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Double Bass Will a tattoo be a problem in the classical world?

M

Malten

Apr 2, 2012
64
38
Denmark
#1
Hi all. I am a young bassist who have gotten the idea of getting a tattoo into my head. Among my considerations are of course the possiblities of getting future jobs. Will a tattoo be a problem when auditioning for an orchestral spot? I am not thinking dragons or burning skulls, just something small and meaningfull like a bass clef on the lower part of my left arm. This will of course be easily covered up when wearing long sleeves as you would when playing a concert. But how do people react to tattoos in the classical world?

Note that I am not asking whether I should get a tattoo or not. I haven't made a discision yet, just played with the idea. I am just curious whether it would have any influence when auditioning for a professional orchestra.
 
#3
I don't know if having tattoo will affect your chances in an audition but it shouldn't. It also shouldn't affect your chances of getting any kind of job. Sadly, tattoos do affect the chances of getting some jobs with some companies. If you're worried about it then get your tattoo somewhere that is easily covered. If you get tattoos on your arm then just wear long sleeves for auditions and interviews. I would avoid face and hand tattoos; difficult to cover and come off a little prisony. Anyway I don't see how a baas clef would offend anyone involved in music especially if you are talented enough/qualified for the job. Maybe someone with more experience in the classical world will have more advice to offer but it probably boils down to maybe. You might find some people worry about things like tattoos and others don't care as long as you suit the position.
 
#7
eyeballkid said:
...., any coverable tattoo should be no problem
Click to expand...

^^^ this ..this..and more this.^^
im speaking from experience..i dig tatoos..and have some...but my 1st when i was 18..was on my forearm. stupid stupid thing to do.
if u need one..do the bicept..yes..cliche.. but less regrets.

granted..i do make 100k a year.. but i busted my ass to get here. and im still judged ..everywhere i go.

ymmv..vut prolly wont.
 
#9
ILIA said:
Sorry to disappoint you, but nobody will care. You might be better off carving the message "I make $100,000/year" into a chip and balance it on your shoulder.
Click to expand...

:rollno:
ilia's chip says "really irritated by others being successful".

I think bassdirty's point wasn't "look how rich I am", but instead "hey, even if you work your way to success, people may still judge you".
 
#10
eyeballkid said:
:rollno:
ilia's chip says "really irritated by others being successful".

I think bassdirty's point wasn't "look how rich I am", but instead "hey, even if you work your way to success, people may still judge you".
Click to expand...

Truly successful people don't care about the opinions that others have about their tattoos nor do they quantify their unverifiable success in an anonymous forum in order to prove their worth.:o
 
#15
ma4rk said:
That's my thinking for the last 15 years... still no tatt's and I'm glad because I feel like an individual without one. Tattoo's are very rebelious (in a conformist sorta way)
Click to expand...

Curious on how you feel like an "individual" without ink when when the majority of society don't have ink. This comment sounds like my dad saying I'm a follower. I always ask him, lets go walk around stores you frequent and let me know who I'm "following". No ink doesn't make you an individual-
 
#16
jaibeau said:
Curious on how you feel like an "individual" without ink when when the majority of society don't have ink. This comment sounds like my dad saying I'm a follower. I always ask him, lets go walk around stores you frequent and let me know who I'm "following". No ink doesn't make you an individual-
Click to expand...

The majority of my peers have tattoos and as a result I feel like an individual. There I said it :hiding:

I was just taking the p!ss & I'm aware that the majority of society is tatt-free.
 
#17
I've never encountered any work of art that I thought was so beautiful or relevant enough to me that I felt I needed to devote part of my skin as its canvas for the rest of eternity. Found plenty that I'd hang on my wall though. But I'm 42 and I'm still looking. LOL

It sounds to me that some part of your mind is aware that being offended by a tattoo is entirely the domain of the observer. And while we certainly should have evolved as a society to not recognize such prejudices as skin color, religion, sexual preference, obesity or ink/piercings, but theres still plenty of that out there.

It is your choice though. If you want it bad enough to risk any societal rejection because of it then by all means get one. I think its a relatively small risk, you are just as apt to be rejected on your personality type or your handshake. Still, I have yet to hear of anyone losing a job for a lack of tattoos.
 

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