Tattoo Ideas

Olddog

Angeline said:

A tattoo should be considered permanent art on your body. Forever. Methods to remove or "edit" them are less than successful. 

If you're having to ask strangers on the internet for inspiration for what to ink on your body, then you shouldn't get one. You're in love with the idea of a tattoo. But you have no passion or mission in your life worthy of permanent expression on your body if you have to ask other people for ideas.

I don't think it's necessarily wrong to ask for inspiration. My ex had very similar reasons for wanting one.

We bandied about many an idea before he settled on his. The one he decided on was very much a 'yes, that's it!!!' moment when I showed him the picture it was then modeled on.

Like any artwork really, just make sure it speaks to you.

Mongrel

Louise said:

tattoos are hideous.  

Too broad of a statement.

I generally dislike them, and really dislike seeing a lot of them, or sleeves, or full body art (like Danielle on American Pickers...wouldn't want to see that when she's 70).  However...

A subtle little tattoo is kind of sexy.  My wife had wanted one for awhile, and we saw one on another gal that was perfect for her in both statement and subtlety, so she got it with my 'approval'. And all was fine with the world. Birds sang, butterflies flew gaily, the peasants rejoiced.

Then she got tattoo #2 without any consultation from me (the only talk we had was her wanting another one, and me professing that I didn't think it would be a good idea). That blew up into our largest disagreement of the marriage, but I'm straying OT now...

My point is, tattoos by themselves aren't necessarily bad. I dislike 90% of the ones I see, but occasionally I'll see something that I think is cool and/or sexy. It's a matter of taste or preference. If it's prior to marriage, it's another factor in what I find attractive or not, kind of like a pixie haircut; you're probably going to severely limit your dating base if that's the look you're going for. After marriage, however...one thing to consider is you're not the only person who is going to 'enjoy' that thing for the rest of your days. Though ultimately it's the individual's decision, I think the opinion of the spouse should be seriously considered on something so permanent.

Rico

TimSim1971 said:

@Mike_M........

This discussion has played out a few times here...But I'm always curious. 

Why would a tattoo be a DLV? 

My two cents... In Western society they have traditionally been seen as DLVs; they were mostly relegated to grunts, sailors, criminals, transients, etc.  Not exactly the upper crust of society.  Only in the past 15 or so years have they been accepted by the mainstream, but there's still many people who view them as an indicator of being lower class. 

Additionally, even if it seems like everyone has been getting tatted up for a while, they're still faddish, and it's only a matter of time before tastes change again.  Hairstyles and clothing you can change with the times.  Tattoos are a more or less  permanent statement, so it better be one you can live with; when I see examples like the fat guy at the pool yesterday with an obviously fresh "True Grit" tattoo in large block letters across his man boobs, it makes me question his intelligence and ability to think beyond what he found cool at the moment.  

Mike_M

Precisely.  If anything, cut across the fads.  Ignore them.

TimSim1971

I have 7 tattoos. All invisible even when wearing short sleeves and shorts. Because I operate in the world of business, and will not sacrifice opportunity, by offending idiots.

6 out of the 7, including the one that covers my back, honor the men I fought with. All I have of my brothers that didn't survive are my memories and the ink. Their memory is more than worthy of every square inch of skin because it wouldn't be walking around now without them.

Typical that western society would consider them DLV. They live a protected life with little understanding of the sacrifices very few of us make so that they can live so well. They are entitled to their opinions....and of course their judgement......and your welcome.

 

just my 2 cents

Version3

I'm a former Peace Corps volunteer, white collar Fed living my protected life...and I have a tattoo. Screw stereotypes.

Maria

Many of what's considered DHVs and DLVs depends on cultural, geographic and social context. 

Whatever you do, do it from conviction - that's as alpha as it gets.

BlueWolf

I would like to to have "STFU" tattoed where I always can see it...

TimSim1971

@BlueWolf....most of us could probably use that

ffp20

i have a maltese cross with our flag in the center with the words "brotherhood" and "honor" on my shoulder.

JellyBean

I'm a big fan of body modifications.  However, I agree with those who find that most tattoos and piercings that one sees are poorly done and just don't look good.  Every time we spend a weekend in our nearby resort beach town, I see a whole lot of body art that just doesn't look good at all.

But, in some cases I think it can look great!  It has to match your personality.  It has to be something that is not only objectively beautiful (whatever that means) but IMO it should be personally meaningful and a true expression of self.  It can look good, even when you're old. 

Or it can be a special bond between parents and children, such as these parents who tattooed images of an insulin pump so their son wouldn't feel singled out.

nubby

When I was in martial arts I got a Tattoo of a Dragon with a flaming no staff. The color of its claws were all different to match up with the belt I had attained.

Jek

My ex has my name in big block Old English letters on her vag...

ftw

UnBetaMe

Some people, as pointed out above, have specific reasons for getting a tattoo. Lost soldiers, family members illness etc.

That's fine with me. 
However, if it is just something to say 'hey this would look cool', then I ask...
Would you put a bumper sticker on a Ferrari? 

findingalpha

No but I might place racing stripes on a mustang.