Deciding to get a tattoo

2

Comments

  • Staggering Genius
    Staggering Genius Posts: 169
    RYEzupSF wrote:
    I love my tattoos. I have two, getting my third in a few weeks. All are very significant to me and represent importants periods in my life. It took me a long time to get each one, because, like you, i didn't want to regret them. One of them I drew on my wrist every day for months just to get used to it and see if I liked it. (I did)

    Seems like you've given it a lot of thought, know what you want, and it means something to you. If you decide to go for it don't look back! It becomes a part of you. :D

    I did that too when I was a bit younger. I was curious about something on my wrist, but I eventually found that I could not handle seeing it all the time. I'm not sure if that means a tattoo is not for me or if I should just not be able to see it all the time. Hence the current thought process.

    But I love how you said it becomes part of you. I love that thought.
    Well, fuckers, he still stands.
  • Staggering Genius
    Staggering Genius Posts: 169
    RKCNDY wrote:
    I got my first tat as soon as I turned 18...mind you this was back in the early 90s...not a lot of people got tats back then...even less girls did

    I don't regret my tattoo, though I wish I had picked something that meant more to me and not flash. A friend of mine did mehndi for me on my hand/wrist, I liked it, but wasn't digging the strangers coming up to me and grabbing my hand. Cool at first, but after 2 weeks, by the 6th person of the day... :roll:

    Currently drawing/designing my next tat which has a lot of meaning to me. Tats do have to get re-touched as they fade and get blurry...just make sure you find a good artist...I've seen some people with some really f'ed up work.

    God, that would get annoying. I bet it looks great though.

    Finding a good artist is my number one concern. I've seen people with what looks like a light handed tattoo and others with heavy handed and light always looks better to me. Not sure if that made sense.
    Well, fuckers, he still stands.
  • Staggering Genius
    Staggering Genius Posts: 169
    HeartShapedBox wrote:
    I'm thinking of getting a tatto with one of my favorite and moving PJ lyrics... ;)

    Care to share?
    Well, fuckers, he still stands.
  • Get_Right
    Get_Right Posts: 14,206
    This thread is useless without pics!
  • EmBleve
    EmBleve Posts: 3,019
    welll..I don't know..but I do totally agree that you need to really think about what you want, if you will want it forever, and the tattoo artist. tres important!! :) I have 4, have had them for years, and each one has a story behind it and personal meaning (of course)...but I do regret some of them....particularly the placement. I have one on each ankle--these are the ones I regret. If you're a guy, it doesn't matter so much. :lol: But, for me as a girl, I did not think about the fact that it basically would rule out wearing a dress or a skirt to pretty much any event--I am forever destined to the land of opaque tights. Also, at one point several years ago I was contemplating going to medical school (I'm a nurse)..well, never made it to medical school--chose another option, but I won't ever forget a doctor in the ER I used to work in once saw one of the tats on my ankle and knew I was thinking about medical school and he said "if you go for an interview to get in, don't let them see that or you'll never get in". Damn. I also read somewhere recently that Travis Barker said that he started getting his very early so that he would have no other choice but to go into music for a career. funny. :D
    Good luck!
  • Suzi78
    Suzi78 Posts: 362
    Staggering Genius wrote:
    Suzi78 wrote:
    I was the same way. Never thought I'd get a tattoo. I even thought most tattoos looked a bit trashy. Then Backspacer was released and I was listening to Just breathe like 20 times a day and I felt that song just spoke to me and I knew I had to have it tattood on my body. Took me about a month to find the right font, took it with me to the tattoo place and had it done in 40 minutes. Just like you, I didn't want it to show too much, but at the same time I didn't want anything tiny, so I placed it vertically on my right rib. Doesn't show too much unless I raise my arm. I love it and don't regret it for a second. Even my mother likes it :)
    Go for it! But take your time to find the right one for you.

    Hope this doesn't sound creepy, but I saw yours on the thread awhile ago and thought if I was to ever get a tattoo, I would want it to be like that. That's why I am thinking ribs, because I really like the way yours looks. It is very nice.

    Thank you! Haha, no it doesn't sound creepy. I was browsing through Dimi's tattoo pics on facebook too and got quite inspired. I know boyo79 thought it hurt like hell when he got his ribs tattood but it wasn't that bad for me. SO don't let that scare you. I asked my tattoo guy to honestly tell me if that was the most painful area to have done and he just smiled at me. So of course I was anticipating the worst. However, during the first lower part of my tattoo I could barely stop laughing and moving becasue it was tickling, then as he got closer to my armpit it started hurting. I guess women can handle pain better :) And I agree with the people above me, don't make it too small. Mine is about 30 cm (a foot) and it would've looked a little wimpy had it been smaller...I think. ANyway, post some pics when you get it done. Will be fun to see what you choose.
    How I choose to feel is how I am
  • unlost dogs
    unlost dogs Greater Boston Posts: 12,553
    Such an interesting thread, with so much good advice.

    I have two tattoos. Got one in 2004 the day after the Red Sox beat the Yankees in the ALCS. That was when they came from being down 0-3 and were largely written off. So it was still fresh (and tender) when they won the World Series. It's the stocking logo, on my left ankle.

    I do love the Sox, but I'm not a rabid fan who can tell you all the stats of all the players at every moment. But that tattoo reminds me that no matter how bad things seem, you can always come from behind. Also, there was such an incredible sense of community in Boston at that time, it was truly moving. If I never watch another game, I'll still remember how great it was in the fall of 2004.

    I went bigger than I originally intended, and I'm glad I did. The artist was able to create a texture, so it almost looks like it's embroidered.

    My second tattoo is a silhouette of a black Lab, on my right ankle. Got that one a few days after our Lab, The Late, Great Seamus, died. I wanted him to be with me forever, and now he is. At the time I envisioned eventually having all of my dogs as an anklet. But I know when Sailor's time comes, he will need something truly special as he is the love of my life. So he may end up on my wrist or somewhere else where I can see him every day.

    I've been thinking about something special for PJ20. Maybe ultra-traditional, like Stickman, or maybe a lyric framing an image. Not sure about that yet.

    Regarding the comment about having to cover tats for job interviews _ I've worked for Harvard teaching hospitals which are really quite conservative. Now I work in a software tech environment that is much more creative and upstart-ish. At the Harvard hospitals, I wore skirts in the summer and people could see _ and at times comment on _ my tattoos. The powers that be didn't even raise an eyebrow... but one coworker at my same level (manager) made several comments about how awful tattoos are, and how her kids would never be allowed to get them, they are trashy, etc.

    I think at the end of the day you have to decide whether you want to work in a place that celebrates diversity. As far as I'm concerned, I have a right to express myself in a nondisruptive way. Whether that means wearing a headscarf, a crucifix, pink hair, a yarmulke or the lyrics to "GTF" on my arm.

    :)
    15 years of sharks 06/30/08 (MA), 05/17/10 (Boston), 09/03/11 (Alpine Valley), 09/04/11 (Alpine Valley), 09/30/12 (Missoula), 07/19/13 (Wrigley), 10/15/13 (Worcester), 10/16/13 (Worcester), 10/25/13 (Hartford), 12/4/13 (Vancouver), 12/6/13 (Seattle), 6/26/14 (Berlin), 6/28/14 (Stockholm), 10/16/14 (Detroit)
  • Kilgore_Trout
    Kilgore_Trout Posts: 7,334
    if you're already second guessing it then don't do it

    it really doesn't sound like you're a "tattoo person"
    "Senza speme vivemo in disio"

    http://seanbriceart.com/
  • EmBleve
    EmBleve Posts: 3,019
    times comment on _ my tattoos. The powers that be didn't even raise an eyebrow... but one coworker at my same level (manager) made several comments about how awful tattoos are, and how her kids would never be allowed to get them, they are trashy, etc.

    I think at the end of the day you have to decide whether you want to work in a place that celebrates diversity. As far as I'm concerned, I have a right to express myself in a nondisruptive way. Whether that means wearing a headscarf, a crucifix, pink hair, a yarmulke or the lyrics to "GTF" on my arm.

    :)[/quote]

    Awesome idea you had about the pets. :) Yes, I totally agree on working in a place that celebrates diversity, and certainly it is your right to express yourself!! (why I have them, too, :) ) Sometimes, in the nursing world it is just not acceptable, though. ;( If I had my choice it would be different, but, sadly, it's not. Like, I also went through a phase where I wanted those dirty dreads that you eventually have to shave off and the 'powers that be' said oh hell no.. But pretty much the only thing that was ever said about them was by that doctor who told me I wouldn't get into medical school with them. I was like, what?? And props to you, girl!! Wear your skirt!!! :clap: I do sometimes, but again, I really do have to consider the context just to spare myself. :)
  • unlost dogs
    unlost dogs Greater Boston Posts: 12,553
    Awesome idea you had about the pets. :) Yes, I totally agree on working in a place that celebrates diversity, and certainly it is your right to express yourself!! (why I have them, too, :) ) Sometimes, in the nursing world it is just not acceptable, though. ;( If I had my choice it would be different, but, sadly, it's not. Like, I also went through a phase where I wanted those dirty dreads that you eventually have to shave off and the 'powers that be' said oh hell no.. But pretty much the only thing that was ever said about them was by that doctor who told me I wouldn't get into medical school with them. I was like, what?? And props to you, girl!! Wear your skirt!!! :clap: I do sometimes, but again, I really do have to consider the context just to spare myself. :)[/quote]

    Should have added... I've been a nurse for 16 years. All in Harvard teaching hospitals and you don't get stuffier than that! Always thought it was pretty funny that the only disparaging comment I ever heard came from another nurse.

    Also, having been on panels that interviewed medical students who were applying to a residency program, then voted on who got in and who didn't _ nobody cared about their tats.

    The pendulum swings... ;)
    15 years of sharks 06/30/08 (MA), 05/17/10 (Boston), 09/03/11 (Alpine Valley), 09/04/11 (Alpine Valley), 09/30/12 (Missoula), 07/19/13 (Wrigley), 10/15/13 (Worcester), 10/16/13 (Worcester), 10/25/13 (Hartford), 12/4/13 (Vancouver), 12/6/13 (Seattle), 6/26/14 (Berlin), 6/28/14 (Stockholm), 10/16/14 (Detroit)
  • EmBleve
    EmBleve Posts: 3,019
    unlost dogs wrote:
    Awesome idea you had about the pets. :) Yes, I totally agree on working in a place that celebrates diversity, and certainly it is your right to express yourself!! (why I have them, too, :) ) Sometimes, in the nursing world it is just not acceptable, though. ;( If I had my choice it would be different, but, sadly, it's not. Like, I also went through a phase where I wanted those dirty dreads that you eventually have to shave off and the 'powers that be' said oh hell no.. But pretty much the only thing that was ever said about them was by that doctor who told me I wouldn't get into medical school with them. I was like, what?? And props to you, girl!! Wear your skirt!!! :clap: I do sometimes, but again, I really do have to consider the context just to spare myself. :)

    Should have added... I've been a nurse for 16 years. All in Harvard teaching hospitals and you don't get stuffier than that! Always thought it was pretty funny that the only disparaging comment I ever heard came from another nurse.

    Also, having been on panels that interviewed medical students who were applying to a residency program, then voted on who got in and who didn't _ nobody cared about their tats.

    The pendulum swings... ;)[/quote]



    Well, that is awesome indeed! Although I'm just a lowly staff RN. :) And the doctor who said that said it to me in '95 so obviously things have changed. Plus, if they're residents, they already been through the school part. :D

    oh...to add, then you totally relate to the fingernail/hair issue--also had to take out my eyebrow ring to work.
  • EmBleve
    EmBleve Posts: 3,019
    [Should have added... I've been a nurse for 16 years. All in Harvard teaching hospitals and you don't get stuffier than that! Always thought it was pretty funny that the only disparaging comment I ever heard came from another nurse.

    Also, having been on panels that interviewed medical students who were applying to a residency program, then voted on who got in and who didn't _ nobody cared about their tats.

    The pendulum swings... ;)[/quote]

    Ahh..I see..also it is important/relvant where one is, as well. I see 'greater Boston'...of course, to be Harvard...never been there but would like to go someday. :) I used to live in New Orleans, but now I'm in small town, NC, and the amount of progressive thought is much more limited where I am now. Naturally, that makes a huge difference. :lol:
  • Staggering Genius
    Staggering Genius Posts: 169
    unlost dogs wrote:
    Such an interesting thread, with so much good advice.

    I have two tattoos. Got one in 2004 the day after the Red Sox beat the Yankees in the ALCS. That was when they came from being down 0-3 and were largely written off. So it was still fresh (and tender) when they won the World Series. It's the stocking logo, on my left ankle.

    I do love the Sox, but I'm not a rabid fan who can tell you all the stats of all the players at every moment. But that tattoo reminds me that no matter how bad things seem, you can always come from behind. Also, there was such an incredible sense of community in Boston at that time, it was truly moving. If I never watch another game, I'll still remember how great it was in the fall of 2004.

    I went bigger than I originally intended, and I'm glad I did. The artist was able to create a texture, so it almost looks like it's embroidered.

    My second tattoo is a silhouette of a black Lab, on my right ankle. Got that one a few days after our Lab, The Late, Great Seamus, died. I wanted him to be with me forever, and now he is. At the time I envisioned eventually having all of my dogs as an anklet. But I know when Sailor's time comes, he will need something truly special as he is the love of my life. So he may end up on my wrist or somewhere else where I can see him every day.

    I've been thinking about something special for PJ20. Maybe ultra-traditional, like Stickman, or maybe a lyric framing an image. Not sure about that yet.

    Regarding the comment about having to cover tats for job interviews _ I've worked for Harvard teaching hospitals which are really quite conservative. Now I work in a software tech environment that is much more creative and upstart-ish. At the Harvard hospitals, I wore skirts in the summer and people could see _ and at times comment on _ my tattoos. The powers that be didn't even raise an eyebrow... but one coworker at my same level (manager) made several comments about how awful tattoos are, and how her kids would never be allowed to get them, they are trashy, etc.

    I think at the end of the day you have to decide whether you want to work in a place that celebrates diversity. As far as I'm concerned, I have a right to express myself in a nondisruptive way. Whether that means wearing a headscarf, a crucifix, pink hair, a yarmulke or the lyrics to "GTF" on my arm.

    :)

    Your tattoos sound amazing. I love the idea of your dog being with you forever. It is one of the nicer thoughts I have had regarding tattoos.

    I'm not too concerned with how a tattoo would impact my working opportunities as it would be in a covered area, but that is interesting to think about.

    My concern now is that after walking around SXSW, I saw hundreds of tattoos and most of them looked faded and quite unattractive. That is worrisome.

    Also, I am such a Boston wannabe. My beloved friend and cousin live there and I am trying to make my way there. That was a really great series.
    Well, fuckers, he still stands.
  • Staggering Genius
    Staggering Genius Posts: 169
    Kilgore_Trout wrote:
    if you're already second guessing it then don't do it

    it really doesn't sound like you're a "tattoo person"

    :( I haven't made a decision yet to second guess.
    Well, fuckers, he still stands.
  • Staggering Genius
    Staggering Genius Posts: 169
    Suzi78 wrote:
    Staggering Genius wrote:
    Suzi78 wrote:
    I was the same way. Never thought I'd get a tattoo. I even thought most tattoos looked a bit trashy. Then Backspacer was released and I was listening to Just breathe like 20 times a day and I felt that song just spoke to me and I knew I had to have it tattood on my body. Took me about a month to find the right font, took it with me to the tattoo place and had it done in 40 minutes. Just like you, I didn't want it to show too much, but at the same time I didn't want anything tiny, so I placed it vertically on my right rib. Doesn't show too much unless I raise my arm. I love it and don't regret it for a second. Even my mother likes it :)
    Go for it! But take your time to find the right one for you.

    Hope this doesn't sound creepy, but I saw yours on the thread awhile ago and thought if I was to ever get a tattoo, I would want it to be like that. That's why I am thinking ribs, because I really like the way yours looks. It is very nice.

    Thank you! Haha, no it doesn't sound creepy. I was browsing through Dimi's tattoo pics on facebook too and got quite inspired. I know boyo79 thought it hurt like hell when he got his ribs tattood but it wasn't that bad for me. SO don't let that scare you. I asked my tattoo guy to honestly tell me if that was the most painful area to have done and he just smiled at me. So of course I was anticipating the worst. However, during the first lower part of my tattoo I could barely stop laughing and moving becasue it was tickling, then as he got closer to my armpit it started hurting. I guess women can handle pain better :) And I agree with the people above me, don't make it too small. Mine is about 30 cm (a foot) and it would've looked a little wimpy had it been smaller...I think. ANyway, post some pics when you get it done. Will be fun to see what you choose.

    Yeah I am not too scared about the pain, rather the permanence of it. Besides, I think rib tattoos are really nice. As I wrote to Unlost, I was at SXSW this weekend and saw hundreds of faded and awful-looking tattoos. That is my newest concern. But I've been told that it is the sunlight that speeds the fading process, so maybe that would not be a problem for me?

