Tattoos. How many do you have? Would you ever consider getting one? If not, then how come? How many is too many? Any place on your body you would not get one?
One. Just above my tailbone... Loooooooong before the "tramp stamp" came into fashion. (and its just a little symbol, not a full blown mural on my lower back).
Just what was gonna say!! I've had too many experiences of saying "you have something on your arm"-only to be told its a tatoo to ever want one!! Im not attracted to tatoos, someone overly tatooed has problems, i think- kat von d- but they can do whatever they want. Some of the tats are beautiful, i like looking at them, still dont want one.
3, and I'll probably get more eventually. I just try to avoid the places that will sag considerably or limit my employment options. I doubt anyone will want to work with a therapist who has face tattoos...just sayin'
I have three. Typical tramp stamp spot. Tattoo on my pelvic bone and tat on my ring finger. My whole back is about to be inked but i'm having a hard time finding a reallllly good artist I want.
No tattoos. My youthful definition of beauty which I aspired to was the preppy Ralph Lauren polo shirt, a light tan, blonde highlighted hair, etc. I still love that aesthetic and it doesn't include tattoos. I don't fault anyone for getting tattoos but I do know people who regret it.
I have 7. Half are small, the other half not so much. I get them in places so I can easily hide them (tho if I'm at a pool or nude you can see them all) I don't like to show them off so its easier to get them in less obvious places. I love them and do not regret any of them.
To add to that, I love tattoos and when I see people with body art it gives me a small glimpse into his or her mindset. Face tattoos is where I draw the line though, for myself anyways. I also dislike single boob tattoos.
Three. I got my first one at the ripe age of 28 and am so glad I waited. I actually poo poo'd tatoos and said I'd never get one until then. They are small and hidable. One on my outer ankle, one on my other inner ankle. And one on the outide of my upper thigh.
Two, one on each upper arm. I was always anti tattoos, but then decided to get one in memory of my father. Got the second one because I felt unbalanced with just one. Don't even notice them now.
I have over thirty. They're mine to love. I've been getting them since I was 17 and that was 20 (!) years ago. Geesh, oldie I am. Some are visible and most are not unless I'm in a bathing suit. I don't care how they age. I'm planning to get one in memoriam of my cat that I had to put to sleep last week - but nothing like his name or his face. I'm putting together something...and then I'll wait six months to see if I still want it, draw it on every day for a week to make sure I love the placement and then go for it. I've regretted the few I've gotten on impulse (one was an engagement ring I had to get lasered off and wow did that hurt. And super wow was that stupid). I've had the others I didn't care for covered up.
Tattoos are just one form of a scrapbook of my life that I prefer for myself.
I have nothing against tatts but the man living next door to my brother freaks me out. He’s got a spider’s web tatt across the whole of his face!!!! Yikes! Nobody in my family has ever been tattoo’d. This thread reminds me of when I was a nurse. I went to catheterize an elderly man. To my horror and facination he had the tattoo of an eye on the tip of his penis......BARF!
2. I have a cherry tree branch with blossoms on my right foot. Got it the day I got married in Vegas as a 'new beginnings' thing. I had a cherry tree planted for me when I was 9mos old, so it's symbolic. A butterfly on my shoulder I got 6 years ago. I walked out of the parlor, turned my phone on and found out my dad just had a massive heart attack. It was my 20th birthday. They are both originals, and I'm proud of that. I def want more.
I love body art. I don't like boob, neck or face/scalp tattoos. But whatever floats your boat.
I have an ankle tattoo. I never wanted a tattoo, though my sister had wanted one. When my sister had cancer surgery, I had a very vivid dream of getting a curlicue heart on my right ankle, in pink (my favorite color) and the word "sistah," which is what my sis and I called each other. My sister LOVED the idea, and so did our mother. My sister said when she got better, she'd get a matching tat in green (her favorite color) and we'd be little old ladies and get in a fender bender and the paramedics would be afraid to touch us because they'd think we were part of some "old lady cult."
My sister never got better. On her birthday, about six months after she died, I got my tattoo.
Don't really want another tat. If I did, maybe a little cat paw on my left foot for each cat (and one dog paw) I've had in my life.
I truly don't mind tattoos - to each their own, but I wouldn't be able to handle having one. I can't even write a note on my hand with a pen without obsessing over the ink until I can scrub it off.
Hubs has always wanted to get my name tattooed, but I'm too superstitious - I'm sure I'd be dead within the year.
None. But I'd probably get inked if I ever found anything I'd like to see on my body for all time. I don't really have anything against them but there is this girl who recently started work at my company and she has them all over-Face, neck, chest, hands. I have to say its a bit distracting.
I have 3 and I love them. They all mark significant moments in my life.
A tribal design with a pink rose on my back/left shoulderblade that I got when I was 21 (16 years ago!) after living/studying abroad for a year.
The second one I got when I finished my PhD in 2006 (yes, a tattoo-ed PhD). It's the Kanji character for "light" and it's on the back of my neck/top of my back. My name means "light", it was the light at the end of the tunnel of the crazy PhD process, and it reminds me to not get caught up in the dark stuff (my dad has been ill for 13 years).
The third one is the breast cancer ribbon inside a heart that I drew when I was doodling at a meeting. It's on the inside of my right wrist. I got it after my breast cancer scare in 2009.
I'm always thinking of what/where next. I have a great guy here in Los Angeles if anyone wants a referral. :)
2 - I got my first for my 40th birthday with my daughter (who was 19- and already had 2). We got matching flowers - mine on my ankle, hers on her foot. My second was a Native American drawing that I found many years ago. I just had it inked two months ago on my upper arm. It is beautiful and I love it.
Cowsign what you said. They do not age well and if you place them on body parts with some elasticity, a dainty little hummingbird tattoo will turn into a vulture someday LOL
I gave myself three. When I was suffering through a stint in a halfway house in WI back in the 1990's. I was watching all the girls destroy themselves, by tatting on their knuckles, love and hate, and sh*t like that, when I thought, hmm, I could do that but nicely (for the life of me I cannot remember the method, but all I used was a pin w/a ball on top and some india ink....prison style baby, all the way, LOL). So I did a sun (actually in red and india ink), an ankh and a joan miro star (he's my fav artist, aside from Frusciante). Lot's of people rag on them , but you know, they carry such meaning. I really was so f'ed up back them that I sorta thought, we'll at least I'd have identifiable markers on me. Yeah, my road was looking that bad at the time.
