Let's talk about tattoos!
31I'm a big fan of them and find myself perusing through pictures of tattoo designs all the time and trying to get new ideas for things I might like. They fascinate me. Every one has it's own story and has a unique meaning to the owner. I'm much more partial to ones that have an actual deeper meaning than getting one as a gimmick of course, but hey, it's your body, do what you want.
I only have one personally, I'll get in to what that is in a second, but have been giving serious thought to getting a half or three quarter sleeve on my right arm. I've got a few ideas of things that I'd like to incorporate but am still hashing out ideas in my head for what I'd like before I have someone design in for me. My mom is thrilled about it. All of the sarcasm possible in the world went in to that sentence.
So let's hear about your tats. What do you have and why did you get it? Any tattoo regrets? Not a tattoo fan or don't have any? That's okay too, tell us why you don't like them or what you'd consider getting if you're still a blank canvas.
I'll start.
I've got one tattoo which is located on my right rib cage. It's a memorial for a very good friend that I lost in college. Here's the story of how my tattoo came to be:
I played rugby in college and the person my tattoo is for was a teammate of mine. He was number 7 on our team. The day that he passed away we were warming up for an intramural basketball game at a gym on campus when he collapsed and had a series of heart attacks at which time we rushed him to the hospital and he passed away. I had to tell you that part though to get to the next part.
I always knew that I wanted to get a tattoo to remember Scott but I had a really hard time deciding on a design. I had a general idea of what I wanted and knew that I wanted his number included but couldn't quite put my finger on how it should look.
Two years had passed since his death. I was working out at the rec center on campus and I saw a guy walk by with a tattoo of a 7 on his left calf. It was exactly what I wanted. So I stalked the guy in the gym for the next 20 minutes creepily trying to get a better look at the design. Eventually I approached him and asked him about it. I told him the story of Scott collapsing that day 2 years ago and as I started to tell him about why I was interested in his tattoo he stopped me. He was at the gym the day Scott passed away. He saw the whole thing happen and had kept us in his thoughts over the years and even come to a few of our rugby matches in support of us after that day.
We chatted for a while and he agreed to let me take a photo of the design and encouraged me to incorporate it into my own if I wanted. On May 22, 2005, which would have been Scott's 21st birthday and just 3 weeks after running in to that guy, I got my tattoo. It was the exact same 7 that I saw on that guys leg with the letters S and G, Scott's initials of course, flanked on either side. I loved it immediately and I knew that I had done exactly what I wanted to honor my friend.
About 2 weeks after I got my tattoo done, that guy walked in to the restaurant I worked at. I had the chance to show him what I had gotten and thank him for allowing me to incorporate his design in to my tattoo. He was thrilled to see it and we shared a true moment of mutual respect. I had never seen him before that day in the gym and I've never seen him since.
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Damn, thanks for sharing that with us, it's sad and beautiful. I love the simple design.
I have one, but it's on the back of my neck so I'd love another where I can see it. The one I have basically translates to unconventional woman, but can also mean dangerous woman. I have a design for my next one, from a book I've had for two decades. I just need life to stop getting in the way.
@jaremelz This is what I hope will be my other tattoo. It's from a book of French spot illustrations from the 20s. I love the literature and clothing and feel of that era. I would actually have the clothing cover her, because I should have a little class, right? But she's perfect, feminine and ready to fight. And yes, I used a coconut from an almond joy wrapper to cover the breast, deal with it.
I got a tattoo when I was in college. The story goes as such. 5 friends were talking about tattoos and peircings. Turns out, all of us had thought about getting one, the other, or both. So, hell, let's go do it now. I wasn't actually planning on getting one as I hadn't worked out exactly what I wanted yet. I had an idea, though, and figured I'd work with the artist to design what I'd want.
We get there, and people start getting tattoos while I'm talking to my artist, and looking at things on the wall. Then, it strikes me, he draws it out and I get it done on my right shoulder blade.
I have no pictures of it due to the location, but it's a dragon in the shape of an infinity symbol, which means Infinite imagination to me.
It's a bit faded over the years and could really use a touch up, but I've also played around with getting it covered up to get something a bit larger. Something similar to this with some modifications:
I just can't justify spending the money to do it.
I only have one but want more. It's a really simple design but I love it! I have always loved cats...and really all animals. I was absolutely terrified to get a tattoo but had wanted one forever.
I really want to get a memorial tattoo for my parents but I haven't quite yet figured out what I want. My first thought was a yellow rose (my mom's favorite) and the Texas flag (one of my dad's favorite things) but that just reads too redneck in my mind and not at all my style. I recently saw a tattoo that was the shape of Texas with a flower inside the silhouette that I really liked so something like that might be what I end up. A good friend of mine is a tattoo artist and said he would help me come up with a good design but we haven't sat down to talk about it yet.
@stardate820926 Oooh, i love that tattoo!
@stardate820926 the cat is so simple and elegant. Really nice.
@stardate820926 yeah, that's a cool tat.
@stardate820926 I like it! Mrow!
@stardate820926 what about yellow rose of Texas?
I just realized 2 of our 3 cats are in the background of this picture. Seems fitting hahaha
i've always wanted a tattoo, but could never decide on a design. recently, i've thought about getting one for my astrological sign of Leo. but, the designs i've seen aren't unique enough. i'd make my own design, but my drawing skills are pretty much limited to stick figures.
@carl669 I have my sign inside a little flower on my rib cage. I had it done by Lyle Tuttle when I was a teenager.
@carl669 I've wanted a Leo/dragon design. But I can't draw and I don't have any shops close. Someday I'll find someone and get the image out of my head and on to my body.
@carl669 I can’t draw at all- what I did was make a terrible sketch to show what I wanted, then have the tattoo artist redraw it for me.
I don't have any tattoos because I've heard that if you have tattoos you can't be buried in a Jewish orthodox cemetary.
@Starblind I didn't know you were Jewish orthodox
@Foxborn I'm not... I JUST LIKE TO KEEP MY OPTIONS OPEN!
