Posts by Kendra Jane Berndt - Managing Editor of Content & Archives

Point 73: From the Editor – Kendra Jane Berndt

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Point-70-From-the-Editor-Kendra-0.jpgKendra Jane Berndt
Managing Editor of Content & Archives

Change: it is the only thing that is certain in life (other than death and taxes). So why is it that change is so hard for so many? I am one of those many. I consider myself in the know when it comes to what is hip and cool these days, but in all actuality I struggle everyday with the fast paced, significant changes that are happening in the world around us.

In order for any change to happen, small or big, someone has to start the wheels in motion. I am a firm believer in the idea that everyone can make a difference, and together a lot of small differences can lead to great change. We can all have a voice and make sure that it is heard. This is not to say that everyone will listen to your voice, nor will they like what you have to say, but neither of these reasons should ever stop you from using your voice. That is one of the things I like about the body piercing industry as a whole; there are so many accepted ways to get to the same final product. We may not all agree on how to get there, but for the most part we are all open minded enough to realize that this is the case.

Very recently we were able to get a lot of these different opinions together in the same room at the first ever APP Members Retreat in Georgia. You could see change happening— changes in perspectives, methodologies, self esteem—and know that further change in practices were to come as a result of attendance. I was so fortunate to be a part of that group and those changes.

As an organization the APP stands poised for its next change with the anticipated election of three new Board Members this winter. This year there are a number of outstanding candidates that will be in the running for these positions. We, as a membership, are so fortunate to have the ability to directly drive the changes that shape our organization. So when your ballot arrives, remember you have a voice and it should be heard.

I hope you enjoy Issue 73 of The Point as we take a look at some of the current issues and changes on the horizon for body piercing.

Point #72: Membership News & Updates

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Hello Members and Readers! We have just wrapped up another successful Conference and have many big things on the horizon. Here are our most recent updates and announcements.

2015 BILLING & CERTIFICATE UPDATE

Membership dues billing has traditionally taken place in February with the due date at the end of May—when certificates expire. This year the APP changed the timing of when billing takes place and when membership dues are paid.

2015 certificates were issued in May of 2015 with no payment required from an existing member and are good until the end of 2015. Bills will be sent at the end of September, with membership dues for 2016 being due by the end of December 2015. The certificate received from this payment will go from January to December 2016. This will effectively move our billing cycle to the end of the year for all members.

Those new members paying initial dues in July-December, will not be billed for the following year, but will be issued a 2016 certificate along with the rest of paying members in December.

ENVIRONMENTAL CRITERIA COMPLIANCE CHECK

Notices were sent to Members this Spring who need to update their environmental criteria.

To ensure all of our members are operating at the current minimum standards, we are requiring that all current members who have a video walk through and environmental criteria older than two years provide an updated video walk through and submit updated environmental criteria.

Members who received this notice will need to submit these updates by January 1st, 2016. There will be no video processing fee with digital or hard copy submissions.

 NEW LATE DUES POLICY

(2016 Billing Cycle: Notice of Membership Dues will be sent September 2015; and due by December 31, 2016.)

Any member who has failed to pay dues and/or provide evidence of membership certification and testing requirements (CPR certification, First Aid Certification, BBP certification, autoclave spore test results) by 6 months after the Membership Renewal due date will be required to re-apply in full with the Membership Committee.

The renewal fee will be the same as the yearly membership dues.

UPCOMING ELECTIONS

In the fall the Association will begin elections for three seats on the board.  These seats are currently occupied by Brian Skellie, Ashley Misako, and Chris Glunt.  Brian is not eligible for re-election at this time; Ashley Misako is able to be re-nominated/elected.

The APP will be sending out nomination forms in the Fall to voting members of the APP, which are business members and business members at large.  This election is for two seats on the Board.

Once received, voting members will have 30 days to return nomination forms selecting two people from the list of eligible members as their choice.  At that time, the office will send Nominees information about what it means to serve as a Board member, and paperwork including a form to return to the office to accept or deny their nomination.

After 30 days, ballots and bios of the nominees will be sent to all voting members.  Please participate in the election and in your Association by voting!  Members will have 30 days to return ballots to the office.  Once the results are tabulated and the entire election is reviewed and certified, the APP will contact the nominees about the results.  Those elected will attend a Board meeting (tentatively March), and take office in July at the Annual Conference.

