Long Draft 1 Caroline Nayden Stick and Poke Tattoos at Oberlin 11/16/15Young people have always flocked to cool trends. Exciting fashions that identify a person as exotic and radical. But does a trend go too far when the effects become permanent? Oberlin students don't think so. Stick and poke tattoos are a popular fashion choice for many students, and just like regular tattoos, the ink lasts forever. There are a few stick and poke artists on campus including Beatrix Parola (20) and Andrea Wang (18). Wang is a freshman at Oberlin and is just starting his stick and poke career. He tattooed some friends at art camp over the summer and would like to continue during his time in college. It advertises its skills as a conversation starter and a way to meet new people. Parola is a third year at Oberlin College and is very passionate about tattoos. She's been giving stick-and-poke tattoos to her friends since her freshman year, but she's not necessarily a fan of the trend. She doesn't agree with the premise of stick and poke, but she enjoys practicing them. “It fulfills my secret fantasy of being a tattoo artist,” she said. A stick and poke tattoo is done with a handheld needle instead of a tattoo gun. “They are handmade tattoos using some sort of sharp object,” Parola said. These tattoos are usually done by unlicensed artists, outside of parlors, and are popular among young adults. "My friend used to make them outside, in the dirt," - added Parola. “And they were all drunk.” Stick and poke are DIY tattoos and are attractive due to their low cost, accessibility and rebellious connotation. “It takes a certain type of person to get one,” Wang said. “Like, would you let me do that to your body?” Newer to the sticker...in the middle of the paper...they are beautiful. “It's my way of collecting art,” he said. He thinks some of the sticks and pokes he's made are awesome. “I wrote someone's area code on my butt,” he said. He added that many people are beaten and hit in that position because it is easily hidden. “You can hide a butt tattoo from anyone if you really try,” he said. Parola said other common locations are upper arm and above the knee, both of which are easily concealed. While stick and poke tattoos might be something to hide in the future, they are popular for a reason. It satisfies the desire for rebellion and experimentation and, for some, results in a truly meaningful tattoo. Professional tattoos are certainly safer, but they are expensive, uncomfortable and often impersonal. Oberlin's stick and poke artists are helpful, but recommend a cautious approach to these whimsical tattoos.