Video vs Writing-The Pro's and Con's of the Two Mediums

There is so many blog's on the internet it is amazing. There are blogs about anything and everything. You name it, it's on there. It raises to the fold an interesting question. What is the best form of communication. A video blog or a written one?

This of course is a written blog (or typed for the pedantic of you). It made me think of each and the advantages of them. Video blogs arguably take less effort as you can just talk as opposed to type. But they are devoid of spelling mistakes and are by their nature more engaging. I myself would much rather watch a video of something I wanted to find out about rather than read something. It is not that the written ones are boring, of couse not. I think it is a personal laziness to it.

On the flip side, I am through this blog a faceless and nameless individual. Unless I put a picture of myself up you will never know what I look like. And even then you may never know how I sound or what I talk like or all that stuff. That may be good for some people, especially those who do not want their image on the WWW.

A video blog allows the full expression of the words to be seen by the viewer as well as the feelings and emotions of the blogger to be displayed, circa live, at that moment. That could be both an advantage and a curse. If for example it is a rant or one is upset, you may say something you regret as opposed to simply re-editing and deleting a typed comment or post. I know you can edit videos but for simplicity I am talking about off-the-cuff postings.

Each I guess will have their pro's and con's. Each will have their own fan base. That is inevitable. Personally while I like watching video blog's more, I will, for this blogg, maintain a written one.

Maintaining the Point-Keeping the Focus of this Blog

So I have had a month of blogging experience. My aims for writing this blog both back in January and now have changed. I guess I can't really explain why I am doing this blog in the first place. Originally it was a means of dictating and scribing my thoughts and ideas on changing my dress and appearance to a strictly Gothic look. This quickly changed to an acceptance of simply the alternate lifestyle. A darker side to the alternative way but not necessarily about being Goth.

I have talked about labels and their implementation as well as perceptions on what we want to be, what we really are and what we project to others through our image and attitude. From there it developed into a blog on lifestyle, work, jobs and just general day to day this and that.

Ultimately I believe this blog has been a means of organising my mind. Call it confusion, uncertainty or even a degree of identity crises. However this blog has given me many things I did not have previous. I have a greater confidence in myself as a person. An individual person with my own thoughts, ideas and opinions. I can wear what I want with a greater confidence. I do not always wear chainy trousers. Nor do I always were just a simple outfit. I can switch and change at will and still feel happy and confident in myself and my own unique identity. I don't feel a need nor desire to conform to any labels or pre-conceived ideas about what I should wear. I am doing things for me and not for society or its labels. I have a tattoo now. It is special to me in its image and meaning as well to a degree in its location.

These blogs are in a way a means of laying out my mind (mind mapping in a sense). It allows me to dabble if you will in an interest without getting either to involved or over involved to quickly. The more I write the more I understand and the more my knowledge grows. I guess it acts as a form of safety net. I can observe at a distance and enjoy it from this 'safe' distance. My former experience of the Army has taught me to not get over involved. It taught me the difference of a healthy interest and a damaging obsession, the latter being my problem and reason for leaving. I do not think I have an obsessive personality but I do go through phases of extreme focus and then a complete loss of all interest.

I have decided also to begin another blog. I do not know what I wish to entitle it. However its content shall consist at its core of Buddhism. It is my own personal belief. I wish to learn more about it and throughout the blog try to practice a better, less greedy and less selfish way of love, compassion, generosity and kindness. I feel such things are at times massively lacking. I will keep you posted on this.

So that is a quick update on everything. This blog will never have consistency or a common theme. It will be random and float loosely around the theme of the alternative, and all things so. But hey, that's me to a tea... :)

You and Workplace-Professional Individuals

Professionalism vs individuality is one of the greatest battles. Ones perception of a professional image may differ massively to another's image of individuality. Conformity to a workplace image and the freedom of personal expression is a difficult game to play. As my girlfriend and myself are finding, jobs are ever harder to get and more people who are way too overqualified for the job are getting them.

So it becomes a question of what is more important. Survival or individuality. I know I have covered this in some previous posts but it is a question on ever bodies minds. The recession and the poor economic climate is a hot topic that is affecting everyone in some way.

This is a good old fashioned man in a suit. (I picked this one to make my girlfriend happy). While Beckham is unique in what he wears, his style is emulated and his style, although modern, is still very much down to earth and importantly conforming, even as a trend setter. This is not a discussion on David Beckham but I simply use this example to display the expected image of a cool, modern and professional individual.