    I will take a picture for sure if and when I decided to go for it!
    Well, fuckers, he still stands.
  • Staggering Genius
    Staggering Genius Posts: 169
    EmBleve wrote:
    welll..I don't know..but I do totally agree that you need to really think about what you want, if you will want it forever, and the tattoo artist. tres important!! :) I have 4, have had them for years, and each one has a story behind it and personal meaning (of course)...but I do regret some of them....particularly the placement. I have one on each ankle--these are the ones I regret. If you're a guy, it doesn't matter so much. :lol: But, for me as a girl, I did not think about the fact that it basically would rule out wearing a dress or a skirt to pretty much any event--I am forever destined to the land of opaque tights. Also, at one point several years ago I was contemplating going to medical school (I'm a nurse)..well, never made it to medical school--chose another option, but I won't ever forget a doctor in the ER I used to work in once saw one of the tats on my ankle and knew I was thinking about medical school and he said "if you go for an interview to get in, don't let them see that or you'll never get in". Damn. I also read somewhere recently that Travis Barker said that he started getting his very early so that he would have no other choice but to go into music for a career. funny. :D
    Good luck!

    That's such a great point. That's why I wanted to choose a covered area, so that I would not feel strange in a professional or formal situation.
    Well, fuckers, he still stands.
  • mickeyrat
    mickeyrat Posts: 45,194
    choose the image carefully, research the artisis in your area. If or once you get it, take care of your skin. That will extend the life of the ink.

    I have several that are 20 yrs old. they are faded somewhat. Some due to overexposure to the sun. but mostly because I dont take care of my skin the way I probably should. regardless, these are my tats , if somebody doesnt like them , well F em.

    From the sounds of all your posts, you keep coming up with possibilies to stop you from getting it. In the end, you either want one or you dont.


    With the inks being produced these days, you are better served getting a tat these days than some were way back when. This is a huge industry now, so the research into new products is greater with more science behind it.

    Take the plunge. if you decide you dont like or want it anymore, theres always laser removal!!!
    _____________________________________SIGNATURE________________________________________________

    Not today Sir, Probably not tomorrow.............................................. bayfront arena st. pete '94
    you're finally here and I'm a mess................................................... nationwide arena columbus '10
    memories like fingerprints are slowly raising.................................... first niagara center buffalo '13
    another man ..... moved by sleight of hand...................................... joe louis arena detroit '14
  • unlost dogs
    unlost dogs Greater Boston Posts: 12,553
    I've seen a lot of faded ink, or blurred lines. But I had a friend who had one of his tats re-inked (after several years) and it looked great. Mickeyrat is right, there must be something in the newer inks that makes them more long-lasting.

    Regarding the comment about the eyebrow ring _ when I was teaching I had a nursing student who had her tongue pierced with a bolt. When she was concentrating, she would flick the knob of the bolt forward so it was up against her front teeth. She wasn't even aware that she was doing it. I had no intention of stifling her right to have a piercing, but I did quietly speak with her when we were alone at one point, just to let her know that if she did that around an elderly patient they might be taken aback. Or a fussy faculty member... I didn't want her to get into trouble.
    15 years of sharks 06/30/08 (MA), 05/17/10 (Boston), 09/03/11 (Alpine Valley), 09/04/11 (Alpine Valley), 09/30/12 (Missoula), 07/19/13 (Wrigley), 10/15/13 (Worcester), 10/16/13 (Worcester), 10/25/13 (Hartford), 12/4/13 (Vancouver), 12/6/13 (Seattle), 6/26/14 (Berlin), 6/28/14 (Stockholm), 10/16/14 (Detroit)
  • dCowboyPJ
    dCowboyPJ Posts: 479
    i have two.

    it took me a long time to get my first one which is the dallas cowboys star on my upper arm. i kept thinking about it and putting it off. then one day i thought fuck it and went to book the appointment and ended up getting it that day because of a cancellation.

    my other one is the pearl jam stickman.

    i want to get another one but i don't know what to get anymore. it will probably be awhile before i get another.
  • EmBleve
    EmBleve Posts: 3,019
    dCowboyPJ wrote:
    i have two.

    it took me a long time to get my first one which is the dallas cowboys star on my upper arm. i kept thinking about it and putting it off. then one day i thought fuck it and went to book the appointment and ended up getting it that day because of a cancellation.

    my other one is the pearl jam stickman.

    i want to get another one but i don't know what to get anymore. it will probably be awhile before i get another.

    That's sweet!

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