View Full Version : An over-debated subject!
I went to my boyfriend's yesterday, and he informed me that he was going to get a tattoo. This totally excited me because I've always admired people who want to have something on them for the rest of their lives. I don't want to do this on a whim. 2 of my good friends have some. One of them has a butterfly, a chinese symbol and her zodiac sign. I thought, "I'm sure those required a lot of thought to choose!" I don't want to be that person.
We drove out to his relatives' house. It was a good 2 hour drive and I had nothing better to do than to think. On the way back, I started thinking more and more. As a joke, I started thinking about what would I get if I ever got one. Lo and behold, now I want one. Great. :p
I'm thinking I want it on my calf. I'm not a fan of always visible ones. Especially since I do want to be a teacher. That only means that I have to wear black tights if I choose to wear a dress. I'm not even a huge dress person. He doesn't really care about visibility because he's never going to work in an office. If he can't be an aircraft mechanic, he'd probably fix some other sort of machinery.
What does the process involve? I'm not terribly worried about the pain, but I hear it's more like a catscratch on a sunburn. I'm good with getting needles even though I know it's not the same. I still don't understand why most people want more than one, but I guess I will later.
peace_baby
12-27-2009, 05:00 PM
It's nothing really. I was freaking out when I went to get mine. I thought it would be a long process in which I'd have to go back a different day to get it finished, but really I think it depends on the extent of the tattoo you want to get (regarding size and detail). Mine didn't have too much detail and was a decent size so it didn't take a long time. I got it colored in the same day. It does feel like you're being constantly scratched and hurts when you go over certain areas (such as bony ones, like shoulders and your spine). You eventually get used to it but afterwords it's more like a sunburn and is tender to the touch.
Aftercare is a big deal for quality of your tattoo in the long run. If you want it to stay nice and colored in, you have to take care of it. They'll usually tell you how and send you home with a list of instructions.
I drew mine and kept it for a year before deciding I was actually going to get it. :) Good luck with getting yours! Do you know sort of what you're looking to get yet?
It's nothing really. I was freaking out when I went to get mine. I thought it would be a long process in which I'd have to go back a different day to get it finished, but really I think it depends on the extent of the tattoo you want to get (regarding size and detail). Mine didn't have too much detail and was a decent size so it didn't take a long time. I got it colored in the same day. It does feel like you're being constantly scratched and hurts when you go over certain areas (such as bony ones, like shoulders and your spine). You eventually get used to it but afterwords it's more like a sunburn and is tender to the touch.
Aftercare is a big deal for quality of your tattoo in the long run. If you want it to stay nice and colored in, you have to take care of it. They'll usually tell you how and send you home with a list of instructions.
I drew mine and kept it for a year before deciding I was actually going to get it. :) Good luck with getting yours! Do you know sort of what you're looking to get yet?Thanks for the insight! :) I don't think pain tolerance is very high, but I find needles and sunburns very easy to deal with.
I sketched http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v420/trappedmemory/IMG00096.jpg out really quickly, but I'm thinking I might modify it a little before I possibly try it. :) I don't think I'm going to bother with colours. It's a duct taped heart and some lyrics, but I'm working on the words or if I want them or not.
I'm going to aim for the side of my calf because it has a lot of tissue and not very much bone.
Jump The Moon
12-27-2009, 05:14 PM
That's awesome Fork! ^^
Yeah, I'd make sure you're 100% on what you want on you:)
Good luck with it :) I quite like the one's that aren't coloured myself:)
peace_baby
12-27-2009, 05:14 PM
Looks neat! I like it. :) Yeah I think it would look really good with just grays and blacks.
That's awesome Fork! ^^
Yeah, I'd make sure you're 100% on what you want on you:)
Good luck with it :) I quite like the one's that aren't coloured myself:)You should tell this to my boyfriend, lol! He only wants flames.
Looks neat! I like it. :) Yeah I think it would look really good with just grays and blacks.Thanks! Yeah. I've heard the outlining hurts more than the actual filling in, because they have to press harder. Is that true?
I'm 19 and he's 18 and so neither of us need parental signature. Has anyone here totally offended their family by just coming home with one?
lisakaye
12-27-2009, 05:31 PM
I have a single rose bud on my left ankle. I love it and I am proud to have it. I don't know if I would get another one though.
peace_baby
12-27-2009, 05:32 PM
Honestly, I couldn't really tell the difference. The only way I knew he was filling in instead of outlining was his technique.. The way he moved the needle. He moved it like he would do a crayon on a page in a coloring book when he was filling it in.
As for offending family.. There's nothing they can do but be upset that you've got a tattoo. You're a legal adult and you can do what you want (as long as it's legal ;) ) And I'll bet that if they don't like it to start off with, they'll eventually come around.
My dad didn't want me to get one. He's against tattoos strongly. But I told him I got it and showed it to him and he pretty much accepted it on the spot. Completely the opposite reaction than what I was expecting. His parents are a different story.. They think alcohol is a sin! :rolleyes: So I haven't told them yet and it's been 6 months lol. I may not tell them and just let them find out later on in the future. :innocent:
Mine is on my left shoulder blade, so it's only visible if I'm wearing a tank top or swim suit top.
Honestly, I couldn't really tell the difference. The only way I knew he was filling in instead of outlining was his technique.. The way he moved the needle. He moved it like he would do a crayon on a page in a coloring book when he was filling it in.
As for offending family.. There's nothing they can do but be upset that you've got a tattoo. You're a legal adult and you can do what you want (as long as it's legal ;) ) And I'll bet that if they don't like it to start off with, they'll eventually come around.
My dad didn't want me to get one. He's against tattoos strongly. But I told him I got it and showed it to him and he pretty much accepted it on the spot. Completely the opposite reaction than what I was expecting. His parents are a different story.. They think alcohol is a sin! :rolleyes: So I haven't told them yet and it's been 6 months lol. I may not tell them and just let them find out later on in the future. :innocent:
Mine is on my left shoulder blade, so it's only visible if I'm wearing a tank top or swim suit top.I read your whole thread after doing a thread. It's beautiful. :) Did you design it yourself?
My mom hates them. She's in total disgust at anything that's tattooed or pierced. But I don't live here anymore. My dad? I'm not even sure. He doesn't really have much of an opinion of that sort of thing. I do know that he was a little more hardcore than my mom on every front though. She's never smoked anything, and he used to smoke and grow weed. But I still love her, and I think she brought me up well. :)
His grandparents think they're a sin as well.
I have a single rose bud on my left ankle. I love it and I am proud to have it. I don't know if I would get another one though.Awww. That's what I was thinking of, but I was worried about tattoo aftercare on feet. I live in a climate where it would be impossible to go barefoot or socked for a lengthy amount of time. Did it hurt a lot?
miatapony
12-27-2009, 05:49 PM
i have 2 one is a barb wire heart with a banner with both kids names ... then i have a lower back (tramp stamp) as it is called ..lol .. long shirts and pants cover mine ... but there is times it shows... good luck i like the heart drawing ..that is very pretty ..
peace_baby
12-27-2009, 06:05 PM
I read your whole thread after doing a thread. It's beautiful. :) Did you design it yourself?
I did. :) One day, just sat down and started drawing. That's what I came up with. I really enjoyed drawing it and even took a year to consider it. Then this past summer, for my 19th birthday, my mom offered to take me to get it. I don't regret it at all.
My mom hates them. She's in total disgust at anything that's tattooed or pierced. But I don't live here anymore. My dad? I'm not even sure. He doesn't really have much of an opinion of that sort of thing. I do know that he was a little more hardcore than my mom on every front though. She's never smoked anything, and he used to smoke and grow weed. But I still love her, and I think she brought me up well. :)
His grandparents think they're a sin as well.
