Lovelyish

I don’t have any and don’t plan to get any.  A couple years ago (when I first turned 18) I had a bunch of ideas that I wanted.  Now I look back and think they were silly.  I would have hated to have to think that about something that would be on me forever.  Not saying it’s like this for everyone (tattoos are beautiful!), it’s just not for me.

I’ll likely never get a tattoo.  They aren’t readily accepted in the professional workplace, and people need to realize that it isn’t going to change soon.  Just like neon colored hair or inappropriate clothing aren’t acceptable.

That said, my nieces have really cool tattoos that mean something to them.  One has a custom made ankle bracelet tatt with puzzle pieces that she got to celebrate the triumphs of her profoundly autistic daughter.  My best friend has a tattoo that covers her entire back and it’s a work of art. 

Then again, I work in an inner city hospital.  Many times a “sleeve” hides needle tracks.  Most of our IV drug abusers and prostitutes are HIV positive.  When they go to their artists for another tatt they conveniently forget to tell their artist that they are HIV positive.  Nice.  They put their artist at risk while they put themselves at risk for secondary infections.  These aren’t “nice”, “clean” people getting tatts, but the “nice” people come in for their tattoos right behind them. 

Just another reason why I only do henna tattoos.  They’re temporary and beautiful.  I have kids to raise, so I’ll not take the chance. 

Never gotten one, never really felt strongly enough about something to get it permanently etched onto my skin.

@beesuze@xanga - While I appreciate that you mention the safety implications that may come with tattoos, it must be noted that not only IV drug abusers and prositutes are HIV positive. HIV can be contracted in many, many forms. Your tone suggests that HIV positive persons aren’t “clean” or “nice” and I take issue with that. I have no desire to argue with you on the topic, if that was not your intention, I don’t really care. It did came out that way. Anyways, this is simply for all of those reading. If I can impact one life, I’ll be happy.

A very close family member of mine researched their tattoo salon, a very reputable parlor in our large city, I might add. He was getting his second tattoo. It was not a spur of the moment decision. In fact, it was to celebrate his 5 year sobriety. We all knew about his decision and supported him. The studio he had the tattoo done at is clean-looking and known for it’s quality tattoos. I have visited it with many friends who have gotten theirs done there. Still, he was infected with HIV. He now lives with the complications of the disease for the rest of his life, however long that may be. It affects him, our family, and those around him.

HIV is no longer a death sentence like it used to be in the ’80s and early ’90s. He is on medication (very expensive, I might add) that will allow him to live a relatively healthy and normal life. But yes, it does impact him. The stigma of those infected with HIV is perhaps the most damaging…

He is not a monster. He is not a dirty or bad person. He is not an IV drug user nor a sex worker. He’s your average person who got a tattoo. Yes folks, this kind of stuff happens. It doesn’t matter how much money you pay, how much you research your parlor, or if the place ‘looks clean.’ I here that arguement a lot when I tell friends to be careful when thinking of getting a tattoo. It’s quite simply not a valid argument. Things happen. 

It’s not an urban myth. Getting infected from a tattoo isn’t something that simply happens to those who are ignorant, bad, or stupid. The risk is real. You need to take that into consideration before you get inked.

Yes, tattoos can be beautiful, artistic, expressive… I do not have anything against them nor the people who have one (I am personally tattoo-free) – but remember, they can also carry large health risks. Alongside with HIV, tattooing is also high risk for hepatitis and other diseases. You really have to take into consideration if the risk is worth impacting your health and your well-being.

I am obviously extremely passionate about this subject since it effects me personally… I don’t know all of the answers, but that’s my two sense and my personal experience. Because of my experience, I will never chose to get a tattoo. It would just be disrespectful to my family and it’s not a risk I’m willing to take. I would never gamble my life just to have something on my skin. Instead, I express myself through my hair, clothing, speech, the way I carry myself, the music I listen to, the events I go to, whom I surround myself with, my morals, values, and decisions…

For me, the possible negative outcomes of a tattoo far outweigh the slight benefit (self expression, artistic reasons, because it’s pretty or meaningful, whatever). I’m happy that the author has had such a successful experience with their tattoos, though.

I don’t have any at the moment (haven’t had the money) but I plan on getting a decent amount. They’re all of something that means a lot to me though, like I plan on getting something my dad drew, and an american flag for my brother in the army. I also plan on getting an Avenged Sevenfold tattoo because they’re music has made such an impact on my life. I personally love tattoos although I know they’re not for everyone.

I have a rose on my wrist in memory of a friend, a lion on my hip representing my Finnish nationality and 3 stars behind my ear for the many cousins I have serving in the military

I have the word ‘crucio’ on my wrist.  It’s a Harry Potter spell that is used to torture.