Would I get one now.....maybe. But I'd have to have someone I know and cared for do it, as I on't particularly like being touched by strangers.
Oh, and yeah, the girls were seriously impressed. So I started to give the others tat's. But begged them to do something other then "ozzy" "love/hate" etc....such as their astrological sign, or ruin symbol. I'd also like to say that oddly enough, I was there for this brief period, right when the first white buffalo was born (sorry, I take Everything as a sign).
I have 8...got the first one when I was 19 years old. I used to be a badass, but now everyone under the sun has them, and I just look like an idiot. I regret the ones I have for only one reason; the white trash factor. I gets no respect and that bums me out.
OMAMA, we knew a dude in HS who did his own tats, but only had 'em on the left side of his body cause he was right-handed :-). To this day, hubs and I refer to him as Ankle Dot, thanks to his first tattoo :-).
It's super cool that you did your own - I know your life was in the shitter then, but you've got those tokens to take with you always - I bet they give you strength. As I stated above, I couldn't hang with the permanent ink, but I have a crazy dream of being able to cut my own hair - I love having or being an original. Maybe beauty school is in my future! I also love making my own home furnishings and linens, etc. That's just how I roll!
Love them, have them but I can't stand horrible tattoos and bad placement. RESEARCH YOUR ARTIST!!! And, much like plastic surgery, don't pick someone based on price.
I'm so easily distracted, OMAMA, that I forgot what I originally wanted to say - white buffalo! Yes! We were just at Yellowstone, which is awesome by the way, and my kids and I were talking about sacred white buffalo ( really bison, as my 13 year old points out every time:-). We thought we saw a white BISON (see, I'm learning) but it was just a rock, cause we're all huge goobers.
None, for reasons already mentioned.. and because I can't imagine not eventually tiring of an adornment that's always there. It's too permanent for my evolving taste.
Oh, and to those who love to say that they're the only rebels at the table b/c they're the only ones without a tattoo, you're not, especially when your tone is so incredibly judgmental and you're just being an asshole.
Getting or not getting a tattoo is a personal decision that doesn't affect anyone else so they should keep their judgments and opinions to themselves since they weren't asked for them in the first place.
I have 3. Two big ones and one small. First one was a little butterfly right after I graduated highschool. I could live without it. I have a spider orchid vine on my back from neck to tailbone. Love it. Have an amazing artist who trades my husband tattoos for guitar lessons. Sweet deal. I also have a henna esque tattoo on my upper arm that is unfinished. Love it, too. I couldn't imagine having a husband who didn't have tatttoos or didn't like them. Lucky that is not the case. We met over the local music scene and all our friends had/ have tattoos as well. Goes along with the territory of heavy metal. I really don't care what they look like when I am older. Right now, they are smokin'.
I have 3. My first is Morrissey on my upper right shoulder, 2nd is my dog's pawprint and name. I had to put him to sleep in December so it has a lot more meaning to me now... The third is a T-Rex in a meteor shower tramp stamp.
I got 3 and am about to cover two of them up with another one couse I tryed to laser it, but the colours wont come out.... I love tattoo and intend to do many more. I'll just think a litle harder about the drawing the next few times! :)
I have two large, traditional Japanese style tattoos. One is actually a two-in-one as they were done in two sessions about 2 years apart, on my the right side of my right leg that extends from one inch above my ankle to one inch below my knee that were done by a dear friend of mine. On the bottom is a large water lotus (rebirth, good fortune, peace, enlightenment) with water coming through a rock from which the flower grows and the flower is done in pink, purple and yellow. I got it after surviving one of the worst years of my life. Above it is a large red peony (honor, good fortune, compassion).
On my back is my work in progress. It's a maneki-neko surrounded by waves, wind bars and falling cherry blossoms. It's to honor my cat that I had for 14 years who passed away a couple of summers ago. I got him when I was 18 so I'd literally had him my entire adult life when he died.
For anyone considering getting a tattoo, just remember the credo "Cheap tattoos aren't good and good tattoos aren't cheap." My leg was $700 (7 hours) and my back will end up being about $1300 by the time I'm done. (11-12 hours)
i'm of the 'you don't put a bumper sticker on a bentley' school of thought, personally, but i don't mind them on others. they're just not something that's for me. i've plenty of other ways of expressing/remembering/honoring.
Five - each one was thoroughly thought out and mean something to me. I'm planning on more, it is true, once you have one, it's hard to stop. I do have mine placed so they can be covered up easily, I do work in an office environment, the day I retire, no matter my age, I'm getting a full sleeve. Personally I think tattoos are artistic and allow you to become your own canvas. I've met people with scary looking tats from head to toe, who are the nicest people you would want to meet, can never tell what the story is by the outside cover.
I also agree with your wise words "Cheap tattoos aren't good and good tattoos aren't cheap." So true! And, don't pick something from a wall or book! A good artist will be able to work with you to come up with something original! Both of mine I helped design. My back tattoo took four sketches before I was happy.
I love love love tattoos but as a woman I feel they should't be all over your arms and on the breast I find the really tacky. I currently have 4 really big tattoos my whole back is covered with 2 pieces (top: a heart with angel wings & the bottom half a cross with a female Jesus on it) and then I have on a snake in the shape of a heart that covers my whole bum. And last I have one on my foot that I dont like all that much. Maybe when I send in my pic to Enty I will send as one pic with both pics so you can see my back pieces. I have an idea for another piece that I want to get but I just don't know where I want it yet.
Oh, also, never a face, neck or chest tattoo or on my arms. Face and neck tattoos simply say "I've gone as far as I want to in life." I'll never do a chest tattoo because these natural 34DDs won't be sitting this high forever. And I won't on my arms because it's just a personal preferences.
I'm 51 years old and would love to get a tattoo at this age. I've been thinking of cat paw prints and horse shoes to symbolize my animals, mostly the ones who have passed :(
I love tattoos. I've got 6. A winged globe tramp stamp (way before that phrase existed), a hieroglyph of Ra on my upper arm, hieroglyph of Orion on my outer ankle, my sons 1 month handprint in blue (his color) on my shoulder, a vine (my sons birth flower) around my left wrist with his name and a painting my mother did (specifically for this purpose) ofs blue sun orchid (my 4 month old daughters flower) on the back of my neck. I don't regret any of them and they are such a part of me that I don't even see them anymore. They all mean something important and were carefully considered beforehand, some for years. I would never get one on my boobs, belly, face or neck. I would totally get more if the right occasion presents itself.
I have 4. I am sure I will get more. I've heard the "they look terrible when you are old" argument so many times, especially from my family, and it just makes me smile. Is it really going to matter anyway? Really? Saggy, wrinkled skin is saggy, wrinkled skin. At least mine all come with stories I can share in the old folks' home. :)
I started out with a fish over my hip bone. Had that for about 15 years and decided to add to it. One of my daughters loves turtles and the other loves lupines so I have both of those with the lupine entwined with the turtle and the fish. It has both girls initials on it and extends a bit down my leg. It can only be seen in a swimsuit or if I have shorter shorts on and they hike up when I sit down or something. It may have some other initials hidden in it somewhere ; )
I also have a patriotic ribbon on my shoulder blade, in honor of my cousin who was in the army and air force and lost his battle with leukemia about 18 months ago. It is shaded with orange, which is the awareness color for leukemia.
I work in a professional setting so I've kept them to places that are covered by clothes. I do not have problem showing them off to anyone who asks though!
None. They just aren't me. I never had any epiphany or event in my life so meaningful that I would want to look at it on my body forever. My tastes have changed over the years, and how awful it would be to have something you hate permanently displayed on your body. I'm not prejudiced against them at all, if that's what you enjoy, then go for it. I would only suggest in moderation or in places normally covered by clothing because big screaming tattoos will probably limit your employability in any sort of professional environment.
Will I ever change my mind and get one? No. I'll be 70 years old this summer, the flesh is not so firm as it once was.
I have an ichthys on my left inner ankle. I would have many more, but I can't afford them. I always wonder how my friends who are dirt-poor can afford to get new ones every week.
I wouldn't get on one my face, and probably not on my neck, either. Maybe not the shoulders/upper back, either.
I love tats, but mine have to be the kind that CAN be covered up.
None. My reasons are many, but suffice to say the big one is why my ears are pierced only once -- They won't do it under general anesthesia. I'm a huge chicken
None. But I'd love to get an oroborus on my back with the words "this is who we are" written in the center in honor of my favorite television series "MillenniuM".
chest piece- birthflowers of my family up both sides of ribcage-cherry blossom flowers left thigh- birthflowers of my Nonno n Nonna with two peacock feathers right thigh- three turtle doves to rep myself,my husband n my son..holding a ribbon with two hearts and a pocket watch inner left wrist - A amhain.. Irish Gaelic..loosely translated..My only.. inner wright wrist- A ghra My love lower back- chinese characters (personal to me)
My thoughts is think about the Ws n H before doing something permanent and realize that the saying you get what you pay for was meant for this such scenario.
The first person I thought of reading this was Estella Warren, but I think she might be doing something currently? I'm not sure. Also, I thought briefly of Erika Christensen, but IMDB says she has a movie coming out this year.
@ OMAMA, really like your post. For the unknowing the White Buffalo is called that by NA's because according to legend "White Buffalo Women" will come back as a White Buffalo. First, the buffalo is white for a yr. or so then it changes to red for a while then is to change back to white for the legend to be true. They never call it white bison. The first was born in Wis. and is still alive. The 2nd was born on a farm in Texas and someone broke in and skinned him alive. The next day they came back and did the same to his mother. As, for tatoo's I like them my Daughter got her first in HS when she made it to State in Track and another the next year when she did it again. One is a Sundial on her lower back (TS) the other is her upper back a large blue bird. They are fine to me in fact my friend and I plan on getting ones in 2 yrs. when we reach 60.
None. Probably not gonna. I always thought Tattoo as a way to taint God given beauty that is human body. I always think Most people with tattoo are either full of self Loathing or wanting to say "F U" to the world at large with a msg that they don't want to belong nor seek approval from others who they think would judge and reject them anyway. Of course, there are some who did it as a way to gain street cred. I have none of these reasons. What I carry - I carry in my heart, my mind and my soul. Not on the depth of my skin.
I have two-One on my foot-a Moose. Small, cute, can be covered by shoe or sock if needed The other is a tree on my calf with celtic knots in it for the leaves. There are 5 colored leaves that represent my family.
I have gotten 3 which started out as a butterfly tramp stamp when I was 16. Then I added tribal on each side horizontally. Then at 21 I got more tribal added underneath and had the previous 2 recolored. I would love to get more but my hubby hates them. I guess that's why I always got them when we split up. I still try talking him into agreeing to let me add more to the existing. One day *sigh*
I don't have any but recently I've thought about putting a small, elaborate A J A on my inner left wrist where only I can see it. Those are the initials of the first names of my late mother, father and sister.
@DavidsFan - I disagree. Whether you think a tattoo is beautiful or not is a personal opinion, so I am not going to attempt to change your mind, however, none of the people who I know have them because they are full of self loathing or as a preemptive rejection of the world they feel will reject them.
Personally, my first was in memorium of my great grandfather. He was an awesome man who raised my mother and her siblings like his own. He came to America with his family from Russia in 1911 and, even though was considered a bit old at the time, served in WWII in the Marines (hoping to save some of his own family who were affected by the holocaust). He also was incredibly supportive and accepting to my mother when she brought home a Mexican husband, who was not Jewish, though a lot of people cut her out of their lives. He was one of the most caring and sensitive people who I have ever known, and he taught me a lot. The second was for a lifelong friend (star buddy tattoo), and the third was one that my sister and I got together that symbolizes our relationship as best friends and sisters.