@Starblind Had a feeling that was coming
@MEHcus Yeah, I'm contractually obligated to do that routine when tattoos or piercings are mentioned. I have another dirtier tattoo joke that I only do after 10 for adult audiences: "To show my love of Shakespeare I had the complete text of Hamlet tattooed on my body. I won't say where exactly but you can't read Acts IV & V when it's cold in the room."
@MEHcus I agree with what you say about tats being more interesting when they have meaning, and in that aspect you've memorialized your friend very well. I'm a tattoo virgin, but not for long. After more than a decade of trying to decide on a lifelong design, I'm getting a tat on my forearm of my wife's initial "V." It has to be vintage-looking to represent timelessness, romantic but masculine, black and skin color only, like the color of wrought iron.
Picture a black square block with rough edges and the negative space (no ink) inside the block make up a vintage V with tendrils and vines around it.
I'm stoked, and thinking this could lead to more!
@gregormehndel Good idea. Sometimes my wife can be as cold and unmalleable as wrought iron too! (kidding)
@medz Ha, believe me, the humor is not lost on me. On the other hand, my wife is so awesomely fiery sometimes that I should probably get some flames around this tat, but the color thing isn't my style at this point.
My DIL has a spiral on her inner wrist done in white ink. It's really cool, looks like she rested her hand on something and it left an impression.
@KDemo My wife wanted to get my name somewhere in white ink. (she's a whitey, herself) Either wrist, foot, or inside of a finger. The problem is she scars very easily, so we were worried it would welt up and look more pink than white.
@medz I'm convinced something like that would happen to me. My skin hates healing and... doing things good skin does.
@MEHcus with the length of your post I'm thinking you're trying to compete with @joelmw. I request a word battle.
@denboy Yeah I probably should have separated the story in to a thread comment. Oh well, what's done is done.
@MEHcus LOL. I came here to post this, but you beat me to it. Thanks for sharing your story, and the tat is great.
@MEHcus That's perfect. Or should I say, "parfect."
I like to think that "ragrets" is actually a thing, somehow associated with mullets perhaps.
@denboy @MEHcus I'm gonna have to take a TL;DR on this one--for now. But thanks for thinking of me, denboy. And you go with the verbulating, MEHcus.
I've been contemplating a tattoo, but I can't even decide which direction to go with it. Many of the people I most care about are well-tatted, including my stepson. I'd kinda like it if he dropped in here, but I'm not sure this forum would be his kind of thing. He's a great kid. Maybe I can hit him up for some photos; he's got some I can just steal from FB for that matter (but I'd ask, because it would feel weird to not).
I am developing a philosophy of the tat. Maybe, if you're unlucky, I'll share it. Pretty basic, actually, but I'm sure I can use lots of words to say it.
@joelmw oh please share, don't tease us....and please don't make me beg any longer
@joelmw Kind of looked like you were saying this forum wouldn't be his thing because he's a good kid. Implication: I am not a good kid. (Everything is about me, right?) And you were always a little apprehensive about having me here.
Thanks, dad. Love, your one and only daughter.
(I always knew I'd be the only child who managed to not be the favorite child. I thought it would be that best friend you guys loved so much. Turned out, it was the step-sibling who swooped in years later. Time to go cry in the corner again.)
@christinewas Don't feel bad, I'm an only child, too, and I've been replaced by a dog. Whenever I go to visit my mom, with her dog, it's "Oh, here comes Lady!" (I ain't no lady), or "I'm so happy that Lady is here." I quickly disappear into the background. But that's okay, I love my mom with all of my heart and she loves me, too. :)
@christinewas
i've got 13. my favorite would have to be the popes crucifix staff with a unicursal hexagram behind it (as featured on the Current 93 album 'Dogs Blood Rising'. I had David Tibet sign it in NYC in 1998.... went and had the autograph inked in for good measure.
Aw yeah...bow-chicka-bow-wow This is gonna be another one of those sexy threads! Sorry, no pics of my hawt body.
I have 2 tattoos and looking to get a 3rd. I'm a fan of simple, black ink designs.
-First tat I got at age 17 is an initial on my left pec (over my heart) in memory of my best friend lost in a car accident.
-2nd tat is my wife's initials on my ring finger. I usually wear a ring over it, but I take it off when I sleep so I'll forget it occasionally. Nice to have something permanently there. Also good when doing manual labor and not wanting my finger/ring to swell up and get stuck/broken if I wang it on something.
-3rd tat I want to get is of my daughter's name. I was thinking collar bone, ribs, inner bicep, or maybe down my spine... but I can't make up my mind. I want this one to be bigger, but I need to decide on a location first and then the design. Probably going to be just text again. Might use her middle name too in a cross-like orientation...I don't know. Open to ideas!
I have 0 but I love tattoos. But I love them. I have a weird fascination of wanting to touch though. I don't know why my mind can't get that it's the same as before the tattoo. But it looks different. Maybe it's the little kid in me. Growing old is mandatory. Growing up is 1000% optional
@sohmageek Sometimes, depending on the technique of the artist and reaction of the person's skin, the tattoo might be raised up! This provides some gratifying tactile feedback when you do touch it. Mine are pretty flat, but I think it's cool when they stand up a bit.
Also they're just fun to play with...stretching and squishing the skin. Hours of entertainment!
I personally hold a very basic view of tattoos...they are a permanent sign of temporary insanity. disclaimer I understand people love their tattoos, just like anything else and I won't be changing their minds...nor am I trying to. Few people who get them on impulse are happy 3 years down the road however, so think ahead!
@tightwad in my experience, most people I know with tattoos don't regret them - unless the work was bad. I also don't know too many folks who impulse tattoo - most of us inked folks have plans in our heads for years before sitting down and having it done.
But none of that is comforting to the folks who do regret it. Which sucks for them, because removal is expensive and hurts a LOT.
@tightwad people who regret their tattoos probably have a high tendency for regretfulness in general. a tattoo represents a place you were in life at one point -- something significant enough that it's a part of who you are. you can have many moments like this that you don't represent with tattoos... the kind of person who accepts their past self will not likely regret any tattoos... the kind that doesn't should not get tattoos (or should learn to accept themselves).
I have 3 so far. 1 more in the works after the kid is evicted and occupies only her own body.
