30 – 40% of the U.S. population between the ages of 18 – 40 has at least one tattoo. Unlike your socks, a tattoo isn’t something you pull off at the end of the day. But like your clothes and other elements of style, tattoos are a form of self expression. A way to communicate to yourself and/or others… something.
What that something happens to be, well, there’s the rub.
Two questions:
1. Do you have one? And if not, why not?
2. If you do and you’re willing to share, what is it and why did you get it?
All right, so… three or four questions really. Honesty is appreciated, but blanket statements about those who do have tattoos, as well as those who don’t quite understand the fascination, obviously won’t fly.
No tats for me. Just never had an image that I felt was so core as to have it on my skin permanently. Nothing wrong with having them of course, just not the way I choose to express myself. Came close a couple times when I was younger, but in retrospect have always been thankful I didn’t get any of the things I almost did.
1. Yes.
2. It is a traditional navy tattoo (many meanings by the way) of two swallows with a banner between their beaks across my chest from shoulder to shoulder. I wanted something that had tradition, was in an American black line style, and I would like when I was 80. I got it for my grandfather who was very influential in my life, and who’s nickname is inside the banner with his birth and death years in the folds to each side. Sincerely got it for my own reasons, never cared for anyone’s opinion on them if I’m honest. Hope to get more in the years to come, with my left arm dedicated to family, and my right to my own interests and stories.
1. I have a few tattoos with plans to get many more. I’m told that they won’t look good when I’m old, but, really, I don’t think I’ll much care when I’m old.
2. So, as far as my tattoos:
I have two celtic knots, one on each shoulder blade. In the left knot, I have my wife’s name.
I also have a complete mantle (shoulders, chest, and upper back) done to look like plants are growing out of my skin. I had to hunt for a long time to find an artist that could get the mantle tattoo as photo-realistic as possible. There are also a variety of birds and small animals interspersed throughout the greenery.
I have my sons birth footprints tattooed on my left calf with his name and birthdate arount them.
I have “13.1” and “26.2” tattoed on my feet to commemorate finishing my first half and full marathons.
I can only assume that I’ll get more…
I’ve no tattoos and no plans to get one in the future. I’ve nothing against them in theory, but most tattoos tend to be cliches and idioms, which I find unappealing. I realize many people get tattoos with special meanings and personal designs, but most people are satisfied with picking out of a design book. I can’t stand the barbed wire around a man’s bicep tattoo, or hearts and stars on a women. I guess the reason I’d never get a tattoo is because I’m too afraid of cliches.
Got quite a few myself. A few Celtic knots that have family meaning. Some old punk rock stuff. One that a friend (who died) drew for me before passing. A mom heart because I love my mom… Most of them I would actually “take back” if I could. Not going to go so far as to have them removed but still… I tell most people to not bother with tattoos. And I’m glad mine can be easily covered… But yet I still think I’ll get more when I find an artist I really like
I don’t have one and I’m not planing on getting one. The reason is my uncle. He had an eagle tattooed on his chest when he was in the army and now, 20 years later, that eagle looks more like a horribly disfigured turkey…
None for me. I just couldn’t think of anything I wanted bad enough. My wife has on e, though. No plans to get one either.
None for me personally. Nothing against the ink just never found anything that resonated with me enough to warrant a permanent fixture, maybe I just lack imagination? A lot of my friends have them and they fit their personalities to a tee so that’s cool.
They may have meaning to some people and that’s great, but I have still yet to see a tattoo that actually looks good.
Completely unblemished at age 42. As an American Male and a member of the U.S. Navy, that would paradoxically place me in the “conspicuous non-conformist” category these days.
If I really wanted to make a statement….you know…tell the world that I-am-my-own-man and that I won’t bend to the “establishment”, I’ll just buy a bumper sticker. Hell of a lot cheaper to remove than laser tattoo removal.
I find your view that your future, older self will not care what your tattoos look like interesting. Maybe you are correct, after all, you may know yourself better than anyone.
I work in a hospital and have had the honor to interact with many gentlemen who served in World War II and Vietnam. Attitudes, like the unique people who wear them, differ greatly. I offer you my observance that not everyone feels the same way about their aging tattoos. There are no absolutes in paradigms among the young or young at heart.
40-60 years bring the inevitably force of cellular remodeling to body art. Ink pigments slowly migrate over time, smudging the fine line resolution of youthful stories. I am told several of the newer color pigments cannot be broken down by laser. The anchors, girls and eagles on these gentlemen are often difficult to make out. However, I encourage you to connect with some of our established (older), tattooed friends and form your own conclusion, of coarse.
Couldn’t have said it better myself. No tats for me.
I got my first tattoo(s) about a year ago. I’d been wanting them for about 12 years, so I figure that’s a long enough time to mull things over and figure out if I wanted to commit. I got a mitsu-domoe on each forearm about the size of a beer coaster.
I can roll my shirt sleeves down when people like the others in this comment thread get too judge-y. But I’ve gotten more compliments on them from complete strangers than I can count.
It’s funny to see people stare at them. I want to say “Hey, eyes up here, Mister!”
There are those who have truly artistic tattoo’s that have significant meaning to them. I believe they are in the minority. The rest are “im unique just like everyone else”, as they pick some stock art out of a book.
girls with tattoos >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
It’s good motivation to stay in shape in your later years.
I hate tattoos. I don’t know exactly why, but I never liked the idea.
I’ve been wanting to get this really sick chinese symbol on my neck for a long time.