I can assure you that I am quite well adjusted, not angry at the world, well educated, and work in a professional capacity (with very little to no street cred).
@Lori. You're right. That's another reason. Commemorating or honoring a person or a wonderful moment or a tragic event. What I was thinking of were not people with a few tattoos but those who cover their entire arms, neck and even face. I guess when one says tatoo, I often think of those people who advertise and display their tat for the world to see. Thanks for sharing the beautiful memory of a good man.
Currently I have 11, including the beginnings of a full sleeve on my right arm. Aside from the sleeve, the rest are typically hidden unless I'm wearing a bikini.
I love art, and I love my body, and the body is the ultimate canvas.
It's not for everyone, and I can't help but feel pity for those who look down upon people with tattoos. It's a personal choice, no one needs your approval or permission to express their self. People with ink tend be a lot more open-minded and accepting of the diversities of the world than those who look down upon others for choosing to adorn their bodies. Just saying.
No tats. I might get consider getting one. My cousin is an artist.
I have a HUGE fear of getting Hep from tats. I had a lecture from a doctor who works at the same hospital I do. He said more people are getting Hep from the INK then the needles because people insist on new needles but sometimes the artist reuses old ink. ICK!!!
Oh, Enty. I have a bunch of tattoos. I was drunk/loaded when I got them. I even got stars on my forearm to be like Samantha Ronson. I figured my tattoos were awful UNTIL I started googling Really Bad Tattoos. Then, I felt much better. But still, I don't recommend getting inked when you are drunk and have a credit card. Just saying.
@billybob: Man, I bet THAT hurt to have done! @DianaofThemyscira: I believe Enty asked us. Just sayin'. @DavidsFan: Lighten up, Francis! iheartjcksparrow: Great, great show! Where's Brittany Tiplady now? As for me, one Tibetan Knot of Eternity on the back, betweeen the shoulder blades, so long ago I forget it's there most of the time.
p.s. Fufra....no my three are in a balance of sort. Not just on one side. But that's a really funny story about the guy you knew. I do remember I started one on a girl, but never finished b/c I split. I still wonder about that. What she did, if she got it finished.
@ Dianaofthewhateverthefuck, please point me to "the only rebels at the table" that offend your delicate sensibilities... Your bizarre rant says more about your own judgmental nature than any other person on this thread... and hunny, try re-reading ENTYs question---he asks EVERYONE about their stance on tats--not just those with ink.
I have 2 but want more. I have a black panther head on my lower back that is similar to what my dad & his brothers had (my brother & 2 cousins got it too from the original artist). I also have comedy/tragedy masks on my left shoulder blade (life is full of both). I put some serious thought into what I got & where it was placed. I have wanted a yellow rose since I was really little so now I am trying to incorporate my kids' initials into it also. I like that I can cover mine at anytime.
One. Just above my tailbone... Loooooooong before the "tramp stamp" came into fashion. (and its just a little symbol, not a full blown mural on my lower back).
ReplyDeleteI have zero, and plan on keeping it that way.
ReplyDeleteNone. I used to think about getting one, but I've seen too many old people with them. Tattoos do not age well.
ReplyDeleteJust what was gonna say!! I've had too many experiences of saying "you have something on your arm"-only to be told its a tatoo to ever want one!! Im not attracted to tatoos, someone overly tatooed has problems, i think- kat von d- but they can do whatever they want. Some of the tats are beautiful, i like looking at them, still dont want one.
Delete3, and I'll probably get more eventually. I just try to avoid the places that will sag considerably or limit my employment options. I doubt anyone will want to work with a therapist who has face tattoos...just sayin'
ReplyDelete0. I don't like them.
ReplyDeleteI have three.
ReplyDeleteTypical tramp stamp spot.
Tattoo on my pelvic bone and tat on my ring finger. My whole back is about to be inked but i'm having a hard time finding a reallllly good artist I want.
No tattoos. My youthful definition of beauty which I aspired to was the preppy Ralph Lauren polo shirt, a light tan, blonde highlighted hair, etc. I still love that aesthetic and it doesn't include tattoos. I don't fault anyone for getting tattoos but I do know people who regret it.
ReplyDeleteI have 7. Half are small, the other half not so much. I get them in places so I can easily hide them (tho if I'm at a pool or nude you can see them all) I don't like to show them off so its easier to get them in less obvious places. I love them and do not regret any of them.
ReplyDeleteTo add to that, I love tattoos and when I see people with body art it gives me a small glimpse into his or her mindset.
ReplyDeleteFace tattoos is where I draw the line though, for myself anyways.
I also dislike single boob tattoos.
Three. I got my first one at the ripe age of 28 and am so glad I waited. I actually poo poo'd tatoos and said I'd never get one until then.
ReplyDeleteThey are small and hidable. One on my outer ankle, one on my other inner ankle. And one on the outide of my upper thigh.
Two, one on each upper arm. I was always anti tattoos, but then decided to get one in memory of my father. Got the second one because I felt unbalanced with just one. Don't even notice them now.
ReplyDeleteI have 5. All small, all on my legs but one which is on my arm. I'm happy to have them and don't regret it at all.
ReplyDeleteI have over thirty. They're mine to love. I've been getting them since I was 17 and that was 20 (!) years ago. Geesh, oldie I am. Some are visible and most are not unless I'm in a bathing suit. I don't care how they age. I'm planning to get one in memoriam of my cat that I had to put to sleep last week - but nothing like his name or his face. I'm putting together something...and then I'll wait six months to see if I still want it, draw it on every day for a week to make sure I love the placement and then go for it. I've regretted the few I've gotten on impulse (one was an engagement ring I had to get lasered off and wow did that hurt. And super wow was that stupid). I've had the others I didn't care for covered up.
ReplyDeleteTattoos are just one form of a scrapbook of my life that I prefer for myself.
@Gtzisshe I dislike the cat paw on each breast. I saw that in Food Lion yesterday matter of fact.
ReplyDeleteI have one on my left wrist. "Malo Vivo Credo" in a circle. I really want to get another one, but I don't know what or where.
ReplyDeleteZero, and it will stay that way. No interest in them at all.
ReplyDeleteI have nothing against tatts but the man living next door to my brother freaks me out. He’s got a spider’s web tatt across the whole of his face!!!! Yikes! Nobody in my family has ever been tattoo’d.
ReplyDeleteThis thread reminds me of when I was a nurse. I went to catheterize an elderly man. To my horror and facination he had the tattoo of an eye on the tip of his penis......BARF!
I have a full body tattoo of myself.
ReplyDeleteZero, I just don't like them...
ReplyDelete@renoblondee
ReplyDeleteCat paw now, ginormous tiger paw later.
*do your boobs hang low, do they wobble to and fro...*
*Can you tie em in a knot, can you tie em in a bow....*
ReplyDeleteZero.
ReplyDeleteI don't like tattoos.
None, I had gotten one when I was very young but got it removed when the laser removal became available (one treatment, it was an amatuer tattoo).
ReplyDelete2. I have a cherry tree branch with blossoms on my right foot. Got it the day I got married in Vegas as a 'new beginnings' thing. I had a cherry tree planted for me when I was 9mos old, so it's symbolic. A butterfly on my shoulder I got 6 years ago. I walked out of the parlor, turned my phone on and found out my dad just had a massive heart attack. It was my 20th birthday. They are both originals, and I'm proud of that. I def want more.
ReplyDeleteI love body art. I don't like boob, neck or face/scalp tattoos. But whatever floats your boat.
I've none. I've never seen a tattoo that I would consider looking at for the rest of my life. My hubby has one, a very small rose on his upper arm.
ReplyDeleteTwo.
ReplyDeleteMedical ones, can you guess where?
After a double mastectomy.
I've none. I've never seen a tattoo that I would consider looking at for the rest of my life. My hubby has one, a very small rose on his upper arm.
ReplyDeleteZero.
ReplyDeleteI don't like tattoos.
Oops. Sorry for the double post.
ReplyDelete@FSP: LOL
ReplyDeleteI have an ankle tattoo. I never wanted a tattoo, though my sister had wanted one. When my sister had cancer surgery, I had a very vivid dream of getting a curlicue heart on my right ankle, in pink (my favorite color) and the word "sistah," which is what my sis and I called each other. My sister LOVED the idea, and so did our mother. My sister said when she got better, she'd get a matching tat in green (her favorite color) and we'd be little old ladies and get in a fender bender and the paramedics would be afraid to touch us because they'd think we were part of some "old lady cult."
My sister never got better. On her birthday, about six months after she died, I got my tattoo.
Don't really want another tat. If I did, maybe a little cat paw on my left foot for each cat (and one dog paw) I've had in my life.
Four.
ReplyDeleteWouldn't get any on my face or neck, ankles, legs.
I truly don't mind tattoos - to each their own, but I wouldn't be able to handle having one. I can't even write a note on my hand with a pen without obsessing over the ink until I can scrub it off.
ReplyDeleteHubs has always wanted to get my name tattooed, but I'm too superstitious - I'm sure I'd be dead within the year.
Five
ReplyDeleteOne is Garfield with a lawn mower.
None. But I'd probably get inked if I ever found anything I'd like to see on my body for all time. I don't really have anything against them but there is this girl who recently started work at my company and she has them all over-Face, neck, chest, hands. I have to say its a bit distracting.
ReplyDelete@nunaurbiz
ReplyDeleteThat is a sad and lovely story all at the same time.
Sorry to hear about your sister.
I have 3 and I love them. They all mark significant moments in my life.
ReplyDeleteA tribal design with a pink rose on my back/left shoulderblade that I got when I was 21 (16 years ago!) after living/studying abroad for a year.
The second one I got when I finished my PhD in 2006 (yes, a tattoo-ed PhD). It's the Kanji character for "light" and it's on the back of my neck/top of my back. My name means "light", it was the light at the end of the tunnel of the crazy PhD process, and it reminds me to not get caught up in the dark stuff (my dad has been ill for 13 years).
The third one is the breast cancer ribbon inside a heart that I drew when I was doodling at a meeting. It's on the inside of my right wrist. I got it after my breast cancer scare in 2009.
I'm always thinking of what/where next. I have a great guy here in Los Angeles if anyone wants a referral. :)
For myself, I have none and don't want any. But I've seen some people who really have some great ink, and looked great with it.
ReplyDeletePilly- I lurve Garfield. What is he mowing?
ReplyDeleteUmmm. Ummmmm. Ummmmm well ummmmm. THE LAWN. (nudge nudge wink wink)
Delete2 - I got my first for my 40th birthday with my daughter (who was 19- and already had 2). We got matching flowers - mine on my ankle, hers on her foot.
ReplyDeleteMy second was a Native American drawing that I found many years ago. I just had it inked two months ago on my upper arm. It is beautiful and I love it.
@Beth
ReplyDeleteCowsign what you said. They do not age well and if you place them on body parts with some elasticity, a dainty little hummingbird tattoo will turn into a vulture someday LOL
I gave myself three. When I was suffering through a stint in a halfway house in WI back in the 1990's. I was watching all the girls destroy themselves, by tatting on their knuckles, love and hate, and sh*t like that, when I thought, hmm, I could do that but nicely (for the life of me I cannot remember the method, but all I used was a pin w/a ball on top and some india ink....prison style baby, all the way, LOL). So I did a sun (actually in red and india ink), an ankh and a joan miro star (he's my fav artist, aside from Frusciante). Lot's of people rag on them , but you know, they carry such meaning. I really was so f'ed up back them that I sorta thought, we'll at least I'd have identifiable markers on me. Yeah, my road was looking that bad at the time.
ReplyDeleteWould I get one now.....maybe. But I'd have to have someone I know and cared for do it, as I on't particularly like being touched by strangers.
Oh, and yeah, the girls were seriously impressed. So I started to give the others tat's. But begged them to do something other then "ozzy" "love/hate" etc....such as their astrological sign, or ruin symbol. I'd also like to say that oddly enough, I was there for this brief period, right when the first white buffalo was born (sorry, I take Everything as a sign).
later gaters.
