Tattoos

[BigMikeReed]

Ok guys I have a question. I want a tattoo. I have ALWAYS wanted one but for one reason or another decided to not get one. Well I'm turning 40 in a few months and I think it's time- now or never... an no it's not a "mid-life crisis" thing- I hate that term.. just at a point where I think I need to do/have some of the things that I've wanted but not allowed myself to have.

So what are your feelings on them? I know some of you have them. I'd like to know how you decided what tattoo to get and any suggestions you have.

Mike

[Rich]

I have one. It was something I always wanted, long before it became the thing to do.

One thing I did NOT want to do was jump on the bandwagon and get something
a) in a language I don't speak
b) that is from a culture that is not mine
c) that every other schmuck on the beach has

I did want it to mean something to me though. And my whole life whenever I thought of a tatoo, I just couldn't imagine anything serious or scary. In the end, I decided to go with something that reflects one of my life philosophies, which is to NEVER take yourself too seriously.

So I got a tatoo of Marvin the Martian. One of my favourite character of all time, because he was just so ridiculous. To that I added the initials of my wife and kids, because ... well ... because they're my wife and kids!

As for suggestions, just be sure the place you go is a clean, reputable facility. Ask them to tell you how they make sure the process is sterile. Insist on watching them take NEW needles out of the package. Ask if you can clean the bench yourself.

[mrbeefy]

I concur with everything above.

I have one on each forearm.
Left Side = Heart, with both of my kids names on them.
Right Side = Heart, with my wifes name.
I can make the hearts beat!
Why? = My father and brother have similiar ones with their kids names, tradition + plus it was an "Army Thang!" (yes, there was alcohol involved too)

CHEST = Dragon on left Pec, facing a Dragon on the right Pec.
Above them are the words, "Carpe Diem"(Seize the Day!)

Am planning on getting more. Have an idea for one for my upper back...soon ;D

Never had any problems with them. All still holding their color very well, even if they are over 25 years old.

Once I apply Pro Tan, etc., you can barely see them on stage.

Hurt? Not really. Kinda of a burning sensation on thinner skin, but nothing intolerable.

IF ya get one = PICS Bro!!!!We wanna see it!

Frank

[tiffany]

Think about where and what you want to get. Take in mind what type of work you do, I do not believe someone should be judged because the have been inked, but unfortunately many people think differently, especially those in the upper business class. Tattoos are not permitted at my place of employment so I have to make sure I do not wear any v-back tops. Some of the staff that have full sleeves have to wear long sleeved tops even in the summer and another girl I know has to put a band aid on her ankle if she wears a skirt.

No matter what you choose, as long as it is what you want, never justify it to anyone ;D

[Sal Paradise]

I have often though of getting one but have never been able to decide on something I wanted on my body that was permanent.

I actually like them to some degree.
I also feel like Rich does and don't really understand so many people jumping on the bandwagon with the languages and culture stuff that isn't mine.

Not that I don't like those, some of them are nice looking and all but just not for me.

So unless I find something so compelling that i just had to have it, I guess I will remain un-inked.

Good luck in finding something that suits you.

Sal

[mrbeefy]

I can relate with what Tiffy said.

My son has his zodiac symbol on the back of has forearm, right above his wrist. He used to work inthe restraunt industry, and he had been told on a few job interviews, lose the tattoo, or no job.

Also, when I was the in charge of the operations section of the Military Entrance Processing Station in Cleveland, many applicants were temporarily disqualifed from the military for tattoos.
One example was a swastika tattooed on the back of a persons right hand. Can you imagine him saluting with that hand?
He was temporarily disqualified. He came back with it re-tattoed to cover up the swastika, so now it just looked like 4 boxes. He was then allowed to continue processing.

SO ..there can be draw backs. Consider much, choose wisely.

[RUBICON19]

I dont have any, but I would suggest getting something with some true meaning to you. It should pop right into your head.

[chanman83]

TIFF words so correct. I work in an office as an IT consultant and I can't well not I can't its more I "shouldnt" have any that a sleeve can't cover. If I did like tiff said I would have to wear long sleeves all year round. That was the main reason I got my tats on my arm and back. I was going to get that OVERCOME tat on my forearm but instead it was put on my back.