I guess ultimately the point of this post is this. It is not about conforming all your life, nor is it about becoming a weekend wannabe. It is the simple acceptance of the needs of society. Society needs professionals. Ironically it is those of the alternate and darkly inclined scenes that are often the more intelligent.

Therefore it is you and your personality that makes you who and what you are. Over time you may find the freedom in the workplace to add more elements to your outfit. Start small and once you have the job, you can experiment. Gauge reactions and take it from there. Just do it slowly in you image but try to get your colleagues to understand what YOU are like before this.

Industrial Dance-The Cyber Look, The Cyber Style

If you have no idea what Industrial Dance is, check out

www.dasklub.com

Yes  it is very Cyber Goth esque but like the Cyber scene as a whole, I find it awesome and very unique. I am not a dancer, by any stretch of the imagination. However I do love the music, the style and the videos. Therefore, given time, I want to do my own video.

But moving on, the point of this post. Cyber is a love interest of mine. It is so crazy and literally out of this world. It is one of those styles that is either very costume/cosplay or is only seen in clubs. Think of all the Goths, alterna-people and people of a dark underlining. Of them how many are Cyber Goths. Some may have elements of it but do not go all the way.

I have only ever seen a handful of Cyber Goths and they were all in the same place, on the same day (Whitby Goth Weekend 2011). So why is this?

One article I read was that they Cyber Scene was dead in the UK. Cyberdog is the only UK shop for the Cyber Goth/Graver scene. Big in the 90's it is now a very small community. In Germany and the US the scene is much larger. Wave Gothic Treffen Videos on YouTube is full of them, along with every other type of 'different'.

So this is the Cyber Style. Masks, Goggles, Armour and Dreads.

The Wikipedia article hear will help explain things.

It is a DIY image of a futuristic existence, today. Where Steampunk is the age that never was, Cyber Goth is age that may be.

So how can one make this style an everyday thing. It is certainly unique due to its very conceptualisation and so uniqueness is not the concern. For many it is portraying such uniqueness.

I guess what I admire about this style is its out-there and its crazy colours and themes. Even the idea of a post apocalyptic future is intriguing and an exiting prospect to the adventurous and literary inclined.

Our over reliance upon technology leads to its almost complete control over us. Technological integration into humans. Brain implanted internet, Goggles with HUD screens for instant access. Like an I-Pad in your eyes.

The idea itself is exiting and so the look and style compliments the idea.


The Industrial Dance element of it is another thing. It is again, unique in both style and design and often only employed by this subculture. The Graver (Gothic Raver) is a unique thing, listening to rave and trance over rock but still maintaining an alternate look. They do not become clubland people and ravers. They are their own thing. It could therefore be argued that Cyber Goths are arguable a break away from the Gothic community and are only Gothic due to the alternate means of dress and attitude.

I am not a Cyber Goth nor do I know any. I love the style and often wear goggles and have a mask dangling off me. But it is clear that its uniqueness is also its niche. If one is to do it, it cannot be half arsed, it has to be whole hog. All the way as it were. There is no harm in taking ideas from their look. After all it is still an industrial style and image but the term derives so much more. Use and treat the look with respect.

Alternating Normality-Suits with Flair

Drawing from my last post, I want to explore how what we wear truly affects both perceptions and personalities. Primarily how people perceive one and how one perceive themselves. Does this then subsequently affect our own attitude actions and behaviors; about ourselves and toward others.

Many labels are preconceptions. Opinions are often formed based on the books cover and with no reference to the title or the blurb. We are a breed of 'judgers'. It is what we all do. This judgement therefore largely rest upon the first impression. The image and not the personality.

Labels as I have argued before are a means of categorisation. We have a powerful desire to place things into a category. This is just human nature and is neither good nor bad. However at times, judgement needs to be avoided or at least limited. Job Interviews, Special Occasions and the like all form under a formal, appropriate or expected attire. While this is important and while some are more important than others for formality, others allow a certain controlled degree of individuality, creativity and flair.

Lets take a job interview. Suit is a must 99999999999.9% of the time. Even a really relaxed company such as certain independent media and creative inspired outlets, would expect at least a proper shirt. It is therefore the ability to make this outfit your own that comes purely down to you.

Lets take a suit as the first example. Black or grey seems to be the industry standard these days in most suit shops (real suit shops, not Topman/River Island. I will come onto these later).* Other than this there is little real variation. Pinstripe and blue seems to be the next option, with some variations on grey shades and brownish/murky colours too. Budget constrains come into this obviously but a good, well fitted suit wade of a % of wool is a good start. Real leather shoes, a silk tie and a good quality overcoat to complete the look.

