Some want tattoos filled with meaning or memory, others simply enjoy the design; junior Nathan Mellenbruch has a tattoo of both varieties.

“My dad died over this past summer, so I got a tattoo in his memory,” Mellenbruch said. “My other tattoo is a phoenix design that I just got Jan. 30. I just saw it and really liked it.”

According to Mellenbruch, his first tattoo is one of memory, and is simple, yet helpful.

“The tattoo on my right arm is a cross with the year my Dad was born and the year he died, and it is says Dad right on top of it,” Mellenbruch said.

Due to his age, Mellenbruch underwent steps of the process those over 18 do not have to undertake upon receiving a tattoo.

“I went to the [tattoo parlor] and got a sheet for my mom to sign, since I’m not 18 yet,” Mellenbruch said. “Once I got her signature, I made an appointment. Then, the guy sketched it out and did it. It took a couple of hours.”

While Mellenbruch’s two tattoos provide him experience with the art form, both represent very different qualities.

“My cross tattoo definitely makes me remember my dad every single day, but my phoenix tattoo I just thought looked cool; there’s no real meaning or anything like that,” Mellenbruch said.

While his first tattoo is family centered, he still had to do a little bit of convincing to be allowed to obtain it.

“One of my brother, who has a couple tattoos, was fine with me getting my tattoo, but my other brother wasn’t too sure about it,” Mellenbruch said. “My mom was iffy about it, but I convinced her in the end.”
Overall, Mellenbruch truly believes his tattoos impose a positive benefit.

“I think my tattoo of my dad has a great impact on me,” Mellenbruch said. “It’s just a great way for me to remember him.”