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Tattoos Are a Growing Trend in South Carolina

Tattoos are a growing trend among people from many walks of life in South Carolina.
Tut Underwood/SC Public Radio
Tattoos are a growing trend among people from many walks of life in South Carolina.

Since tattoo parlors became legal in South Carolina in 2006, they have ridden a growing wave of popularity.  No longer the province of sailors or convicts, tattoos are being worn by doctors, ministers, even grandmothers.  Tattoo artist Scot “Spyder” Kudo says the range of tattoo designs is as endless as the imaginations of his clients. 

Jail keys, the “Christmas Story” leg lamp and a magnifying glass with disappearing fingerprint are some of the more unusual patterns he’s done.   Fellow artist Bryan Spencer gives advice to prospective tattoo clients:  do research to find the best artist for you, because the decision is permanent. 

Tut Underwood is producer of South Carolina Focus, a weekly news feature. A native of Alabama, Tut graduated from Auburn University with a BA in Speech Communication. He worked in radio in his hometown before moving to Columbia where he received a Master of Mass Communications degree from the University of South Carolina, and worked for local radio while pursuing his degree. He also worked in television. He was employed as a public information specialist for USC, and became Director of Public Information and Marketing for the South Carolina State Museum. His hobbies include reading, listening to music in a variety of styles and collecting movies and old time radio programs.