I guess it did help that my mom has one. I'd say you seem to have a good head on your shoulders (from what I can tell over the interweb). If you think your mom would have a serious issue with it, do you think you should sit her down to talk to her about it? That may help soften the blow, when you go to get it so that it's not a total surprise when you come home all tatted up. ;) :p
AppyLover
12-27-2009, 06:51 PM
I have three and still have more on the drawing board.
Tattoos are addicting. Pain causes your body to kick its endorphin production up; basically it makes you high like on an adrenaline rush.
All my tattoos have meaning for the time I got them, and the rest all have serious thought. I have always been one to think that if my body is my temple then my tattoos are the stained glass. They can be very beautiful peaks into one's soul...make sure that it is a part you want to share.
Horseaholic
12-27-2009, 07:23 PM
your words are very fine and small. Small is not the way to go when it comes to words. If they are too small they will "bleed" together over time.
Tattoos are addicting. I'm going to be covered in them one day ;)...I'm well on my way. The calf is a fatty part of your body so pain isn't going to be bad. I am a BABY when it comes to pain and I can sit through hours upon hours of tattoos. It's the strangest thing. lol Everyone is always so surprised to watch me sit for a tattoo.
Make sure wherever you go is CLEAN. Needles are NEVER to be re used. they should come out of packages and be thrown away into a "sharps" container. inks should never be reused either...those should be poured into plastic wells and be thrown away as well. Ask about their sterilization process...if things aren't covered and wrapped LEAVE. If people aren't wearing gloves...LEAVE. Nothing that touches your body should be reused...
The process feels a lot like a hot safety pin being drug through your skin. or like you've been told, a cat scratching you on sunburn. It isn't anything like a shot...these needs don't penetrate near as far as shots do.
I'd recommend using aquaphore as your after care ointment rather than A&D. The yellow A&D has cod liver oil in it and can cause some serious problems if your body doesn't agree with it (trust me...I know from experience and it is not a fun thing)
The shop should smell clean, the people should look clean and always always ask to see work. Lines should be straight, colors should be vibrant. If all of the pictures in the portfolios are freshly done tattoos (the person is swollen and red) ask for pictures after they have healed...if they don't have em...leave.
I really like your sketch as well. I'd ask for an artist who specializes in black in grey tattoos. If you get someone who doesn't this tattoo has the potential to look pretty bad :/. Sorry for being so blunt but I don't want you to have a black blob of a heart on your calf. :) If it's done correctly I think it would look amazing!
If you're heading into the states anytime in the near future I have an amazing tattoo shop (they are the only artist that will ever touch my body) in Jersey. ;)
miatapony
12-27-2009, 07:32 PM
the stuff my tattoo guy gave me was called TATTOO GOO i highly recomend IT !!!! then use something like anti bacti soap like dial... hand soap..
offgridgirl
12-27-2009, 07:37 PM
NO tattoos for me. It's against my religion:)
Please PLEASE be careful and follow all care instructions!
Get background on the place where you are going.
Look-up the owner and get a referral(s) from another people.
Here are a few site. There some forums as well. Maybe go visit them and get the inside dash!!;)
http://www.aaatattoodirectory.com/Canada.htm
http://www.everytattoo.com/canada.shtml
AUEquine
12-27-2009, 08:33 PM
I'm not really for or against tattoos. I guess it's like all things in life, moderation is the key! But I do think you should think long and hard before you get one! I do have friends who've been turned down for jobs for having visable ink. Even somthing as small as your fraternity letters on your ankle, can upset others. An no you shouldn't have to care what the lady behind you in the supermarket thinks, but if that lady is interviewing you for a job... well then it matters!
As far as the parents thing. That's the reason I still don't have one (and I'm 25). My parents are highly against them, and I've already been told if my father finds one on me it's coming off with steel wool and a wire brush. I know he wouldn't really do it, but so far I've not gotten one out of respect for our relationship. Some parents will accept it, and acknowledge the fact that you can do what you want, and others will take it as a personal slap in the face. Are you willing to risk your relationship with your parents over this? And do they offer any financial help that could be revoked? Do they own your car? These are things you have to think of. My parents loaned me the money for our house, so that's another reason I won't get one, until that is paid back!
Like I said, I'm 25, and have alot of friends with tatoos. And I'd say 50% of them regret them for some reason or another. Alot of it is, that they're not the same person they were when they got it at the age of 18, 19, 20, etc.
I do like your design, especially the black and white. I'd leave off words though, just the heart! Good luck with your decision, and be VERY carful where you go, and who does it! I went to a very reputable place for a navel ring, but apparently it was a new guy that did it, and I had alot of problems and had to take it out. Went back with a friend for her tatoo and found out the guy had be fired. They offered me a free repeircing, but I was over it by then!
Thanks everyone! :) I'm enjoying reading these. I'm getting really good grades in college at the moment, and it's making my parents very accepting of me. I'm not sure if I'm going to get the words around it or not, or I might save it for later. I just did the words there as a guide to where they could be placed. :p
The place I'm going to go is award-winning in the area. They're well known and they're very careful. Ideally I'd like to book now for March, and then come back and be ready for it. I live 5 hours away, but I would rather trust my hometown than the one far away.
I'm excited!
I'm not really for or against tattoos. I guess it's like all things in life, moderation is the key! But I do think you should think long and hard before you get one! I do have friends who've been turned down for jobs for having visable ink. Even somthing as small as your fraternity letters on your ankle, can upset others. An no you shouldn't have to care what the lady behind you in the supermarket thinks, but if that lady is interviewing you for a job... well then it matters!
As far as the parents thing. That's the reason I still don't have one (and I'm 25). My parents are highly against them, and I've already been told if my father finds one on me it's coming off with steel wool and a wire brush. I know he wouldn't really do it, but so far I've not gotten one out of respect for our relationship. Some parents will accept it, and acknowledge the fact that you can do what you want, and others will take it as a personal slap in the face. Are you willing to risk your relationship with your parents over this? And do they offer any financial help that could be revoked? Do they own your car? These are things you have to think of. My parents loaned me the money for our house, so that's another reason I won't get one, until that is paid back!
Like I said, I'm 25, and have alot of friends with tatoos. And I'd say 50% of them regret them for some reason or another. Alot of it is, that they're not the same person they were when they got it at the age of 18, 19, 20, etc.
I do like your design, especially the black and white. I'd leave off words though, just the heart! Good luck with your decision, and be VERY carful where you go, and who does it! I went to a very reputable place for a navel ring, but apparently it was a new guy that did it, and I had alot of problems and had to take it out. Went back with a friend for her tatoo and found out the guy had be fired. They offered me a free repeircing, but I was over it by then!Good point. This is why I really don't want something visible. If I have to wear pants year round, so be it. :) Especially for work related issues. I have no interest in making it visible.
Thanks for the opinion, I really appreciate it. I may leave the words off anyway. My parents do own my car, but I don't think they'd just accept me as I am. They don't know about my horse either, and I'm not sure which is worse right now.
natisha
12-28-2009, 09:56 AM
I think it's no big deal & one's personal decision.
I think the heart would look better with color. It will be hard to make duct tape not look like a silver ribbon, but I'm no tattoo artist. As it is if I saw that one someone's leg I would think it was a cancerous lesion. I'd go for color.
How do you hide a horse?
Equine_Woman
12-28-2009, 10:15 AM
I don't have anything against tattoos but I wouldn't get one on my calf. I always think those look manly. . . Your heart is gorgeous. I'm sure it'll look good. Be sure to see what your tattoo artist's work looks like before you get it!!