My senior year of high school, my older brother and I got a tattoo together. We each got our family crest, Scottish heritage, on our calf. I take great pride in this tattoo as it not only symbolizes something meaningful for me, but it was a bonding experience with my big brother. I have always thought that picking a random piece of flash from a wall was ridiculous, and so was getting obnoxiously large tattoos in places that can’t be covered up if need be. I teach high school, and my school policy, as with most of the other jobs I have had, is that my tattoo stays covered. Well, that’s super easy – I just wear pants, as I would be doing in this role anyway. So, for me, my tattoo is a meaningful part of who I am. I have considered getting others, but I haven’t ever decided what I would like to get. I know I want to get a wedding band tattoo whenever that day comes, and being a musician I have thought about getting something music related too. We’ll see.
I have one tattoo, it’s the irish trinity on my left shoulder blade (in black). I had wanted to get a tattoo for awhile, but was nervous about the permanence. I drew this one, and it had particular meaning to me spiritually and philosophically. From the time I drew it, I waited a little over a year to see if I still wanted it. I did.
I was 23 when I finally had it put on. 7 years later I’m still glad I have it.
I don’t have one. I think everybody should be wary of making any decision whose effects are permanent.
I’d actually like one, but have a hard time finding something that is more than a cliche or a “get one just to have one” tattoo.
I’m actually really jealous of the Olympians with the Olympic rings tattoos…Simple, obviously significant, self-explanatory, and worth having on your body.
I don’t have any tat’s, I am not opposed to them either some are very beautiful and very artistic.
I can’t “wrap my head” around the fact that folks are getting 100% covered by them, getting them on their face, or going past their wristbone (so that can’t be covered up w/ a shirt sleeve).
To each their own….
No tattoos for me…I agree w/ the comment about idioms & clichés, as well as making a decision that is permanent.
Got a full back I absolutely love, wouldn’t take it back for the world. Don’t know if I’ll get any casually visible ones, however, because of aging problems that inevitably arise. Then again, I figure once you’re old enough to make tattoos unappealing, its because your skin is unappealing in the first place, so who cares?
I have 15. They are all types. Some were to help a girl learn a skill set (she was a great artist). One (or two) were drunken splurges. But most of mine have little meaning. They were mainly an opportunity to hang out with my closest friends.
Tattoos are horribly tacky. Would you put a bumper sticker on a Mercedes?
Who is getting barbed wire tats in 2012? Maybe if it were 1994…..
As far a cliches, go to an artist. Talk to them about things you are passionate about (even if it is just for the moment) and have him/ her come up with a design. Tattoos are meant to be art (IMO).
1. No
2. Too hairy.
HA!… Oh I hope that is a joke!
I spent a good bit of time in New Zealand a few years back and was inspired by the traditional Maori style tattoos. Before I left I went to an authentic pacific art tattoo shop and got one on my shoulder. The difference between this and picking one out of a book is that the artist designs and draws the tattoo on your body first to fit the curve of your body (shoulder area in my case) and asks you about what/who is important in your life. The tat is then custom made with traditional symbols that flow together to tell a story. This was only 3 years ago but I can’t ever foresee regretting getting it.
Same here. I have nothing against tattoos. I just can’t imagine any word, phrase, or image that I would want permanently attached to my body.
Nope… Too permanent for me. No issue with them on others, though as many have said I do feel a number of folks get them just to get them rather than for a specific meaning.
Do scars count as body art?
Tattoo’s look awesome…on other people. I have too much of a phobia of needles to go through with it.
*Tattoos
I don’t have any but I love tats. I just can’t decide on what I’d get. As far as tattoos looking bad when you get old, well, most people don’t look that great when they get old.
Nah. don’t like that it’s permanent….
looks cool on other people though
I have two, one on each forearm. Both have personal meaning, both are monochrome (deep red), and I plan on getting more. I wear a full suit every day at work, on the rare occasion that fellow employees have seen my ink they have been surprised that my first were so obviously visible, but at the time I figured why hide them?
I have two Japanese half sleeves. I had tremendous respect for both artists, and was on a two year wait list for one. I could not be happier.
Isn’t that half the issue — that your barb wire tat from ’94 is still here in 2012?
No tattoos for me. Two points:
1) Think back to what was cool when you were half your current age. If you had gotten that tattooed to you, would you be happy with it now? Or would you be stuck with a permanent barbed-wire d-bag brand?
2) If you don’t understand it, it doesn’t belong on (or arguably, in) your body. I once had to ask a guy why he had “fruit” tattooed in Chinese on his leg.
I fall under
the same umbrella as the two of you.
Have contemplated them in my younger years, never settling on that one
image or saying that I could envision myself with 20 or so years later,
resulting in what today I refer to as my blank canvas. I have nothing against them, but at the same time,
do not regret having passed on them.
All I can say on this topic is that I sure am glad that I am not living with a permanent reminder of what a knuckle-headed fool I was in my late teens and through my 20’s.
I will get an M-dot tattoo on my left calf once I complete my first full iron distance triathlon next November.
If your singular reason for not getting one is because you’ve seen a bad one from so long ago, you should probably reconsider. There are a lot of guys walking around with tattoos that were done wrong at the time, and they haven’t taken care of them since. If you go to someone who actually knows what they’re doing and you make sure that you use moisturizer on the skin where the ink is, it will age well and look as good as it did when you got it.
