ASU students showed their true colors Tuesday in a body art contest featured as part of the University's second annual "A" Week.
The tattoo contest took place in front of the Memorial Union and attracted 15 entries in the first hour. Students came by to display cherubs, crosses, tigers and family crests in hopes of winning a first or second place trophy.
Justin "Dash" Rondash, a chemistry and education senior, judged the entries, looking for unique designs, consistent shading and correct positioning.
"I don't like flash art," he said. "I prefer unique, personable work."
Rondash has 13 tattoos and has spent 52 hours under the needle.
He said he tries to get at least one tattoo every year, despite the pain.
"The pain itself is kind of relieving," he said.
Katey McRevy, a business management senior, got her first tattoo when she was 16, and has since been under the needle 16 more times.
"It's definitely addictive," McRevy said, adding that she looks for designs that mean something to her, instead of butterflies and flowers, which are "too trendy."
"When you grow up, you want something more unique," she added.
Unique designs are important to people who want to remember a special moment in their lives, said Sean Lynch, an aerospace engineering senior.
"Tattoos are made to show other people," he said. He added that the designs should not be in a place where no one can see it, but in places like the forearm, where his tattoo is located.
"A" Week director Steve Bergman, an accounting sophomore, said that students have been attending the events by the hundreds, and showing a lot of school spirit.
" 'A' Week is about promoting involvement, community service and diversity, while at the same time entertaining students," he said.
Other "A" Week events include a Halo tournament at 4 p.m. today at the MU, a candlelight ceremony for soldiers tonight at 7:45 p.m. on Hayden Lawn, a movie screening of "The Punisher" at 7 p.m. Thursday at Harkins Centerpoint 11 and a Hip Hop Night at 5 p.m. Friday in the MU.
Reach the reporter at lindsay.butler@asu.edu.
