I've been considering getting a tattoo for 3 years... I'm 19 and about to move out and basically start my own life... I want to get my tattoo now as a final decision to always stay true to myself. It's going to be on my arm, starting just short of my wrists, in plain view in a t-shirt....

I need opinions... Not on if you like my tattoo or not, I don't care. But if you think getting a tattoo in plain view of everyone is a mistake, please inform me before I go through with it.

there is nothing wrong with gettin a tattoo done in plain view... if other ppl dont like it, they can sod off... im interested in wat ur thinkin of gettin... im plannin to get another tattoo on my back this summer.... a friend of mine is drawin up somethin for me.. i'll check it out and make changes as i deem fit.. i've given her some themes to work with... i already have one on my arm...

I was thinking of getting wires that all start at my wrists and climb up my arms. The higher up the arm, the less the wires... It's really hard to explain, if I get it done I'll post a pic.

Tatoos are bad... Never get one... could cause serious skin damage

Tattoos are bad... Never get one... could cause serious skin damage
The place I'd be getting it done is part of the Better Business Bureau, health department inspected and licensed.

sounds pretty cool notme... if you get it done, do post a pic.. id like to see it... it might cost ya quite a bit.. where do you live? da one i got done on my arm cost me 80 bucks canadian.. its quite decent sized... and yeah.. if u get it done at a licensed tattoo parlour, its all good.. they're hygienic and u know ur in good hands..... its been 2 years now since i've gotten my tattoo and its still the same... no skin problems whatsoever... of course u have to take care of the tattoo the first 2 weeks and put an ointment.. but once its healed, ur good to go..

I'll definitely post a pic. Maybe I'll dig up this thread when I get it done and post it. Ya, I'm expecting it to be expensive, the place I'm getting it done is over-priced, but the people working there seem really cool and that's important to me, so it's worth it. Not to mention licensed and everything. Oh, and I'm in Canada too.

So have you regretted getting your tattoos for so much as a second yet? I'm almost positive I'm going to get it now... I just feel the undeniable urge to stay true to myself. I'm sick of defining myself through other people's eyes, you know?

If you asked me, I'd say getting a tatoo shows total disregard for your future self in the same way that smoking, cutting school, and sleeping around are, but you didn't ask. So instead I'll say you should get it higher up on the arm, becuase thats where tatoos look cooler.

First of all, I have DEEPLY considered my future... I feel doing this will mean where ever I am led in my future, it will be ME. I can't pretend to be someone else when I have ME branded on my arm. Also, it's not about fassion or what others think looks cool, it's about what I feel best expresses me. But thanx for the advice none-the-less. :)

So, expression of the mind is less important than expression via ink stain of the skin?

So, expression of the mind is less important than expression via ink stain of the skin?
I didn't realize it was one or the other...

It isn't. That is the point.

It isn't. That is the point.
So I'm gunna do both... I find both expression of mind and expression through art important.

So have you regretted getting your tattoos for so much as a second yet?

not even in my wildest imagination have i regretted gettin a tattoo... i took a long time in deciding what i wanted and why i wanted... my tattoo represents my views on life and it is an integral part of my character... everyday i look at it and it makes me realize wat i am... i consider it very integral to my individuality... i totally understand where u comin from notme... it seems like you have given this careful consideration... if you go thru with it, post a pic... its real imp to get it done at a decent parlour... i loved the tattoo parlour from where i got it done.. great ambience and i also knew the tattooist... real funky place...
anywayzz... good luck with it...

Thanks alot sycoindian, you've really helped :)

my pleasure :)

And that's where you're wrong. You are but only a canvass for someone else's expressions.

I don't express myself by hanging pictures on the wall.

I recomend writing on yourself with sharpies.

You are but only a canvass for someone else's expressions.
Ah, I see your point. But I chose the painting and wear the painting. Why do you wear the clothes you do? Some else designed them. Who cuts your hair? Your own face is a result of your parents. But you are the one who wears these things, and expresses yourself through them. If I was a good artist I would do it myself.