I got into running a few years ago when I ran this race 10 mile race and it changed my life. I have since become a very dedicated runner and can’t imagine my life without it. Almost a year to date my buddy and I got the race medal in tattoo form as an homage to the race. That being said I still love it, and got it on my calf, which (at least to me) seems to relate to the sport and makes it easy to cover up. After all the only times I’m usually wearing shorts are when I’m around the running sub culture (who all seem to love it) or around casual friends, most of whom are also involved in the sport. I was also in my late twenties when I chose to get it, as I didn’t want to get something in college that I would regret later.
No tats for me. I think they look stupid and they’ll only look worse as one ages. Also, nothing is worse than seeing some shrimpy guy at the gym with some bro tattoo. Usually adorned on some guy that can barely lift the bar and he thinks he’s an MMA fighter or something.
I don’t have any but my father has a few along with my uncle and so does my brother and my wife. I’ve always wanted to get a half or three quarter sleeve or something similarly large in scale, but I haven’t really come up with any stand outs on what to get.
I have two. One is the Wild Things (from the book). They wrap around my ankle/calf. A good friend of mine became a tattooist’s apprentice when we were in college (mid 80’s). I spent a lot of time watching him work before deciding what I wanted. It needed to mean something. Where the Wild Things Are was my favorite book as a kid and this connected with me. Still does. It’s been touched up once since.
1) Yes, I have 3
2) I have a Cherokee star on my left wrist (I am Native American and a member of the tribe), I have a script letter “L” on my left hand (my wife’s first name initial), and I have the word “Veritas” on my left bicep (this was my own personal vow/reminder I had done a couple weeks before our wedding).
Same here. When I was younger, I always thought if I opened a business, I’d get the logo. Not sure about it anymore.
I’m really glad this is being discussed here as someone who kind of has each of his feet in different camps so to speak. Let me first say that what I’m about to say isn’t about tooting my own horn, I’m just trying to make a point about this topic.
On a professional level, I work at the Brookings Institution in Washington (but I live in Baltimore). I run logistics for the Middle East center at Brookings and throughout the two and a half years I’ve worked at this job, I’ve come across just about every major player in the foreign policy world. In my office, I have photos of myself with Bill Clinton (that’s me and him in my little avatar photo), John McCain, Madeleine Albright, Brent Scowcroft, Jon Huntsman, Joe Lieberman, and Gabi Ashkenazi (former chief of staff for the Israeli Defense Forces), among others. I’ve been coined by the Supreme Allied Commander of Europe (Stavridis), and the Secretary of Defense (Panetta). The point of all of this is that I’m very good at what I do. When I’m doing my job, 99% of the time I’m in polished Allen Edmonds, french cuffs, tie clip, pocket square, etc.
I’m also covered in tattoos. I’ve got three on my left arm. My right arm is a full sleeve that wraps up to my chest where I have a fairly large profile view of a skull. The sleeve is mostly vines and flowers, which I look at as a family tree. The skull is just badass and I love it. On the left forearm, I have the word hope done in Arabic, the left bicep is a hammer with the word hope at the top metal part, and separate from the full sleeve on my right bicep is the word hope scrawled in such a manner that someone with no hope wrote the word. I also have a small black star near each of my elbows. These were the first two that I got and they were for my grandparents (my late grandfather’s middle name was orion). I also have plans for many more tattoos.
The larger point here is my tattoos mean a lot to me, but I still kill it at my job and then take the train back to Baltimore, so I do take offense to those who have kneejerk reactions about tattoos. In the same way that Allen Edmonds will never go out of style, neither will tattoos if you really put the time and thought into them. Every tattoo that I have, I thought about for more than a year before getting. So for me, there’s no possibility of regret.
Also, the guy who did all of my work is amazing. He has a bat with spread wings on his throat THAT HE DID TO HIMSELF IN THE MIRROR, and it looks perfect.
Cliches? My friend has a fucking space-wizard on his calf and another friend with a knight fighting a spaceman. You can get as original as you feel like it!
No tats here or on Mrs. Furious Styles. If something is really important to me, like my kids’ names or a special day in my life, I don’t see how advertising it on my body is a proper recognition. To each their own–my sister has a couple and is dating a guy with a whole arm’s worth–but I prefer to celebrate my valued things differently.
I some freehand work done when I was
barely by an ex-con who was a co-workers friend. I had to have some
touch up done because the artist re-offended before he finished and
the touch up artist positively commented on the quality of his work
and I agree. The darker style of the tat mixed with my wholesome
appearance and the fact that it was made for my body make it oddly
appropriate but still shocking when people first see it. I’ll never
get another one, and sometimes I wish the the tat were smaller but
overall I’m happy I got it just because of the conversations it
starts.
I promised myself I’d never get a tattoo. I thought they were dumb and a mistake. A year ago one of my good friends died and I decided to get a tattoo for his memory. I think if it means something, do it. If it’s a decoration… Idk. that can get risky.
1. Yes,
2. My last name in Arabic on my left arm, bottom of the shoulder. It is a family thing, most of the males of my generation (brothers, cousins) got it. I’ve had it for about 8 years, and am happy with it. It’s subtle, so I never have to hide it, but I’ve never been ashamed or felt like it was gaudy either. Plus, it sparks conversations with strangers and women like tracing it with their fingertips.
I have 40 some hours in tattoos (2 half sleeves, random ones on my legs, hip, arms) among a ton of other body modifications.
It would take much to long to post up the reasons as to WHY I have the tattoos I have, but but needless to say, they all mean something to me in one way or the other. I’m in no way worried about how they will age, because lets face it… Nothing about the body looks “good” when you’re 70 and everything is dropping. What’s a few smears of ink going to change that?