Who is eligible to run?

Only voting members are eligible; for the APP these are Business Members and Business Members at Large. As specified by the APP’s bylaws, each Director can hold office for no more than three years in any given position, and can serve no more than two consecutive terms. If a member has filled two different seats in two consecutive elections, that person cannot immediately run again and must be off the Board for at least one election cycle before being eligible to serve again.

Nomination packets sent to members will have a list of eligible members to select from. And yes, you are allowed to nominate yourself.

What is the difference between an Officer & a Director?

The bylaws clearly outline the titles of the Officers: President, Secretary, and Chief Financial Officer (or Treasurer); but leave the other titles and job descriptions to the discretion of the Board itself. The bylaws further state the Officers may be members of the Board of Directors, but this is not required, as the Officers are elected to their positions by the Board of Directors. Officers are allowed to be compensated for their work; Directors are not. Officers are not subject to terms limits, unless also Board Members. The current Officers are Brian Skellie, President; Paul King, Treasurer; and Aaron Pollack, Secretary. However, of the Officers, only Brian is also a Director. Brian has voting rights as a Director and is subject to the 3 year term limit.

Is it important that I vote?

Yes. The Board of Directors, while working for the membership and the mission of the Association bring their own talents and experiences to the table. Every Board will govern a little differently or want to push the Association in different directions, have varied outreach interests, and/or see different opportunities available to the Association. As a voting member it is your right and responsibility to be sure those elected will do their very best, have a mission focus rather than a personal agenda, and have time and energy to devote to this important task. If the APP doesn’t get enough votes cast to have a quorum, the entire election has to be redone. This is an avoidable expense and time-suck from the Association. Your vote is important in many ways. Please remember to vote!

How do I know if I (or someone else) would make a good candidate for a Board position?

Ask/Answer these questions:

1. Do you have the time and energy?

All Board Members travel for APP board meetings, annual Conference, health conference/s, and miscellaneous travel such as membership assistance and Conference planning. Average time away from work is twenty five to thirty days per year. Most of the time, you will make your own travel arrangements, but you will be reimbursed your costs. It is estimated a Board Member will spend a minimum of ten hours per week on APP duties for three years.

2. Can you present yourself in a professional manner, verbally and in print? Can you present the APP’s stance even if it differs from your personal opinion?

Most Board Members provide interviews with the press when required, in a professional manner. Most Board Members contribute articles and promote article submission from the APP membership or other potentially informative parties for The Point and other APP publications or online settings.

All Board Members respond to emails from other Board Members, the employee, members, general public, etc. in a timely and professional fashion.

3. Have you been actively serving on a committee or have you volunteered, taught, or led a round table at the APP Conference?

All Board Members actively participate in ongoing projects and the APP educational Conference; including teaching classes and other duties as assigned. Having an ongoing history of performing these duties is the best preparation for serving as a Board Member.

4. Are you able to keep matters to yourself? Not gossip? Understand your behavior will be under scrutiny at all times? Behave professionally even when no one is watching? Keep your cool online? Not be drawn into arguments or into offering your opinion as separate from the APP’s position on something?

All Board Members must sign and abide by a confidentiality statement and statement of conduct. All Board Members must conduct themselves for the duration of their term, in a way that reflects the mission and professional attitude of the Association, acknowledging their position as a leader, role model, and spokesperson for the membership, organization, and industry at large.

It’s a big job and responsibility but it’s also hugely rewarding. Need more information? Talk to your current Board Members; they too wondered what it would be like, and now they most certainly know.

Website Update

Our web presence as an Association is constantly evolving to better serve our members and the public at large. Our newest version of our website has recently launched. Be sure to check it out: www.safepiercing.org

2016 APP Conference and Exposition

We are excited to announce the location and dates for the 2016 APP Conference and Exposition.

Where: Bally’s Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, NV

When: July 24- July 29 2016

Can’t wait to see you all there!

Point #72: Raffle & Sponsor Thank You

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CONFERENCE SPONSOR THANK YOU
Every year the APP relies heavily on vendor sponsorships to assist us with the expenses incurred for our special events, services, and scholarships. If it wasn’t for these companies the APP Conference would be less than what it is every year. We urge you to consider supporting these companies throughout the year when stocking your shops. Please support those who support the APP!

