Double Take -- by Mark Sproxton

Once limited to "shady" characters, the world of tatoos has expanded greatly in recent times. The popularity has grown so much, in many circles, tatoos are now considered fashionable and a fashion statement unto themselves.

James Constable, a local tatoo artist, enjoys the changing environment. "When I started it was more a biker trade," he said. "Now, I've done bank presidents and all kinds of people. The industry is starting to open up."

That doesn't mean he still won't receive an unusual request or two. The most peculiar came from a fellow who wanted Constable to create a work in progress. The fellow first wanted a toe tag with his date of birth, and then when he passed away, wanted a tatoo with the date of death as well.

"But how do you get a guy's permission when he's passed away," Constable wondered? "He had a good sense of humor because most people don't want to talk about death."

While some artists start into the industry without any tatoo training, Constable recommends first working with an established artist. By slowly learning the process of making stencils and needles, artists can then tackle other serious issues such as hygiene, learning why people bleed and all about skin types. "It's not a job you can just do," he explained. "The knowledge is quite extensive." Apprenticing with an established artist will take four years and could cost as much as $4,500, the tatoo artist with 10-years experience added.

Overall, Constable said meeting people is the best part of the work. "It's a good job," the former apprentice said. "It's a beautiful thing if you practice and do it well." An art student throughout school, he now pursues the work to maintain the creative rush many artists seek. "If you do it with a lot of care... the spiritual-side is good. The money comes afterward."