I have a Red Baron Snoopy tattooed on my chest above my heart. I had always been interested in getting a tattoo, but wanted a great reason to do it. I got my tattoo for my grandfather, who was a big influence and role model in my life. I am extremely happy with it. I think the argument that it will look bad later is silly, unless you are only getting a tattoo to look good. My tattoo will grow with me, much as the influence my grandfather has. People talk about wear looking good on leather goods, and I think it applies to tattoos on skin to an even larger extent.
1. Yes.
2. I have a near-half sleeve of a ship on the ocean, incorporating elements of my mother’s favorite poem. I’ve always thought that tattoos should represent something permanent and non-trivial… family is one of the best examples.
On a style note, I’ve found that the size and location of the tattoo is perfect. It stops about 2″ above my elbow so it’s easily hidden in by business casual work attire, and even some polo shirts. However it’s big enough that I can easily show it off if I want to, wearing a t-shirt etc.
I have a giant lower back tatoo… Needless to say, I wish I would have reconsidered when I was 18 years old.
Yes. I’m more than a little tattooed. I’ve got my ribs, chest, full sleeve and another sleeve in progress.
I was also a banker for 7 years. Everything is more than coverable when I’m wearing a suit. It is interesting seeing the reactions of people when they found out that I was tattooed or that I was a banker, depending on what situation I was in at the time.
My sleeve is a traditional piece. It goes from a ship in the sea up to a beach with palm trees and a mermaid holding a revolver up to the sky with flying saucers.
My chest is a heart with wings coming off it and a banner that reads “True Love Never Dies”
My other arm is turning into a family history thing with all sorts of things that represent my family.
Phil Colvin at Memorial Tattoo in Atlanta did most of my work.
Its not that we’re afraid that they’ll turn out bad, its just that the image of a tat gone bad with time really brings the permanence to the front of the mind. I like to keep my options open in as much as posssible, and tattoos don’t jive with that mentality.
Excellent post Marshall. You have an awesome job. Hiring? haha
I dont where logos on my clothes. Why would I want one permanently on my body. To each there own. I dont mind them on other people unless you see more ink then skin.
way to be judgmental.
i’ve always wanted a sun or something on the inside of my right arm. i feel like i’m too old to get one though at the age of 29.
I work in municipal government and the general environment within my office is business casual (dress shirts but no ties, polos, slacks, etc.) I usually run to City Hall about once a week so I keep a sports jacket and tie in the office. With that said, both my arms have 3/4 sleeve tattoos (koi on left arm with spashing water and cherry blossoms, dragon on my right arm among swirling clouds and wind bars). I also started a thigh piece recently consisting of more koi, splashing waves and cherry blossoms. This fall I will be starting a back piece which will be a dragon and phoenix. Two tattoo artists will be collaborating on my back.
I started everything in my early 30’s and am now in my late 30’s. Always facinated by tattoos but never pulled the trigger in my early years due to their association with gangs (I’m Asian) and I wasn’t mentally ready to commit to something so permanent. I believe tattooing is a true art form and some of the pieces I’ve seen are just mind-blowing and beautiful.
My recommendation is if you are considering a tattoo, don’t rush. I know some have been on impulse but those most people end up regretting. Also, don’t be cheap about spending on a good tattoo from a good artist. It is something permanent, so you should expect to pay good money for good work.
Nice one. It’s funny, that’s not a discreet tattoo at all, but when you’re 80 it’s going to look a lot more appropriate and cool than the other stuff that people have up their arms (two girls, one cup, anyone?).
And it’ll force you to keep the pecs in shape!
I have one fairly large one on my right shoulder blade. It’s a passion flower plant with an open flower, a couple of buds, some leaves, vines, etc. It’s done in black and grey, woodcut-style. It’s not out of a book or off the wall. It is 1) a reminder of a particular time and place (during which I happened to grow passion flowers in my garden); and 2) a very cool flower rendered in a style I really like.
I got it shortly after my 30th birthday, so it’s no youthful indiscretion. My wife gave me the session with the artist for my birthday (also just before we were married). I imagine I’ll have to get it touched up eventually, but after five years, it still looks pretty good. My wife would like me to get more, but we’ll see…
Don’t have one and never will. ” I’m not really anti-tats but I just don’t see the point. I’ve never seen someone and thought ” they’d look a lot better with a tattoo.”
I have a half sleeve that blends into the left of my chest. It is is a collage of prayer hands holding a cross with a crown on the cross on the arm and an angel holding the world on his shoulders on my chest, with clouds in the background.
For me tattoos should mean something to you, no matter what they are. Mine the prayer hands represent prayer for my family and friends that have passed. The cross is because everyone has their cross that they have to bear in life. The crown because I have always been seen as the head of my family even though I am not the oldest.
Finally, the angel holding the world on its shoulder, represents my guardian angel helping me keep my world up.
I love them and plan to get more.
However, I work in the legal profession so all current and future tattoos are only in places that can be easily hidden if needed, even in a short sleeve shirt.
the idea is to avoid topical tattoos. something of true significance to you will be timeless.
I have three tattoos. My mother’s initials are in script right under my heart, on my rib cage, and both of my little sisters’ birth dates are on the inside of my ankles. I’ve always had a fancy towards ink, but I agree with the commenters who are hesitant due to reasons of trend or indulgence. I think that such a philosophy goes across completely in the realm of style though, especially when put in context on a site like Joe is running here. One should never make a decision to buy a purple and orange tuxedo, nor commit to a tattoo of a dolphin sitting on a couch. (Refer to the image below.)