Yoshi
12-28-2009, 12:03 PM
I have a few in mind for myself as well, involving dinosaurs, thestrals, a bass clef heart and even possibly a pin-up girl, but I'm nervous, too. If you want to read some experiences, bmezine has a decent section, I frequent the modblog but that's really nsfw a lot of times so be careful if you do that lol. I think your heart is beautiful as well, but like it was mentioned before, if you keep the words make sure they're bigger so the letters don't bleed together. I also think it would look really nice in color, but that's your decision of course. Good luck!!
TLC97
12-28-2009, 03:13 PM
As someone who works in public education and has a tatoo I will tell you to becareful what you get and where you get it.
What I am about to type was told to me by more than a few adminstrators, these are NOT my opinions, but what they use when hiring---------
Should not be visiable with normal attire for the region-
ie, on hands, face, neck etc. (back of the neck is ok for some, not for others-depends on hair length)
Arm bands on guys-okay-if tasteful-ie, no skulls, etc.
ankles on either sex ok-again tasteful-
ANYTHING on lower arms or calfs is not prefered, as they are usually large in nature-not good.
lower back on female as long as NEVER seen fine. Because of the term "tramp stamp" if seen before an interview could eliminate the best candidate.
I have a tribal about 1 1/2 wide with a heart in the middle with the letter J for my son. Never been an issue, my Harley shirts cause more of a stir. I have also had my eyeliner tatooed on but, that is not obvious and it fades over time.
Good Luck with what you choose and where you put it.
Horseaholic
12-28-2009, 03:38 PM
be prepared...more people than not judge books by covers. What most people don't get is that tattoos should be for YOU... no one else has to like them...but that also means that they don't have to understand them either.
Where I work now (a tack shop) wont even let me have my nose ring in my nostril. I find it crazy...but they also find my tattoos crazy. When I worked in a dental office (the field I'll be in professionally again once I finish school) they could care less about my tattoos and nostril peircing... I went ahead and got tattoos that that were covered by my scrubs (what I thought I'd be wearing for the rest of my professional life...)but dental offices don't want part time assistant and on top of it they don't want to work around a school schedule that will change my position in a year or so...so I find myself working in a tack shop that is nearly impossible to dress myself casual with out a tattoo peaking out somewhere. It sucks...I don't like it...I can't wear shorts...I have tattoos on the back of my ankles and my thigh...I can't wear flip flops...I have tattoos on the top of my feet...I can't wear short sleeve shirts....i have a 1/4 sleeve...I can't wear wider neck shirt because my collar bone is tattooed...I have to wear a bracelet or bandage to cover the one on my wrist...It's A LOT of work. Don't be positive you'll always be in the field you intend you can always "easily" cover them up because you can't all the time.
Wow! Great opinions here.
I booked my appointment for March 16th at 12:00. My artist specializes in incredible shading and stenciling, so I'm not worried about the tattoo looking like a cancerous lump. His website is here: http://www.stevebakertattoos.com/. He charges $125/hour, I think. That's without colour. I was (over)quoted for 2 hours work.
I have a few in mind for myself as well, involving dinosaurs, thestrals, a bass clef heart and even possibly a pin-up girl, but I'm nervous, too. If you want to read some experiences, bmezine has a decent section, I frequent the modblog but that's really nsfw a lot of times so be careful if you do that lol. I think your heart is beautiful as well, but like it was mentioned before, if you keep the words make sure they're bigger so the letters don't bleed together. I also think it would look really nice in color, but that's your decision of course. Good luck!!I'm not nervous about the actual needles, but I do enjoy reading those articles. They're amazing. I'm not going to keep the words, or maybe I'll save it for later. For now I think I'll stick withthe heart. If I do any colour, I may choose merlot or red. I guess it doesn't have to look like duct tape, lol!
As someone who works in public education and has a tatoo I will tell you to becareful what you get and where you get it.
What I am about to type was told to me by more than a few adminstrators, these are NOT my opinions, but what they use when hiring---------
Should not be visiable with normal attire for the region-
ie, on hands, face, neck etc. (back of the neck is ok for some, not for others-depends on hair length)
Arm bands on guys-okay-if tasteful-ie, no skulls, etc.
ankles on either sex ok-again tasteful-
ANYTHING on lower arms or calfs is not prefered, as they are usually large in nature-not good.
lower back on female as long as NEVER seen fine. Because of the term "tramp stamp" if seen before an interview could eliminate the best candidate.
I have a tribal about 1 1/2 wide with a heart in the middle with the letter J for my son. Never been an issue, my Harley shirts cause more of a stir. I have also had my eyeliner tatooed on but, that is not obvious and it fades over time.
Good Luck with what you choose and where you put it.Thanks! Good to hear from someone who is in that sort of field. I have to ask, why would a tattoo on the calf be bad for administration? You can just cover it up with pants. I'm not even a skirt/dress person as it is.
TLC97
12-29-2009, 01:49 PM
More than a few principals told me the considered ankles and feet a better place than calf. Mostly because they tend to be smaller on feet and ankles. Yes pants cover it, I know.
miatapony
12-29-2009, 02:21 PM
the foot and ankle are the worst place to get one for pain from what ive been told.... be carefull on where you get it on your calf tho to ..
Horseaholic
12-29-2009, 03:55 PM
top of the feet are the WORST! both of mine are completely covered and if I had another foot I would NOT do it again ;). On my right foot I swelled so bad and finally told the artist if he didn't stop I was gonna kick him in the face because I was loosing control the pain was so bad.
lovesfortune
12-29-2009, 04:07 PM
I have two. One on each ankle.. and they did hurt. Not a lot of extra "cushion" there. Just bone.
mandisue
12-29-2009, 05:13 PM
I think that's a really cool idea for a tattoo! Definitely like the picture and the lyrics. I was 18 when I got my belly button pierced, that was my "thing" that I always wanted to do before I turned eighteen. SO on my birthday I got mine done. No one ever knew (parental wise).
I think that's a really cool idea for a tattoo! Definitely like the picture and the lyrics. I was 18 when I got my belly button pierced, that was my "thing" that I always wanted to do before I turned eighteen. SO on my birthday I got mine done. No one ever knew (parental wise).Thanks! I think I'm better off texting my dad saying, "Hey, I'm getting a tattoo next week. I'll be home on March 15th." And really, I'm 19 and a half. They told me that it's my body and that they're no longer there to tell me what is right and wrong.
Calf is supposedly one of the least painful spots, next to upper arms. I can't go for thighs. Way too ticklish!
If a principal can't see a tattoo, why should it be any issue? :( I really don't want to go for the feet. I did at first before realizing the sheer amount of tissue, bone and nerve endings there.
http://www.proteacher.net/discussions/showthread.php?t=6232 Great opinions, though the median age of teachers must be 35 or more.
BlaiseGlaze
12-30-2009, 04:24 AM
cant explain it, i have 3, and want at least 2 more.
WashingtonBay
12-30-2009, 08:55 AM
Well, since you opened it as a subject that is debated, if what other people think matters, I'm one who doesn't see the value or find any attractiveness in tattoos on anyone other than old sailors, and particularly on women. A friend has a tattoo that was intended to be unseen, on her breast, and it showed despite a lot of tape and other attempts to not have it show, in her wedding dress and lots of other times she's in summer wear.
People will never judge you for not having them. But people will always at least notice if you do.
And I realize this will be an unpopular opinion among our younger set and those with tattoos, but I think they almost always look tacky, and I do assume a less than virginal image about the person who has one. I'm no prude in that regard, really, I was no choir girl in my own young years, but tattoos on a school teacher, whether you think they'll ever be seen or not, is something I'd frown on if I was in a position to judge. Not because of the tattoo... but because of what the tattoo might reveal about your personal life, whether it's true or not.
