Post by MJ Ferruzza on Jul 4, 2007 8:19:49 GMT -5
I never got a tattoo. I have friends who have a plethora of them.
I have mixed feelings about tattoos on actors and models. First of all. I believe the surge in tattoos came with Generation X. and later when their parents who wanted to be cool (and missed their opportunity while being raised by unapproving WW2 or baby boomer aged parents) and imitated the practice.
Actors have had tattoos over the years. Sean Connery has them on his arms. Roseanne Barr has one lower. The Johnny Depp's break up to Winona Ryder had him change his tattoo dedication to her from Winona Forever to Wino Forever. (Clever!)
I believe Gwynneth Paltrow and Drew Barrymore have joined Angelina Jolie in the Hollywood GenX actress tattoo Club. Many talent get them for their reasons or just as expression. I am torn.
As a talent counselor I believe that an actor has to be able to transform themselves into a character. When you play a hip cool "today" kind of character a tattoo comes in great (they have temporary henna ones). When you are playing historical or unhip characters from other eras, the tattoos become a nuisance. I have seen many actors apply tons of make up to cover their 'body expression' before filming a scene or acting on stage.
Hidden or unobtrusive tattoos seem to be fine, but as we near the tail end of tattoo/belly button piercing mania few stop at one.
I cast a commercial recently where they needed some 'slackers' working in a short order kitchen. They were looking for Jay and Silent Bob types. I found them. Problem? After filming their hilarious scene, the client shelved the ad. Why? Their tattoos. They were too identifiable or maybe too many of them for a family friendly ad about going back to school. They were paid for a day of filming, but their scenes landed on the cutting room floor.
One of my teen actresses had to be talked out of a FACIAL tattoo. Another out of excessive ear piercings. (Even eyebrow piercing, ouch!) Of course, most body expression can be a phase.
I know my own younger brother is embarrased by his 3 large arm tattoos (a pegasus, Stray Cat and Yin-Yang tattoos) as he climbs up the corporate sales ladder. He got them in his tae teens and early slacker 20s. He now refuses or is embarrased to go on some boating and summer excursions with his company for fear they see his body art.
And they fade with age. So before you make the decision to add or try one, let me direct you here:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQQQGFaizcs
I have mixed feelings about tattoos on actors and models. First of all. I believe the surge in tattoos came with Generation X. and later when their parents who wanted to be cool (and missed their opportunity while being raised by unapproving WW2 or baby boomer aged parents) and imitated the practice.
Actors have had tattoos over the years. Sean Connery has them on his arms. Roseanne Barr has one lower. The Johnny Depp's break up to Winona Ryder had him change his tattoo dedication to her from Winona Forever to Wino Forever. (Clever!)
I believe Gwynneth Paltrow and Drew Barrymore have joined Angelina Jolie in the Hollywood GenX actress tattoo Club. Many talent get them for their reasons or just as expression. I am torn.
As a talent counselor I believe that an actor has to be able to transform themselves into a character. When you play a hip cool "today" kind of character a tattoo comes in great (they have temporary henna ones). When you are playing historical or unhip characters from other eras, the tattoos become a nuisance. I have seen many actors apply tons of make up to cover their 'body expression' before filming a scene or acting on stage.
Hidden or unobtrusive tattoos seem to be fine, but as we near the tail end of tattoo/belly button piercing mania few stop at one.
I cast a commercial recently where they needed some 'slackers' working in a short order kitchen. They were looking for Jay and Silent Bob types. I found them. Problem? After filming their hilarious scene, the client shelved the ad. Why? Their tattoos. They were too identifiable or maybe too many of them for a family friendly ad about going back to school. They were paid for a day of filming, but their scenes landed on the cutting room floor.
One of my teen actresses had to be talked out of a FACIAL tattoo. Another out of excessive ear piercings. (Even eyebrow piercing, ouch!) Of course, most body expression can be a phase.
I know my own younger brother is embarrased by his 3 large arm tattoos (a pegasus, Stray Cat and Yin-Yang tattoos) as he climbs up the corporate sales ladder. He got them in his tae teens and early slacker 20s. He now refuses or is embarrased to go on some boating and summer excursions with his company for fear they see his body art.
And they fade with age. So before you make the decision to add or try one, let me direct you here:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQQQGFaizcs