Skin-deep dedication — Are company logo tattoos the new chic?

Probably not. However, there’s been a lot of coverage lately about employees having their company’s logo tattooed on their bodies. The most recent body ink history relates to ex-editor of The New York Times, Jill Abramson, who was featured on BBC News for having the newspaper's iconic "T" tattooed on her back.

Now, Ms. Abramson’s decision to get herself “branded for life” clearly seems like an act of commemorating her promotion at the prestigious paper, which, without any doubt, is a great achievement. However, her recent sacking may put this tragically misplaced act of loyalty in a different light.

Rapid Realty: Care to get inked for a raise?

The 'gothic T' of Ms Abramson wasn’t the only piece of body art that made it to business journals and newspapers. New York-based real estate firm Rapid Realty offered its employees a 15% pay raise on their commissions for 'playing billboard' for the rest of their lives.

There are a lot of opinions on the web, but one thing’s certain: getting your company’s logo tattooed on your body in exchange for a raise will definitely not be an imprint of pleasure!

Update: Two of ours got 'Firebranded'

Do you really need a raise to get yourself a tattoo with your company’s logo or name? The answer is no, and guess what: you don’t even have to be the editor of a globally renowned newspaper!

fi-re-brand (noun)

= an idea or person that ignites excitement, action and change by challenging outmoded beliefs and methods

One of our Senior Sales Executives could really identify himself with the term firebrand. He liked it so much, that he proposed to get it tattooed on his lower back, if… well, if we paid for it. We liked the idea and went ahead with it, because we appreciate commitment, even if it’s somewhat extreme. Allow us to present you a true Firebrand:

Update (2023): When a colleague from our Skills Bootcamps team decided she wanted a new tattoo, she remembered someone told her that once she'd been here 18 months, she'd be here forever! Two years later, she now sports a #BeAFirebrand tattoo: