An act of rebellion

Chang Huan, 26, graphic designer and trainee tattooist

The first time I showed my father the tattoo of a colorful owl on my lower right arm, I was a little concerned that he would be upset. After all, having a tattoo is still a rebellious act in my hometown, a small place in central China.

To my surprise, my father stayed calm, and just said: “I know. It’s becoming an artform.”

Toleration of tattoos in my hometown is much higher than I had expected. I was the first person in my family to have one, but my aunt told me that after she had seen mine, she wanted to get one too — a cute little mouse on her ankle — and said my uncle is also keen to get one.

I’m very lucky to live in a big city where I can do whatever I want. My parents both work for a State-owned oil company and they never leave our hometown. My mother told me she used to dream of becoming a fashion designer. When I asked why she didn’t try, she said that for her generation there was no alternative to having a stable job and living a “normal” life.

I was lucky to come to Beijing and experience a lot of new things, including getting tattooed. Unfortunately, in my hometown, tattoos are still the mark of gang members; the designs are poor and there are no classy images, just quick, cheap reproductions of dragons and tigers. Chang Huan spoke with Peng Yining