Tattoos are self-expression and art. Tattoos adorn the body, boost self-esteem and can serve as vehicles for positive social interactions.

Alain Bravo is a tattooer, a tattoo artist. He's part customer service guru and part therapist, but all artist, all the time.

"Every day is something new," said Bravo, who has tattoos adorning his arms, chest and back. "I learn something every single day. I've improved over the years, but you're never going to know everything. It's about having an open mind. You can learn from everyone. But not everyone can do this. You have to be an artist."

Along with colleagues Marissa Gristini and Andrew Bryson, Bravo is one of three tattoo artists employed by Kingdom Ink in Lititz. While each tattoo artist possesses his or her own unique skills and techniques, they work as a team to ensure each and every customer's vision of body art becomes a reality.

Last year, Kingdom Ink applied more than 900 tattoos to its customers, a figure that seems to represent the continuing popularity of tattooing.

"I feel better when I get a tattoo," said Bravo, a 37-year-old resident of Lititz. "But you have to be sure what you want, because it's going to be in your skin for the rest of your life."

"I love Alain," said Trisha Mason, who, along with husband William, owns Kingdom Ink. "I can ask him to do anything, and he won't complain. He's super grateful to be here and hang out with us. We're like a family in here."

"They all care about their art and what they're putting on clients," Trisha added. "They want to give you the best version of what they can give you. They all know how to do a wide variety of things."

The art of tattooing dates back thousands of years, and there was a time when tattoos were frowned upon in society or almost taboo. But beginning around the turn of the 21st century, the popularity of tattoos gained momentum, and they've evolved to a point now that borders on normalization.

"It's everyone and anyone," said Bravo. "I can't tell you when it happened. I really don't know. I just woke up one day a few years ago, and it seemed like everyone had one. Years ago, no one had tattoos."

"I've had people in their 80s who've never had a tattoo before come in and get one for the first time. I don't think it's a younger thing," continued Bravo.

There are no certifications or schooling required to be a tattoo artist. But many have attended art schools or completed apprenticeships under more experienced colleagues.

"It's not easy," said Bravo. "We work hard."

The process of receiving a tattoo requires an initial consultation, and the act itself can take anywhere from 15 minutes to six hours to complete, depending upon the detail, composition and colors of the design.

Among the most popular tattoos are crosses, Bible verses, Roman numerals, memorial dates and flowers.

"Yeah, it's going to hurt. I'm not going to lie," said Bravo. "You have to prepare your clients mentally for the pain."