1st is going to be a complete shock... it's Thumper! On my left shoulder. I really did grow up with Thumper being my nickname - because I never knew when to shut up and it took me into adulthood to locate and install a filter between my thoughts and my mouth. My mom got so frustrated with all the old school methods of discipline (none of which did a damn thing but make me talk more trash) that she changed tactics. Whenever I said something rude, or hurtful, she would say, "What does Thumper say?" and make me respond, "If you can't say somethin' nice, don't say nothin' at all." It took 20 years and a tattoo'd reminder - but it finally stuck... for the most part.
2nd is my current favorite. It's a piece that celebrates my dad, really. It's a yin yang with the kanji symbols for the families that represent the current books of lessons for Kung Fu San Soo. (That or soup, they could've trolled the shit out of 'mericans 70 years ago...) It spans shoulder to shoulder in the middle of my upper back and hurt like hell - giving me the chance to use the tried and true San Soo practice of Focal Point Meditation to keep from punching the artist. My dad made it a point to teach me KFSS mostly so I would have the tools to learn self control and discipline - this complemented my mother's attempts at making me acknowledge when I was hurtful. The lessons and practice have served me well in life - and are part of why my relationship with my dad is so strong. Even though he's my step-father, he's my dad.
(Yes, my mom did point out that dad's tattoo is bigger than hers...)
3rd is a ring finger tattoo of the trinity knot. @Humper has one too. We both learned that not all artists are adept at all things with this one, as both of us think our ring symbol tats look like crap and wish we'd found someone better at fine line work. But it's damned nice to be able to forgo wearing rings whenever we feel like it and still have that symbol there. Even with a few blown out lines, it makes me happy to know that wherever he is - he has the same shitty tattoo.
The next one's for the baaaaaaaaaaaaby...
@Thumperchick I love the idea of ring tattoos. My husband works with his hands a lot and I was worried about him wearing a ring when we first got married. Other than being a bit dinged up it hasn't caused him any problems so we never really pursued it.
I kind of love that yours aren't "perfect". I think it makes them special and uniquely yours.
@stardate820926 That's what started it - my husband cannot wear jewelry while working with electricity. Well, he could... but I'd be a widow pretty quick...
@stardate820926 @Thumperchick I originally wanted to get my wife's first name on the ring finger, but the first place said they wouldn't do it. The 2nd guy I talked to cautioned that it may start to fade quickly since people tend to use their hands a lot. It seems tattoo artists don't like doing hands much especially if it's a small piece. We settled on a bit larger font and just her initials. Looks pretty good still after at least 4 years.
@medz It is a difficult spot. We ended up going with a bolder design to counter some of that. I'm glad you found a design that works for you guys!
@stardate820926 @Thumperchick I don't know about ring tattoos. The odds of remaining married are about 50% against it, as I'm sure most of us here know. I got married forever when I got married the first time. Turned out he was fucking anything that moved, and it took me 16 years to discover that. The wife really is some times the last to know. He was overseas when I found out and fortunately he'd left his wedding ring with me. I sold it to pay for the divorce. Can't do that with a ring tattoo.
@Teripie that statistic is widely skewed. We're happy with our choice and tend not to carry other people's relationship woes into our marriage.
It's a shame that you would apply your terrible experience to my marriage and choice - they're unrelated and it sucks that you would try to make someone else feel bad about being happily committed.
@Thumperchick I didn't want to make you feel bad. I should have added that I did find my "happy ever after" with my husband. We've been married 30 years as of July. That number always kinda surprises both of us as it seems just yesterday we got married. Guess the magic is still there!
@Teripie Yeah, the thought crossed my mind before getting her initials on my finger. I figure no matter what happens she'll always be an important part of my life. If she dies or divorces me, she'll still be my college sweetheart, first wife, and mother of my daughter. If I move on, the next gal will have to come to terms with that. I can always cover it up with another tattoo or another ring.
At the very least, it'll make for conversation piece and subsequent sympathy boning when I tell the ladies at the club how she done me wrong. "Oh, you poor, poor man."
In all seriousness. It'll be 9 years married this year and like 4 years of shacking up before that. I think we're going to make it.
@medz exactly. No matter how life shakes out, this decision - him - will be one of the single most impactful on my life.
When I revisit things I've written years ago, I realize I'm not as witty as I thought I was. I don't need that kind of ego deflation tattooed on me to see every day.
But if I were to get one,
@JerseyFrank Is that the Carcassonne guy? I like it!
Yep, colloquially known as a "meeple"
@JerseyFrank Carcassonne?
I don't think I could actually get the tattoo though... My "game color" is always yellow when available, and it doesn't seem like that's the best color for a solid, single color tattoo.
@luvche21 It's a board game (and a French town I guess haha) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carcassonne_(board_game)
@JerseyFrank I have the same issue with the yellow rose tattoo that I really want. I can't wear yellow so I'm sure a tattoo wouldn't be any better
@JerseyFrank Love this idea.
I have commonly thought about getting one of those arm band tattoos, but instead of a tribal marking or whatever normal people get, I would get something like this:
I would have it connect back to itself in the form of an infinite equivalent transmission line.
@Sabre99 That would be really cool!
I'm probably the minority and odd ball out here but I don't like tattoos and I would never get one. I think they look trampy and low class on people. You don't see Presidents with visible tattoos but always see rednecks with them.
If I were to hire someone and they were going to be in a customer facing job, they better not have any visible tattoos during the interview or they will probably be excluded from being hired. If they are going to dig ditches in my backyard, then they can be hired.
The same goes for weird piercings. If you have an earring, that's fine. A nose ring, or one through your tongue, lip, or eyebrow, you wouldn't be talking to any of my customers. I run a reputable business and I don't want my clients thinking that my products and services are representative of the way that associate looks.
I think I just opened the floodgates to hate mail. But oh well, it's my opinion and I'm sticking to it.
@cengland0
@cengland0 I suppose it depends on what type of customers you want. I may see your employee's tattoo or piercing and think, "Cool piece. This is a relatable person and/or a cool company I will enjoy doing business with for many years to come."
