Your issues with tattoos

[DC_DEEP]

<...>
I've mentioned it before but I have an old alchemy phrase on my lower back "Succus Lunariae". <...>

That's interesting, Merc, I must have missed when you mentioned that before.... my partner is an alchemist. I'm sure the two of you will have some interesting conversations when we meet.

 

[ClaireTalon]

Do I look scary and hard to you? Now, a facial tattoo isn't what I'd consider ever being done, not for 10 Million. And I pity your friend, "I love fish and chips", eternally, on his back. Really, that's why I said you should never make that decision when you're drunk.

Personally I don't really like them. To me,they make the person look "hard" and maybe a little "scary". Having grown up in New Zealand, the Maoris' have a lot -- including facial tatoos.

I think the only one I have liked, was an ex boyfriend's map of the world on the top of his arm. This proved interesting and useful when we travelled through Indonesia and Thailand as many of the locals had never seen a map and we could show them where we were from -- me New Zealand and him Holland.

I have another friend while drunk decided to get a tatoo - our friends convinced him to get "I love fish and chips" put on his back.

 

[nudeyorker]

I'm a lawyer for a very consevative company, No visible tatoos with business attire, No visible body piercing, we became very outre, allowing men to wear an earring( but frowned upon)
I recently go inked at the base of my spine and on my bellybutton and abs of a tribal design. I work with a great artist in NYC, everything is origional and tribal ink is less likely to look like mold in my suset years

 

[dexman]

I've always had an interesting love/hate attitude about tats.

I have one that I got about 15 years ago and I absolutely love it. However, I put a great deal of thought into the subject matter and although it's moderate sized on my right forearm, I definitely didn't want anything too big or obtrusive, or something that was "offensive".

I find that ONE tattoo that is strategically positioned and meaningful to the individual can be hot and edgy, and I got an overwhelmingly positive feedback to mine; people thought of me as very clean cut and straight-laced and when they saw my tat (which they can only see when I wear a short-sleeved and/or sleeve-less shirt), they thought of me as being much cooler and more hip.

But personally, more than one tat bothers me. I will never get another and I don't find multiple and/or enormous tat mosaics that cover half your body as being attractive. I think it takes away from people who have attractive physiques, and majorly draws negative attention to those who don't.

In some (Eastern and Indian) cultures, tattoos are of great social significance, but in the Western world, this is largely not the case, so I find people who cover themselves with tattoos as somewhat odd, and it causes me to wonder about that person's mindset and social skills, but I keep those opinions to myself, and for the most part, ignore the tats and respond to those people as individuals just like I would anyone else.

But it's an individual choice that's perfectly legal. No one else has to like it and no one who does it deserves to be persecuted for it. If someone doesn't like it, they should smile politely and keep their negative opinions to themselves, especially if they don't know the other person well.

 

[D_Roland_D_Hay]

I have three tattoos and luv the way the look on me. I also think that in the recent years tattooing has become more commonplace. I think that it isn't the tattoo that attracts me to a person, that is really down the line for me. The personality is the key factor. A tattoo can be the icing on the cake for me...As someone said earlier, it is a personal choice and I can respect that.

 

[Monk4Life]

Ya i got alot of work done its technically one piece covering my entire back and both arms jsut above the elbows, i can throw on a tshort and you dont notice a thing but with the art i have i get stopped by some curious people which is nice at times and at others i jsut want to be left alone.

What really gets me though are the type of people that just stare and stare and treat you like a diseased abomination when ya wear a sleeveless top even if all my work IS in good taste and one of a kind.

people need to realise that tattoos are a form of expressionism (sp?) oh look tats and a shaved head ... must be thug (sigh) surely cant be a university student, that shaved his head for hygene and ease of maintence since he trains alot ;p

my 2 cents

 

[DC_DEEP]

Monk, when you sport something unusual, you should expect people to stare. One or two small tattoos don't usually attract much attention. If you have large areas inked, or if you have lots and lots of piercings, or if you have chartreuse hair, or if you wear a pink tulle tutu, or anything else "out of the ordinary," people WILL look. I'm not saying that's good or bad or indifferent, but it is a reality. It's a bit naive and silly to have most of your torso and upper arms tattooed, and then be insulted or annoyed when people stare.

 

[juice]

I don't have any problems with tattoos seeing as I have 3 of them and am planning on getting another.

My girl loves them, but then again mine are all custom ones. She said that she would only get one if its something that really means a lot to her.

