The recession has forced many to sacrifice luxuries such as vacations, spa's and shopping.

But there is one vanity item that people are still dishing out for.

"You can loose your house, you can loose your job, and loose your car but you'll never loose your tattoo." Said Arron MacKeogh of Sioux City.

It's an investment that will leave a mark your entire life and one that may cost you upwards of a few hundred dollars.

"People saying the economy is so bad and you should hold onto cash and do this and do that with their money. We've seen a lot more people coming to get tattoos. They see tattoo's as the ultimate investment." Said Scott Magnetti, Co-owner of M Blazin Tattoo in Sioux City.

And if you haven't noticed already. Downtown Sioux City is saturated with tattoo shops.

"People will travel in a recession to get quality." Adds MacKeogh.

With the help of TV shows like Miami Ink. The tattoo craze has opened a few more doors in Sioux City.

But for these artists it's more than the dollar signs.

"We are by no means going to get rich doing what we do. But at the end of the month our bills get paid and with us we do it for the art." Said Magnetti.

"Tattooing is an investment. It's something that nobody can take away from you. It's artwork you put on your body that's going to be there the rest of your life." Adds MacKeogh.

And when money isn't a luxury these days some feel investing in something that will last longer than their checking account is worth the trend.

Some of the tattoo artists say, for many of their customers tattoos are a tribute or help tell their personal story.