I find tattoos, when done by a true artist, to be a beautiful enhancement rather than a distraction. I am an artist (mostly pen and ink or acrylic work in a pin up or graphic novel style), so I can't help but appreciate the honor and permanence the use of the human body as canvas gives the artist in question. I prefer colorful work, although there was this one woman I massaged once who had a phenomenal black and white piece on her back - a rendition of the spinal column as the body of a dragon. Made massaging her easy, but it was so amazing it was very difficult to not ask about it. I've thought about learning the trade before, but I feel that I am the exact opposite of what one would expect in a tattoo artist, having none my own self. My artistic mindset is such that I have trouble with permanence in design - in short, I can't commit. My scars and stories are personal, whereas tattoos are public. I lack the bravery to display my scars and stories so openly in ink. I do, however, think those who do so are generally awesome people, and I find learning the stories they are comfortable sharing to be very interesting.