New York based Freedom-2 Inc. has recently developed a new technology that makes the removal of tattoos much easier. This may come off as good news for those who want the art off their bodies, but for those who value the permanent nature of tattoos see this innovation as a complete insult. Take for example Ana Gonzales, an employee at the featured tattoo shop in TLC's reality series, Miami Ink.



"If you hate your tattoo cover it up but at least you've given the artist the benefit of the doubt," Gonzalez said in a CTV.ca telephone interview from Miami, Florida. Ana Gonzales is a secretary and personal assistant to the tattoo artists who regularly appear on Miami Ink.

"If you're going to get a tattoo, get a tattoo. If you don't, then get henna," she added.

Removable ink, the new creation of Freedom-2 Inc., has been the subject of heated discussions at the tattoo shop. Gonzales said that the shop, which was co-owned by tattoo artists Ami James and Chris Nunez, has always been against the use of such technology.

"The reaction has always been 'hell no!'" Gonzales told CTV.ca. "We're trying to find ink that will last longer, not less."

Aside from Gonzales, other purists also believe that tattoos are supposed to be treated as a legacy and not as a passing fad. Tattoo artist at Way Cool Tattoos in Toronto, Chris Hall also believes that tattoos are a representation of an individual's life experiences, thus should be permanent, such as the experiences themselves.

"[Removable Ink] is an easy out for people who want to get tattoos as fashion accessories but it takes away from their obligation to take responsibility for their choices," Hall said. "To put it on just to take it off totally misses the point."

Miami Ink features customers who have shared their personal stories and motivations for choosing such tattoos, thus further pushing the fact that they are more than just trendy body art. Even the artists' tattoos have stories hidden beneath the art and are often representations of an important phase or milestone in their lives.

TLC's Miami Ink will come back for a brand new season in the fall.