However, if you and your brother have an everlasting passion for Lewis Carroll’s Alice In Wonderland, or if your wife has referred to you as “My Little Couch Dolphin” since you met her, perhaps you have every reason to make your decision.
With this said, tattoos are a permanent part of you. There is nothing “wrong” about them; society from it’s ancestral roots has always desired to decorate one’s body. The Maori, as mentioned before, the Japanese, the Polynesians, the Aztecs, etc., are all examples of primitive cultures who have chosen body ink and modification.
The argument could be proposed that these cultures chose ink because they didn’t have other, less-permanent ways to express their own “style”, but that would be immediately discredited by the fact that sailors, military men, and others have continued the tattooing trend in modern times.
In conclusion, do what you want. Just do it for a good reason.
P.S. – At this time, I don’t know what other tattoos I want, or seek to get. But whatever the next one might be, I’ve already contacted an artist who works in the traditional Japanese method, or Irezumi. This method is not done with a tattooing gun, but instead with a chisel, hammer, and gouge.
I figure if I’m going to keep committing to permanence, I may as well have some fun with it. Just not Dolphin-on-a-Couch fun…..
Yes, I have one. Its my paternal family crest on my left shoulder – a few of my cousins and I have it (different sizes, locations, variations of personal touch). Its very minimalist and I like it a lot. I got it because 1) I thought it was cool 2) it represents the every lasting mark of family 3) I was 18 and needed something to do.
I get it touched up every couple of years and am looking to add a little more detail the next time around. Would I do it again? In a heart beat. I don’t regret it at all and like seeing it.
Have 1 done, have 6 more drawn up and planned. Got the first at age 19, now I’m 23. It goes without saying that I don’t regret it. Also, drew them all myself, so it’s a way to ink my values on myself.
Currently have: a stylized star over my heart (a guiding star, or North star) surrounded by a circle of banners, bottom says mom & dad’s first names, top says “honor” and “courage.” Those are four things I want to guide me in my life. It’s a good reminder to live congruently with my values.
One tattoo on my 40th birthday. Three stars representing 3 family members who died. Would like to get another but it will also have to be of some significance. And while I can appreciate people with lots more ink than me, it is truly an art form, it’s just not me.
Tattoos are great. Just not on the face or neck. Hands are iffy. I’ve seen some good hand ones, but most just look bad.
I personally have three, all military related, and will probably end up getting a few more. But I also intend to keep all of them somewhere they won’t show in slacks and shirt with my sleeves rolled (polo is out since the one on my chest peaks through)
I have two tattoos. One, on my right pec/shoulder is a flying crow designed by my artist after talking with me about what I love about crows. I love it, lots of shading, so it isn’t just a black blob on me when I get old and out of shape, although I doubt I will care very much when I do age. No one looks good then, IMO. My other tattoo is the most important to me. It is a quote from Albert Camus’ The Rebel (L’Homme Révolté) reading “Music exists, however, in which a particular arrangement of notes extracts from natural disorder a unity that is satisfying to the mind and the heart.” It is located on my left side, a few inches down from my armpit. Music has played a huge role in my life, and my guitars help me interface with the world in a new way, although there are a few other, more personal reasons that I won’t get into here.
You are saying the contradiction of success and skulls is ironic or cool? I mean, I agree but do you think prison tats are cliche, or what?
I eat lunch at Brookings. Banging salad bar.
Yes, I have a few. They’re bits of art I like/collect. Most have a meaning that symbolizes something I was up to at that time, but I’m not opposed to just collecting it like art.
I’ve considered getting one but never pulled the trigger. I’m 29 now and it’s probably past the time to get a tattoo. And I never wanted one that badly to begin with.
If I did get one it would be something pretty simple, probably all black ink, of great personal significance, and in a fairly discreet spot like a shoulder blade.
When you get old and wrinkly, they look like crap. Take it from me, an anesthesiologist; I have seen lots of old naked folks (men and women). Distorted tats don’t look like much. Also I love my skin too much to mark it up permanently.
I’m not saying that me having the job I have coupled with having a lot of tattoos is anything. I either wear a suit or a jacket with chinos every day, so most people don’t even know I have them unless I tell them about it. The ink works for me, so that’s the important thing. I’ve just come across some people who make some pretty big assumption about tattoos in general and I like to do what I can to demonstrate that those assumptions, if negative, are baseless. Hopefully the image uploads, but here’s by chest, halfway through the process.
I have 27 tattoos, basically a 3/4 sleeve on my right arm. Every single one I am proud to have. The one and only rule to remember, is that they are for me and nobody else.
I am a government contractor, working in a office/production environment. I can either be working around machinist, or in a meeting with Directors and Executives.
I dress accordingly for meetings and round-table discussions, but there are times when my tattoos are fully visible to all.
If you do not care for them, great, if you do, so be it.
Admittedly, some people try way to hard with tattoos and the look that they think goes along with them, but again, to each his own.
And I know that I will have a full sleeve one day, and probably continue to add on as the years go by.
And 1 more thing to note, just because someone does not have any tattoos, does not mean that they do not have “asshole, prick, punk, or wannabe” written all over them.
Obviously, that does not apply to everyone.
I don’t have one. I have nine. All were roughly two hour sessions, and all are black/grey shades. The only reason I don’t have more is because they’re expensive and I spend most of my money on clothes or booze.
