Why more women are getting tattoos Sarah Mudle no longer has to cover her full-sleeve of tattoos at the school she teaches at. DEMURE butterflies and birds are out for Gold Coast women who are increasingly showing off their tattoos in large "full-sleeve" designs. Surfn'Ink artist Marco Ventura said tattoos had become more socially acceptable with women, especially on the Gold Coast where the beach culture meant more skin was on display regularly. Schoolteacher Sarah Mudle said she had finally been allowed to show her tattoos in the classroom after 10 years of covering them because she pushed for her school to change its policy. The Labrador resident said the children loved her tattoos, especially a big, bright bluebird on her collarbone area. "I've covered by body for 10 years and now I can be myself," Ms Mudle said. It makes you who you are and you can express yourself with them. I love the colour and art and I want to decorate my body. Singer Rihanna endures a painful yet traditional Maori tattoo (moko) by legendary tattooist Inia Taylor from Mokoink.com in Auckland, New Zealand. The most popular designs this year have been owls, roses, flowers and Mexican death-related designs such as sugar skulls. Ornamental dotted designs have also been popular. Mr Ventura said he was now seeing different types of people come in for tattoos and it was no longer something reserved for bikies and burly men. "Tattoos are getting more and more popular and more mainstream now," Mr Venture said. It's not just bikies like it used to be. The Surfn'Ink Tattoo Festival will be held at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre from Friday until Sunday. The three-day event will feature a huge showcase of Australian and international tattoo artists, attractions, entertainment, exhibitions, music and celebrities.