No, that's not a typo in my title, the ink I am referring to is getting ink, as in tattoos. These days, tattoos and piercings are being more and more common place - when I see then, they are just as normal to me as earrings or a guy with a beard. I was wondering over the weekend if I am alone in this fact, or if it is becoming more socially and corporately accepted to be tatted and pierced in the workplace.

The reason for my pondering began as I sat getting new ink Friday night myself. Sitting there, at Ink and Dagger Tattoo Parlour in Decatur, GA (shameless plug for Russ Abbott and Malia Reynolds, two of the best damn tat artists around!) having a needle pierce my skin for two hours, I began to think, "If I weren't in advertising, would it seem weird for the HR Manager to have tattoos?" I suppose it would be, if I worked for a bank or big corporate giant, but in advertising, I get more complements from the executive management on my style than almost anyone.

For instance, when I first pierced my nose - I was concerned about what my CEO would think. I tried to down play it as much as I could, but he caught a glimpse within just a few seconds. He loved it! But I know if I weren't in a creative industry, it would be very different. We don't even have a dress code - actually, we do, it is "Wear Clothes."

So my question is this - what are your companies policies on personal appearance? Are tattoos and piercings becoming more accepted or are they still old-school taboo?