If I see a stuffy, bland person in a business suit, it may not make a positive lasting impression. Again, depends on the business and the clients.
@cengland0 I feel like this idea is a holdover from past generations and the "norm" has shifted. Visible tattoos, piercings, etc. are not something relegated to criminals and sailors anymore - even my mom got one... when she was in her late 50's.
Disliking them is totally fine! Calling someone trampy or low class because of a tattoo seems... rude?
But hey - I totally judge people with neck or face tattoos, so maybe I'm a hypocrite.
@cengland0
@medz I agree, the salespeople or customer facing reps in suits all make me think of the old stereotypical used car salesman - it immediately puts me on guard.
@cengland0 Hey, as a 'mehrican, and as an American, I appreciate the voice of dissent. Although I don't actually agree with you on this topic (I'm old enough yet young enough to have seen tattoos become a norm that I no longer judge), one should not stifle one's views and opinions. Proper discourse demands many perspectives, and it is in my opinion a right of yours to speak without experiencing hatred (as long as you aren't asking for it by your manner). So kudos to you!
@cengland0 OOH! It's going to be awesome when we get our first tattooed President! That's progressive, baby.
@Thumperchick Indeed. The "norm" has shifted. I work with a couple gals who are only 10-20 years older than me and they have small tattoos from back in their teenage days. There is nothing wrong with the tattoos; they still look nice. They act all embarrassed, however, when one happens to peek out. I think it's because when they got them it was still taboo and they figure it still comes with some sort of rebellious stigma that they're too mature for now. I'm just like, "Meh". I think it's pretty cool that they have 'em.
@tightwad Wow, "Faggy lameness"? This chart lost me here.
@Bogie I think they're using the South Park definition of that word.
@medz definitely SP usage there.
@Thumperchick @medz I've only seen a few episodes of South Park, so I guess I missed the reference?
@medz @Thumperchick That doesn't (or, IMO, shouldn't) really make it acceptable though. Whether someone means harm in casually tossing out a slur like that or not, it's weird to think one 'gets a pass' because some piece of popular culture used it in a seemingly innocuous manner. Meanwhile, for plenty of queer folks, it's still just the word you hear before someone starts kicking your ass. Meh.
@gregormehndel @tightwad @MEHcus @medz @Thumperchick @cengland0 (and here's part of it, @denboy) I don't see how this is anything but a culture thing, especially when one considers that in certain cultures (and subcultures) skin markings are a sign of honor and in certain others they are just the opposite. And I think it's okay to speak from the confines of your culture, as long as you understand the danger that you'll likewise be judged (perhaps too harshly) as parochial.
I'd argue that to the extent that I as an individual or we as people desire to be (and to be understood as) open, progressive, inclusive, supportive of free expression (and these are some of my values), it behooves us to make room for this form of speech and identity. That being said, I understand that our society and especially certain sectors aren't so accepting, and tattoos are particularly permanent, so--arguably as with many other forms of expression--there are risks to be weighed and one shouldn't be surprised by the consequences of one's choices. That doesn't mean that the consequences are always fair or just, but they can usually be anticipated.
And tattoos aren't intrinsically good or admirable either. Some are just plain stupid and reveal more about the individual than good sense might have counseled them to reveal.
To me a tattoo is an opportunity to make a bold and enduring statement (to others and to oneself). It should be considered carefully. And, among other things, to the extent that you care what other people think about you, well, consider what others might think.
I'd also say, on this culture and judgment thing: among the places I see tattoos disproportionately are the arts and the best bars and restaurants (my wife and I often joke that being covered with tattoos must be a requirement for staff at the Company Cafe on Greenville in Dallas; Dallas peeps, amirite?) and in the coolest communities. The people I know who are tatted tend to be confident, creative, focused and a little weird. These are people that I like and people that I want to emulate. But there are some subcultures that revel in tattoos that I don't particularly care for; I won't say which.
In addition to the obvious act of expression, I think that tattoos say something about one's willingness to make a commitment--and again, that's neither unequivocally good or bad, and it can emphatically be either.
I'm tentatively committed, when I find something that I want to say for the rest of my life and I figure out where to put it, Ima do it.
One might say that what we say online is a form of tattoo (in terms of its continuity)--and, despite what some might think, I often reflect on that fact.
@Bogie There was an episode where they officially changed the definition of "fag" to not be a derogatory term for a gay person. Instead, it was used in reference to annoying Harley Davidson riders who seem to want to intentionally annoy people with their loud, ass-hatted behavior. This definition could apply to anyone who is annoying, obnoxious, or just generally lame. Therefor, a predictably lame back tattoo might earn this distinction.
@brhfl Agreed. I would have chosen another term had I created that image.
@medz Thanks for the explanation. Either way, I don't really find it appropriate. But that's just me personally. I think it struck my cranky bone because I have LGBT friends and also have a dragon on my shoulder blade.
@joelmw So, are you going to commit to one or not? Committing to marriage is a much bigger decision I'd think and you've got that one down.
@joelmw If you need help deciding you can always to a tat sim.
@medz This was the way I interpreted that as well, it isn't a term I would have used had I created the chart . I work with many people who prove the chart wrong but I also have dealt with many many more who prove it right. Just remember that being inclusive includes being inclusive to those who hold "old fashioned" viewpoints and isn't something only "progressive" people are entitled to.
@Thumperchick Just to be clear, I never stated people with tattoos are trampy. I said they look trampy. But, if the shoe fits, then wear it.
@medz Regarding the types of customers I want, those are actually not individuals but businesses. I provide products and services to large companies and all the executives that I deal with are all clean-cut without any tattoos or weird piercings. Wonder why that is?!?! How many CEO's of large companies do you know have face tattoos?
@medz
Yes it has. But is the norm the correct values? Smoking was the norm at one time but it isn't anymore. People decide for themselves what they want to do to their bodies and I have the right to judge them based on their bad decisions.
@cengland0 Ooh, I found one! The CEO of Cash Money Records:
(I fully realize that this only serves to prove your point. However, I was genuinely excited to find one!)
@cengland0 I also think there is a huge difference in having a tattoo on your arm or leg vs a face tattoo. That seems like a huge leap to me. I guarantee some of those "clean cut executives" have tattoos under their suits.