*On the matter of the Topman and other high street suits. They are good, don't knock them, however they have two key flaws. One is that the quality is poor for the price you pay. You may pay £150 for something that looks good but is not got any wool in at all. 100% Polyviscouse or something similar. The second issue is that of the fashion style. It looks great...for the season, then next season it suddenly looks old and dated. It is not a live long classic. While I understand for many readers hear fashion is not a key element it may be a starting point for your first buy.

So moving on the alternating of the attire. Why not go for a 3 piece suit over a 2 piece suit. Definitely more traditional and a timeless classic. The waistcoat always adds something and whats to say you couldn't mix it up with a different colour waistcoat. It is definitely different!

The shirt is next. It aught to be well fitted and must compliment the shirt. All black is very striking, especially if it is well fitted and of fine quality. White with a grey suit and black tie works well too.

Next there is the accessories. The tie can really portray the personality of the individual. A tie can come in every conceived pattern and colour. Choose one that expresses you. A blending colour or a stark contrast. A deep red tie goes well  with all black. I have a turquoise shirt and tie combo for a grey 3 piece suit I have. I have seen an all black with a green tie. It worked for him.

Moving onto other things you could include are things such as pocket watches, pocket handkerchiefs, fine Jewelry or watches. Necklaces and wrist bands or bangles that represent you are also popular. With the bands wear them under the sleeve for the occasional flash of colour. Cuff links also can display a hobby, interest or sport.

As always with all things, the devil is in the detail and it is the accessories that can display your personality to the world. Take care and pride in your appearance and people will respect you as an individual. Make everything your own and put your subtle mark on it.

A Choice of Colours

I'm sitting in Caffe Nero in Hull. I'm due in work in an hour. I am looking out of the window and I thought to myself.

Looking unique and individual can very often come down to the most simplest things. Something like a hairstyle or a necklace can propell your personality more than some brash and outlandish outfit. When we accesorise we do this to add to or complete ones outfit. It's a means of personalisation and putting that 'you' touch on things.

I am wearing a suit. The simple choice of a waistcoat adds a certain uniqueness to the outfit. It does not look odd, if anything it adds to the outfit. A sharp, fitted all black suit with black, well polished shoes, a black slim fit shirt and a black or deep coloured tie can add improve your alternative style while in the corporate environment. One at times must accept a level of conformity. However you can always make conformity your own. Read any article on dressing goth/emo at school to see my point.

While facial tattoos and piercings are a big no no for the corp world, the point of this article is simple...

Less is, more often than not, more.

Subtle undertones of the alternate culture are a way of displaying yourself in a respectable, credible and a non- baggy pants and trench coat of doom way. I am not advocating conformity hear, nor am I wanting people to tone it down. No Way! If you are happy with you, be you. But sometimes it is simply the smallest things we put together. The choice of colours, patterns, accessories and even combinations that define our personality.

A smile a Day

'A smile a day keeps the devil away', or so they say.

Smiling really is both effortless and rewarding. Being kind, polite, courteous and generous to people, even if you look like the devil is not a bad thing. It will improve peoples perception on both yourself and on people like you (us different people).

Be happy and smile, why not? Try it, you will see.

I am always known at work to be the happy one. I am great with angry customers because my managers have said I have a calming influence and always smile. I am forever whistling and I think I am a genuinely happy person.

The stereotype of the darkly inclined is one of depression, gloom and mopeyness. That's not really good. Just because you look like that does not mean you are like that. It is a look, a style and an aesthetic.

Wear the clothes, don't be the clothes! Be yourself!

Bored of my Playlists

I listen to alot of music. I have a relatively large playlist to (nothing reaching into the thousands tho). I am just beginning to get bored of the music I have. Don't get me wrong I do love my music but even out of the 500 or so songs I have on there, I have a top 50 and a favourite 25.

So I think I need to discover more new bands, or at least download songs from the people I listen to on YouTube etc. Whilst I am not looking for a radically different music type, I just want to branch out within the genres and themes I like.

I have a large enough media card on my phone to cope with more music I just want something more exciting, new and another band to love. I use to love Abney Park when I first heard them. I cannot remember how I got into them or began to love them so but there are certain Abney Park songs that always remind me of the same things, such as my first year of university. But like what happened with Rammstein, I never got to see them and they were slow in releasing new stuff. So while I still love them, I do not listen to them all the time like I did.

