Inked Interpreters

OpheliaSpeaks

OpheliaSpeaks

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Ok, here is a "silly question". I have been considering a tattoo for quite some time now, but have really wanted it on my left wrist. ASL and my involvement in the Deaf community is a huge part of my life and if I don't become an interpreter (ie: because of my own hearing loss or whatever), I would still like to have a job where it is a primary element.
Is it "appropriate" or "professional" for an interpreter to have "clean arms"? I am not talking about tattooing my whole arms, or even having a very big tattoo at all, but would it distract others?
Is it not customary for interpreters to wear long sleeves and keep them rolled down while working?
Some insight would be appreciated...
Thanks.
 
The general consensus seems to be: if you can cover it up, fine. If not, it probably isn't a good idea; some consumers will be okay with it, but not all.
 
I've never heard any complaints, but then again... I've never seen an interpreter with visible tattoos.

I guess it's alright as long as you can cover it up. :)
 
An Interpreter for the deaf I know from Tennessee has a very large tattoo on her upper arm. The tattoo didn't seem to be an issue to her deaf clients.
 
im sure in California have many Tattoo shop if you are lives in California or whatevers you lives in states.

i never have tattoo on my body but i would try for that and i can cover what i wanted its my choice.

my hometowns have some tattoo shop but im not sure how many tattoo shop in!
 
I've known some few interpreters who are inked. It didn't bother me at all. I think it's all about the degree of the visibility of the tattoo itself. For instance, if the tattoo was large enough to be distracted, then it'd be wise to cover it up (if possible). As for small tattoos, I think it should be fine as long as it is inked on proper areas of the body.

Interpreters are taught to look professional and most of them probably are advised not to get inked.
 
If a terp has tattoos they should not be visible while working. Even if those tatts don't bother anyone here, there is a whole world of clients out there, hearing and deaf, that will be distracted by them.
 
Thanks for the insight guys. Definitely have considered the cons of the decision...I am also at a disadvantage because I have several visible and permanent scars on the arm I would like the tattoo on...(we'll say it's a result of "teenage angst"). They attract wandering eyes as well and often questions. I have a habit of rolling up my sleeves throughout the day. I somewhat thought a tattoo would be less distracting and more visually appealing (aside from being a good recovery symbol).
 
I'm afraid many of your potential clients won't see a tattoo as a good recovery symbol. It will still be a distraction to them. Either way, I suggest you stick with long sleeves while working. Depending on where the scars are located, you might get by with 3/4 length sleeves. Long sleeves don't necessarily have to be in heavy fabrics.

I work in the steamy South, so I understand the comfort issue. :)
 
OpheliaSpeaks said:
Thanks for the insight guys. Definitely have considered the cons of the decision...I am also at a disadvantage because I have several visible and permanent scars on the arm I would like the tattoo on...(we'll say it's a result of "teenage angst"). They attract wandering eyes as well and often questions. I have a habit of rolling up my sleeves throughout the day. I somewhat thought a tattoo would be less distracting and more visually appealing (aside from being a good recovery symbol).
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I've never thought of it that way.

On the other hand, I thought it wasn't good to tattoo scars? From what I've heard and read, tattooing scars is a very long painful process. Is this something you're willing to endure just to hide something like that?

I have scars all over (1 on my chin, 3 on my head, 1 on my wrist, a few on my arms, a few on my hands, 1 on my knee, one on my ankle, a few on my legs, a couple on my chest, etc. If it's a scar I'm not proud of, I'll simply say that I hurt myself years ago and don't remember how. :)
 
I know an interpreter who has sleeves (ink all the way up his arms and completely covering them) but he never works without a long-sleeved shirt.
 
I dont recall seeing a terp covered up in tatoos. Either they covered theirs up, didnt have any or I didnt notice.

I am a teacher and I have a tatoo on my ankle. When I first got my teaching job, I asked my supervisor about wear capri pants since it would expose my tatoo. He said as long as it is nothing vulgar, it is fine. My tatoo is a flower band around my ankle.