LEVEL ONE: Banquet Dinner
Industrial Strength Body Jewelry
Anatometal, Inc.
LeRoi, Inc.

LEVEL TWO: Opening Party
NeoMetal, Inc.
Buddha Jewelry Organics
Safe Products
Body Vibe

EXCLUSIVE SPONSORSHIP: Attendee Lounge
Anatometal, Inc.

EXCLUSIVE SPONSORSHIP: Volunteer Support
Body Vision Los Angeles
Body Art Pro

LEVEL THREE: Exposition Coffee & Refreshments
Anatometal, Inc.
Omerica Organic
Oracle Body Jewelry

LEVEL FOUR: Al D. Scholarship
Anatometal
Gorilla Glass
Quetzalli Jewelry
Intrinsic Body, Inc.

Industrial Strength Body Jewelry also donated two complete packages for two additional Scholars (in the names of their company and Shannon Larratt).

Sponsors of our smartphone app include: Industrial Strength Body Jewelry, Blessings to You, Eleven44, Kraken, Buddha Jewelry Organics, Namaste Adornments, Nakaztli, Tawapa, Prysm Body Piercing, Body Art Solutions, and Anatometal, Inc.

We would also like to thank Anatometal, Inc. for providing the Conference with badge lanyards this year.

A HUGE THANK YOU TO ALL THOSE WHO CONTRIBUTED TO MAKE THIS CONFERENCE WHAT IT WAS.

2015 RaffleRAFFLE THANK YOU
Each year at Conference, lives are changed. One of the catalysts for change is the big raffle prizes. In the past, these raffle prizes have been enough to allow winning piercers and/or shops to completely switch over from externally threaded jewelry, or meet standards for APP membership. This type of change can indeed be life altering. By providing such substantial prizes, sponsors Industrial Strength Body Jewelry and Anatometal, Inc. change our attendees lives and generate funds which help sustain the APP and its programs all year long. But remember it isn’t just our big donors; every vendor that donates and every attendee that purchases a raffle ticket helps the APP.

The APP would like to offer a very special thank you to Industrial Strength Body Jewelry and Anatometal, Inc. for their continued support on a grand scale!
Industrial Strength donated $15,000.00 Grand Prize and $10,000 in smaller prizes
Anatometal, Inc. donated $12,000.00, plus an additional four surprise prize packages given out at the banquet!!

The APP would also like to recognize our other top donors: BVLA; H2Ocean; LeRoi, Inc.; Glasswear Studios; Omerica Organic; and NeoMetal, Inc.

Thank you to all of our donating vendors and our attendees who made this a record year for the raffle!

Top prizes & winners from our banquet dinner.
Industrial Strength $15,000 of jewelry—Chrissy Shull
Anatometal $1000/month for 12 months—Brand X
H2O $1450 of product—Kim and Aya
Industrial Strength $1000 credit—Trisha; Will VonDoome
Omerica $1000 credit—Chris Norris
Namaste $1000 credit—Amanda Waters
APP free 2016 pass and 1/2 off a new attendee—Shorty; Woodstock
Buddha Jewelry Organics $500 gift certificate—Stealy Tattoo and Piercing
Industrial Strength $500 credit—Leo Cabrera; Gladix Porca Miseria; Alien Ink; Blake Williams
Safe Products Stone Plugs $500 credit—Stephanie Hill; Jesse V.

Anatometal also surprised us all by giving away an additional 5 prizes of $1000/month of credit for 12 months!!!!
The lucky winners were; Precision Body Arts, Adorn Body Art, Rick Hartwick, and Steph Devotchka.

Point #72: Celebrating Some of our Special People – Kendra Jane Berndt

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Point-70-From-the-Editor-Kendra-0.jpgKendra Jane Berndt
Managing Editor of Content & Archives

 

I have been trying to find the words to put on paper, to describe the evening of the 20th annual Banquet. This night was 20 years in the making; 20 years of history, progression, growth, and love. So much love that I do not think I will ever be able to adequately put into words, but I ‘ll try.

