“This workshop was held because many students are planning on getting either a tattoo or a piercing done over spring break and we really just want students to get them done safely,” said health educator Gina de Peralta Thorne.

While conducting informal interviews at Buffalo State College, it turned up that four out of 10 students who went out to get a tattoo or piercing didn't do any research on the establishment where they got their body art done. Some didn't even know what they wanted done before stepping into the tattoo parlor.

John Mirro of HOD Custom Tattoo was a guest speaker at the workshop. “Many of our clients are from Buffalo State College, since we are located right up the street from the campus. My biggest concern is many students come in not knowing what they want and end up getting a tattoo that they later on regret,” said Mirro.

“When I got my first piercing done, I just got it done out of blue without really planning before hand and it got infected. The workshop was informative, because you really do have to do your research on the place where you're getting your art done and on what you plan on getting, because it is a serious commitment,” said junior Alicia Diaz.

Some of the other topics covered at the workshop included:

• the definition of tattooing and piercing
• the culture of body art
• safe application
• relative risks
• how to care for your body art

For more information about the workshop call (716) 878-5330