@stardate820926 If you think there is a difference between a tattoo on a leg, then you are judging people based on a bad decision too.
Would you hire this person to deal with customers face to face?
@cengland0 but that would cover the super cute tattoo on my foot!
@Bogie @brhfl I agree with you.
@cengland0 booooooooo! give 0 fucks what folks do with their bodies full stop
@cengland0 I don't disagree. It am judging based on what I think is a bad decision but still stand by that there is a difference between them. Do people get tattoos for stupid reasons? Absolutely! Does that mean all of them are stupid? Absolutely not!
I am very much a "to each their own" kind of person. No way could I tell someone that a memorial to a friend or family member is trashy. As for our friend with the spider, it would entirely depend on the company and clientele.
Because I'm me. Not that I have this tattoo, just that I'm old enough to remember this show.
This is a really bad picture of it because I had to bend at a weird angle to get it.. but I have a memorial tattoo on my left shoulder. My cousin Brian died in a car accident (in the USA) while I was in Baghdad, and it really hit me hard. My whole family has always been really close knit, so it was hard on all of us. It was especially difficult because we went into a "commo blackout" moments after I was told.. I couldn't even call anyone or get online to talk.. I found out when a family friend sent me a message on AOL Messenger that said "Did you hear about Brian?? He's dead man, he's fucking dead!" and then the internet was cut off.. I wasn't able to call home for hours, and I wasn't able to come home for the funeral or anything.
My grandmother came up with the Bible verse to go on the tattoo, and a lot of my cousins got the same cross and verse design, but everyone had the background a little different. Most of them had some sort of starburst behind the cross in different colors. I wanted a flag, so this is what I got:
At some point in the future I want another tattoo on my right shoulder. It will be my combat patch (1AD) over the american flag patch. Probably some sort of camo background (I haven't decided between BDU, DCU, or ACU yet).
Oh, and I named my son Brian, after my cousin :)
@kadagan @MEHcus There are a few instances where my feelings on Tattoos wavers and memorial tattoo's is one of them, it's a powerful way to express your loss and suffering.
@kadagan I like the "same but different" approach. I have some friends, a family full of amazing people, who all have butterflies in memory of the sister/daughter they lost. Not normal butterflies. I don't know how to describe them, but they're great. One of the absurdly gifted brothers drew them and there's a different one on the arm of each brother and both parents. The way they remember her, beyond the ink, is also beautiful. She had passed away before I met her family, but I feel like she is somehow a part of my life.
I always wanted a tattoo.
Now, at age 65, I look in the mirror and think, "Oh thank god I didn't do it!" I can just imagine my wrinkled old ass with a trap stamp!
@Teripie "trap stamp" makes it sound like it is in a very uncomfortable location.
@Teripie
Since @MEHcus is considering a 1/2 or 3/4 sleeve, I reckon we should discuss that specifically. I, for one, am not a huge fan of tattoo sleeves. I like my tattoos to be separate distinguishable pieces where the skin to tat ratio is in favor of skin. For instance, I don't mind a large tattoo that covers a majority of the back as long as there is some skin to frame it in.
A sleeve can be one big piece, I suppose, and that's totally fine, but if there is zero percent blank skin then it just looks too busy to me. It's like an art gallery where all the paintings are smashed up against one another covering a single wall instead of spread through the entire room. I was never big into collages as a kid and that's what a tattoo sleeve seems like to me.
@medz I agree on this. I'm a big fan of fine line work and realism. The designs I'm looking at will have a few very distinguishable pieces which use detailed line work to separate each piece and utilizes my natural skin color to bring out each one individually. Here's an example of one that I really like that shows the type of tat I'd like to get, just have to figure out what my version is:
@MEHcus oooh! Nice!! I admire people that know what they want.
@MEHcus That does look pretty nice.
@MEHcus Those would be very nice if they were on the wall and not someone's arm.
So who wants to play the game of "Guess where @hollboll's Delorian tattoo is?"
@sohmageek behind her left ear
@sohmageek what a creepy question.
@ChadP Very creepy
@MEHcus @chadp @hollboll it's in reference to the video yesterday. But I guess it is a little creepy. Wasn't meaning it that way. I should think before I speak. @jaremelz why did that sound so creepy!
@sohmageek Hey, I got the reference.
I've got 6. On my right inner leg (above my ankle) is Belldandy from Oh My Goddess!. I got her because I loved Anime when I was 18. I dunno that I regret this, but if I went back in time to 17, I wouldn't bother getting this again because I'm not a fanboi anymore. It'll be fun to show to my boys when they're old enough to handle subtitles and can watch the series.
On the left outer leg (above my ankle) is El Oso from Soul Coughing because their music was pretty big growing up. It was also perfect to cover up a black tattoo I didn't want anymore. No regrets at all with that one.
On my left inner leg (above my ankle) is a blue/back Native American bear claw. I was covering up a black tattoo with this one and this was one of the few designs I could find that would work. I don't regret it, but it has no significance to me other than the joy of not having the other tattoo anymore.
On my right outer leg is my biggest piece. I really liked an artists organic growth artwork, so I told him to just draw whatever he wanted in that fashion. He had me pick out a face I liked from a book of pin-ups and then just started adding stuff until he had, for lack of a better word, a Tree Bitch. My favorite tattoo by far.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152132003801435&set=a.10150399416011435.375961.725891434&type=3&theater
My right wrist was a yellow-black nautical star. A friend and I got matching ones of these (hers on the nape of her neck) and then things got awkward, so I had the yellow slices changed to fade from yellow to orange to red as they work toward the middle. So the middle looks red-hot and cooling off as it radiates out to the tips. I don't regret this, but I wouldn't bother getting it again if I had a second chance.
And on my left ring finger is my wedding band. After I lost two physical rings, I decided on a more permanent fix. It incorporates pieces from my wife's Green Man tattoo (full moon as the stone, the two crescent moons on the side as the setting, leaves as the ring). My only regret on this one is that the pain was so bad that I flinched at one point and caused a miss. To fix it, he had to make one of the lines overly thick to try to cover it up.