The Board of Directors-BanquetFor many adolescents in North America, prom is one of the highlights of high school. When I think back 20 years to my own high school prom it is definitely a strong memory, but not necessarily a happy one. My own awards ceremony saw me accepting an award. As I graciously turned around to walk down the stairs, my heel caught the stairs and with a fumbling tumbling crash I laid in a heap at the bottom of the stairs, skirt over my head in front of 900 people. So when I found out this year’s Banquet theme was prom it was like I was given a do-over.

In celebration of the 20th anniversary of Conference, it seemed fitting to have its own prom awards. Brett Perkins was the captain of the ship for an evening under the sea. He had the job of loosening the crowd up with his charm and good looks. He also had the pleasure of handing out our prom awards which were voted on by all our attendees. (During the online registration process all attendees were asked to complete a survey in which they nominated the person they felt best exemplified the category in question. These results were compiled and the top three in each category were put forth to all registered attendees at Conference for the final vote. The votes were submitted through the Conference app or paper ballots.)

Well, needless to say I was speechless that my peers voted for me, and even happier that I made it up and down the stairs with more grace than in 1996.

Although the prom awards were a new addition to this year’s Banquet dinner, tradition was maintained with the dedication of long-standing awards. This year’s recipient of the President’s Award was Jef Saunders. You can read his response to winning in this issue. We also took time

to say thank you to our volunteers and this year’s Josh Prentice Volunteer Award, given to Jezebel Voulé. She is a long time volunteer and we are lucky to have her as part of our volunteer family. Her response to winning can also be found in this issue.

This year, some very special awards—fitting of a 20th anniversary—were also handed out. Conference would not be what it is today without some very important and long term supporters. This year’s Banquet took the opportunity to recognize two of those very important people and their companies.

Multiple booth_special award AnatometalBarry Blanchard is someone that inspires me both personally and professionally. In fact, I have a tattoo as a memento of a life changing day spent with him. I also know he has had that impact on many people within our community. It is only natural that celebrating 20 years also meant celebrating Barry and the Anatometal team. This award was to thank them for their support and inspiration over the past two decades, helping make this Conference what it is. From their raffle donations year after year, to the small details like the lanyards our attendees received and the lounge in the Grand Salon this year, Anatometal finds every way possible to support the APP and its mission. Anatometal was the APP’s first Corporate Sponsor and proudly adheres to the specifications and standards set forth by the APP. They want the best for both their customers and our industry.

This year, Anatometal also received the Multiple Booth Award for their display within the Exposition.

JD Lorenz also received special recognition for the constant and consistent support of Conference provided by Industrial Strength Body Jewelry. JD started out as a body piercer in the early 1990’s. At that time he realized there was a calling for a special type of jewelry and that it was his calling to produce it. Through perseverance and hard-work, Lorenz has taken his small one-room machine shop and has grown it into one of the largest manufacturers of fine quality body jewelry in the world. Industrial Strength has been a Corporate Member since 2002 and our Conference would not be what it is without them. I am fortunate enough to say that he also had a hand in changing my life, as his generosity has allowed many Al D. Scholars to come to Conference. I was one of those scholars in 2011. Between his generosity through raffle donations and scholar sponsorship, he has changed the lives of many piercers and is truly deserving of this award.

We also had the opportunity to recognize two women that have made a lasting impact not only on this Conference, but on our industry as a whole.

The first is an amazing lady. She is a powerhouse that has always pushed the organization to grow and evolve, Bethrah Szumski. The Banquet was the perfect place to honor her with an extra special thank you for her hard work and dedication. Through her years as either a Board Member or an Officer, she brought about numerous changes that have shaped the APP as we know it today. She has recently stepped down from the majority of her formal responsibilities, but she is still organizing our Members Retreat. To show our appreciation, Bethrah was presented with more than a few baths full of LUSH, one of her personal favorites. To read about everything she has done for the APP, please see the article in Issue 71 dedicated to her years of service.

The second woman that was recognized is a lady I hold very dear to my heart. I felt absolutely honored to present a special award to Caitlin McDiarmid for her hard work and unwavering dedication to the APP. Instead of trying to think of more to say about her I will simply give you some familiar words about pie, a special adaptation to a piece by her favorite diner.