They’re mostly band/music related, though I have a few literature-themed pieces, and a portrait of Uncle Sam for my time in the Army.
I went with an all black tattoo for my first one and stuck with it because I think it’s somewhat classy and goes with anything I wear. As for meaning, nah. That’s overrated. Sure, they mean something to me, but do I really want to get into a deep conversation with you at the bar over what my tattoos mean? No, I want to get drunk and hit on your girlfriend. So I can easily just brush people off by saying “they’re just some bands I like.”
I have two. I have a cross that I designed on my back, since when I was growing up, my faith was extremely important to me. My second one is my favorite, which is the Metallica “Scary Guy” logo drawn on my ribs by James Hetfield backstage at Bonnaroo in 2008. I then had the ink tattooed over. Metallica’s music has gotten me through just about every dark part in my life, more so than faith. I’ve been a life-long fan of them, and I don’t see that ever changing–so it’s a symbol to my love of their music, and as a symbol for what their music has done for me.
No tats here
Would I put something on my body that I would not hang on the walls of my house. I guess I have not seen anything like that. No tats for me
I’m in the camp of “No tats for me, but there’s nothing wrong with having them.” I think as long as it is means something to you, there’s nothing wrong with having that on your body forever.
If I ever had any tattoos, I would probably have stuff pertaining to my religion. For example, when I was younger I wanted a lion claw on my right shoulder blade and a snake on my left forearm in remembrance of St. Daniel and St. Patrick.
I have the words “Never be daunted” (a quotation by Ernest Hemingway) on my left shoulder blade. Six years ago I was obese; today I’m fit, confident, and a personal trainer when I’m not a full-time student. The tattoo reminds me of what I can achieve and have achieved through willpower and dedication.
I think it’s important to find something that will resonate with you for the rest of your life. “Never be daunted” – never let fear of failure prevent you from reaching your goals. I hope I’ll adhere to that mantra until the day I die.
have one plan on getting more. Mine is a compass rose in between my shoulder blades, each point represents a family member. I really want a sleeve but will never get one because I am currently a prison guard and just can’t bring myself to show ink around cons, plus I come from a family of business owners and may go back to the family business but if I had tattoos showing my Dad wouldn’t like it. I don’t care how old you are, you still have to respect some of your parents wishes and my Dads is no ink showing with short sleeves on
No, always felt like tats were a bit tacky…
Yes, only have one and too lazy now to get more. Its a English style profile of a lion wrapped in the Leo symbol. It pretty much covers my left torso and only visible when I’m going surfer status w/o a shirt.
I have two tattoos and plan on getting a few more. My first one is a quote on my forearm: ‘Unless you love, your life will flash by.’ It’s from The Tree of Life, and it struck me very deeply. It’s a message I want to carry with me throughout my life. The other is a small symbol of the Deathly Hallows on my wrist. I have a fascination with childhood, and I wanted a permanent reminder of my own. Harry Potter defined my childhood more than almost anything else.
I have one thus far. On my shoulder. The image is a painting I did based on the classic American style tattoo of a woman’s head over crossbones and a ribbon saying poison. When I was a bit younger I invested a lot of personal value in what others thought of what I said or did, particularly women. This obviously led to some hard times for me and after figuring out how wrong I was I got this. It is supposed to be a reminder that my person value is from what I think of myself not what others do.
you’re tooting your own horn, tool.
I don’t have any myself, I do want one I’m usually just poor. Also being an art school grad myself I know that I want to design whatever I get and I haven’t really been able to get what i want down on paper. Once I do .. and I have the money for it, I’m getting inked
I feel the mantra that one should “dress and behave for the job they desire” kind of covers this one, in a way. I’m currently a medical student, and can say the following about tattoos and medicine:
1) I have no tattoos. I haven’t ever found anything I would like, and see no reason to get one. With one exception, in almost every case I’ve seen in person, I find them highly unnattractive/cheap. But, the beauty of personal style is that everyone has a different perspective/aesthetic, so I get that some people love them. Bad news for all though, the way skin ages below the dermis (where the ink goes)…it’s going to be a muddy mess in 40 years, no matter what.
2) I do have several classmates who do have tattoos. Whether right or wrong, many times patients have asked for other students to take care of them or attendings have made assumptions that they are unprofessional and they have missed out on interesting cases/novel opportunities. My point is, not every profession can completely cover up ink, like surgeons in scrubs, and I feel generally that tattoos clash strongly with high level professional environments and form bad impressions. Before everyone jumps on my back, note how any professionals below tend to note how easily they can cover their tattoos up; they are something that they seem to deem needs hiding in their professional setting.
3) Most people cannot donate blood for up to 12 months after getting any tattoo (resets with each session). Having seen how often we need blood products, and watching short supplies get triaged while patients get sicker during blood crises, I feel like my ability to donate blood/plasma is far more important. Without hopping on a long tangent, I cannot help but immediately think of this fact anytime I see a freshly tattooed patient in need of blood products: that they would not be able to actually pay forward the life saving support they are receiving, based exclusively on an aesthetic choice they made recently.
follow up point: any time you get a tattoo, you put yourself at a health risk, not just for HIV/hepatitis/general needle risks, but in general….it’s easier to miss skin cancers covered by tattoos, microtrauma can induce riproaring infections into the body, the body can reject the foreign material, keloid scars etc. Make sure your ink is done in a sterile manner, and clean the site!