WashingtonBoy
12-30-2009, 09:01 AM
I don't think there is anything more unattractive on a woman than a tattoo. Except maybe piercings.
Just my :2cents:
Well, since you opened it as a subject that is debated, if what other people think matters, I'm one who doesn't see the value or find any attractiveness in tattoos on anyone other than old sailors, and particularly on women. A friend has a tattoo that was intended to be unseen, on her breast, and it showed despite a lot of tape and other attempts to not have it show, in her wedding dress and lots of other times she's in summer wear.
People will never judge you for not having them. But people will always at least notice if you do.
And I realize this will be an unpopular opinion among our younger set and those with tattoos, but I think they almost always look tacky, and I do assume a less than virginal image about the person who has one. I'm no prude in that regard, really, I was no choir girl in my own young years, but tattoos on a school teacher, whether you think they'll ever be seen or not, is something I'd frown on if I was in a position to judge. Not because of the tattoo... but because of what the tattoo might reveal about your personal life, whether it's true or not.Thank you for sharing your opinion, WB. :)
I was completely against getting any for years and years. I thought they looks horrible and thought that everyone who got them only did so because they were 18 and "had a right to." :rolleyes: I have several friends with decals that they clearly picked off a sign as soon as they walked into the place. One of my friends must have verbally told the guy what she wanted, and she now has an unidentifiable blob on her shoulder. I have another friend with the three most common tattoos. She has a Chinese symbol, a butterfly and her zodiac sign, all in plain sight. I thought they looked terrible. But then I started looking at different artists, and found that not everyone has the butterflies, Chinese symbols and tribal designs. Not everyone has the obligatory "tramp stamp." Now I don't think I'm unique for getting one, but the artist I'm using has done some pretty incredible designs that have a different style than most artists.
I've chosen my calves because it's easily hidden, yet I can still enjoy it. I don't have to wear a dress or skirt every day. Having one doesn't make me any less of a human being. I did research on teachers with ink and I have to agree with one of the opinions I read. Teachers (younger ones especially) have a personal life outside of school. That may include smoking, doing drugs, getting tattoos, getting piercings, drinking, etc. We don't ever know or find out about these things because they're personal. I'm sure the majority of my teachers did at least some of these things. I have never had any teachers with visible tattoos, but it's very possible that they could have.
Things like tattoos are becoming more and more widepread. Teen pregnancy rates in the past few years have gone down, in Canada at least. ;)
FlapJack
12-30-2009, 11:22 AM
Awesome that you're getting a tattoo! The process I went through was going in for a consult where we talked size placement etc. Then when I came in for the tattoo he pressed on the outline and we checked to make sure it was centered and everything (he's very perfectionist about that which is good ahah!). As for actually being tattooed, the sunburn scratching is a pretty good explanation I think. I was told the first and last ten minutes would be the worst no matter how long the tattoo and I also thought that was pretty accurate. I got mine done on my upper arm (first a V and then later I added a bigger design). That's probably the least painful spot to get one, except for the design I wanted did come in under my arm a bit which was a bit irritating xD. He distracted me with lots of talking so that helped.
As for people not liking your tattoo for whatever personal reason...anyone watch Craig Ferguson (late late night show host)? He was talking about this person who told him she didn't like his tattoo and he said, "Good thing it's not for you then!" That pretty much sums it up. It's your body, your life. Some people won't like it and some people will - same for most things in life I think :P. You're going about it in a very professional way so you can cover it up when you want. If people are going to judge me for my tattoo then that is somewhat disappointing but I knew that before I did it and I don't really care. If someone thinks they know something about you based on the fact you have a tattoo, I'd be inclined to think it was the other way around - you know a little more about them based on them judging you/your ink.
Pinky
12-30-2009, 11:31 AM
WBs, your opinions are very much appreciated (by me, anyway) and you raise very valid points.
People will never judge you for not having them. But people will always at least notice if you do.I agree, 100%. But I still want tattoos (and I'm not talking small, one-off pieces here) and I'm prepared to live with being judged. I know that I'm not going to get anything offensive or badly done and I'm going to wait until I'm an established professional with a good reputation before I even consider getting a tattoo - body art is not something I'm willing to sacrifice a career for.
That said, all tattoos I get will be able to be hidden with a tshirt and shorts. :)
This is just a general point, but people see far more bad tattoos than good ones.
For example:
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/75/192927101_bcfb5c8ff7.jpg
vs:
http://i40.tinypic.com/11hs2dh.jpg
or:
http://a212.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/87/l_7ffc8a5b2c9e9a3711c4712f22e2b24b.jpg
Edit: I can provide a link to more nom-worthy ink if you PM me.
WashingtonBay
12-30-2009, 11:37 AM
Thank you for sharing your opinion, WB. :)
I was completely against getting any for years and years. I thought they looks horrible and thought that everyone who got them only did so because they were 18 and "had a right to." :rolleyes: I have several friends with decals that they clearly picked off a sign as soon as they walked into the place. One of my friends must have verbally told the guy what she wanted, and she now has an unidentifiable blob on her shoulder. I have another friend with the three most common tattoos. She has a Chinese symbol, a butterfly and her zodiac sign, all in plain sight. I thought they looked terrible. But then I started looking at different artists, and found that not everyone has the butterflies, Chinese symbols and tribal designs. Not everyone has the obligatory "tramp stamp." Now I don't think I'm unique for getting one, but the artist I'm using has done some pretty incredible designs that have a different style than most artists.
At risk of being an unwanted art critic, try to see me as the honest nerdy first impression you might get from the 'non-inked' crowd. I think yours stands a good chance of being an unidentifiable blob. It's a tough image to pull off. And just from my first impression, it doesn't look like the tattoo of a happy person. a heart wrapped in duct tape? Not colorful just black? It looks dark and conflicted... I don't know what it means but it seems sad or painful. You might think they're cliche, but at least hearts and butterflies don't tip people off that you have some deep unresolved issues like the bleeding or barbed wire or duct taped covered heart might. I'm just sayin!
You said you used to think they look horrible. To 'outsiders' they still do. Other people are not going to look close enough or think much beyond their first impression of yours either. I don't want to sound hurtful, it's just the way it is!
I've chosen my calves because it's easily hidden, yet I can still enjoy it. I don't have to wear a dress or skirt every day. Having one doesn't make me any less of a human being. No, you don't have to wear a skirt every day. I never wear skirts and hate them. But you will want to wear shorts in life, and there are lots of places other than work where you might not want to leave a questionable first impression. And it is those most-formal times in life that you will want to wear a skirt. Weddings, your own and those of good friends and family... Weddings where you might be a bridesmaid. Funerals and other serious settings you can't now predict. And black tights may not really make sense. You'll say "but they're my friends, they know me and will love me anyway" Yeah, most will, but it will distract and look out of place for many, and not in a good way.
Of course you're still a human being... and I don't want to sound like I would like you any less. I'd think you were probably pretty cool to make an off-color joke about partying to, because I'd think that about you.
And those who love you will still love you even with it... it's the more casual relationships where it might hinder you... your work, the parents of the kids... others who are in the congregation where you are the matron of honor in a short summer tea dress. Those aren't deep relationships and maybe you don't even care what they think. There are lots of places where we never get beyond a bad first impression and don't know what we missed because of it.
