ORLANDO, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35 ORLANDO) -
An Orlando author has published a children's book dealing with a topic usually reserved for adults: getting a tattoo.
"Is a Tattoo Right for You?" by Daniel Sutter is available on Amazon.com, and its sales are generating a bit of controversy as some ask whether the subject of tattoos is too serious for children.
"No offense to the author or the artist, but it's propaganda," said artists at Ascension Custom Dermagraphics tattoo studio on North Mills Avenue in Orlando.
"I tattoo for a living, and my daughter isn't getting a tattoo until the age of 18. If they're trying to push this on her, it's going to make them want to get a tattoo."
FOX 35 also talked with a teenager who got several tattoos while involved with a gang. Now, the Winter Park Laser Center is removing them to help him pursue a college degree and a career.
"Then, I was just young and dumb," the teen said. "I wanted to get the [tattoos]. I had a reason to get them. So now I want to take them off, and I have a reason to take them off."
The former gang member also had advice for any other teens considering a tattoo.
"Don't get something you're going to regret. Don't get nothing on your face. Don't get nothing on your head -- anywhere that's basically visible, because one wrong tattoo can mess you up."
The tattoo artists at Ascension emphasize that tattoos aren't easy for young people to get -- especially ones as young as those reading this book.
"I don't know any tattoo artist that will tattoo an 8 year old."
Florida law requires anyone younger than 18 to have written and notarized permission from a parent or guardian to get a tattoo.