I'm planning on getting the Lady of Guadalupe on my chest.

 

[Monk4Life]

Monk, when you sport something unusual, you should expect people to stare. One or two small tattoos don't usually attract much attention. If you have large areas inked, or if you have lots and lots of piercings, or if you have chartreuse hair, or if you wear a pink tulle tutu, or anything else "out of the ordinary," people WILL look. I'm not saying that's good or bad or indifferent, but it is a reality. It's a bit naive and silly to have most of your torso and upper arms tattooed, and then be insulted or annoyed when people stare.

the only thing most people will see is my arms if i wear a sleeveless top BUT look dont STARE i find it quite rude and dont stare at them for their lack of fashion sense

 

[B_big dirigible]

Like piercings, some tats are put in place to display an attitude. I do not mind other people's attitudes, but you will find out about my attitude if and when I need to deal with you.

Yes. If you have to wear it, it's not attitude, it's decoration. That makes it, by definition, superficial. A tat or a piece of metal stuck through skin is mere fashion. It's no more an expression of attitude than a tooled leather wallet which spells out "BADASS". But the wallet you can throw out when you get older and realize just how childish everybody else knew it was all along.

 

[B_big dirigible]

By the way, big_dirigible, isn't "detest" a rather strong term? Disliking seems normal to me, but detesting sounds like you're having really serious issues with it.

Not really. While I'm not one of this board's really expert haters, there are some things I think are just too stupid for words, and tats are right up there with the stupidest of them. That doesn't mean that I detest people with tatoos. It means that (if I devote any mental horsepower to it at all) I vaguely hope that they've become more sensible with age. The only reason I responded to your original question about the negative connotations of tats was to say that it's a good question and I'd like to know the answer. Sir Julian Huxley was once asked how a fly can land upside-down on a ceiling, and found himself to be very annoyed that he didn't know the answer to what should have been a very simple question. This tatoo thing is like that. But you haven't garnered much in the way of useful or insightful responses yet. "Yeah, I've got some, they're great" doesn't help much. A simple "they look stupid" doesn't help much either. Ditto for "they'll look worse in a few years" - doubtless true, but not hugely relevant.

I do have some tentative theories but they're not very satisfactory. I was hoping that some better ones would appear.

 

[soullessfire]

I used to hate them. Thought they looked cheap and tacky if I'm honest.

Got one done a while back when my sisters and I went on holiday. Just something to remind us of that really. Anyhow I said no, then yes, then no, then yes and so on until I finally just did it.

I like it now. Both on myself and on others. I tend to look more at them now (unless they're the stupid ones that everyone gets like a band round their arm, or a rose on their tit or arse). There tends to be a story behind why they chose the design, and it's a nice ice breaker.

Will be 30 next year, so I'm wanting to have the one I got done extended to take up a good chunk of my upper arm. I guess I tend to be a little boring at times, and it's a reminder to me that sometimes it's good to take off the shirt and tie for a bit

 

[va_lk_yr_ie]

Yes. If you have to wear it, it's not attitude, it's decoration. That makes it, by definition, superficial. A tat or a piece of metal stuck through skin is mere fashion. It's no more an expression of attitude than a tooled leather wallet which spells out "BADASS". But the wallet you can throw out when you get older and realize just how childish everybody else knew it was all along.

I disagree with this as I know both for myself and for many others that have tattoos done not so much for displaying an attitude or conforming to a general belief what they should look like (generally created by a peer group).

Yes, I have a love for tattoos as an artform, but my own tattoos also hold another much deeper meaning for me. To understand this it's beneficial for you to know that I do to a large extent subscribe to Zen-buddhism and various parts from bushido as a life-philosophy. Meaning that Japanese/Asian symbolism is something that speaks strongly to me.

The dragon on my lower back is there to protect, guide and remind me that full release and knowledge is possible after completing the struggles and lessons of life (short-hand - breaking free from the cycle of rebirth - more commonly referred to as Nirvana). Dragons in Eastern lore are benefactors - wise, all-knowing, ward off wandering evil spirits, protect the innocent and bestow safety to all. They also bring with them ultimate abundance, prosperity and good fortune.

The two koi carps on my upper arm, climbing the rapids are there to remind me of man's constant struggle and that at the end rebirth and transformation is there. The koi that has climbed the seven rapids of the river and passed the Dragon's Gate is according to legend transformed into a dragon - symbolizing man reaching his full potential. Kois are also suggesting individuality and strength - a reminder to not let others govern who I am and what I do with my life. I am in charge and the only one who can know what is right for me at any point in time.

