Tattoos: they were once considered taboo in most professional settings, but they have now become common forms of self-expression and storytelling. Many teachers here at Taipei American School (TAS) wear their ink proudly, each piece carrying a personal story. Today, we explore the meanings behind the tattoos of three TAS teachers, Ms. Ing, Mr. Mitchell and Mr. Pattenden, while also learning more about the culture of tattoos.

Ms. Ing: tattoos as symbols of friendship

For dance teacher Ms. Ing, tattoos are about relationships and shared experiences.

“My first tattoo was a friendship tattoo, as are several of my others,” she said. “Most of them aren’t deeply symbolic—I got them as celebrations of friendship.”

While some of her smaller tattoos serve as keepsakes from specific times and places, her larger pieces carry more significance.

“Since most of my bigger tattoos were done by two of my closest friends, they also represent trust,” said Ms. Ing, “getting my first tattoo was an easy decision because it was with someone I care about deeply.”

Over the years, she has received more compliments than criticism about her tattoos. “People of all backgrounds and beliefs have reacted positively,” she said. “If anything, my tattoos have made me feel more confident in myself.”

For those considering their first tattoo, Ms. Ing offers a word of caution: “Be smart. Do your research—not just on the design, but on the artist. Look into their style, their previous work and even the communities they’re part of.” Ultimately, the person who is receiving the tattoo is you, not somebody else.

Mr. Mitchell: from football to memorial tattoos

Mr. Mitchell, a Physical Education (PE) teacher with an eye for traditional Japanese and Americana tattoo styles, recalls his first tattoo at age 20.

“I was living in Virginia at the time, playing football and hanging out with people who owned tattoo studios,” he said, “I got my first tattoos because I wanted to look good on the field.”

His most recent piece was done by a friend learning hand-poked tattooing. “He needed practice, so I let him work on me,” he said.

For Mr. Mitchell, some tattoos hold sentimental value. “[I’ve] had five dogs—Luna, Butters and Ruby were my first as an adult,” he explained, “two of them passed away, so I got tattoos of them to keep their memory alive.”

Despite the increasing acceptance of tattoos in professional spaces, Mr. Mitchell acknowledges that workplace perceptions still vary.

“My advice? Make sure you get something you’re willing to live with forever,” he said, “and consider placement. Some jobs still judge visible tattoos, so it’s good to have the option to cover them.”

As for his tattoo plans, he’s not finished yet. “My whole back is still open,” he said with a laugh, “but I’m running out of space on my torso.”

Mr. Pattenden: confidence sparks ink

For middle school science teacher Mr. Pattenden, getting a tattoo was a long awaited desire. “I wanted something personal to me. That’s the problem with tattoos—people get things they have no real connection to,” he said.

With a Hungarian background stemming from his mother’s side, and years of training and dedication to become a professional football player, he found meaning in an affirmation he repeated in moments of self-doubt: “I am strong, confident, & powerful.”

“Whenever I felt unconfident, I would say those three words to myself,” he explained. The saying became his inspiration for his tattoo, inked in Hungarian as Eros, Magabiztos, Hatalmas, a permanent reminder of how resilient he can be.

The way he acquired the tattoo was extraordinary though: “I worked as a radio announcer, and for my 30th birthday, my co-host said, ‘I have a present for you.’ I had talked about getting a tattoo a lot,” so I ended up getting it drawn on my forearm live on the radio.”

Now, his tattoo often sparks conversations. “People who speak multiple languages come up to me because of it,” he said, “Hungarians recognize it too—it’s a unique language.”

For those considering a tattoo, he offers simple advice: “Find something meaningful to you, and be absolutely sure that you want it.”

As for future ink? “I have one on my left side, and I’m a symmetrical person,” he said, “I’m thinking about a compass on my right calf muscle.”