I also have to ask what is probably the most asked question about tattoos. How much do they hurt and what can I do to prevent excessive pain?

<<I also have to ask what is probably the most asked question about tattoos. How much do they hurt and what can I do to prevent excessive pain?>>


Hey, getting a tattoo was really one of my first serious decisions that I've considered since I was 14 (I'm 18 now). I got mine done on the sternum, and it was huge... 6 inches by 4 inches. It was two hours of the most painful thing I've ever experienced, and the people at the parlor almost didn't let me get it since it was my first tattoo and the sternum is one of the most painful places (next to the neck and knee caps). I did have the option of moving it somewhere else, but now that it's over with, all I can say is that it's worth it to get it where you want. If a tattoo is what you really want, then make sure it's perfectly designed and in the perfect place. The pain is practically irrelevent, I mean dude it's going to last till you die! I know people do try and lessen the pain by getting stone drunk beforehand, but I've also heard the arm isn't THAT painful and pretty quick. As for it being in a visible place, I say f*ck what other's think, unless it's going to affect something like work. The reason I'm not getting any visible tattoos is because I want to teach grade school. Hope I helped, peace.

Mike

p.s. not that I'm into lachrymology, but while getting it done I did see a jer-bear dance across the ceiling :D

but I've also heard the arm isn't THAT painful and pretty quick
Mine will be from the elbows to wrists on both arms, so I'm expecting multiple trips. But there's no color, so that should shave some time off.
I say f*ck what other's think, unless it's going to affect something like work
I guarantee it will close a lot of doors for me, but none that I planned on using anyway.

I heard that taking some Ibuprofen before going helps a lot and is safe. Aspirin is not safe at all cause it thins the blood, same with alc. But as far as I've read, Ibuprofen is safe and really effective. No matter how painful, it's not an issue as to whether I'll get one, I'd just like to know in advance so I know what to psyche myself for.

I'm thinking of getting a tattoo someday in my college years, but I have yet to decide on anything. A lifelong decision is a big deal to me.

Anyone know how long an arm tattoo, for example, will look nice and pretty before it starts to blur and deteriorate and look shitty and unattractive?

I've been doing ALOT of research and it seems that colors fade easiest. Black is the most resistant. If it's in an area that is exposed to sun often you have to use suntan lotion.

it doesnt hurt that much... esp on the arm... the way i prepared myself was like this.. i thought of the women who get tattoos done on their lower back... now that is painful.. if they can get it done there, i can sure as hell get it done on my arm :p the only thing that id suggest is that dont drink liquor after ur done ur tattoo... and ur right, u'll have to go for a couplea sessions.. i dont think ibuprofen will do anything... u can try it out for one session and then see without in the next if there is any marked difference...

Tattoos...feels like a knife cutting through your flesh.

Tattoos...feels like a knife cutting through your flesh.

LOL... c'mon now.. dont exaggerate it... it's nothing like a knife cutting into flesh...

notme... it will probably sting for the first few mints and then u get so used to the needle that u wont feel much pain at all... i suggest u play some cool music to calm u down... it really helps...

I guarantee it will close a lot of doors for me, but none that I planned on using anyway.

What about the doors you plan to use – many of them most likely will be closed as well, unless you plan to be a truck driver or janitor your whole life. And like everyone else, you have no idea what the future holds for you – there may be certain doors you did not take into account now which you’ll need open in 5 years…10 years…20 years…and so on. And by that time, your tattoo will look so bad; the only door opening for you will be the front door of a soup kitchen.

But like you say, “expressing” yourself is far too important.

The adage, "Birds of a feather flock together" is quite relevant here.

Or I could just wear a long sleeve shirt...

Originally posted by notme2000
Or I could just wear a long sleeve shirt...
Yup, you sure could. Then again - I have 14 tattoos so
that opinion might be considered a bit biased. ;)

I'm pretty confident I've decided to get it. But I still got about a month of debt, then I'll have to save for it, so it won't be a rush decision.

Or I could just wear a long sleeve shirt...

