Nail polish

[tracey-kjonegaard]

I know this is a fairly old thread but I was reading through and it brought up something I was curious about.

What do you guys know/think about tattoos and piercings in the harp world? I can imagine there would be many instances where it wouldn’t seem appropriate (for instance, I’m sure it would be a lot harder for someone with full sleeve tattoos to get wedding gigs, over someone that has ink free skin).

I’ve always felt like I wouldn’t let any tattoos I have (or intend to get) interfere with a job or career…or rather, every job/career I’ve been interested in or worked has accepted tattoos and piercings and not been an issue, so far.

I guess I’m asking because when I’m making my own music and play gigs and stuff eventually (yes, I WILL MAKE IT HAPPEN) I, in general, never really care what people think of me or how I look or whatever. I figure if people are there to see me play, they’re interested in me as a musician or for my music, not just to critique my appearance.

But I would like to play weddings and try to make some sort of part time work out of that. Has anyone had experience or stories about this and having tattoos/piercings or know anyone that has? I’d just be curious to hear what every has to say or what you all think. Is it really unprofessional to have visible body modification or do people in the harp world seem to be becoming more accepting of it as our times change? Would clients understand if you make an effort to cover them with your choice of outfit/clothing at the gig?

[jessica-wolff]

A wedding isn’t about you and your harp. It’s about the people getting married. Your tattoos and/or piercings may well interfere with / distract from the aesthetic of that wedding.

[Sylvia]

I don’t like tattoos. ….but I once played a wedding where all the girls in the bridal party had tats. They were distracting to the harpist. I was trying to figure out what they were. They seemed to run botanical. 🙂

[tracey-kjonegaard]

I understand. I would think that someone wanting to have a harpist at their wedding, their wedding would be somewhat of a traditional/classic style of a wedding. And when I think of that, I’m sure someone with that type of taste (for their wedding) would prefer a “traditional” looking harpist- if that makes sense..lol, aka sans body modification. I was just curious what other peoples input was.

[jimmy-h]

I wonder if someone could peel this part off and make it a separate “tattoo and piercings” thread.

I like to think tattoo’s and piercings can be done tastefully but they can also be very distracting. I cringe when I see some girl with her tongue pierced because I cant stop staring at the flashes of silver in her mouth. I’ve also known people who have been fired because someone complained about visible tattoo’s.

As a nurse, I have some advice. “Love” and “Hate” tattoo’s on your knuckles are going to fade and still make you look like a thug. If you are going to get a tattoo, remember that various parts of your body start sliding south and wrinkle as you get older and that tweety bird is going to stop being cute when your 70. And, Yes dear, that tongue/nose/eyebrow/genital piercing HAS to come out before your surgery/delivery/procedure (sometimes not the delivery, but still). Another thing, that huge tattoo of La Virgen de Guadalupe on your chest probably should not be accompanied by demon faces and gang symbols.

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