My next move is to get on the Das Klub website and download the songs danced to in the video. It will definitely expand my library of cyber music. I also need to get all my musical back on there. I'm missing Phantom of the Opera and Cats!

A Higher Acceptance

Over the past week, alot has been going on vis-a-vis work, university and life in general. There is alot to think about at this time but this is not to the detriment of the blog. This blog has allowed me to categorise and asses this area of my life and effectively control and self contain it, preventing it affecting the important things in life.

I am ultimately happy with who and what I am. My mood now dictates my style for the day and I am not pinned down by rules. Ill wear whatever I fancy that day. My overall look has always been 'different' yo the norm and perhaps darkly inspired but I have always made it my own and maintained a level of je ne se quois in my appearance. I believe I can still continue to do this.

DIY clothing, mix and match style is me. My outer does not dictate my inner, it simply provides a tantalising insight.

A comment on the former 'Ultimate Goth Guide'

I am a huge fan of the page 'The Ultimate Goth Guide'. It has however just today changed its name. It has became a blog concerning, simply, alternative and darkly inclined lifestyle and fashion. This is great! It is the same actualisation that I came to in the last few days and posts. Goth is as mentioned in her blog 'a music driven subculture'. Music plays a large part of the scene and if you are not into the 'correct music' then to many elder goths you simply are not a true goth.

Check it out hear at 'Stripy Tights and Dark Delights'

It is therefore arguable that I am in no way a goth. I may wear the clothes etc nd enjoy it and be comfortable in them but according to the rules I am not a goth because I do not listen to the music. If this is the rigidity of the gothic label then to be honest it is not something I want to be a part of. Goth to me was being about an individual. Being unique and being most importantly yourself with a great freedom of expression. When actually it is massively stereotypical and subject to numerous rules like any subculture.

Southpark has an eppisode with 'the goth kids' in. Stan wants to join them and he askes how can I be goth.

'To be goth you have to be non conformist like us. Therefore you have to wear the same clothes as us and listen to the same kind of music we do.'

If that is what Goth is then it isn't for me.

So....

I am not going to shut down this blog. The fashion and style of the 'Dark Alternative' still interests and appeals to me. However I want to be my own label. That label is me, myself and I. Nothing more, nothing less.

Ever Changing Structure

This blog has already taken on many forms. It will continue to do so. It is a means of collating my mind and a way of laying out ideas. The fundamentals will remain the same but what is written about and its themes will change.

I am aware of those of you who read this blog and I do hope you both enjoy reading it and appreciate the reason for its existence.

Being yourself-Even Goth is a label

I talked to my girlfriend about this blog last night. She simply wanted to know why I wanted to do it. She is and always has been very certain about who she is. This is perhaps the reason for this blog. I have always been unsure of myself and my identity. Labelling oneself as Goth or skater or Charver or whatever is still simply conforming to a perceived image and ideal and still does not truly show who you are.

I have always been interested in alternate subculture, not necessarily Goth but the rock/metal alternate scene as a whole. I pick and choose elements of it and while I do not know or understand all of it, I appreciate what it is. I also however appreciate me and myself as an individual.

I own alot of clothes, looks, styles and images. Some day I may be fully Goth, others just a casual jeans and hoody number. Some days I may be Steampunk central on Monday, Cyber/Industrial on the Tuesday and superdry joggers and hoody on the Wednesday. While ones image can change, their mentality, personality, likes and dislikes most often remain the same, especially if you are happy with them, which I am.

My Favourite music is simply so diverse I could not list any. However I am not a fan of certain things that are quintessentially goth such as Bauhaus and Sioux. However I love lots of Industrial Techno Cyber stuff like XRX and God Module. On the flip side I listen to film and theme soundtracks more than anything. Game, film and TV themes represent the largest % of my media library and the most listened to tracks are mostly from the soundtrack genre.

The greatest objective will be the acceptance of my own look and style. I am very happy with who I am at the moment and life is ultimately great at the moment. Nothing is perfect but when is anything perfect. I am damn happy with everything. I have a job, a family that loves me and the most amazing and fantastic girlfriend in the world who for some unknown reason loves me and puts up with me :)

Life is good and with that comes the happiness in my image. It is not a label. If Goth is the word for different, unique and individual, then I am Goth. But if it is the word for dark sombre style and black hair with heavy metal always playing in ones ear then I am definitely not Goth.

Feature On-KINGgutterface

I stumbled across this youtube video a few days ago.

It is a very horrific story. It is certainly not one that is in any way similar to mine. However I find people who go against such adversity and turn out happy being themselves very heroic and inspirational. So I decided to join the YouTube channel and watched some more videos.