Sorry meant "cosign" LOL
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteNone, and I never will. Too many of my ancestors had tattoos done involuntarily.
ReplyDeleteI have 8...got the first one when I was 19 years old. I used to be a badass, but now everyone under the sun has them, and I just look like an idiot. I regret the ones I have for only one reason; the white trash factor. I gets no respect and that bums me out.
ReplyDeleteOMAMA, we knew a dude in HS who did his own tats, but only had 'em on the left side of his body cause he was right-handed :-). To this day, hubs and I refer to him as Ankle Dot, thanks to his first tattoo :-).
ReplyDeleteIt's super cool that you did your own - I know your life was in the shitter then, but you've got those tokens to take with you always - I bet they give you strength. As I stated above, I couldn't hang with the permanent ink, but I have a crazy dream of being able to cut my own hair - I love having or being an original. Maybe beauty school is in my future! I also love making my own home furnishings and linens, etc. That's just how I roll!
None. Totally respect those who do.
ReplyDeleteLove them, have them but I can't stand horrible tattoos and bad placement. RESEARCH YOUR ARTIST!!! And, much like plastic surgery, don't pick someone based on price.
ReplyDeleteI don't have any and would never consider it. They just aren't for everyone and I always felt that they would look silly once you got older.
ReplyDeleteThis question reminds me of Rocky Horror when Frank asks Janet & Brad if they have any tattoos....lol!!!!!!
I'm so easily distracted, OMAMA, that I forgot what I originally wanted to say - white buffalo! Yes! We were just at Yellowstone, which is awesome by the way, and my kids and I were talking about sacred white buffalo ( really bison, as my 13 year old points out every time:-). We thought we saw a white BISON (see, I'm learning) but it was just a rock, cause we're all huge goobers.
ReplyDeleteNone, for reasons already mentioned.. and because I can't imagine not eventually tiring of an adornment that's always there. It's too permanent for my evolving taste.
ReplyDeleteGood God, Seachica, this white girl never thought about that. That's sobering to say the least. I can see where you're coming from on that.
ReplyDeleteOh, and to those who love to say that they're the only rebels at the table b/c they're the only ones without a tattoo, you're not, especially when your tone is so incredibly judgmental and you're just being an asshole.
ReplyDeleteGetting or not getting a tattoo is a personal decision that doesn't affect anyone else so they should keep their judgments and opinions to themselves since they weren't asked for them in the first place.
I have 3. Two big ones and one small. First one was a little butterfly right after I graduated highschool. I could live without it. I have a spider orchid vine on my back from neck to tailbone. Love it. Have an amazing artist who trades my husband tattoos for guitar lessons. Sweet deal. I also have a henna esque tattoo on my upper arm that is unfinished. Love it, too. I couldn't imagine having a husband who didn't have tatttoos or didn't like them. Lucky that is not the case. We met over the local music scene and all our friends had/ have tattoos as well. Goes along with the territory of heavy metal. I really don't care what they look like when I am older. Right now, they are smokin'.
ReplyDeleteI have 3. My first is Morrissey on my upper right shoulder, 2nd is my dog's pawprint and name. I had to put him to sleep in December so it has a lot more meaning to me now... The third is a T-Rex in a meteor shower tramp stamp.
ReplyDelete@Sue Ellen: Thanks! :-)
ReplyDeleteI got 3 and am about to cover two of them up with another one couse I tryed to laser it, but the colours wont come out.... I love tattoo and intend to do many more. I'll just think a litle harder about the drawing the next few times! :)
ReplyDeleteI have two large, traditional Japanese style tattoos. One is actually a two-in-one as they were done in two sessions about 2 years apart, on my the right side of my right leg that extends from one inch above my ankle to one inch below my knee that were done by a dear friend of mine. On the bottom is a large water lotus (rebirth, good fortune, peace, enlightenment) with water coming through a rock from which the flower grows and the flower is done in pink, purple and yellow. I got it after surviving one of the worst years of my life. Above it is a large red peony (honor, good fortune, compassion).
ReplyDeleteOn my back is my work in progress. It's a maneki-neko surrounded by waves, wind bars and falling cherry blossoms. It's to honor my cat that I had for 14 years who passed away a couple of summers ago. I got him when I was 18 so I'd literally had him my entire adult life when he died.
For anyone considering getting a tattoo, just remember the credo "Cheap tattoos aren't good and good tattoos aren't cheap." My leg was $700 (7 hours) and my back will end up being about $1300 by the time I'm done. (11-12 hours)
i'm of the 'you don't put a bumper sticker on a bentley' school of thought, personally, but i don't mind them on others. they're just not something that's for me. i've plenty of other ways of expressing/remembering/honoring.
ReplyDeleteI'm on my 30th, preparing to get a sleeve on my right arm.
ReplyDeleteI just don't like tattoos on the face, but I really like fully covered bodies.
Five - each one was thoroughly thought out and mean something to me. I'm planning on more, it is true, once you have one, it's hard to stop. I do have mine placed so they can be covered up easily, I do work in an office environment, the day I retire, no matter my age, I'm getting a full sleeve.
ReplyDeletePersonally I think tattoos are artistic and allow you to become your own canvas. I've met people with scary looking tats from head to toe, who are the nicest people you would want to meet, can never tell what the story is by the outside cover.
@Discoflux
ReplyDeleteYour tattoos sound amazing!!!
I also agree with your wise words "Cheap tattoos aren't good and good tattoos aren't cheap." So true! And, don't pick something from a wall or book! A good artist will be able to work with you to come up with something original! Both of mine I helped design. My back tattoo took four sketches before I was happy.
Oh place I won't get one are on my legs (excluding ankles), not a big fan of leg tattoos, but that is totally a personal preference.
ReplyDeleteI love love love tattoos but as a woman I feel they should't be all over your arms and on the breast I find the really tacky. I currently have 4 really big tattoos my whole back is covered with 2 pieces (top: a heart with angel wings & the bottom half a cross with a female Jesus on it) and then I have on a snake in the shape of a heart that covers my whole bum. And last I have one on my foot that I dont like all that much. Maybe when I send in my pic to Enty I will send as one pic with both pics so you can see my back pieces. I have an idea for another piece that I want to get but I just don't know where I want it yet.
