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I'm curious as to what people think about how body modification (tattoos, piercings, etc.) affect the audiences view on performance.

My mind has been on this a bit lately as I have a near $2000 credit with my artist to have work done, and have some stuff I'd like done, but since I'm performing a lot more, don't want to do anything that is really going to hinder my ability to perform/get gigs.

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It's not true contact unless you're naked.

If you're going to get work done as a performer, you've gotta make sure that anything you get is so integral to you that it won't prohibit you from performing as a character. Tattoos, especially for performers for whom clothes are often a problem, are like costume pieces that you never get to take off.

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http://www.gravitydefiance.net

Avoiding your face is a good plan, unless you want to work exclusively with the Jim Rose Circus...

When you have visible piercings and tattoos, the general public will undoubtedly assume many things about you that could be many miles from the truth, so you are almost having to go to extra lengths to prove them wrong.
Most agents won't use artists that look too alternative for anything other than the cliché fire and chainsaw style acts where shock value counts.
That being said, it is in my opinion quite possible to have tasteful modifications done too.

I know of many performers (myself included) that have cut their dreads off in order to fall into more family friendly gigs. My tattoos never see the light of day (partially because I regret having them done) and I rarely wear any body jewellry apart from my belly ring. Occasionally I wear BCRs in my ears, but have to take them out 2 days before gigs to let the holes shrink a little. Pesky kids always notice the holes...

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yup- as above.

Interestingly I have found that my dreadlocks have actually reassured some clients when we meet face to face- it seems to reinforce the fact that they where hiring a circusy performer. for some things however I have lost gigs due to my piercings/hair (one was meant to be at the lawn tennis association summer ball and they had a specific dress code to even enter the building, even as a contracter!)

Looking alternative isn't a huge problem, but it can be. looking like a raging hippy on the other hand seems to set you up to fail in most walks of life....

Thanks for the input!

I wasn't planning on too much that's visible at this point, though there is some that I do really want, maybe I need to re-evaluate some of my plans (specifically my facial scarification)

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It's not true contact unless you're naked.