Caitlin McDiarmid & Thaddeous Love“…So why bother? Pie is never going to be as pretty as its more postured peers Cake or Tart. When roused from its nap on the cooling rack, a piece of pie will likely slump, undignified and oozing its filling while its once perfect crust slips out of alignment in rebellion at having been manhandled by a spatula. Pie is testy, it’s dough cantankerous (sometimes downright mean) in the hands of anyone who overlooks either the precise chemistry or the matronly patience to yield a pastry neither too flaky nor too firm. ‘Touch me,’ says the dough, ‘but not too much, and not there, now back away, don’t even look at me!’

Prince Cyrus of Blessings to You crafting the pie weights and necklace for Caitlin
Prince Cyrus of Blessings to You crafting the pie weights and necklace for Caitlin

… soon there would be the smell of warm butter and cinnamon… and then the most perfectly imperfect dessert would emerge from the oven, bubbling fruit through vented pastry, custard cooling and waiting to be topped with cream. It’s the tremendous effort involved in creating something so ordinary that makes pie my favorite dessert to make and to eat.

And so the answer to the question: Why Pie? is: Because Pie.”

Every Conference, every attendee, this lady knows it won’t be easy. She knows it will be temperamental. She knows there will be good days and bad, but it is worth the tremendous effort. She crafts the pie that is Conference. From everyone of us, volunteers, attendees, members: Mama Duck we love you. So why Caitlin? Because Caitlin.

I would like to extend a very special thanks to Prince Cyrus and Blessing To You, who were responsible for creating the weights and necklace that Caitlin was given.

Cyrus and Blessings To You also won the Single Booth Award for the second year running. Blessings To You, as Cyrus explained in his interview with Kimberly Zapata in Issue 68, is something that comes directly from his process of creating something for someone as a talisman, an object to carry and direct intention. This year the Amazonian collection was released—pythons, sloths, and, orchids oh my—all helping to raise awareness of the Amazon rainforest and the endangered species within it. This collection was so great I couldn’t help but get a pair of sloths for myself.

As we finished our dessert and got our dancing shoes ready, the Creative Innovator Award was handed out, seeing Jimmy Buddha and Diablo Organics winning for the sixth year in a row. You can read a full interview and photos of this year’s winning entry in this issue. This year, a first time exhibitor and entrant into the innovators competition, Dustin Allor of Phoenix Designs, won the Technical Innovator Award for her double daith spiral design. Learn a bit more about Dustin and how she has always been a trendsetter within our industry in this issue.

I am sure that many of us could have danced until the wee hours of Friday morning. This year’s Banquet and prom was a night filled with celebration, great memories, streakers, and a special feeling of community and family. In fact, the entire room even sang “happy birthday” to a little girl in Germany! To me all of this adds up to the perfect culmination of the events of the week. This year’s Banquet acted as the perfect night to capture the emotions that charged the week, celebrate the people that have contributed to our Conference and industry and without whom all of this would look very different.

Point #72: From the Editor – Kendra Jane Berndt

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Point-70-From-the-Editor-Kendra-0.jpgKendra Jane Berndt
Managing Editor of Content & Archives

When I think back to the week of the 20th annual Association of Professional Piercers Conference, I am rendered almost speechless, and if you know me, that is difficult. PVD or post Vegas depression, as a few of us call it, has hit me especially strong this year. I find myself longing for the hugs, smiles, and the mental stimulation that Conference provides. I even miss the hustle and bustle, the over priced everything, and the smoke filled casino. At the same time I am relieved to sleep in my own bed, eat vegetables, and put into practice the learning from this year.

In this issue we will take a look through the photos, the stories, the awards, and the memories that made this year by far the best Conference I have ever been too—I am sure many others share the same sentiments as me. Each attendee will have their own favourite moments from this year. In fact some may have so many moments that picking a favourite is impossible. Personally I have been able to narrow it down to the evening of the Banquet prom. My own prom (or grad as we call it here in the Great White North) was less than perfect and, well, I would rather forget most of it honestly. However, prom at this year’s Banquet will forever be one of my happiest nights, filled with love, laughter, tears, and dancing; oh glorious dancing.

This year’s prom also gave me the chance to recognize someone very close to me, someone who has shaped the person I am and pushes me in the direction of the person I want to be. It was an absolute honour to speak to her hard work and dedication. This will forever be a memory I cherish. We love you, Caitlin. Why do I suddenly have a craving for pie?