ReplyDeleteSix. All but one are hidden under work clothes.
ReplyDeleteThanks, NaNa LaLa!
ReplyDeleteWe could all send in our body art as reader photos!
Oh, also, never a face, neck or chest tattoo or on my arms. Face and neck tattoos simply say "I've gone as far as I want to in life." I'll never do a chest tattoo because these natural 34DDs won't be sitting this high forever. And I won't on my arms because it's just a personal preferences.
ReplyDeleteTattoos are not attractive at all. I don't know why a woman would ever do that to her body.
ReplyDeleteI'm 51 years old and would love to get a tattoo at this age. I've been thinking of cat paw prints and horse shoes to symbolize my animals, mostly the ones who have passed :(
ReplyDeleteI love tattoos. I've got 6. A winged globe tramp stamp (way before that phrase existed), a hieroglyph of Ra on my upper arm, hieroglyph of Orion on my outer ankle, my sons 1 month handprint in blue (his color) on my shoulder, a vine (my sons birth flower) around my left wrist with his name and a painting my mother did (specifically for this purpose) ofs blue sun orchid (my 4 month old daughters flower) on the back of my neck. I don't regret any of them and they are such a part of me that I don't even see them anymore. They all mean something important and were carefully considered beforehand, some for years. I would never get one on my boobs, belly, face or neck. I would totally get more if the right occasion presents itself.
ReplyDelete@Gossip Mongerer - I believe many women in this thread are explaining quite succinctly why they tattoo their bodies.
ReplyDeleteI have 4. I am sure I will get more. I've heard the "they look terrible when you are old" argument so many times, especially from my family, and it just makes me smile. Is it really going to matter anyway? Really? Saggy, wrinkled skin is saggy, wrinkled skin. At least mine all come with stories I can share in the old folks' home. :)
ReplyDeleteI started out with a fish over my hip bone. Had that for about 15 years and decided to add to it. One of my daughters loves turtles and the other loves lupines so I have both of those with the lupine entwined with the turtle and the fish. It has both girls initials on it and extends a bit down my leg. It can only be seen in a swimsuit or if I have shorter shorts on and they hike up when I sit down or something. It may have some other initials hidden in it somewhere ; )
ReplyDeleteI also have a patriotic ribbon on my shoulder blade, in honor of my cousin who was in the army and air force and lost his battle with leukemia about 18 months ago. It is shaded with orange, which is the awareness color for leukemia.
I work in a professional setting so I've kept them to places that are covered by clothes. I do not have problem showing them off to anyone who asks though!
Don't worry Gossip Mongerer...You are not the type we're trying to attract. :p
ReplyDeleteNone. They just aren't me. I never had any epiphany or event in my life so meaningful that I would want to look at it on my body forever. My tastes have changed over the years, and how awful it would be to have something you hate permanently displayed on your body. I'm not prejudiced against them at all, if that's what you enjoy, then go for it. I would only suggest in moderation or in places normally covered by clothing because big screaming tattoos will probably limit your employability in any sort of professional environment.
ReplyDeleteWill I ever change my mind and get one? No. I'll be 70 years old this summer, the flesh is not so firm as it once was.
I have an ichthys on my left inner ankle. I would have many more, but I can't afford them. I always wonder how my friends who are dirt-poor can afford to get new ones every week.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't get on one my face, and probably not on my neck, either. Maybe not the shoulders/upper back, either.
I love tats, but mine have to be the kind that CAN be covered up.
none, but I love the idea - I've seen some beautiful and meaningful art work. I've always wanted one on my wrist to cover a scar, but I hate needles.
ReplyDeleteNone. My reasons are many, but suffice to say the big one is why my ears are pierced only once -- They won't do it under general anesthesia. I'm a huge chicken
ReplyDelete5 of them. May get more, may not.
ReplyDeleteNone. But I'd love to get an oroborus on my back with the words "this is who we are" written in the center in honor of my favorite television series "MillenniuM".
ReplyDeletechest piece- birthflowers of my family
ReplyDeleteup both sides of ribcage-cherry blossom flowers
left thigh- birthflowers of my Nonno n Nonna with two peacock feathers
right thigh- three turtle doves to rep myself,my husband n my son..holding a ribbon with two hearts and a pocket watch
inner left wrist - A amhain.. Irish Gaelic..loosely translated..My only..
inner wright wrist- A ghra My love
lower back- chinese characters (personal to me)
My thoughts is think about the Ws n H before doing something permanent and realize that the saying you get what you pay for was meant for this such scenario.
I have two small ones, would love to get more and I probably will.
ReplyDeleteThe first person I thought of reading this was Estella Warren, but I think she might be doing something currently? I'm not sure. Also, I thought briefly of Erika Christensen, but IMDB says she has a movie coming out this year.
ReplyDeleteChecked IMDB again - Estella's pretty busy right now. It did seem like she was everywhere and then just dropped off.
ReplyDeleteOh for Pete's sake! I thought I was commenting on the blind item. Sheesh! I have no tattoos.
ReplyDelete@ OMAMA, really like your post. For the unknowing the White Buffalo is called that by NA's because according to legend "White Buffalo Women" will come back as a White Buffalo. First, the buffalo is white for a yr. or so then it changes to red for a while then is to change back to white for the legend to be true. They never call it white bison. The first was born in Wis. and is still alive. The 2nd was born on a farm in Texas and someone broke in and skinned him alive. The next day they came back and did the same to his mother. As, for tatoo's I like them my Daughter got her first in HS when she made it to State in Track and another the next year when she did it again. One is a Sundial on her lower back (TS) the other is her upper back a large blue bird. They are fine to me in fact my friend and I plan on getting ones in 2 yrs. when we reach 60.
