Being a graphic designer usually requires a lot of creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
Usually, a creative mind is one that craves tattoos more than the average person. Tattoos provide a unique way for graphic designers to express their creativity and show off their personal style.
In addition, tattoos also serve as constant sources of inspiration for many graphic designers. Being able to constantly see visually appealing designs on their own bodies can inspire them in their work and help them come up with new ideas.
However, the question remains: can graphic designers have tattoos and still be successful in their careers?
Can Graphic Designers Have Tattoos?
The short answer to this question is yes, absolutely.
Luckily for tattoo enthusiasts who strive for a career in the design industry, more and more companies are becoming accepting of tattoos in the workplace. In fact, some companies even encourage their employees to have unique body art as it adds to the company’s creative atmosphere and overall image.
Of course, it is important for graphic designers with visible tattoos to dress appropriately and maintain a professional appearance in client meetings and presentations.
However, as long as the tattoos are not offensive or disruptive to the work environment, they should not be a hindrance in a graphic designer’s career.
It is important for aspiring graphic designers to remember that having tattoos does not define their worth or skills as a designer. As with any profession, it ultimately comes down to the quality and capabilities of their work.
Tattoos to Avoid
Despite the growing freedom of expression and the general acceptance of inked people, you should still be mindful and selective of the tattoos you choose as a graphic designer.
For example, avoiding offensive or divisive tattoos, such as those depicting hateful symbols or language, can prevent potential issues in the workplace. We really hope you don’t feel the need to have these in the first place, but it is always better to be safe than sorry.
Additionally, tattoos that are overly distracting or cover a large portion of your body may also not necessarily be the best choice for a graphic designer. These types of tattoos can potentially draw attention away from your design work and may even give off a careless perception to clients and colleagues.
Additionally, large and highly visible tattoos on the face, neck, or hands may cause discomfort for some clients or coworkers and should be avoided in professional settings.
Working as a Freelancer
In this day and age, graphic designers have the option to work as a freelancer and choose their own clients. This gives them more freedom and control over their career, including the ability to showcase their tattoos without fear of discrimination.
Additionally, many graphic designers opt for working exclusively online, where their tattoos are not visible in the virtual workspace. Such choice gives them the opportunity to fully embrace their individual style and express themselves through their body art, while also maintaining a successful career.
Looking at the trends of the digital design world, tattoos have become more and more accepted and even celebrated in the industry. Many popular graphic designers proudly showcase their tattoos on social media and use them as a form of self-expression in their work.
Tattoos Now vs Then
It is worth noting that attitudes towards tattoos in the design industry have not always been as accepting. In previous generations, there was a stigma around having visible body art in the professional world.
However, times are changing and the once-taboo subject of tattoos in the workplace is becoming more widely accepted. Employers are realizing that tattoos do not impact a person’s ability to perform their job effectively and that personal expression through body art can even bring a unique and valuable perspective to the workplace.
With that said, the visible increase in tattoo acceptance in the graphic design sector doesn’t transfer, unfortunately, to all industries and professions. For example, flight attendants, pilots, teachers or even lawyers still commonly face discrimination or strict policies against visible tattoos in the workplace.
Ultimately, whether or not a graphic designer can have tattoos and still be successful in their career depends on the company culture and personal decisions made by the individual. But as tattoo acceptance continues to grow, more options and opportunities are becoming available for designers to express themselves through body art while still maintaining a successful career.
Is Tattoo Discrimination Allowed?
With such a positive step towards tattoo acceptance in general society and most industries, you’d assume that discrimination against tattoos in the workplace would be illegal.
However, unfortunately, it is not specifically addressed in anti-discrimination laws – at least not in the United States.
This means that a company has the right to legally reject your application or dismiss you for having a tattoo. The only exemption to this rule is if the tattoo relates to a trait that is legally protected, such as race, religion, or national origin, as defined by federal law. But even that is not a given.
Employees are shielded against discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, and national origin under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. However, the law is silent on tattoos, and this is not expected to change any time soon.
Tattoos & Graphic Designers: Final Word
So, can graphic designers have tattoos? The short answer is yes – there is no inherent reason why body art should prevent someone from being successful in the field of graphic design.
However, it is important to consider the potential impact visible tattoos may have on your career and make informed decisions based on company culture and personal preferences.
Discrimination against tattoos does still exist in the workplace, but attitudes are changing for the better and more options are becoming available for designers to showcase their tattoos and embrace self-expression through body art.
If you have first-hand experience with tattoos in the graphic design industry, share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Let’s continue to break down stigmas and push for acceptance in all industries.