Then you admit the tattoo will cause you some embarrassment and potential problems and that you must hide it under certain circumstances. You’ll be an interesting site wearing long sleeve shirts on hot summer days – especially at the company outings.

A lifetime of diligence awaits you.

Then you admit the tattoo will cause you some embarrassment and potential problems and that you must hide it under certain circumstances.
Well of course, I'm not that naive...
A lifetime of diligence awaits you
And a lifetime of diligence behind me...

society dictates how a person should look and dress and behave to fit a certain criteria.. corporate culture dictates you should be wearin prim suits and nice ties and shiny leather bally shoes... and that anything personal should be stripped away from your character because you are not yourself, you are just a drone for that corporation.. they dont give a damm about u outside 9-5... u know wat i say to that... fuck you and you stupid fuckin rules... if you think that a tattoo on my arm might make other ppl think im not fit for a job, they can go fuck themselves... i will keep my individuality over wat society wants me to be.. being moulded by the mob culture is the least commendable way to life your life...

[nine to five]
big business
requires little minds
in expensive suits
who never stop to ask
why

awesome, couldn't put it better myself, though I can use some lyrics as well, lol

I remember what they taught to me
Remember condescending talk of who I ought to be
Remember listening to all of that and this again
So I pretended up a person who was fitting in
And now you think this person really is me
And I'm trying to bend the truth
But the more I push
The more I'm pulling away
Cause I'm lying my way from you

Of course I'm not getting a tattoo based on some song lyrics, just thought I'd post it.

dont worry notme... i got a lotta shit from my family when i got mine done... my mom flipped out... a month later, she's tellin ppl to check out my tattoo... if ppl are gonna judge you for an artistic impression on ur body, they can pretty much go fuck themselves..

p.s. like da lyrics.. i listened to Kid A when i was gettin my tattoo done.. surreal... :D ;)

So sycoindian, what is your tattoo of?

the radiohead album 'amnesiac' had numerous references to the legend of theseus and the minotaur... basically, theseus kills the minotaur who resides in the labyrinth... now the artwork on the amnesiac album shows the minotaur to be quite docile... i had a friend of mine make a more monstrous version of it... kept the tears from the original radiohead artwork... and that is what i got on my arm...

legends are symbols of truth.. and legends keep repeating the theme of good vs evil triumphs... and history keeps repeating itself... i see myself as the minotaur trapped in this labyrinth of life where my life is bombarded by disasters all the time and this is the only thing consistent in my life... even tho' i try to thwart em off and stand against them, deep inside it affects me... and it seems like that i will never get outta this labyrinth no matter how hard i try, but i must persevere... bcuz deep down inside this hard shell that i've created for myself, there is the true element of me which wants to get out....

i hope this makes sense... its really hard for me to really explain how i feel about this all.. but i hope u get the gist of it...

I want a tattoo but i am broke and i know it'll hurt like a bitch...and also to Q: a tattoo on the arm is a just a extension of the expression of the mind, it's just that it's extended to another body part. So there is nothing wrong with getting a tattoo, your body is a canvas for artwork and to Q again: you can design your tattoo and get it done ( it's also cheaper that way in a lot of parlours) so it doesn't have to be the tattoo artists expression on your body. But though keep in mind a decent job might not like that your expression is quite visible for everyone to see. That is if you plan to hold a 9-5 office job.

Originally posted by sycoindian
the radiohead album 'amnesiac' had numerous references to the legend of theseus and the minotaur... basically, theseus kills the minotaur who resides in the labyrinth... now the artwork on the amnesiac album shows the minotaur to be quite docile... i had a friend of mine make a more monstrous version of it... kept the tears from the original radiohead artwork... and that is what i got on my arm...

legends are symbols of truth.. and legends keep repeating the theme of good vs evil triumphs... and history keeps repeating itself... i see myself as the minotaur trapped in this labyrinth of life where my life is bombarded by disasters all the time and this is the only thing consistent in my life... even tho' i try to thwart em off and stand against them, deep inside it affects me... and it seems like that i will never get outta this labyrinth no matter how hard i try, but i must persevere... bcuz deep down inside this hard shell that i've created for myself, there is the true element of me which wants to get out....

i hope this makes sense... its really hard for me to really explain how i feel about this all.. but i hope u get the gist of it...