Joji, his real name identifies himself as transgendered. I am not one to comet on this and I do not fully understand the difficulties involved in such things. However what I wish to focus upon is simply the message in the video blog's.

There is alot of topical discussion concerning KINGgutterface's personal views but alongside this is a lifestyle commentary on style, image and an ultimate freedom of expression to be and act as an individual. It was not easy for him but despite great adversary he overcame numerous difficulties.

The ultimate underlying message is to be happy in yourself and do what makes you happy. The world may and will judge but it is the very action to go against the world that makes it a unique standpoint. It is not simply about rebellion, pure and simple. It is a matter of perspective and opinion.

While may style may never develop to this extent, I can hope at least develop my mindset and values to be open, all encompassing and free from prejudice and judgement.

Check out and subscribe to KINGgutterface's YouTube account at

http://www.youtube.com/user/KINGgutterface

Expansionism

Gathering together unique looks is harder than you think. Wearing different clothes in a similar style is simply the same thing but evidence of cleanlinesses and washing. Although each look is a bit different, they all hold the the same fundamental roots and so each piece is not unique.

I have therefore decided that a second and third wardrobe is required (not literally, I do not have the room). A second unique look that can be tailored and differed on a daily basis like my existing look and a third look that can combine elements of all three.

It is anybodies guess as to what my current look is. At times it is a trendy, rockabilly esqu look with chains and straps. Others it is a mosh pit dwelling flood of bagginess, boots and buckles. This is one look, taking my existing clothes and working them into an aesthetic.

Now the second wardrobe is, for me, a desire to be more adventurous. Cyber/Industrial is a definite love of mine but I want to make it my own. While I love the trad goth look, I don't think it is a practicality for me, be those factors price and comfort.

The third look would probably be a death-rock or goth-punk look. I love the trashy style and the combination of the studs, spikes and desirable romantic connotations.

HOWEVER!!!

Goth is all about being yourself and not necessarily conforming to labels.

Watch this fantastic video. Basically the argument is, be yourself, wear what you want and labels are simply a way of aiding explanation to others. Explore the scene and respect those within it.

Guest Post

I had to show you guys this article I found. It is a really good article about gothic fashion for guys. Have a read. Check out their website at

 http://www.gothfashion.info/index.php



"Male of the Species

Guys have it rough, they never have as much variety possible in what they wear... or do they? I often get asked about male gothic fashion. A lot of men just aren't comfortable with the androgyny often found in the goth scene. Usually my first reaction is to tell them that if it doesn't seem natural to them... they might be barking up the wrong tree; but if they are insistent I can reassure them that the gothic subculture may be the one place they can wear makeup and a skirt without having their sexual preferences challenged.

In the non-goth world men have rather limited options in what they can wear, but goths have the freedom to push normal gender fashion boundaries without worry. We aren't usually judgmental about things like sexual preference, and since we aren't so hung up on a lot of the norms the rest of society seems to thrive on we can wear pretty much whatever we want to as long as it falls within the gothic aesthetic. On gothic men frilly shirts become stylish, makeup becomes sexy, silk and velvet are fabrics of choice.

There are about an equal number of fashion choices for both sexes of goths, it all depends on what one is comfortable with. The limits are those of imagination, finances, and willingness to try new things. If you are afraid that frilly shirt will make you look too poncy... then don't wear it; but if you want to wear it even though you have such fears, rest assured, it's really not an issue."

 Hope you liked it :)

From

http://www.gothfashion.info/boi.php

Standardising the Look 24/7

The transition from jeans and a hoodie to trench coats and chainy trousers is easy to do but hard to become constant. Sometimes if all one wants is to get a pint of milk them you would just grab the closest thing you could find and go. Goth is about making the effort. Like a girl not going out in makeup. There is always time to do it!

Creating the image is only the first step. Gathering together looks and styles as well as ideas on what will and wont work is only the beginning. Once you have done this, the image ought to be maintained. You have after all went through all that effort to get all this stuff together and formulate an image. You might as well flaunt your mind on your body.

I am not saying you must never wear joggers again! Sometimes its just a guy thing. However the establishment of an image takes time to formulate. It is not about what others think. It is about your own mindset. The changing mindset of thinking about wearing your black chainy stuff as opposed to simply doing it without thought. It is that mindset which is the goal.

