Inked: Expanding my Casting Possibilities

This year on Easter Sunday I did something I have been wanting to do for about 10 years.  I got a tattoo!!  It was pretty intense:  The image was probably the scariest thing you can imagine: skull and cross-bones and demon faces and barbed wire!  I'm sick of people thinking of me as some innocent little girly-girl!!  I'm one tough cookie, so I've decided to change my image.  Painting my nails black just isn't doing it for me anymore.  I guess I could have cut or dyed my hair.  I also thought about investing in some sweet new Hot Topic-ish wardrobe, but neither of those things seemed as permanent or as terrifying......

Okay, okay, I'm totally joking.  I got a tattoo of a heart, and I'm not really trying to change my image.  I just am who I am....and who I am wanted a tattoo of a heart...with a music note!    

I've been planning this tattoo for quite sometime.  I had plenty of people say to me that because I was an actor, I shouldn't.  I agreed a little as I feel I should be able to change my body, voice, and physicality a bit to portray other people.  However, I also feel there is a lot of worth in just being able to bring whoever you are to a part.  And, at some point, I realized that one tiny heart tattoo that could be covered by a normal shirt or even a small circular band-aid isn't going to keep me from any parts.   Maybe instead of worrying about how my tattoo will affect my casting, I should spend time working extra hard on my music and being super prepared for each audition.  Plus, there are plenty of waaaay-famous actors and actor friends of mine who have tats and just cover them up if a part requires a different look.

Mostly, before getting inked, I just needed to decide if I wanted a tattoo for my life in general.  I do.  So I got one.  Of a heart.  And a music note.   

Now I'm feeling like, if anything, my new tattoo will just expand my casting possibilities!!....I'll enter the audition room, "Cute, goody-goody, blonde girl from Nebraska"...But then as I leave the room, I'll flash my heart tattoo!!  

I imagine as I make my grand exit, a shocked creative team and casting director will whisper in awe, "I thought she was just some sweet Nebraska girl, but look at that little heart on her shoulder!!  She must be some kind of Bad-a**!!  In fact, I'm scared of her now....But I like it!!!   Quick!  Someone cast her in that new "Jail Girls" movie!!"

Some people said I would get a nice little buzz from getting the tattoo.  I got nervous right before and I guess I did enjoy some excited feelings after, but, in my opinion, getting a tattoo is still nowhere near the feeling of stepping onstage and performing.  

What do you think, Backstage Blogosphere??  Do you like my tattoo??  Do you think it was the biggest mistake of my actor-life??  Now that I have a tattoo, are you intimidated by me and a little bit scared that I will beat you up??  (I won't.  I'm a lover, not a fighter.) 

Perhaps you think it is cheesy and you are sure I will regret it in about a month, but guess what??  If you truly hate it,..I don't really care as it is permanently etched onto my shoulder blade for the foreseeable future. 

Happy Bunny Day!!!

--  Emily Kinney

Comments

[Sydney]

The tattoo is awesome. Props for being brave enough to go and get it done!

[Lonni]

Yeah. That tat is WAY less expensive than that cut and color + new headshots.

[Bob Waters]

Its the perfect one for you , its an expression of who you are and what you're about and yet its feminine ( and easy to hide) You did it for all the right reasons, wear it well...

[Justine]

"What do you think, Backstage Blogosphere?? Do you like my tattoo?? Do you think it was the biggest mistake of my actor-life??"

I think your tattoo is cute (and not too huge) but as an actor I do think it's better not to have them. For instance...maybe there is a great movie or tv role where you play a sheltered, innocent girl who grows up in a small town. A girl like that wouldn't have a tattoo. Now a lot of things you wear would hide the tattoo...but if there are summer scenes, and they want the character to wear a halter top...that could be problematic. Could also be problematic for doing certain period pieces, although again it really depends what you're wearing.

Then again, I've heard there are things they can do with body makeup so for all I know, maybe they can cover it up.

At any rate, I hope it won't cost you any good roles. The bottom line is that you have to do what you want to do--and this was something you really wanted to do. You only live once! :)