The two I have on my upper arms are Japanese Kanji and yeah I don't speak it but I'm actually learning :-) one means strength and other means Power. I had a friend who is Japanese come with me to make sure it was WHAT they said it was. The strength means strength of my mind and power is power of preception. Many see me and go oh yeah.. cause you lift. They are totally offbase but its ok.

I got a big dragon on my back because of my love for dragons since I was a kid and the newest and prob Last is the Barbell bending and the words OVERCOME. Reason is... If it wasn't for weight training id prob be a fat ugly looking kid who is prob overweight and small and with no goals. THe weights taught me how to OVERCOME many obstacles and to contine to OVERCOME them if its the gym or in life :-)

[BigMikeReed]

Well.. I've thought long and hard about what I want, what I like the look of, etc.. Although I guess it's becoming "cliche", I want to start with a tribal or celtic band around my upper arm- kind of where your delt meets your bicep. But in addtion I want to incorporate some kind of design that covers the shoulder and flows into the arm band. I've see a few pics online that I downloaded and will post when I'm home and have access to them.

I am an Accountant and currently where I work they advise to keep ink covered up- this will be no problem with it being on the upper arm and shoulder. It's funny because our Manager AND our Controller (both females) both have a tatto and both are enthused about me getting one. ;D

[Mystic79]

WE NEED PICS GUYS!!! ;D

[Jesse]

bigmikereed said:

Well.. I've thought long and hard about what I want, what I like the look of, etc.. Although I guess it's becoming "cliche", I want to start with a tribal or celtic band around my upper arm- kind of where your delt meets your bicep. But in addtion I want to incorporate some kind of design that covers the shoulder and flows into the arm band. I've see a few pics online that I downloaded and will post when I'm home and have access to them.

I am an Accountant and currently where I work they advise to keep ink covered up- this will be no problem with it being on the upper arm and shoulder. It's funny because our Manager AND our Controller (both females) both have a tatto and both are enthused about me getting one. ;D

Good call on the hidden thing... I have a few (9-10 sittings) and plan on more. Both delts are the same design, a "tribal" armband, a large shoulder to shoulder piece, a couple under and over that. None of which can be seen unless I am shirtless or participating in a wet t-shirt contest (every other Tuesday at 6pm)... All of the tats are custom designs except for my 1st one that is a shamrock. All of which I had either drawn or helped draw. Happy they are hidden!!

[BigMikeReed]

Ok so the first one I pulled off of a "rate my tattoo" site and the other was of graphicmuscle- I'm leaning toward the second one.

[RUBICON19]

Thats pretty cool

[mrbeefy]

BMR...I like it!

The banding closer to the inner part of the arm may burn a little when being inked, but otherwise a piece of cake.

[chanman83]

I was going to get this one



but when I showed ERIC he fainted haha so its kinda on the backburner. It was gonna go on my right side shoulder and the middle part was my tat i got now and then the rest down my arm near my elbow.

[Jesse]

That is a great piece!! I have a feeling that the artist, if he is good and thinks for himself, will attempt to have you split your artwork up and utilize both shoulders rather than going down one arm. They will look at how the piece "flows" and moves with you. They may want to add to the piece as well... just a heads up...

[BigMikeReed]

So what is the usual process? I know the tattoo joint I want as it was recommended by someone at my gym that has some good ones- he said any of the artists that work there are good....

So what's normal, do I just show up with the picture of what I want and they start? Do I need to go there once to meet with one of the artists so they have some time to draw something up?

Sorry guys... I'm just ink illiterate.

[mrbeefy]

Depends on the artist.

They may want you to come back, or they may ask you to just hang out a little while, and they'll draw it while you wait.
That's what mine does.

Take an ID.

[Jesse]

I have gotten some bad ink just because I was impatient and didnt want to travel an hour away to my usual artist... I would check the shops website and look through the artists work. Look for the cleanest lines, sharpest points and the least amount of "holidays" (skin spots that the artist couldnt get the ink into) on all black work. Remember that cost should not matter to you much and most good artists charge $125+ per hour. Years experience does not matter as much as tattoo convention honors and plaques for 1st place.

Here is the website to the lady I will have doing my next piece next time I am home to visit mom...
[ftp]http://www.dawnpurnell.com/[/ftp]