Kendra Jane - Best Smile - 2015 Prom AwardsThe other moment that still makes me giddy like a 16 year old is the fact that you guys—my peers—saw it fitting to honour me with the “best smile in the industry”. I was shocked when I saw my name on the nomination ballot and even more so when my name was announced. You guys made me feel like the belle of the ball. Just thinking of all the smiles and love as we put this issue together has made the PVD a little more tolerable.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart to each attendee. You all contributed to my Conference experience. I will carry these experiences with me over the coming year until I can see you all again.

Point #71: From the Editor – Kendra Jane Berndt

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Point-70-From-the-Editor-Kendra-0.jpgKendra Jane Berndt
Managing Editor of Content & Archives

 

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” —Winston Churchill

In our last issue we looked at where the APP came from and the trends we have seen over the past 20 years. In this issue we continue to celebrate this milestone by honouring some of the piercers and their accompanying volunteer work that helped grow the APP and the body piercing industry in a responsible and educated manner to what it is today.

al·tru·ism ‘altroō,izәm/ noun noun: altruism
1. the belief in or practice of disinterested and selfless concern for the well-being of others.
2. “some may choose to work with vulnerable elderly people out of altruism”
• Zoology
• behavior of an animal that benefits another at its own expense.

The idea of altruism or selflessness is the principle or practice of concern for the welfare of others. For many cultures it is the foundation for traditional viewpoints and it makes up core aspects of various religious traditions and secular worldviews. The concept of putting others before oneself has had a long history in philosophical and ethical thought, being the basis for more than one or two scientific debates. The term itself was originally coined in the 19th century by the sociologist and philosopher of science, Auguste Comte, and is often a major topic of debate for psychologists, evolutionary biologists, and ethologists.

Before I was a piercer I was a scientist. I studied animal biology, meaning I studied the ideas and concepts of altruism at great length. I was fascinated by the science behind the idea of giving. If we look at altruism in the context of biological organisms, it can be defined as an individual performing an action which is at a cost to themselves (e.g., pleasure and quality of life, time, probability of survival or reproduction), but benefits, either directly or indirectly, another third-party individual, without the expectation of reciprocity or compensation for that action. However, there have been many studies which have observed the effects of volunteerism (as a form of altruism) on happiness and health. These studies have consistently found a strong connection between volunteerism and a person’s well being and state of mind.

This means that when we give our time and our knowledge, we feel better and there is a good chance we are happier than if we didn’t volunteer. This will be my fifth Conference. I have been a volunteer since my first, both for Conference and the APP as a whole. These experiences have indeed made my life better! I was awarded the Al D. Scholarship in 2010 (we will talk more about Al D. further into this issue); it was here that I met an entire group of truly altruistic people. People that give freely of their time, their resources, and so much more to better the piercing industry as a whole. This once-ayear opportunity to give back is an amazing boost to my well being. It is a chance for me to recharge, so much so I now volunteer year round. However, it is incredibly important to point out that I am merely a single nut or cog, a tiny piece of a much bigger machine. There are just too many people to name that all work towards a common goal and the betterment of our entire industry. Without the hundreds of hours that are devoted each year the APP would only be a fraction of what it is today.

I count the days until our Conference begins and I am able to give back to a community that has given me so much. I can feel the anticipation building in not only myself but in my colleagues and I honestly feel the buzz this year is bigger than ever. So, I will take this moment before the chaos and craziness that is Conference sets in to say thank you! Thank you, to each and every one of the volunteers that help this organization, our Conference, and our industry.

Point #70: Thank you to Kim Zapata

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Thank you Kim Zapata!

Kim Zapata headshot_2014

On behalf of the Board, the readership, and the new editorial team we would like to sincerely thank Kimberly Zapata. From 2009-2012 she acted as a contributing editor. During this time she authored several articles. In 2012 when her predecessor, James Weber, stepped down, she became Editor and Chief. Kimberly served as Editor from Issues #61-69 and I personally had the pleasure of working on each of those issues with her. This means it is with an extra sadness I see her step down. In the past few years Kim had become not only a colleague and boss, but a mentor and a friend. Her passion for our industry was more than apparent in each issue she spearheaded, always trying to stay on top of current issues and trends in our industry. In her time as Editor, she also saw this publication go from a print edition to a web-based publication and helped set The Point on an exciting new path. So Kim, from the bottom of my heart, “Thank you”! I personally wish Kim nothing but the best in the future, and I am sure that the Board of Directors, everyone in the office, and our readership echo those sentiments.

