It doesn’t take long to spot some artwork on the arm or the leg of a student if you head out on campus this time of year. We’ve come a long way from the taboo opinions and Hells Angels stereotypes of previous generations, that’s for sure.
Having some ink myself, I’m always curious about the stories or meanings behind other pieces I see on passing strangers when I’m out and about. This past week I set out to discover the stories behind the body art of young people on campus, and was successful in my mission after talking to KU students Chris Tomkins and Cue Wright.
Tomkins is a junior at KU studying mathematics with an interest in attending flight school after college. He has accumulated three different tattoos in the last two and a half years. Cue Wright, a graduate student in higher education has three pieces of her 
own, each with its own meaning and motivational characteristics.
People are inspired to get tattoos for a variety of different reasons. Some are inspired by other forms of art such as music or film, perhaps getting a song lyric tattoo like Tomkins did for his first ink job.
Many times tattoos tend to have a deeper meaning. They can act as a memorial or as a tribute to an individual or idea. Ink can also serve as self-motivation and be a constant reminder of whatever you wish.
Tattoos can be a great conversation starter, and oftentimes can turn into the bulk of the 
conversation. Ink doesn’t have to have some greater meaning behind it. If you really like Pokemon, go ahead and get that Charizard tat. If sports are your thing, get that Royals tattoo to commemorate their recent world series victory.
So next time you bump into that mutual friend, or even a stranger, a great way to get to know them is to ask them about their ink. You’ll surely be in for an exciting story or two.