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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

The Vox Box

(Body) Art News of the Week…

We've heard it a million times, (especially from parents): 'Get a tattoo and you'll never get a job.' These students from Northern Illinois University and interviewed by the The Northern Star think just the opposite, trying to improve the 'business reputation' of body ink while itching to hop into that chair and get some more.

Art education major, Christine Vinnes, isn't worried about her tattoos creating a problem in the working environment and is planning on becoming a teacher.

"I don't feel like my tattoos are anyone else's business. They are on my body and, therefore, a part of who I am. If someone decides to hire me, it should be based on my abilities not my personal life."

Mike McGovern, graduate student and instructor for introduction to printmaking, lost count of his tattoos, feeling that his ink won't interfere with an employer's choice to hire him.

"I would like to teach art on a collegiate level and, of course, continue with studio art to supplement teaching," McGovern said. "My tattoos won't matter in a career like that."

Do you think tattoos will affect your possible career? Are they acceptable in the workplace?



In 2006, then-editor Steve Smith of The Spokesman-Review had the idea of starting a publication for an often forgotten audience: teenagers. The Vox Box was a continuation of the Vox, an all-student staffed newspaper published by The Spokesman-Review. High school student journalists who staffed the Vox made all content decisions as they learn about the trade of journalism. This blog's mission was to give students an opportunity to publish their voices. The Vox Box and the Vox wrapped up in June 2009, but you can follow former staffers' new blog at http://voxxiez.blogspot.com.