— Kendra Jane Berndt

Point #70: The Point Past and Present

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THE POINT—PAST & PRESENT

Point-70-From-the-Editor-Kendra-0.jpgKENDRA JANE

The Point—Managing Editor of Content & Archives

If we look hard enough we can find patterns, cycles and trends in everything; music, food, or cars, all trends have a cyclic nature and none more so than fashion. One of the first people to try to rationalize these trends was the fashion historian James Laver. In 1937 he drew up a timeline of how style is viewed over time, which subsequently became known as Laver’s law. Continue reading →

Point #70: From the Editor – Kendra

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Kendra Jane headshot

Kendra Jane Berndt

“We can not know where are going if we do not know from where we come.”

-unknown

It is an incredible honor to be saying “Hello” and officially introducing myself as one of new editorial team for The Point. I have had the pleasure of being a contributing editor and author for The Point over the past 3 years. Some of you may know me, however most of you probably won’t. In the grand scheme of things I am definitely a new kid on the block. This month I celebrate 5 years of piercing, and I come by this industry a different path than most. I bring with me a bachelor’s degree in both science and education, with much of my past experience focusing on education in one manner or another. I had the distinguished pleasure of being chosen an Al D Scholar in 2010, and now sit on the Al D Selection Committee. I have also since been a research assistant for Paul King, and join him on the Body Piercing Archive Committee, as well as am a Super Volunteer at Conference. You will once again find me behind the registration desk this year. Come say hi! I am greatly looking forward to working with our new team, Marina and Jim, to bring you the industry’s only dedicated trade journal.

In this, our first issue as a new team, we want to take you on a journey over the past two decades, as we get ready to celebrate the Association of Professional Piercers’ 20th anniversary this June in Las Vegas. It is amazing to see what this industry has grown from and I personally can not wait to see what the future holds for both the APP and the body piercing industry as a whole.

Point #69: Informed Consent and the Body Modification Industry

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Kendra JaneBy Kendra Jane

Authors note: During research for this brief piece it became apparent that is not a topic that one can do justice to in a few short paragraphs.  Please consider the following piece merely an introduction for a full length research article that will be forthcoming.

Informed consent is the process of getting permission from a patient before conducting a healthcare intervention. In the case of body piercing or modification (which for the purpose of this article may include, but not be limited to, scarring, branding, ablating, or suspension), it is the process of getting consent from a client prior to any procedure. Most body modification practitioners worldwide already obtain some sort of informed consent—borrowing relevant pieces from the medical world, mainly from the fields of medical ethics and research ethics.

Informed consent can be said to have been given based upon a clear appreciation and understanding of the fact, implications, and future consequences of an action. This means what maybe more than adequate information for lobe piercing is not adequate when that same lobe piercing is being done at an initial size over [for the sake of argument] 4 gauge. The information one must relay to a client about a navel or nipple piercing, versus multi point ear projects as an example.

In order to provide informed consent, the individual giving the consent must have adequate reasoning faculties (be of sound mind and judgment) and be in possession of all relevant facts at the time consent is given. This means they need to be given all and any information necessary to make an informed decision about the procedure at hand. Impairments to reasoning and judgment which may make it impossible for someone to give informed consent include such factors such as basic intellectual or emotional immaturity, age, inability to comprehend the future, and any other impairment.

Due to the fact that expressions of consent or understanding do not necessarily mean that full adult consent was in fact given—or that full comprehension of relevant issues occurred—makes the idea of informed consent even more complicated. (It is also possible for consent to be implied within the usual subtleties of human communication rather than explicitly negotiated verbally or in writing.) For this reason you document everything in writing, especially when it comes to your business and your livelihood. A person may state he/she understands the implications of some action, as part of their consent, but in fact has failed to appreciate the possible consequences fully and later deny the validity of their consent for this reason.

baby ear piercingNote on Piercing Minors

Additional problems and ethical dilemmas arise when we talk about piercing a minor, or someone who is not able to provide consent for themselves based on laws and/or regulations. The American Academy of Pediatrics encourages medical professionals to seek the assent of older children and adolescents by providing age appropriate information to these children to help empower them in the decision making process, and this is something we—as piercers—can do as well.