I did research on teachers with ink and I have to agree with one of the opinions I read. Teachers (younger ones especially) have a personal life outside of school. That may include smoking, doing drugs, getting tattoos, getting piercings, drinking, etc. We don't ever know or find out about these things because they're personal. I'm sure the majority of my teachers did at least some of these things. I have never had any teachers with visible tattoos, but it's very possible that they could have.We don't wonder about red flags we don't see... only those we do see. I'm reminded of the Seinfeld episode with the librarian. "When I was younger the school librarian was an older woman. We didn't know her personal life... we didn't WANT to know her personal life. ;)
Things like tattoos are becoming more and more widepread. Teen pregnancy rates in the past few years have gone down, in Canada at least. ;)Well I don't think it's because they're having less sex. :innocent:
Pinky
12-30-2009, 11:43 AM
And those who love you will still love you even with it... it's the more casual relationships where it might hinder you... your work, the parents of the kids... others who are in the congregation where you are the matron of honor in a short summer tea dress. Those aren't deep relationships and maybe you don't even care what they think. There are lots of places where we never get beyond a bad first impression and don't know what we missed because of it.
Dermablend (http://www.dermablend.co.uk/)! :D
Very valid point (again, damn ;)), but there have been huge advances in makeup etc, though Dermablend can rub off onto tights.
WashingtonBay
12-30-2009, 11:51 AM
WBs, your opinions are very much appreciated (by me, anyway) and you raise very valid points.
I agree, 100%. But I still want tattoos (and I'm not talking small, one-off pieces here) and I'm prepared to live with being judged. I know that I'm not going to get anything offensive or badly done and I'm going to wait until I'm an established professional with a good reputation before I even consider getting a tattoo - body art is not something I'm willing to sacrifice a career for.
That said, all tattoos I get will be able to be hidden with a tshirt and shorts. :)
This is just a general point, but people see far more bad tattoos than good ones.
For example:
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/75/192927101_bcfb5c8ff7.jpg
vs:
http://i40.tinypic.com/11hs2dh.jpg
or:
http://a212.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/87/l_7ffc8a5b2c9e9a3711c4712f22e2b24b.jpg
Edit: I can provide a link to more nom-worthy ink if you PM me.
The technical ability and artistry in particularly the dinosaur one is commendable... and I'd have to think that even if I saw it in person. The one with the roses... it's colorful and all, but it does look a little like she's wearing a trailer-park black velvet painting, and I say this as a person who in fact lives in a trailer.
Artistry is beautiful on a wall. On a person... I just don't think it's pretty. I had a friend who had very pretty and colorful designs on each hip. One was a desert scene, the other was a beach scene. They may have made nice paintings in my first apartment, but I wouldn't have wanted them on my body for life. Just sayin'.
palomino
12-30-2009, 11:54 AM
I love tatoos, mine are ALL needing redone. They are there forever, with the shoddy work and I cannot hide them- I went to expensive, reputable tat artists, and Im stuck with crap work forever, and I have had one redone once already.
Sucks. having them redone is a huge expense and one I will suck up when it comes time to fix em, but I shouldnt have to.
At risk of being an unwanted art critic, try to see me as the honest nerdy first impression you might get from the 'non-inked' crowd. I think yours stands a good chance of being an unidentifiable blob. It's a tough image to pull off. And just from my first impression, it doesn't look like the tattoo of a happy person. a heart wrapped in duct tape? Not colorful just black? It looks dark and conflicted... I don't know what it means but it seems sad or painful. You might think they're cliche, but at least hearts and butterflies don't tip people off that you have some deep unresolved issues like the bleeding or barbed wire or duct taped covered heart might. I'm just sayin!
You said you used to think they look horrible. To 'outsiders' they still do. Other people are not going to look close enough or think much beyond their first impression of yours either. I don't want to sound hurtful, it's just the way it is!
No, you don't have to wear a skirt every day. I never wear skirts and hate them. But you will want to wear shorts in life, and there are lots of places other than work where you might not want to leave a questionable first impression. And it is those most-formal times in life that you will want to wear a skirt. Weddings, your own and those of good friends and family... Weddings where you might be a bridesmaid. Funerals and other serious settings you can't now predict. And black tights may not really make sense. You'll say "but they're my friends, they know me and will love me anyway" Yeah, most will, but it will distract and look out of place for many, and not in a good way.
Of course you're still a human being... and I don't want to sound like I would like you any less. I'd think you were probably pretty cool to make an off-color joke about partying to, because I'd think that about you.
And those who love you will still love you even with it... it's the more casual relationships where it might hinder you... your work, the parents of the kids... others who are in the congregation where you are the matron of honor in a short summer tea dress. Those aren't deep relationships and maybe you don't even care what they think. There are lots of places where we never get beyond a bad first impression and don't know what we missed because of it.
We don't wonder about red flags we don't see... only those we do see. I'm reminded of the Seinfeld episode with the librarian. "When I was younger the school librarian was an older woman. We didn't know her personal life... we didn't WANT to know her personal life. ;)
Well I don't think it's because they're having less sex. :innocent::p I think our education programs are a little different here. I think you're thinking too much into the teacher relationship thing. Someone on a board once said, "I know far more moms with tattoos than I do teachers." And if the kids see it, they usually make a comment of "My ___________ has one too!" Teachers can persuade kids not to get them. I spent hours reading comments. There are so many teachers out there who are inked. Now if you had a very favourable impression of a teacher and you suddenly found out that they had a hidden tattoo, would you treat them as less of a person?
I don't think it will look like a blob for the reason that I'm going to a professional who specializes in shading techniques. Look at the incredible work that went into the dinosaur.
@Pinky: I totally agree. I thought all tattoos had to be cliche, skull-like, etc. I've seen so so many horrible tattoos. I would love to see more. :)
peace_baby
12-30-2009, 12:04 PM
Just popped in on this thread. That really sucks, Palo, about having to retouch your tats up.
I can suggest other places for you to get one if you end up not getting it on your calf. You can get it on your hip (think lower stomach nearer to the pelvic bone that makes the "hip") or your back like where I got mine, or even the "love handle" as we so lovingly call them. All not as bony and fairly easy to hide.
ETA: I would never get a tattoo that wasn't something I put a whole lot of thought into. Some people may not agree with it. But my tattoo is something that means a lot to me. Everyone has their own opinions though and I won't fight someone because they don't like my tattoo. :) That's what the peace sign's for. ;)
WashingtonBay
12-30-2009, 12:07 PM
:p I think our education programs are a little different here. I think you're thinking too much into the teacher relationship thing. Someone on a board once said, "I know far more moms with tattoos than I do teachers." And if the kids see it, they usually make a comment of "My ___________ has one too!"
I believe that. That's valid.
Now if you had a very favourable impression of a teacher and you suddenly found out that they had a hidden tattoo, would you treat them as less of a person? Would I treat them as less of a person? No... I'd just think they had a shadier or racier life than I might have predicted. But understand something... I'm not a straight laced church mom, I'm a person with a somewhat shady and racy past who knows something about the tattooed people I know. So I know a bit about what I'd assume. ;)
I don't think it will look like a blob for the reason that I'm going to a professional who specializes in shading techniques. Look at the incredible work that went into the dinosaur. OK - but what is it's message even if it's artfully done? I'm curious.
Pinky
12-30-2009, 12:19 PM
The technical ability and artistry in particularly the dinosaur one is commendable... and I'd have to think that even if I saw it in person. The one with the roses... it's colorful and all, but it does look a little like she's wearing a trailer-park black velvet painting, and I say this as a person who in fact lives in a trailer. The second one was the second file I found of a tattoo that didn't look like crud, though your comment did make me laugh :D.
Artistry is beautiful on a wall. On a person... I just don't think it's pretty. I had a friend who had very pretty and colorful designs on each hip. One was a desert scene, the other was a beach scene. They may have made nice paintings in my first apartment, but I wouldn't have wanted them on my body for life. Just sayin'.I think this might be a generation thing :). Different points of view, different opinions, each equally valid in their own right.
