The words outside Pitch Black Ink (a tattoo studio in Lahore) read ‘Do not judge’ but sadly, the studio closed down only a few months back. “I am no quitter and shall be dedicated to the art forever, providing services to the select clientele who is sane and serious enough to recognise and appreciate the art,” said Zuhaib Amjad Butt of Pitch Black Ink, “But yes, I’m closing down my studio as I’m really disappointed with how things stand presently.”

Harbouring a passion for the art, Zuhaib is absolutely clear when it comes to body tattooing in all its varied dimensions. “Contrary to the popular impression that body tattooing is a fad or trend, the art has really deeper connotations,” related Zuhaib, “Perhaps just five to 10 per cent people who get tattoos get it done for fashion reasons. On a larger scale, it is being used on medical grounds to hide skin discoloration, injuries and body scars as well as Vitiligo (a disease causing skin discoloration). On the other hand, it is used as a symbol of motivation and inspiration to lift up the spirits and head along the highway of life. Why would anyone object to that?”

A valid argument it may seem, but you cannot fight stiff social and religious resistance that is only getting stronger by the day. As things stand, the process of tattooing does involve a lot more than just drawing images on the skin with a needle — it means starting off with an argument to convince people that it really is ‘legitimate’.

Why should a matter of personal choice such as tattooing be subjected to criticism and judgement?

“This is exactly what got the better of me and led me to make the decision to close down my studio, said Zuhaib, “I realised that while pursuing my passion, I spent more time talking about deen (religion) and doling out sermons, trying to make them see that it was not haraam (forbidden). I spent more time doing this than working and that was definitely not what I intended to do when I started out!”

Photos by Nadir Toosy

According to Zuhaib, almost 50pc of his clients don’t know what they really want when they come to his studio to get tattooed. “They are confused and not very creative,” he said, “So I have to sit with them for a while, assess the person that they are and then suggest different options accordingly.”

Although he doesn’t disclose his clients’ identity, he said that most of the boys wanted their spouse’s (or girlfriend’s) name tattooed on them; while girls go for floral patterns and other delicate designs. Initials and zodiac signs too are very popular. “Since it is a lifelong thing,” said Zuhaib, “I advise them to be very clear about whatever they choose as their tattoo.”

Zuhaib is also of the opinion that women are better customers as they have a naturally better threshold for pain and are more open to ideas while men seem more wary of the process initially. Going by the popular impression, tattooing is more of a ‘kinky fad’ but Zuhaib has a different outlook to it. “I do not see it as a fashion or trend to be flaunted publicly,” he said, “It’s more of a private affair; a motivational sign, an inspiring positive symbol for your very own self and hence not to be sported openly. It is more of a psychological dimension, in my opinion.”

So who are the people who like to get tattooed, and why? They mostly belong to the upper and upper-middle class, falling between the teens to mid-30s age bracket; but interestingly, there are some instances that fall into the older bracket as well.

So who are the people who like to get tattooed, and why? They mostly belong to the upper and upper-middle class, falling between the teens to mid-30s age bracket; but interestingly, there are some instances that fall into the older bracket as well.

Shehla Haroon, a resident of DHA Lahore and an educationist by profession is in her mid-40s, and sports an abstract tattoo on her left calf. “This is a private issue surely, and I don’t feel the compulsion to disclose why I have this tattoo,” she said, “And yet, I have no qualms in accepting that yes, I like tattooing and so I went for it!’

Anushay Tahir, a young student in a local university, however, has more guarded views.

“Yes, I got tattooed last year, but had to win an argument and deal with stiff opposition from my family,” she said, “So I got this little butterfly on my upper arm because I didn’t want to attract attention (read: judgment).”

Salman Ahmed is an accountant by profession with a keen interest in creative arts and has opted for an eagle-shaped tattoo sprawled on his back and shoulders. Talking about his tattoo he said, “It kind of gives me inner strength and energy. My family and friends have come to accept it as a part of me.”

There is a group of enthusiasts who considers body tattooing as at par with modern beautification techniques like laser surgery, botox and other contemporary gimmicks to spruce up one’s appearance and looks. But like with all modern ‘tricks of the trade’ that involve intricate skin penetration, it is of utmost importance that the tools used should meet hygienic standards and the tattoo artist should be extremely credible and authentic in his expertise. Despite all the pros and cons, the fact of the matter remains that like everything new, the Lahorites are certainly willing to have a go at tattooing — despite the enduring stigma attached to it. And by the looks of it, the trend is definitely on the rise.

Published in Dawn, Sunday Magazine, September 14th, 2014