I don’t have one. You don’t put a bumper sticker on a Ferrari.
No tattoos. Never wanted one. Which is reason enough to keep things that way.
Any professional tattoo artist will let you open your own needles if you ask. Going to any licensed tattoo parlor and most of these problems are severely mitigated if not outright eliminated. Go to a shady accountant and watch your money vanish go to a shady tattoo parlor and you are putting yourself at risk.
Agreed. I am fortunate that there is no evidence of most of the foolishness of my younger days. Not that tattoos are foolish, but mine probably would have been if I’d gotten one a five or eight years ago.
Personally, I have my entire right side of my ribcage tattooed and plan on getting much more work done. In my experience tattoos and tattooing are something very personal and it’s simply something you either get or you don’t. Like any other kind of art, certain people are drawn to it, while others are repulsed. Ironically enough, I have my love of all things tattoo to thank for my recent desire to dress better and all things menswear. To me the perfect contrast and juxtaposition is seeing the typically low-brow tattoos mixed with high-brow suits and just being well dressed in general. What makes it so perfect is it blends the two without taking away from what makes each one of these things so great by themselves.
(Also, when I’m talking about tattoos, I mean real tattoo art, and more coverage and style to them than the millionth white-trash tribal armband.)
Didn’t see question 2. I have a neo-traditional sailing ship and a rose on my ribs along with a banner that says “Still Breathing”. The tattoo is over lung surgery scars from about half a dozen chest tubes and some major surgery.
Almost got one when I was in the service. Just never saw one that I wanted to see for the rest of my life.
1. Yes, I have 6.
2. They are the number 7 on each forearm, a traditional heart and roses that says Mom that my mother picked out (she does not have any tattoos), a half sleeve of two Koi in the symbol of pieces, and the phrase “You’re the measure of my dreams” divided into two tattoos on each forearm that my fiance and I both got on the day we got engaged.
There are very few things in this world that will be with you forever, always having a loving reminder of those things is immeasurable.
1) No tats for me either….its a waste of time. Every older person Ive talked to that has one has stated its a waste of time…your stuck with it for life…..what you think is cool in your 20s WONT be cool by the time you get to 50!
Ive thought about one back when i was in the 16-18 range….now Im pushing 27 and itll NEVER HAPPEN…This new fad is flat out ridiculous
Living in Portland, Oregon i’d have to say tats are commonplace, interesting, and artistic. It seems like everyone has one…..or dozens! Ironically however, I refuse to get one due to my “midwestern sensibilities” whatever that means. IDK but i’m just not willing to pay someone to deface my body, no matter how good they look on others (i’m part crotchety old man lol). To add to the confusion, I am gay, and as a gay man can affirm/confirm that tats on a guy can be very attractive (didn’t see much comment about possible sex appeal which is a big component of doing anything others will see IMO). I’d say just be smart about a tats visibility so you don’t hurt career/employment opportunities.
Yes.
Mine are largely hidden but cover a fair portion of thighs and body/shoulders. Some are quite small some are large scenes. My thighs/buttocks are covered. Have accrued them gradually and most have a personal meaning – either family connections (memorials) or I have gotten them in Japan where I have lived, have many close (also tattooed) friends, and still visit regularly. For the most part I don’t have much occasion to share them with professional connections but being easily concealed has always figured into my decisions about new tattoos.
To be honest, I find about 95% of tattoos to be ugly. Even if they aren’t ugly, they almost always make me think someone is trying way too hard to look cool and draw attention to themselves.
That said, at least 1% of tattoos are attractive, meaningful, or worthwhile.
Yes.
I was 18 and i really wanted some ink. Each had religious associations because of a particularly rough time in my life. The slightly masochistic nature of the body art scene definitely catered to the problems i had at the time. The religious aspect of them (somehow) justified why i was doing it. Delusions of a teenager transitioning to adulthood i guess.
It must have been the rebellious nature i had at the time, but I don’t
regret them. I wish the designs were a bit more intricate, but i take pride in designing them myself. Four tattoos. Two crosses and two trinity knots. One on each shoulder and one on each inner wrist matching base image on the shoulder (i.e. L-arm and wrist cross, R-arm and wrist knot).
Being mindful of future professional objections to these designs, the wrist tattoos are positioned in the center of the wrist just below the crease of the palm – making a bracelet and a watch accessories of necessity. Moderation is key. I would love to have a complete sleeve, but since most professional employers hold a degree of disdain towards these images, compromises have to be made. Therefore a half or quarter sleeve is in the works (haha).
As with fashion, tattoos are an expression of a persons inner self/ feeling/ id/ emoticon(?) just itching to be seen. I believe everyone has the freedom to do whatever the hell they want, but all choices have a consequence. Tattoos, generally, are meant to be seen and we who have them are proud of them.
Regardless, nowadays, I’d rather drop $700 on a pair of Farragamo Double Monk Straps than a full rib piece. (However, if i could do both…)
My 00ga plugs, however, are a completely different story.
I’m just lucky the bastards hired me.
haha
~Josh
I have a few, but really only two on my wrist are visible when dressed up. And i like them, I think it goes with my style a lot.
Don’t have one yet, but recently realized a specific image (a painting by Miyamoto Musashi) would make a great tattoo, and I’ve decided to go ahead with it. The painting itself, along with the character, and a specific passage in the book, made it all fall into place for me. That the book is not the true story makes no difference since the part I refer to is very meaningful. Since I practice martial arts and have been for close to 15 years, I find it’s another way to share that passion with others, and some of the things I’ve learned.
