piece of work

Tattoos have become a key way of marking career milestones.

Statistics indicate that one in five Australians has a tattoo – and 52 per cent of that number has more than one – so all those ominous warnings from mothers that “a tattoo is forever” didn’t do much in the way of discouragement. But while there’s still a stigma around visible tattoos in the workplace (particularly in corporate client-facing roles), a growing trend of getting ink that’s directly related to your job may be a step towards changing all that.

“My tattoo is a significant but not overly used emblem our company used in its starter years,” says Sydney’s Marc Fattore, who got a tattoo to commemorate the launch of the lifestyle label he co-founded, Geedup. “I didn’t want it to be heavily branded, but at the same time I wanted to make sure everyone knew what it meant. Even if I’m not with the company in the coming years, it stands for a lot more than just a business turning over money.”

Orange Is The New Black actress Ruby Rose is no stranger to commemorative ink either; the former VJ has “MTV” across her fingers and the Maybelline slogan “Maybe she’s born with it” on her collarbone from her years as a brand ambassador. It’s a particularly strong trend in the charity sector, with devoted founders and employees alike tattooing logos to signify their commitment to the cause.

As we continue to work harder and harder and clock up longer hours in the office, it’s a sign of the times that people are opting for ink to immortalise their career path or business starting up. Sure, a post-team-day visit to a tattoo parlour might not be de rigueur just yet, but consider this: the cost of a small tattoo is about the same as a bottle of Dom Pérignon. The way you celebrate your next promotion might leave your mother tsk-tsking.

“IT’S A SIGN OF THE TIMES THAT PEOPLE ARE OPTING FOR INK TO IMMORTALISE THEIR CAREER PATH OR BUSINESS STARTING UP”