Creative people should never have to worry about being judged except by their audiences, fans and bosses. However, in a field such as writing, the big question that comes up, at least in my life is when and what body 
adornments I should expose. We get meet and greets, interviews, set visits, sit downs; so many amazing opportunities yet so many questions. Will they judge me by my ink? Will they think I’m unprofessional because my tongue is pierced? Should I even be pierced? Do they make long sleeved shirts in the summer? There is one answer and one answer only: KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE!
I attended an event at the Friar’s Club in NYC and of course, wow…amazing. Only the most prestigious go there. Then I thought about who we were interviewing and honoring and it happened to be shock jock Howard Stern. That allowed for a little more leeway yet had it been Donald Trump, I may have thought more conservatively. Here are the #MandiApproved rules for piercings and trust me, I have a lot so I know how it goes and I feel your pain and confusion. The face is really what draws the attention in terms of piercings so I believe that you can have a nose stud. Not a nose ring, not a septum ring, nothing of the ring sorts unless it is on your finger! Simple and delicate wins the race and it will allow you to make a great impression without the metal dictating who you are. Eyebrow barbells are okay, as well as long as they are simple and not too noticeable. But again, no rings and no more than one! Lip studs are okay like the Monroe however if you have your labret or lip pierced, you may want to put a retainer in them. You want them to see you as the professional with the piercings just a part of your amazing personality. Tongue rings…if you can put in a clear one, that is great but as long as it does not affect your speech, you should be fine. As for your ears, you can do whatever you please because after all, you are a creative person and should not feel the need to hinder who you are.
Tattoos are a whole other ball game. I am a fan of ¾ shirts if you have a sleeve. The biggest problem you can run in to is an offensive tattoo like a skull and crossbones or something anti-government or religion or naked people. Those might take away from you and put the emphasis on the ink. Plus, it is tacky. If you have delicate tattoos, go for it but again, know your audience. Never wear a tank top to an event if you are covered in ink. Yet, once you become familiar with the people at the event, you can start to feel more comfortable being yourself. A nice pair of lightweight trousers and a simple ¾ shirt will work every time. Tattoos on the neck? A nice lace scarf will be your savior. There you have it; how to rock your ink, piercings and your job! Being creative is the greatest gift we are given and no one should take that away from us! #MandiApproved