I feel I have nothing more constructive to add to this thread apart from three good tattoos:
1. Butterfly (http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/74/butterflytatyv0.jpg)
2. 3D Heart (http://a280.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/83/l_031bcab76067a63b0baf23a2d1a646a7.jpg)
3. Photorealistic Joker (http://a913.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/75/l_d924bfaa2a472dcccfd65674bfd80b50.jpg)
(Okay, the middle one isn't that well done, but I like it, and it is in 3D if you have the blue and red glasses!)
WashingtonBay
12-30-2009, 12:24 PM
The first one is really cool because it looks like a real butterfly, with the shadow. The second one is odd... and the third one is just plain disturbing.
Yes, it may be generational... one of those stark reminders that I have unwittingly become my parents. ;)
Pinky
12-30-2009, 12:30 PM
The third one is the Joker from the Dark Knight (though I know you knew that so don't know why I'm posting it!). It was actually part of a half-sleeve that started on the guys shoulder and was filled with tattoos that were made to look like scraps of various comic books with the characters on - the cool part is that he was going around a convention getting tattoos for the sleeve off all these different artists in loads of different styles :).
Yes, it may be generational... one of those stark reminders that I have unwittingly become my parents.
I bet your parents didn't run a forum ;).
SedonaThunder
12-30-2009, 12:33 PM
That butterfly looks real - way cool! And I don't even like butterflies!
WB - I about spit my coffee out when you said that about black velvet paintings... I have to agree with you!
I do have a small tatoo - a sorority thing... an anchor about an inch tall by half inch wide on the inside of my right foot just below the ankle. I can't say I've ever regretted it - in fact, every time I look at it I'm reminded of fun college times, wonderful "sisters" that are still part of my life, and what the anchor stands for Hope, Stability and Security. It makes me smile.
As for additional tattoos, I want another - lower neck/top of back where it wouldn't show with most collars and even with a sundress it wouldn't show with my hair down. The only reason I haven't gotten it yet is I've been conflicted on the design - I want something horsey but it has to be tasteful and small but still big enough to show detail. I am in complete agreement with WB on what the image conjures up for people and I worry about it being just right. I know a woman who is well thought of and very professional who owns a couple of Friesians who went to get a horse tattoo... I didn't think anything of it until I saw it - holy moses! It is large (4"x3"), it turned out looking like a cartoon, AND it's on her arm like a man... it is awful and she can no longer take her blazer off in the summer without people whispering and staring.
WashingtonBay
12-30-2009, 12:34 PM
The third one is the Joker from the Dark Knight (though I know you knew that so don't know why I'm posting it!).
Yeah - I did know that ;) But I don't particularly like the movie, the character is unfathomably disturbing, and I wouldn't want him 'on' me as my message to the world for the rest of my life. He's the dang villain. He's supposed to be disturbing.
I bet your parents didn't run a forum ;).
You're right, they didn't. But the ways I'm still cooler than them seem to be fewer each year ;):D
WashingtonBay
12-30-2009, 12:45 PM
WB - I about spit my coffee out when you said that about black velvet paintings...
This is my goal, always! :D
Pinky
12-30-2009, 12:52 PM
Yeah - I did know that ;)*blush* Sorry :/. I wasn't trying to sound condescending, it just came out that way. *cringe*. I loved the film though.
You're right, they didn't. But the ways I'm still cooler than them seem to be fewer each year ;):DI think you should give yourself some more credit. It's pretty cool how you can argue anything and always make sense! And you never fail to make me laugh :).
For every post I make on this thread, I will post links to three awesome tattoos. This limits the amount of posts I can make ;).
1. (http://i46.tinypic.com/2w2ex5k.jpg)
2. (http://i45.tinypic.com/2aaf4h4.jpg)
3. (http://i46.tinypic.com/np2p1d.jpg) [Warning: butt crack]
WashingtonBay
12-30-2009, 12:57 PM
:o Thanks Pinky :cool: Glad I'm still a little cool.
On those tattoos... they're louder and busier than the patterns on most shirts I wear. And I only wear those for a day (at a time). I just wonder who'd want to wear the same shirt forever.
Pinky
12-30-2009, 01:01 PM
I suppose I'm very biased towards those tattoos, because I'm in love with dotwork and the colours that the artist uses :).
I do see your point though - I suppose it's easier for men to cover something like that with a shirt, but I wouldn't be able to find a nice/dressy top to wear without it clashing with something like that. Which is why, when I get a tattoo, nothing is outside of the shorts & tshirt area and nothing is going on my chest. :)
WashingtonBay
12-30-2009, 01:09 PM
Good plan :) They will be between you, your significant other(s), and the Nurses Aids who will do your sponge baths when you're 80 and assume scandalous things about this quirky old woman. :)
Pinky
12-30-2009, 01:15 PM
and the Nurses Aids who will do your sponge baths when you're 80 and assume scandalous things about this quirky old woman. :)
You owe me a new keyboard xD. Lemonade everywhere.
I wouldn't feel comfortable with visible tattoos in the profession I am planning on going into - they would hinder my ability to get a job and impact the professional opinion other people would have of me.
However, if February works out how I'm hoping it will, plans will change ;).
WashingtonBay
12-30-2009, 01:18 PM
:cheers:
I believe that. That's valid.
Would I treat them as less of a person? No... I'd just think they had a shadier or racier life than I might have predicted. But understand something... I'm not a straight laced church mom, I'm a person with a somewhat shady and racy past who knows something about the tattooed people I know. So I know a bit about what I'd assume. ;)
OK - but what is it's message even if it's artfully done? I'm curious.Oooh do tell, WB! Do tell about your racy past. :) :p
Sometimes there is no message. Sometimes it's a story or event that they want to remember for the rest of their lives. I'm personally not a fan of putting people's faces from pictures on arms. Especially people you know. That's just odd.
WashingtonBay
12-30-2009, 02:08 PM
I'll never tell :innocent:
I'm personally not a fan of putting people's faces from pictures on arms. Especially people you know. That's just odd.
Yeah - agreed. Not good to put them on your butt either unless you are SURE your opinion of that person will not change! ;)
I'll never tell :innocent:
Yeah - agreed. Not good to put them on your butt either unless you are SURE your opinion of that person will not change! ;)Please do! :) WB, the crazy possible ex-addict...? :o We shall never know.
http://www.bme.com/tattoo/A90218/high/fvnt-denis-prevost.jpg
http://www.bme.com/tattoo/A90218/thumb/fvns-denis-prevost.jpg
WashingtonBay
12-30-2009, 02:18 PM
Cute kids... but they look like the kid from The Exorcist in the tattoos! :help:
Not an ex addict... just an ex gal who liked to party and cause a bit of trouble... but see how red flags make us assume the worst. :coffee:
SedonaThunder
12-30-2009, 02:34 PM
.. just an ex gal who liked to party and cause a bit of trouble... I can see you as a flower child WB! :greengrin:
gabhainn
12-30-2009, 03:21 PM
I have a lot of tats and I am gonna give you the same advice my grandad gave me 25 years ago before I got my first one. NEVER get a tattoo where the the judge can see it! you think he might have known I was gonna be trouble?
Anyways I followed that advice and like I said I have several and you would never know I had them if I didnt want you to.
What I find abso-frickin-lutely hilarious is the sheer number of people who get them to be unique and rebellious. But how big of a unique rebel are you if you are doing the same thing everybody else is. I got mine before they were "in" and I did catch a lot of grief from parents, parents of girlfriends, friends, family, and employers...Now it is so much the norm as to not even notice.....Kevin
dame_wolf
12-30-2009, 03:56 PM
I have 3 tats and I would love to get more.