ReplyDeleteNone. Probably not gonna. I always thought Tattoo as a way to taint God given beauty that is human body. I always think Most people with tattoo are either full of self Loathing or wanting to say "F U" to the world at large with a msg that they don't want to belong nor seek approval from others who they think would judge and reject them anyway. Of course, there are some who did it as a way to gain street cred. I have none of these reasons. What I carry - I carry in my heart, my mind and my soul. Not on the depth of my skin.
ReplyDeleteI have two-One on my foot-a Moose. Small, cute, can be covered by shoe or sock if needed
ReplyDeleteThe other is a tree on my calf with celtic knots in it for the leaves. There are 5 colored leaves that represent my family.
I have seven, I can hide them all easily. Would like more but hubby isn't so keen.
ReplyDeleteI have six and am getting two for my birthday in August. My final number will be 13!
ReplyDeleteI have gotten 3 which started out as a butterfly tramp stamp when I was 16. Then I added tribal on each side horizontally. Then at 21 I got more tribal added underneath and had the previous 2 recolored. I would love to get more but my hubby hates them. I guess that's why I always got them when we split up. I still try talking him into agreeing to let me add more to the existing. One day *sigh*
ReplyDeleteThanks, old ;ady - didn't remember all the details. And I'll tell my kid that white buffalo is correct after all!
ReplyDeleteI don't have any but recently I've thought about putting a small, elaborate A J A on my inner left wrist where only I can see it. Those are the initials of the first names of my late mother, father and sister.
ReplyDelete@DavidsFan - I disagree. Whether you think a tattoo is beautiful or not is a personal opinion, so I am not going to attempt to change your mind, however, none of the people who I know have them because they are full of self loathing or as a preemptive rejection of the world they feel will reject them.
ReplyDeletePersonally, my first was in memorium of my great grandfather. He was an awesome man who raised my mother and her siblings like his own. He came to America with his family from Russia in 1911 and, even though was considered a bit old at the time, served in WWII in the Marines (hoping to save some of his own family who were affected by the holocaust). He also was incredibly supportive and accepting to my mother when she brought home a Mexican husband, who was not Jewish, though a lot of people cut her out of their lives. He was one of the most caring and sensitive people who I have ever known, and he taught me a lot. The second was for a lifelong friend (star buddy tattoo), and the third was one that my sister and I got together that symbolizes our relationship as best friends and sisters.
I can assure you that I am quite well adjusted, not angry at the world, well educated, and work in a professional capacity (with very little to no street cred).
@Lori. You're right. That's another reason. Commemorating or honoring a person or a wonderful moment or a tragic event. What I was thinking of were not people with a few tattoos but those who cover their entire arms, neck and even face. I guess when one says tatoo, I often think of those people who advertise and display their tat for the world to see. Thanks for sharing the beautiful memory of a good man.
DeleteCurrently I have 11, including the beginnings of a full sleeve on my right arm. Aside from the sleeve, the rest are typically hidden unless I'm wearing a bikini.
ReplyDeleteI love art, and I love my body, and the body is the ultimate canvas.
It's not for everyone, and I can't help but feel pity for those who look down upon people with tattoos. It's a personal choice, no one needs your approval or permission to express their self. People with ink tend be a lot more open-minded and accepting of the diversities of the world than those who look down upon others for choosing to adorn their bodies. Just saying.
No tats. I might get consider getting one. My cousin is an artist.
ReplyDeleteI have a HUGE fear of getting Hep from tats. I had a lecture from a doctor who works at the same hospital I do. He said more people are getting Hep from the INK then the needles because people insist on new needles but sometimes the artist reuses old ink. ICK!!!
Oh, Enty. I have a bunch of tattoos. I was drunk/loaded when I got them. I even got stars on my forearm to be like Samantha Ronson. I figured my tattoos were awful UNTIL I started googling Really Bad Tattoos. Then, I felt much better. But still, I don't recommend getting inked when you are drunk and have a credit card. Just saying.
ReplyDeleteNone and never wanted any. Anything permanent (like marriage) freaks me out.
ReplyDeleteNone. Tried a henna tattoo one time and got bored looking at it, so I wouldn't want anything permanent.
ReplyDelete@billybob: Man, I bet THAT hurt to have done!
ReplyDelete@DianaofThemyscira: I believe Enty asked us. Just sayin'.
@DavidsFan: Lighten up, Francis!
iheartjcksparrow: Great, great show! Where's Brittany Tiplady now?
As for me, one Tibetan Knot of Eternity on the back, betweeen the shoulder blades, so long ago I forget it's there most of the time.
The best tattoos are the ones the Maori have....IMHO
ReplyDeleteAlas I haven't even got pierced ears though
A contestant on tonights American Ninja Warrior had a fantastic cartoon black Jesus carrying a lamb around his neck.....
Zero, because I know I'm too fickle.
ReplyDelete@fufra and old;ady...there's a lot to the whole white buffalo thing (like old;ady was saying).
ReplyDeleteThe awakening began with the birth of the first one.
Many blessings to you both (really to everyone. truth).
None. I'm not a fan.
ReplyDeletep.s. Fufra....no my three are in a balance of sort. Not just on one side. But that's a really funny story about the guy you knew. I do remember I started one on a girl, but never finished b/c I split. I still wonder about that. What she did, if she got it finished.
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ReplyDelete@ Dianaofthewhateverthefuck, please point me to "the only rebels at the table" that offend your delicate sensibilities... Your bizarre rant says more about your own judgmental nature than any other person on this thread... and hunny, try re-reading ENTYs question---he asks EVERYONE about their stance on tats--not just those with ink.
ReplyDeleteI have 2 but want more. I have a black panther head on my lower back that is similar to what my dad & his brothers had (my brother & 2 cousins got it too from the original artist). I also have comedy/tragedy masks on my left shoulder blade (life is full of both). I put some serious thought into what I got & where it was placed. I have wanted a yellow rose since I was really little so now I am trying to incorporate my kids' initials into it also. I like that I can cover mine at anytime.
ReplyDeletedos and possibly uno mas!
ReplyDeleteNone, mostly b/c I don't like needles and it's just not for me.
ReplyDeleteI don't think there is a right/wrong number b/c it's an individual thing but I hate the whole body thing.