvas’ ink-free.
“That’s why I decided to call my new clothing line INKFRE to help call attention to the problems.”
Herzig said people can’t donate blood for one year after getting a tattoo. The pigments can cause pain when you get an MRI. There’s also the risk of acquiring Hepatitis C, a dangerous disease that may show up 20 years later. Some people even discover an allergic reaction to the dye, particularly with red ink.
And then there’s the big reason. It’s extremely difficult to get rid of a tattoo and five to eight times more expensive and painful to have a tattoo removed. Many visits are required and removal often leaves a nasty scar.
Herzig has been a respiratory therapist for 23 years, so her INKFRE line of silk-screened shirts and children’s clothing is a secondary business with an important message. She recently displayed a booth at the Extravaganza Outdoor Festival on the University of California, Santa Barbara campus to encourage young people to think carefully before getting body art.
Her website is INKFRE
which explains her views in greater detail. It lists five reasons everyone should consider before getting a tattoo:
WHY? Are you getting a tattoo? Is it because all your friends have one? Think about it. That’s not a good reason to be adorned with permanent artwork.
WHAT? The design you choose now must be something you’ll still like 20 and 30 years from now. The name of your current fling, ever so romantic in the moment, could be a real problem if you break up and fall in love with someone else.
WHERE? Many employers insist on long sleeves or other cover-ups so that a tattoo doesn’t show. Some branches of the military and law enforcement agencies have such rules, as well as most formal occupations. Girls, think about your future wedding dress or other formal gown. Will a tattoo on your shoulder seem appropriate to the occasion? And here’s another thought, most of us gain weight as we age and that tattoo will have to stretch with the skin.
WHEN? Plan an appointment in advance after you’ve considered all these five “Ws”. You must be at a stable weight, healthy, sober and able to keep your tattoo out of the sun.
WHO? People spend months planning vacations or weddings, but so many first-timers select a tattoo shop at random.
Do your homework and visit the place first, checking for careful hygiene, skill, and experienced operators. Herzig is hoping that enough people will wear her t-shirts to remind young people that there is a price for getting tattooed — a consequence far beyond the monetary cost.
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