Apparently I didn’t know how to embed an image last year.
Oooh, can I compete for long story points? So...at 17 I decided I wanted a tattoo. I'm an only child of Jewish parents and my mother is/was super-overprotective and neurotic. I came home and told her I wanted a tattoo and she freaked -the fuck- out. It ended up in a huge fight with yelling and crying and I stormed out and went to my boyfriend's house.
I came home later that night but didn't talk to her at all. And I didn't talk to her the next day either. But then the NEXT day my mom called me into her bathroom and closed the door. She handed me $80 and said to make sure I go someplace safe and clean and recommended I don't tell my father.
I couldn't believe my ears, but hey - I took the money and I went with my boyfriend and got a tattoo at a reputable place. I don't regret it, but I do wish I would've chosen something original. Instead, in my haste, I plucked a design I liked right off the wall. Looking at it now, it was a pretty generic, cheesy design of a rose with a tribal symbol behind it (on the cleavage area of my left boob, because it's the bigger of the two; easy to hide or show depending on my mood and outfit). I'm sure you've seen the like a hundred times before. I promise I've never worked as a prostitute.
A year or more later, I finally got around to asking her what changed her mind. Apparently, she ran into our next door neighbors while she was getting the mail. Our next door neighbors were both FBI agents (which, neither here nor there, but I suppose she respected their opinions). My mom was teary-eyed, so neighbor-lady asked her what was wrong. She told the story. Neighbor-lady said, "Marcee's a good kid, right?" Yes. "She doesn't drink or do drugs. She doesn't get into trouble, right?" That's true too. (And it really was.) "And she's 17 now, no?" She is. "And she told you she wanted a tattoo?" Yea. "What kid does that? She didn't have to tell you anything. In fact, in a few months, she'll be 18 and can do practically anything she wants without your permission." Neighbor-lady had a point. And with that conversation, my mom realized what a great relationship we had, what a good kid I was and that a tattoo wasn't the end of the world.
My dad didn't find out until I was 26.
@marcee So... How did your dad respond when he found out?
@Bogie Actually, it was pretty sad. He was hurt that we all kept it from him all those years. He got over it, though. I also failed to mention that I ultimately married that boyfriend who went with me, so there's sentimental value in the experience, if not the image.
@marcee I was terrified to show my dad after I got my tattoo, even though I was 30 years old and married when I got it. I just knew he would be disappointed in me. He never really liked tattoos and wouldn't have gotten one himself if someone paid him to do it.
I showed it to him the day after I got it and he didn't really say much but didn't give me that look either. I found out a few days later he had been telling everyone about it and how much he liked it haha
@stardate820926 Aww I like that story.
I got one in the late '90s. I just wanted something timeless and classic, so it's the Taco Bell chihuahua peeing on Slobodan Milosevic, and it says “Fear This” in the No Fear logo font.
@matthew
@matthew Attention @medz calling @medz make this happen @moose someone make this real
@ChadP Sure thing! I'll just need a shirtless photo of @matthew first. Make it happen.
No tattoos for me yet. My husband and I want to get one together but we just haven't picked what we want yet. We both want to get something that has a lot of meaning to us.
@hollboll something like this?
@hollboll
I have one tattoo, which is on my right arm. It's an image from the cover of a Dave Matthew's Band album Before These Crowded Streets. That was the album that got me to take my guitar playing seriously and was an inspiration for me to go to music school.
I'm currently in the market for my second, something reflecting my son. Haven't got it quite figured out yet.
I don't have anything that I want permanently on me, yet anyway. I'm not opposed to them or anything.
However, once upon a time I went to a friend's wedding in his hometown, and while partying there, somehow decided it was a good idea to convince his sister that I did have a tattoo. The tattoo was purportedly a Crown Royal bag in a suitably shaped location associated with the male anatomy. Further, I claimed to keep only hairs appropriately located for the stitching dyed gold and braided around the periphery. I could not properly estimate the amount of begging to see it that this story would cause, but I never did let her see.
I have seven and none of them (except the last two) really have any deep meaning. For the most part, I found something I liked, took it to a tattoo artist, and had them ink me.
I have a tiny little purple Saturn that I got when I was 17 and 'rebellious'. I do not regret it. I have a crappy little line-drawn butterfly with two tiny little hearts that I got with my best friend at 19 or 20 on my left upper arm. I may eventually cover it with something else, but I don't regret it. I have a purple butterfly with a pink design background in the 'tramp stamp' area, from before I'd ever even heard the term. shrugs I was married when I got that one.
On the back of my neck and between my upper shoulders I have another larger butterfly that looks like it's resting on ribbons or something. I never see it, so I have no idea what it looks like now... I have my husband's nickname in large letters he designed on one asscheek. I don't regret this one, but I would have liked it better were it done in a different color. But again, I never see it back there.
The only two that have real meaning (to me) behind them are the two stars on my wrists. I got them after I stopped playing roller derby to always remind me of the time in my life when I was a true badass doing things that I never thought I was capable of. One star is purple, since that was my signature color, and the other is my team's color. Without derby, I never would have found the courage to leave my first husband, wouldn't have met my current husband, wouldn't have moved away from my hometown, wouldn't have ever really lived.
I want to get more, and have ideas of what I want, but money is a bit of an issue. Maybe once the kids are grown there will be money for tattoos again.
I have 5, I want more. Mine are all easy to cover so far. But I really want one on my forearm (inside) just haven't decided what yet. Most of the guys I work with have tattoos. If any of the women do (besides me) I haven't seen it. I'll have to ask when we have our Christmas girls night (we are spread out in different buildings). I'm probably the oddball though.
I don't really have any that are super meaningful. I have a pirate fish, the evil monkey from Family Guy, purple flowers, heart with flower, and a sun design.
I'd probably have more if I didn't live in a small town with no tattoo places near by.
My 17 year old daughter has been wanting one for a while now. I'd agree to it if she could pick one design and location, but she hasn't seemed to decide, plus she's unemployed so she can't afford it. One day we'll probably drive a few hours and get them done together or something.