A duh..too stupid...*drool hanging out*....need no words...a duh...post pic...me want to see pic......yeah yeah yeah...duhhh...picc

I would only get one if it was something really meaningful and lifechanging. Like I was in the big red 1 durring WWII. I can't think of any other explanations of when I think it would be apropiate to get a tattoo. It would have to just be something major that people will never forget and you should be proud of. Im not the same person I was 3 years ago I won't be the same person next year so why should I have the same picture on my arm?

sycoindian, makes perfect sense. Awesome tattoo, I could see how that would really mean alot to you.

Im not the same person I was 3 years ago I won't be the same person next year so why should I have the same picture on my arm?
To remind you of who you were.

sargentland

A duh..too stupid...*drool hanging out*....need no words...a duh...post pic...me want to see pic......yeah yeah yeah...duhhh...picc

i dont have a scanner.. but i will post a pic when i get back to canada... :cool:

notme

sycoindian, makes perfect sense. Awesome tattoo, I could see how that would really mean alot to you.

yeahhh.. thanks... it really reminds me everyday that life is just such a struggle...

Originally posted by notme2000
To remind you of who you were.

I have stuff like that I call em scars. :)

my life is bombarded by disasters all the time and this is the only thing consistent in my life…it really reminds me everyday that life is just such a struggle...

Rather than change any of that to make your life better, which of course is entirely in your power, immortalize it in a lifelong commitment. In your opinion, life sucks – and you’ll make damn sure it stays that way.

;)

Rather than change any of that to make your life better, which of course is entirely in your power, immortalize it in a lifelong commitment. In your opinion, life sucks – and you’ll make damn sure it stays that way.

no.. it reminds me all that i have achieved despite all the bullshit in my life... and that everyday is still difficult no matter wat i've accomplished... and yeh, life does suck... but i do find my happiness in certain things... and im not gonna delude myself into thinkin that this lil bit of happiness is true reality... its real easy to sit on a keyboard and criticize someone else's life without experiencing it...

I have stuff like that I call em scars.
Tattoos are just like scars, except you get to control it. I have plenty of scars, and like them. Battle scars remind you of the battle, and that you survived...
its real easy to sit on a keyboard and criticize someone else's life without experiencing it...
Right on!

Tattoos are not painless, that's what makes them intense. On your arm i wouldn't be too worried. You'll definitely feel it, but its nothing like a gunshot would or giving birth. It kinda feels like scraping your knee afterwards. During, it feels like you would expect a needle drawing on your skin would feel.

Also, dont do anything stupid like get drunk or stoned thinking that it will help the pain. You could pass out, or get very , or move when you shouldn't!

Good luck!

very sick, its supposed to say you could get very sick.

I got my tattoo. I decided on something more personal. "Stay True" on the inside of my wrist. It's a tattoo meant for me, not for style or approval. I'll post a pic as soon as it heals.

That sounds fucking awesome! I think you should post a pic while it's still fresh and oozy! :D

Here's a pic of my new tattoo! Won't be my last!

Wow, look at all that shitty music on the wall...

Ill Nino
Static-X
System Of A Down
Rammstein
Papa Roach

But hey, good work choosing the Coldplay album! :D

Hey! :mad:
Actually Ill Nino isn't on there. And thank God the Cold Play one isn't either!

I love tattoos. I have MANY. My only regret is getting them where they show all of the time, DON'T!!!!!

You have to eat, and you need to work to make money to eat, and some of the best paying jobs just don't work if you have those tattoos showing.

Sorry, but some of those guys that sign the paychecks just don't appreciate art, and since they are still in charge, and I like to have the money to choose what I eat, I would choose to hide the tattoos. Money wins over art, and my stomoch always wins.