It is always good to ask what is the code of ethics for dressing professionally. :)
 
VamPyroX said:
On the other hand, I thought it wasn't good to tattoo scars? From what I've heard and read, tattooing scars is a very long painful process. Is this something you're willing to endure just to hide something like that?
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It's actually fairly common for people with a history of cutting or self-injury to tattoo over their scars, either to conceal them, or as a reminder of what they went through (or a celebration that they've stopped). From what I've read, it's not as easy as tattooing unscarred tissue, but there are a lot of artists that can do it.
 
For me personally, it can be distracting. Even painted fingernails bother me, especially if I'm in a long meeting or trying to really focus on what is being said. I think it also depends on where you want to work. If you want to work in a large city, there's more flexibility with tattoos because larger cities are generally more "open-minded." But if you plan to work in a small town like where I'm orginially from (it's more "closed-minded") then it actually could adversely affect you. I love tattoos and I want one sooooo bad (but way tooooo chicken of needles) so I don't blame you for wanting one. I guess I have to agree with the others who said as long as you can cover it up during the more "serious" interpreting assignments, you should be fine.
 
I have multiple tattoos, only one of which could potentially be visible while I'm interpreting. It's on my upper arm, and even though it is actually the ILY symbol, I still cover it up for work.

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I would be very, very surprised to see an interpreter with visible tattoos. It wasn't until I started working at Gallaudet (and taking classes there) that I ever saw pierced interpreters - I know a couple with very tiny nose piercings and several, myself included, with ear cartilage piercings. But tattoos? Never seen it while somebody's been working. When I'm not working I do like to show mine off though!

I've considered getting a wrist/forearm tattoo in white or ultraviolet ink, though. The UV ink tattoos are only visible while they're healing, and after that they are literally invisible except under black light. Depending on individual skin tone, some people get a similar effect with white ink - where you have to look very closely to see it.
 
deafbajagal said:
I think it also depends on where you want to work. If you want to work in a large city, there's more flexibility with tattoos because larger cities are generally more "open-minded."
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That is definitely true, and also the setting plays a role. You won't find too many deaf students offended by tattoos in California community colleges, for example, but that doesn't mean the person interviewing you will want to see ink all over.

BTW, since this board is just a powder keg lately, let me specify that I have two tattoos myself so that last statement was no negative comment on ink.
 
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Etoile-
I had never heard of the white ink/ultraviolet ink tattoo. That is really neat. I like yours, btb.
:)
Many things to consider...Perhaps I'll put it on my foot instead. ;-)
 
OpheliaSpeaks said:
Etoile-
I had never heard of the white ink/ultraviolet ink tattoo. That is really neat. I like yours, btb.
:)
Many things to consider...Perhaps I'll put it on my foot instead. ;-)
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UV ink tattoos are really cool - you can see a gallery of them here: UV and Glow tattoos [BMEink.com Tattoo Gallery]
A good example of how they look after they're healed:
Regular - http://www.bmeink.com/A70727/high/bmepb573818.jpg
Black light - http://www.bmeink.com/A70727/high/bmepb573816.jpg

Here's an example of white ink on white skin: http://www.bmeink.com/A70226/high/bmepb467382.jpg
(It looks much different on dark skin, of course.)

I think both of these are good options for interpreters. I'm considering getting one a few inches below my elbow (on the inside forearm) which will be hidden under long sleeves and mostly invisible under short sleeves, so it should be okay either way. :)
 
One more thing to consider. What does your future employer say about tattoos? Some agencies and clients have their own dress codes. Many terps work for school systems or government agencies, or have clients with dress codes.

In the hot South Carolina summer I showed up for one assignment that was an all-day VR job training in a piece-work assembly building. I was wearing capri length pants as part of my ensemble; comfortable but not too casual. Was I embarrassed to find out that they weren't allowed in that work setting. Skirts (all lengths) and slacks were allowed but no ankle-length pants. :eek:

I've interpreted for older and low-vision clients who can't tolerate any distraction--glossy lipstick, colored nail polish, jewelry, etc.

Some terp companies don't allow sleeveless clothing ever.

The company that I work for has a dress code described in the employee handbook.

I know some terps remove their visible piercings while on the job.

Much depends on the setting, the employer, and the individual client, so there is no one perfect answer. The "safest" route is to either always wear long sleeves, or at least keep a light-weight long-sleeve cover up close by.
 
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