All my tattoos have meaning for the time I got them, and the rest all have serious thought. I have always been one to think that if my body is my temple then my tattoos are the stained glass. They can be very beautiful peaks into one's soul...make sure that it is a part you want to share.
I started looking into what I was going to get when I was 17 and found several that I really liked, even say loved them (one was a couple of dragons fighting in mid air, awesome!). However I knew from my dad's tattoo that they are forever and it wasn't till I was 21 that I found my first tat. It is a stone wolf medallion howling with roses winding around it on my left shoulder. Next one happened the following year and it is a turtle, my Native American totem, on my right calf. The last one was 2 years later and it is a rose and half moon on my left breast. All of them mean something to me and I put serious thought into them as I will be an 80 year old in a nursing home with them.
The calf is a fatty part of your body so pain isn't going to be bad.
The turtle on my calf is the smallest tat I have and hurt the worse!
Make sure wherever you go is CLEAN. Needles are NEVER to be re used. they should come out of packages and be thrown away into a "sharps" container. inks should never be reused either...those should be poured into plastic wells and be thrown away as well. Ask about their sterilization process...if things aren't covered and wrapped LEAVE. If people aren't wearing gloves...LEAVE. Nothing that touches your body should be reused...
YES! Be very aware of the shop conditions! They are going to put a needle into your body and you don't want to catch anything!
The shop should smell clean, the people should look clean and always always ask to see work. Lines should be straight, colors should be vibrant. If all of the pictures in the portfolios are freshly done tattoos (the person is swollen and red) ask for pictures after they have healed...if they don't have em...leave.
Yes again! I went to the same person for my first 2 (love them!) but when I got my third he was in jail so I went to someone new. They were highly recommended, had good pictures of their work and did a craptastic job! I have to get it redone and just haven't yet.
ETA: You can't see any of mine unless I choose to let them show. Not a big skirt, dress, shorts person so the one on my calf doesn't show unless I choose to wear shorts. Not a big swimmer (I can swim very well but I'd rather ride) so unless I choose to wear a swim suit you can't see the one on my shoulder or breast. Not big into wearing white so not worried about them showing through at the wrong moment (wont wear a white dress if the day comes that I get married). However, these are all things that you have to consider if you do get inked!
I have 3 tats and I would love to get more.
I started looking into what I was going to get when I was 17 and found several that I really liked, even say loved them (one was a couple of dragons fighting in mid air, awesome!). However I knew from my dad's tattoo that they are forever and it wasn't till I was 21 that I found my first tat. It is a stone wolf medallion howling with roses winding around it on my left shoulder. Next one happened the following year and it is a turtle, my Native American totem, on my right calf. The last one was 2 years later and it is a rose and half moon on my left breast. All of them mean something to me and I put serious thought into them as I will be an 80 year old in a nursing home with them.
The turtle on my calf is the smallest tat I have and hurt the worse!
YES! Be very aware of the shop conditions! They are going to put a needle into your body and you don't want to catch anything!
Yes again! I went to the same person for my first 2 (love them!) but when I got my third he was in jail so I went to someone new. They were highly recommended, had good pictures of their work and did a craptastic job! I have to get it redone and just haven't yet.
ETA: You can't see any of mine unless I choose to let them show. Not a big skirt, dress, shorts person so the one on my calf doesn't show unless I choose to wear shorts. Not a big swimmer (I can swim very well but I'd rather ride) so unless I choose to wear a swim suit you can't see the one on my shoulder or breast. Not big into wearing white so not worried about them showing through at the wrong moment (wont wear a white dress if the day comes that I get married). However, these are all things that you have to consider if you do get inked!Good pointers! This shop is so new and clean. It's incredible. :D It seems cleaner than my doctor's office, to be completely honest. I've decided to take my best guy friend with me, and he's planning on getting his right after mine. Will is going to be up north, so I can't drag him along. The artist I chose has won local awards which don't mean a lot, but he's well liked in the area. :)
Another friend of mine said that his calf hurt the most. It doesn't seem to be the general consensus online. The reason the calf tends to be slightly painful is because of the extreme amount of muscle in the area.
Cute kids... but they look like the kid from The Exorcist in the tattoos! :help:
Not an ex addict... just an ex gal who liked to party and cause a bit of trouble... but see how red flags make us assume the worst. :coffee:
Oh WB, I didn't party until I got into college. I haven't been drunk at a party since October. :) I'm still rebellious to some extent... :innocent: They definitely do!
I have a lot of tats and I am gonna give you the same advice my grandad gave me 25 years ago before I got my first one. NEVER get a tattoo where the the judge can see it! you think he might have known I was gonna be trouble?
Anyways I followed that advice and like I said I have several and you would never know I had them if I didnt want you to.
What I find abso-frickin-lutely hilarious is the sheer number of people who get them to be unique and rebellious. But how big of a unique rebel are you if you are doing the same thing everybody else is. I got mine before they were "in" and I did catch a lot of grief from parents, parents of girlfriends, friends, family, and employers...Now it is so much the norm as to not even notice.....KevinWhat do you have? I can see a half sleeve on your arm. :p
cheval
12-30-2009, 07:26 PM
I have one on my lower back. It felt like getting scratched by a cat for an hour and a half. It was more irritating than painful.
I'd point out (and maybe someone else has, haven't read the other replies) I've seen more and more of my friends that got tattoos when they were younger, getting them removed. And that is an expensive and painful process. So really think this through. I know more people that wished they wouldn't have gotten their tattoos now, than are glad they did.
I have one on my lower back. It felt like getting scratched by a cat for an hour and a half. It was more irritating than painful.
I'd point out (and maybe someone else has, haven't read the other replies) I've seen more and more of my friends that got tattoos when they were younger, getting them removed. And that is an expensive and painful process. So really think this through. I know more people that wished they wouldn't have gotten their tattoos now, than are glad they did.Absolutely. :) I have no idea how people can pick a design out of a book and put it somewhere on their bodies. So you look at a catalogue and that's what you're going to have for the rest of your life. Impossible. It makes no sense to me! I'm sure I'll be fine with the pain.
Calf is debatable. Pain seems to hit people in different spots, regardless of location.
WashingtonBay
12-30-2009, 08:03 PM
I'd point out (and maybe someone else has, haven't read the other replies) I've seen more and more of my friends that got tattoos when they were younger, getting them removed. And that is an expensive and painful process. So really think this through. I know more people that wished they wouldn't have gotten their tattoos now, than are glad they did.
How about this for an idea... have the design you like printed on a t-shirt and wear it every single day, under whatever else you're wearing even, but without exception every day. If you still like it by the time the t-shirt is worn out.. then get the tattoo :)
How about this for an idea... have the design you like printed on a t-shirt and wear it every single day, under whatever else you're wearing even, but without exception every day. If you still like it by the time the t-shirt is worn out.. then get the tattoo :)What if the design is on a t-shirt that you wear every day? And then it wears out? :p
Ragnar Danneskjold
12-30-2009, 08:32 PM
How about this for an idea... have the design you like printed on a t-shirt and wear it every single day, under whatever else you're wearing even, but without exception every day. If you still like it by the time the t-shirt is worn out.. then get the tattoo :)
That's a great idea.
I'm thinking back... but I don't recall ever seeing a tattoo on anybody that I really thought was attractive, or an "improvement" over not having it there. Sometimes tattoos can be interesting if they meant something important to the person... but most of them I've ever seen are just... eh. whatever.