My husband has a gorgeous male lion protecting two cubs, for our two boys. I always tease him about the missing lioness.... My tattoo is covered up, is a changing butterfly, and is for me. I'm definitely all business, and very conservative. Sometimes we need reminders to ourselves of what is possible.
I have always wanted to get the number 31 done somewhere to commemorate the age when I was diagnosed with my brain tumor. A lot happened in that year, including losing my hearing on one side. My problem is that I still do not quite know exactly where I want it done and I do not know the exact design of the 31. I have already decided that if anyone asks why 31, I am going to say that I asked for a 13.
I have... um... 15? My favorite is the Iron Man on the back of my left leg. He's about 10 inches tall.
My hubby and I have matching TARDIS tattoos on the backs of our shoulders- aww. Geeky love.
@Pony Very nice! I want to see the Tardis!!
@stardate820926 The only pic I have is the one we took right after they were done, so please pardon the red puffy factor.
@spacezorro is that Patrick Swayze as a centaur?
@stardate820926 Yes. With Rainbows.
@spacezorro nice!
I don't personally have a tattoo, but do have a short story to share about how tattoos are viewed in other cultures. I briefly worked at a members-only spa in Korea, and one day we discovered one of our new members had a tattoo on his back. Our manager told him he's not allowed in the sauna since other club members could be intimidated by his tattoo. I wasn't told exactly "what" he had tattooed on his back, but the member took the news well. The concept of tattoos are considered more shocking in Korea than in the States.
The seems like it belongs here:
I have 2 but no great meaning. I love animals and have a parrot on my left ribcage and a frog (love frogs) on my lower back just above where a tramp stamp would go.
Ladies and gentleman, the new prime minister of Canada.
I like ride so my firsr tattoo was part of bike . Now I want to make watercolor tattoo. Beautiful, right? The colors are amazing, and everything blends. It’s like having a Monet on your body. And yet, it is a difficult technique. When it goes wrong, it goes very wrong. As tattoos mature, the ink spreads and blurs. Anyone who has one knows this. It’s part of the process and is generally OK. But with watercolor tattoos, it can cause a big, old mess.
I hate them and they’re an instant dealbreaker. I see a tattoo on a girl and I have no attraction to her anymore, regardless of how cute her face may be.
@Dizavid
@Dizavid Nope, absolutely disagree on this one. I can’t wait for my wife to get a few more tattoos. I would absolutely love to see tats down her spine and on the rib cage.
@Dizavid
@Dizavid I used to feel the same way. Then I found someone I liked enough that it was “worth it” to me. (How worth it? Well, she’s my wife now.) These days, while I still don’t consider them a turn-on by any means, I find I’m no longer bothered by them. They’re just a part of the person who has them.
I’d like to say that I adore tattoos but my parents didn’t allow me to have one. But now I live alone that’s why I think to do this and I’m choosing one from http://thewildtattoo.com/fantastic-small-owl-tattoos/ . Which can you advise me?
@NoraLarsen #29, 20, and perhaps 13, but I’d be wary of the symbolism on that one.
@KDemo @noralarsen I kinda liked 29 too, although I’m not generally a fan of tattoos. I would probably stay away from “cute”. Remember one day you’ll be a 70 year old with this thing. #26 is kind of cool too.
I got my first (and most likely only) one about four months ago. It’s near my right collarbone, and consists of the words “don’t panic” in large(ish), friendly letters. The whole thing is about the size of a playing card.
My reasons for getting a tattoo at all are pretty personal, and I won’t go into a lot of detail, but suffice it to say they involve mental health issues (not least of which is an extreme fear of needles) and a big middle finger thereto. As for this specific design, I wanted it to be something that’s been important to me for a very long time - this is a permanent thing, after all, so I want it to stay relevant to me. Having been a “Hitchhiker’s” fan for more than 20 years at this point, “don’t panic” seemed nicely appropriate.
I love the thing, and don’t regret it in the least. Seeing those words in the mirror every day, knowing they’re always with me - well, it’s helped. But I don’t think I’ll ever get another.
(And as a testament to the relative anonymity of the internet, and the friendly atmosphere of these forums, this is actually the most I’ve opened up about the whole thing to anyone beyond my wife and a few select friends. Not counting myself and the artist who did it, maybe eight people even knew it existed before I made this post. Y’all are okay by me.)
@dannybeans Seeing it in the mirror? Hate to break it to you bud but your tattoo really says !ɔinɒꟼ ƚ’noᗡ
@dannybeans Nice choice!
@Moose Maybe he uses the double mirror method so it reads correctly. Or… maybe he really, really wanted to keep it personal and had it tattooed backward!
I have a rather large dragon on the back of my calf, and a castle on the side. I got them because I’ve always been into fantasy type stuff. My only regret is that I didn’t research my tattoo artist better. When I was getting the castle part done, I stopped him after the outline and went years with something I wasn’t very proud of. (And countless people asking me if it was the Disney castle. As much as I liked the Cinderella book as a kid, I’m not into it enough to get a tattoo of it)
Luckily I found an artist that redid all the shading and colored it in for me. I’m very happy with it now. I will eventually get the dragon touched up, but even though I see flaws in it, people rant and rave about it all the time.
My first choice was to get a Pegasus on my back/shoulder area, but with the coloring of the horse I used to own. I was never happy with the drawings the artist made, so I went searching for dragon art work, and I stumbled across the one I have. It just called my name when I saw it. I held onto it for a good while before finally getting it tattooed.
I have a lot of people think the castle is now the one from Harry Potter, even though it looks nothing like it. And I have had a few people think the dragon is Smaug because he’s red. Lately I’ve got comments like, “Oh, she’s got Game of Thrones on her leg!” Which, all of those things are fine, they don’t offend me.
The only people that have offended me are closed minded older folks that have lost control of their mouth filter. I’m not really sure why it bothers them that I’ve “ruined” my own body.
I have plans for a lot more. I want tattoo(s) to memorialize my dad and pay homage to our Norwegian heritage.
I want to eventually finish both legs. I’ve had plans for a blue dragon on my other calf. A fire and ice sort of thing.
I’ve thought about several more. Mainly skulls and Grim Reapers.