It is only my personal feelings on the matter, but part of what I like about my tattoos is the reminder of youth. It was not that long ago for me, but it can sometimes seem that way between work, being a husband and father, paying taxes and keeping my nose clean. It’s nice to come home after a day at work, remove my shirt and tie, and look at the vestiges of my rebellion and bad-assery in days gone by.
But I keep all of my tattoos in areas that can be covered by a standard v-neck t-shirt, because flexibility and adaptability are paramount.
1. Yes – 2 and more to come
2. Got my first tattoo a year after getting out of highschool. It has the word ambiguous in greek on my left forearm and it has dual meanings to me. Throughout my life I have always grown up in a very christian family and always pushed to be the best that i could be and being the youngest of 3 children the pressure to live up to my siblings wasn’t easy. To me most people found me hard to understand completely and throughout my childhood the word ambiguous just stuck with me. The word to me also represents my religion…things in life that are ambiguous or hard to understand are all controlled by a greater force that we cannot control….life is full of surprises that we cannot control ourselves and it is faith that gets us through the hard times
My second tattoo was a Celtic Cross on my right shoulder blade that i got with my sister a couple years back that turned out to be a sibling thing since our eldest sister got a similar tattoo to match….it was a simple design that we chose to do but i will later be adding my “life verse” which is a representation of how i live my life
I have the logical axiom for the law of non-contradiction on my left arm. Every time I look at it I love it a little more. As a philosophy grad, I see it as a part of me not unlike my choices in menswear. That is, except, it is uniquely mine. Tattoos can be tasteful or not.
I don’t have them because I’m too hairy and it would look really bad…
NIPPLE PIERCINGS
I’ve got several, including a half sleeve I finished a month ago. I’m in the navy, so all but one have to do with that – either traditional sailor tattoos or something to commemorate a big deployment, etc. They all mean something, I don’t regret any, and I’d like more. I’m even to the point where I’d be willing to get one simply because I like an artist’s work, but that hasn’t happened yet. All can be covered up in normal business attire though, as I’m not sure what line of work I’ll enter when I’m out.
Bunch of people with no tattoos using the word “tat” with no irony whatsoever. I’ll call Ripleys.
When I was in college is was all the rage to get a small tattoo on or around the heel of your foot. That way you could have a tattoo, but cover it with a sock. Glad I let that fad pass me by.
I’m not gonna lie, that looks pretty stupid
I have a tattoo on my Left Side. I got it the day before I left for Afghanistan on my first deployment. It reads “Lord Bless me and keep me”
Everyone has a tattoo now which is why I most likely will not get one. Probably more importantly though most people who do have tattoos have the absolute worst tattoos in the worst places ie. any kind of armbad, fore arm tattoos, here on the west coast even neck tattoos.
There is a certain image that is associated with tattoos, and it’s just not me. I don’t think Clark Gable, Cary Grant or Sean Connery have of had any tattoos.
In addition I even find tattoos on girl unappealing.
Your tattoo sucks
I have three so far, with plans to get more. On my upper-right arm I have a nautical-themed half-sleeve with a ship, fountain, banner with my favorite Thrice lyrics, and nautical stars. And on my inner left arm I have overlapping outlines of my two home states (Idaho & North Carolina) with an old-school traditional-style mountain bluebird and cardinal (the state birds) wrapping around it. I actually just got that one done a couple of days ago. I also have my wife’s initial tattooed on my left ring finger in lieu of an actual ring.
The way I see it, tattoos are becoming more and more accepted in society, and I can easily cover mine up if I want to just by wearing a long-sleeve shirt with the sleeves rolled up to the elbow. Also, my tattoos have very deep personal meaning to me, so I don’t foresee regretting them in the future — they are linked to memories of specific times in my life, and I’ll never regret those memories. I try to stick with classic designs though, and have never made a snap decision about what I want inked.
Another reason I’m okay with tattoos is because I work as a sound/video tech and videographer — creative fields that have a lot of leeway in how people look and dress. For the career path I have chosen, I don’t foresee tattoos causing any issues in how I am perceived professionally — all that matters is what I am capable of.
However, I am still waiting to move below the elbow with any new ink…just in case my career path takes a turn someday.
Make that three of us, even thou it’s a turn on for most girls lately.
That looks awful.
With tattoos, constructive criticism does a lot better than just saying that looks “awful,” which is a pretty stupid thing to say about unfinished work anyway. But I guess you don’t know that.
Anyway, I’m sure Marshall likes it – which in the end is the only thing that matters at all. I think it looks like it will turn into a sick piece.
I have one, and it is my wife’s name.
Very simple, very classy, and perfectly placed I believe.
It is on the right side of my ribcage, so no one sees it unless we got to the beach or swimming. It is the perfect balance of intimacy (that anyone rarely sees it, but her) and proclaiming that she is mine, and I am hers.
I understand the age-old advice of never getting a woman’s tattoo on your body, but I understand the commitment a man makes to his wife and the Lord in marriage even better.
Mum said, ‘don’t get a tattoo, they’re tacky!’
Dad said, ‘don’t get a tattoo, can you really say there’s something you want on your skin, permanently?”
Grandad said, ‘don’t get a tattoo, the cops can ID you from a mile away.’
Grandad had an interesting way of looking at things.
When I was younger, I desperately wanted a certain tattoo. I drafted the design myself and kept copies around for years, even now. The idea of a tattoo isn’t as alluring as it used to be…