I can't see ever getting one myself. Even as a sailor, nomatter how drunk I ever got in whatever port, there was never a time I was close to tempted to get one. There's just nothing I want written on me forever. Nomatter what, I'm sure some day there would come the time that I hated having it. I really don't 'get it'. I don't see the attraction. I remember one guy on my ship who woke up after a night on the town with a tat of Woody Woodpecker on his shoulder. He had no idea how or why it got there. Woohoo... it's there for life. A reminder of a night he doesn't even remember.
A number of the women I've had relationships with have had them. Sometimes a LOT of them. Why such a pretty girl would do that is beyond me... but there it was. I can overlook other flaws, and that's what I did with the tats. I cared enough about the person to overlook various imperfections (like we all have of course), like ignoring a birthmark or a mole. Body piercing is in a similar category. Earrings are one thing... but I'm sorry... nose piercings, lips, eyebrows... other... stuff... just vulgar and gross. If I'm bothering anyone here who has those things, sorry about that. It's just how I see it.
That's a great idea.
I'm thinking back... but I don't recall ever seeing a tattoo on anybody that I really thought was attractive, or an "improvement" over not having it there. Sometimes tattoos can be interesting if they meant something important to the person... but most of them I've ever seen are just... eh. whatever.
I can't see ever getting one myself. Even as a sailor, nomatter how drunk I ever got in whatever port, there was never a time I was close to tempted to get one. There's just nothing I want written on me forever. Nomatter what, I'm sure some day there would come the time that I hated having it. I really don't 'get it'. I don't see the attraction. I remember one guy on my ship who woke up after a night on the town with a tat of Woody Woodpecker on his shoulder. He had no idea how or why it got there. Woohoo... it's there for life. A reminder of a night he doesn't even remember.
A number of the women I've had relationships with have had them. Sometimes a LOT of them. Why such a pretty girl would do that is beyond me... but there it was. I can overlook other flaws, and that's what I did with the tats. I cared enough about the person to overlook various imperfections (like we all have of course), like ignoring a birthmark or a mole. Body piercing is in a similar category. Earrings are one thing... but I'm sorry... nose piercings, lips, eyebrows... other... stuff... just vulgar and gross. If I'm bothering anyone here who has those things, sorry about that. It's just how I see it.I really enjoyed reading your views on tattooing, I must say. I've never been a huge fan of piercings on myself. Tongue studs make kissing interesting but they fail to do much more than that. :) If other people have them, that's great! I know it may sound odd, but the thought of something poking my skin thousands of times is slightly more appealing than one needle going right through the skin. As this is a thread regarding tattooing, I guess I better add that tattoos don't really do much for most people either. :p I'm just impressed by the sheer skill of some of the artwork. It fascinates me.
Many tattoos are (sorry to say) "eh, whatever" because they don't hold significant value to the person. Most people venture into a tattoo shop and choose something, in 10 minutes, that will be on them forever. That is often the cause of regret. It's different when you plan it out, research and design something yourself. I know that many people don't or don't think they have the artistic skill to draw something themselves. I think I said this before but I'd rather have my own artwork on me forever, than something that came out of a book on a whim decision.
Pinky
12-31-2009, 04:34 AM
How about this for an idea... have the design you like printed on a t-shirt and wear it every single day, under whatever else you're wearing even, but without exception every day. If you still like it by the time the t-shirt is worn out.. then get the tattoo :)
Or, stick the design on the wall opposite your bed/computer/office space and look at it all day every day - if you still like it after 6 months (which seems to be the general waiting time for the absolutely awesome artists), go for it. If you don't....try a different design and start again :).
SedonaThunder
12-31-2009, 09:10 AM
Found it! I've been looking for this picture since this conversation started. I was standing around in Tully's one day, and while I was waiting for my coffee I was listening to this way techie conversation going on at the table behind me. They sounded like "microsoft geeks" and when I peeked over they had the look too - but then my co-worker said "wow, I bet you like that guys tattoos, huh?" I turned around for a better look and ended up having to go say hello, ask if I could take a picture and find out where he got them done. My picture doesn't do them justice - they were pretty cool... however, when I asked about him about his relationship with horses he had an odd answer. I thought a guy with tattoos like these would have a story or something - but he just said "my wife has a horse so we spend a good amount of time at the boarding stable with him". Perhaps he just didn't want his other techie friends to hear how he really felt? I hope.
http://inlinethumb28.webshots.com/17819/2048332920057455579S425x425Q85.jpg
dame_wolf
12-31-2009, 10:41 AM
I'd hope so too. That's not the best reason to get inked!
I'd hope so too. That's not the best reason to get inked!A good friend of mine has a lovely picture of a 30s microphone over top of a couple of random colours. It's so odd and unthought out! I keep trying to find the picture, but I have a feeling that she took it down after people started asking what the blob was. :D Those horses are beautiful and very well done. I think he's probably embarrassed about his horsey love. After all, he does have 4! As much as I want to get a horse, i've seen very few incredible horse tattoos. I don't find that a lot of animals transfer well.
When I went in to get my appointment, he told me I could get an appointment in 2-3 weeks. I would have, but I don't exactly live here anymore.
ETA: I live in a small community of 100,000. Which is still considered small by our standards. :p If I decided to go to a larger city then I'm sure the wait would have been longer.
offgridgirl
12-31-2009, 12:19 PM
Found it! I've been looking for this picture since this conversation started.
http://inlinethumb28.webshots.com/17819/2048332920057455579S425x425Q85.jpg
WOW now that is cool!! and the detail!!:cool:
dame_wolf
12-31-2009, 02:24 PM
i've seen very few incredible horse tattoos. I don't find that a lot of animals transfer well.
That's why I got a stone wolf. It's incredible and not meant to be a live detailed wolf. Just a hand carved stone and it is exactly what I wanted! I have a friend that has some horses and they really look flat and cartoonish.
Horseaholic
12-31-2009, 02:45 PM
I'd hope so too. That's not the best reason to get inked!
I don't think there are good reasons or bad reasons to get tattooed.( maybe besides that awful curse of putting someones name on you :p ) If it's something you like the looks of then go for it if you're sure. I have some tattoos that have meanings and others that mean absolutely nothing...it's art...it doesn't have to mean something to you and you don't have to have a reason to enjoy it.
those horses are pretty well done...horses are a hard thing to tattoo and not look cheesey or down right terrible. I want a horse but I'm just not positive where I want it and if it will be what I want when it's done.
dame_wolf
12-31-2009, 03:29 PM
I don't think there are good reasons or bad reasons to get tattooed.( maybe besides that awful curse of putting someones name on you :p ) If it's something you like the looks of then go for it if you're sure. I have some tattoos that have meanings and others that mean absolutely nothing...it's art...it doesn't have to mean something to you and you don't have to have a reason to enjoy it.
My wife has horses and we spend a lot of time at the barn? Not a good reason. They are awesome and I like the way they look? Better. Would you get a tat of something that your guy liked just because he liked it? What if they divorced? J likes dirt bikes but I'm not getting a dirt bike tat no matter how well it is done. Now if I liked them too that would be different.
cheval
12-31-2009, 03:40 PM
I got mine for myself. For no one else and not to be cool or unique. I wanted a dragon tattoo and I got one. I don't plan on getting another one.
I think the dumbest thing a person can do though is to get another person's name tattooed on their body. Not smart!
dame_wolf
12-31-2009, 03:48 PM
I think the dumbest thing a person can do though is to get another person's name tattooed on their body. Not smart!
I'm really torn about this one. I don't think it's smart but I love that my dad has my mom's name on his arm. He has a heart with a ribbon around it and mom's name is on the ribbon. They've been married for 33 years...
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