The only thing that’s stopping me is how expensive they are for truly quality work.
@RiotDemon Sounds awesome! Photo?
@sammydog01 sure:
@RiotDemon I really like the fire and ice theme. I am telling myself to stop with my tattoos, but they are so addicting. Plus, I love the sound of the tattoo gun, and I actually get off on the pain (ok, TMI). The arm tattoo I had done took 10.5 hours. I sat for 5.5 hours the first day, then came back the next day for 4 hours. After the first day, I said - it’s freezing in this place - he said, no, you are actually in mild shock
@RiotDemon What theme would you use for the ice dragon?
@mfladd I almost envy you that you can enjoy the pain. (Makes me wonder about some different posts you’ve made
) My leg hurt, a lot. My second artist told me that calves are usually very painful. When I was getting the castle redone, I think it took about five hours. It was painful the whole time, but towards the end when he was doing the dark purple in the sky, he really had to dig that ink in. Apparently it’s one of those colors that you have to really push in to get it to stay properly. I was in agony at that point. I didn’t want to stop and have to go through the healing process all over again. I heal pretty slow. 3-4 weeks.
I always tell people it’s worth all the pain. I’m not looking forward to it, however. I’ve been reluctant to find a decent artist because I know I’ll be out a lot of money, and will need to coordinate with time off from work so I don’t have to wear pants that will rub my leg raw, lol
@mfladd I’m not 100% sure. Anytime I think about it, I almost always envision a blue dragon, on top of a pile of jewels and coins, attacking some dwarves that were trying to steal the treasure.
@RiotDemon I like that scene. And yes, it is expensive - but it is for life - one time cost (except touch-ups). The area that bothered me the most was right below the arm pit. That made me grimace - but I still liked it
@mfladd see, my problem is that I’m pretty ticklish. I’m afraid that the vibration from the gun would make me die in a fit of giggles when I’m getting my arms done.
My poor gynecologist was very confused when she was doing a breast exam and I was laughing like a loony. Anything close to my armpits is a huge trigger. I’ve only been able to turn off my ticklishness for one person.
I’m not sure if I want to finish my fire leg first, or start the ice leg to balance them out some, or get the memorial tattoo for my dad. Tax return time is coming up. Maybe I’ll start tentatively looking for an artist.
@RiotDemon Finding the right artist is everything.
Keep me updated!
@mfladd will do!
I prefer japanese tattoos. It has some meaning for me, it reminds me about Japan (which I want to visit sooo much). I’m crazy about it ^_^.
I read about tattoos in Japan and I know they don’t really accept it. Well, i found some meaning in traditional japanese pictures, like cherry blossoms.
In Japan the cherry blossom is known as Sakura and its symbolism represents 2 things:
The Samurai class, which is defined by those belonging to the upper tiers of the warrior class.
The Buddhist belief that life is based around transition and suffering. Its delicate beauty can only be enjoyed for a fleeting moment of time.
I found very nice examples of blossoms here http://flowertattooideas.com/top-30-awesome-small-cherry-blossom-tattoos/ It looks great and I’m thinking about get some. What do you think, guys? Is it nice?
@HenriettaSwanga A couple of them are nice- I like the first one except for the circle and triangle. And i like number 12. But that author and I have different ideas of the word “small”. And people tattoo the inside of their ears? Holy crap I must be old.
@HenriettaSwang 7 and 21 are my favorites from the link. Cherry blossoms are beautiful and usually make really nice tattoos when you have a competent artist.
@RiotDemon i like 7 and 21 too and 20 with a little owl. So cute ^_^
@sammydog01 I can’t imagine it feels that great tattooing right on top of cartilage. People will tattoo anything nowadays. If you’re squeamish, avoid looking up people that tattoo their eyeballs. Just thinking about it makes me wince.
@RiotDemon I like 21 too- I think the positioning of 7 may be what is turning me off.
@RiotDemon The hand one is kind of crazy too. C’mon, people, there are still jobs where you have to cover up tattoos and you may need one some day.
@HenriettaSwang If you get one will you show us a photo? Unless you’re putting it somewhere weird.
@sammydog01 hand tattoos don’t bother me. There’s quite a few places you can work with tattoos everywhere. Unless you work in strictly corporate business type jobs, it’s way more accepted than it used to be. Face tattoos are the only thing that seem to be kinda taboo now.
I have two managers with full sleeves, and it’s not a big deal to anyone.
@RiotDemon I’m sure there are a lot of places you can even work with face tattoos but why permanently limit yourself? And full sleeve tattoos can be covered up with shirts. Get a nice butt tattoo instead. Leave your hands alone. And get off my lawn.
I have two, this is the one I like better. Idea was tree of life with the roots frozen and the branches on fire. I’d add to if if I had money and my artist hadn’t retired.
I’ve got 6, and always have at least half-formed plans for 5 or more going on in the background. I love trying to find an artist that fits an idea I have, or finding an artist that does something unique and coming up with something interesting that would fit their style. I started off thinking that they had to mean something deep and personal, but that’s changed in the recent years. Sometimes you just get a Playstation or dragon tattoo because you like Playstation and dragons.
That being said, I do have 2 “shared” tattoos, which were gotten with friends and may seem like nothing but do mean a lot to me.
Dang, this thread reminded me that I should be looking for an artist for my next larger piece. Tax returns are coming soon which means expendable money!
Ok, here are mine. The thing I love about the koi is that it was created using shading only. Lines to the scales were added after. That takes talent.
This one is on my chest.
@mfladd That crane is beautiful! What does the writing say?
@sammydog01 Yeah, it was done to look like water color. Tranquility, Wisdom, Strength. It’s my wish list.
Either that, or I got it wrong and it says “I’m with stupid” I hope I got it right.
Not that anyone cares, but here is the underside of the arm wrap.
@mfladd loving the bright colors.
C’mon people! I want to see more of your tattoos.
@carl669 Let us see that ass tattoo. I am guessing it says either “exit only” or “welcome to the Magic Kingdom”
I already have 2 tattoos. One on my right arm, one on my neck. My favorite tattoo this http://inkprofy.com/feather-tattoo/ , feather on arm