Doing something through habit is the development of a standardised and constant image. From this we can make it casual or extreme. (depending on our mood or the weather). A lazy day would be boots, jeans, tee and go. A more effort induced day may include more chains, straps and dangly things. A layered top half with tee and arm warmers. A jacket with scarf and headphones with the wire hidden.

Casual day?

More intricate look?

Extreme Style?

Black Snow-Gothic Style for the Winter Cold

As many of you are aware it is snowing, has snowed or is about to snow again. True to style, the UK has gone crazy again. An inch of snow and the country grinds to a halt.

So if we are going to go out, what should one wear. Fashion vs function is the greatest debate in history for anyone who actually cares about their image or survival. So what should one wear in such conditions whilst staying warm and maintaining your signature look and style.

I was in work today so I donned my Black Lowa Army Boots.  They are definitely a staple of my look and style. Comfortable, practical and kick ass looking. T'is the season for boots so anything with a good sole/grip and ankle high or over is a must. New Rock Boots and Doc Martens are also a great idea. I have these ones!

For the legs, something free flowing and comfy is a must. Jeans and denims are fine but will get soaked if the heavens open or it rains. I love combat trousers. You can get them in any colour. Black, blue, green camouflage are popular. However for the really crazy or cyber inclined of you, what about these? Again anything that is of a heavy material will be warm but when wet will stay wet. Skinny's are rather impractical because they are thin and there is no warm air barrier between you and the elements. If you can take it then go for it. My legs are normally not the aspect I worry about.

On the top, layering is a good way of developing a unique look whilst increasing the warmth factor. Many thin layers will regulate temperature better than one big coat over a vest. You are then either too hot or too cold. Accessories such as hats, sweatbands, arm warmers and even headphones all help insulate warmth and can easily be shed and stored. A good coat is important and while hoodies are popular, they can be worn under coats to add a wind-proof element to them. My hoodies are warm but as wind-proof as a string vest. Leather is a good choice as they are heavy, bulky and warm as well as naturally wind and waterproof.

While the weather stays this way, remember your layers. You can create some interesting looks with this technique such as ripped tights on the arms (nick em off your girlfriends if you can't gather the Dutch courage to buy them). Just remember to be sensible and dress appropriately.

:P

Blogs for guys, or are we all lazy?

If I search for 'Male Gothic Fashion', 'Gothic Fashion' or 'Goth for Guys' I am hit with only one thing. Girls! The scene is inundated with huge amounts of girl relevant blogs, advice and fashion advice.

From this, one would get the idea that Men  do not care about what they wear, what they look like and importantly, definitely don't write about either. There is a small collection of YouTube videos for hair and make-up but nothing much more than that. It is certainly a girl dominated zone.

Maybe I am just odd. I perhaps lack originality and need advice and guidance. I would disagree, I pride myself on my ability to analyse a look or style and then disseminate it onto myself with my own mark. I see no issue also about writing about it or looking for inspiration.

'How to be a Goth' articles suck. They are far too generic and stereotypical for what I want to achieve. What I want to achieve is found within the blogs and forums online. It is synthesised and extracted from the music I listen to and from the idealistic images in my head.

The true nature of Goth cannot be written down. It is the individualistic interpretation of the music one listens to and the opinions and perceptions we form from it message. We wear the lyrics and their meanings through what we ware and how we act.

Tattoos and Piercings

I am currently in Starbucks, writing this and drinking coffee. I have spent the morning looking for tattoo places. There are plenty to choose from but the important thing is looking at their work and word of mouth/reviews about them. The cheapest is not always the worst while the most expensive may not necessarily be the best. It is all a question of sense.

My quotes have ranged from £60 for 20 mins!! Up to £120 for 1.5 hours. Of the 6 or so shops I have chosen I have decided to go for one of the £60 quotes. They both seemed very clean, alot friendlier than the other ones and most importantly their sample work looked very good.



This is what I want. On my left forearm underneath. It is a Buddhist prayer written in Sanskrit. 'Ohm Mani Padme Hum'. It means 'Hail jewel in the lotus'.

During my search I began to notice other pierced and tattooed individuals around. Most were of the alternative scene and style, especially in the tattoo studios. But I was more concentrated on the workplaces. The tolerance for body art and piercings has increased somewhat. Although anything on the face is often a big nono, discreet ones often pass most scrutiny.

Another secret desire of mine is to get an industrial piercing in my left ear. However again this may become a workplace problem, especially considering its 6 month healing period. Whilst I still want to be myself and express myself, this should never be to the jeopardy of ones job. A professional image is key and it is important to remember that a look or style is simply an image. Who we are and how we act truly defines our character :)