The lotus flowers floating in the water are a symbol for awakening to the spiritual reality of life and also a representation of life in general. As the lotus flower grows up from the mud into a object of great beauty it is also possible for us to grow and change into something more beautiful. The lotus is also a symbol for higher consciousness - going beyond and above yourself.

Why have these symbols inscribed into skin instead of just knowing them and looking at them? Simple (at least for me) - they are reminders of something I believe in and each time I see them on my skin I am reminded of it. It is something that I always carry with me and for someone with a similar outlook on life they will send a message on what I stand for and what I believe - to others they are just pretty pictures. The symbols weren't put there on a whim - as my general outlook on life wasn't created on a whim.

 

[B_spiker067]

I thought I'd have a tat by now but alas I don't. They seem to be a little overdone these days.

But anyways, I really like people who have real reasons for their tats.

"I got this cause that's were I went to school."
"I got this because I'm a USMC."
"I got this when my tribe changed my name."
"My ear is pierced because I'm a master diver or I sailed pass the roaring forties."

These are fun conversation starters.

You ever worry your asian characters don't really mean "cool kat" but rather "smelly rat"? You really should be able to read those characters.:smile:

 

[68306]

Flesh. Creation. Artwork.

It can be a transcending experience for some.

 

[ClaireTalon]

I guess I can't put in much of my usual insightful views here because I am a tattooed person, therefor biased and anyways, I don't think it's that big of a matter. However, I'm glad you don't detest me, but I have to detest you, I haven't become more sensible with age. Not much, that is.

Please, let us know about your theories. Maybe yours and mine can become something sensible put together?

Not really. While I'm not one of this board's really expert haters, there are some things I think are just too stupid for words, and tats are right up there with the stupidest of them. That doesn't mean that I detest people with tatoos. It means that (if I devote any mental horsepower to it at all) I vaguely hope that they've become more sensible with age. The only reason I responded to your original question about the negative connotations of tats was to say that it's a good question and I'd like to know the answer. Sir Julian Huxley was once asked how a fly can land upside-down on a ceiling, and found himself to be very annoyed that he didn't know the answer to what should have been a very simple question. This tatoo thing is like that. But you haven't garnered much in the way of useful or insightful responses yet. "Yeah, I've got some, they're great" doesn't help much. A simple "they look stupid" doesn't help much either. Ditto for "they'll look worse in a few years" - doubtless true, but not hugely relevant.

I do have some tentative theories but they're not very satisfactory. I was hoping that some better ones would appear.

 

[virusss]

Pack of XL condoms shredded: $ 11.99
Panties torn: $ 25
Bed broken: $ 950
Mindblowing sex: Priceless.

It's not always priceless...

Mindblowing sex: $50
Visit to the doctor's: $250
The look on his face when he tells you have the clap: Priceless

 

[Mr. Snakey]

I like tattoos on other people. I dont for some reason think one would look good on me.......

 

[Monk4Life]

I like tattoos on other people. I dont for some reason think one would look good on me.......

I can respect that, what gets me is people that seem to think someone with tatts is obviously "stupid, dim witted, or has no sense" (as basically made out by big dirigible) while i do agree with this statement if it was in referal to something with no thought put into it, that was off the wall (they nice for ideas but i swear another 1000 people have it too, designing with your artist over a long period of time is much more rewarding).

What i have on me is considered art when on paper, but when its on my body why is it treated differently ?

something to think about because over the years especially the last 5 - 10 the art has changed and improved alot and with a good artist no longer looks tacky, think outside your box

 

[Mr. Snakey]

I can respect that, what gets me is people that seem to think someone with tatts is obviously "stupid, dim witted, or has no sense" (as basically made out by big dirigible) while i do agree with this statement if it was in referal to something with no thought put into it, that was off the wall (they nice for ideas but i swear another 1000 people have it too, designing with your artist over a long period of time is much more rewarding).

What i have on me is considered art when on paper, but when its on my body why is it treated differently ?

something to think about because over the years especially the last 5 - 10 the art has changed and improved alot and with a good artist no longer looks tacky, think outside your box

No i like them on other people. Its like a color of a shirt i dont think i look good in. I think Claire looks sexy with her tattoos. Some guys look great with tattoos.