I would like to get a few more.  My next one is going to be ‘painslut’ and I’m getting it on my rib cage.

I have one tattoo. It is about an inch big. It is a Del signo al coda, a music notation. https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ZmnFzak7bObNEsEvxqdNh1eePr85x0wPkrSX8q1r9_w?feat=directlink

I am a music education major, so it holds meaning for me because of that. I also got it because all through my time in band when the director would say “go to the coda,” it sounded like my name, Dakota. I’m really happy with my decision to get it. I’ve had it for a year and a half now and I still love it as much as the first day I got it. I especially like that it is just as easy to hide as it is to show off.

I am wanting to get a second tattoo at some point. I want this one to be of a small sailboat, not unlike the ones I sail and teach with (I teach sailing every summer).

I have 17 tattoos, full back is covered. chest piece, quarter sleeve, calf sleeve, hip, wrist, back of neck, behind ears. I LOVE my tattoos. I would not be me without them

I have 2 so far and I’m planning a 3rd. My first is a heart made of a bass & treble clef on my left wrist. I thought about it for YEARS before getting it but it is so important to me. Music is a HUMONGOUS part of my every day life and it saved my life when I was depressed. (It’s on my left arm because I used to cut myself there.) 

My second is on my foot-it’s the words “Float On”, from the Modest Mouse song of the same name. The song is all about letting crap roll off your back (which i something I need to constantly remind myself) and I had it written in my late-grandfather’s handwriting. The artist used a sample from a fairy tale book my grandpa gave me when I was born.
My next tattoo is going to be an orchid in an oil can after a song by Dan Andriano of Alkaline Trio. The song is a sort of “the most beautiful flower blooms in adversity” or “you can’t get the roses without the shit in the soil” kind of thing. I plan on getting it on the same foot as my “Float On” one.
ANYWAY, these are all things I spend a lot of time thinking over. They mean a lot to me-they are like markers of how far I’ve come and things I have overcome. I may be a early childhood education major but they are a part of who I am that I can still cover up and be professional. I love them, and I love tats in general!!

I don’t have any and I probably never will.  I really like the idea, but they just aren’t acceptable in the professional workplace and I’d really hate to have to worry about covering one up for the rest of my life. If I did get one, it’d probably be an anchor or a bird or some combination of the two.

I have 6 of them. Two blue nautical stars on my chest, (one on each side) a biohazard symbol on my right wrist, (cause I am hazardous to my own health, lol) my daughter’s name surrounded with stars on my left wrist, (pretty self explanatory…) a skeleton man with a tophat on my left calf, (just thought it was cool) and a green dragon on my back, that takes up half of it. My dragon is probably my favorite one out of them all. He’s a fucking badass. He represents to me how strong I am, not only for getting the tattoo, but how strong I’ve been throughout my life. I’m dying for some more, but am broke right now. My next one will probably be something music related, cause I can’t live without it, or singing.  =)

I have one so far.
A brown circle on my hip.
For me it represents 3 things:
1) The quote “Keep it simple.”  To remind me to not over think, over do, over work.
2) It’s the shape of a full stop in a sentence.  In the English language, a full stop is to indicate the end of a sentence and the beginning of a new one.  It’s to help remind me that there is always something after a certain event- that there is always something to look forward to.
3) To add on to the point about the full stop, it is used to pause and breathe between sentences, so it helps reiterate the first point.  To remind me to slow down sometimes, and to take a breathe before I keep proceeding with life.

I want, for now, 3 more:
- A grey line on my rib cage, to represent the quote “amor fati”, also known as “lover of fate”, to remind me that everything happens to make me stronger and that in a dark cloud there is always a silver (or in this case, grey, lining).  It also represents the quote “I am a silver thread fallen from heaven.”
- A pair of footprints in black ink either on my other hip or wrist or upper thigh.  To remind me to “go the distance” (one of my most favourite Disney songs on this world) and to remind myself of all the steps I’ve taken.
- The National Eating Disorder Recovery symbol in UV or white ink on the right side of my middle finger on my left hand.  It’s to help me on my road to recovery. 

I have five tattoos and I plan on getting a lot more. I love all my ink. Each new scar is a puzzle piece to me. I hate when people judge me based on the fact that I have ink. Its seriously disheartening that people haven’t progressed past that yet. I’ve had great jobs, despite my tattoos. Its ridiculous to think that someone can’t be considered a serious business person just because they have ink. Hopefully this trend of discriminating people based on tattoos is on its way out.

I have 4 tattoos and my most recent tattoo is a crow on my left thigh.  I’m still sketching and trying to fine tune the design for my next tattoo, which is going to be a heron on my outer right calf.  

I think what matters is that the individual enjoys their tattoos.  I got a quote tattoo on my inner bicep during a very angry time in my life and I’m not angry anymore.  I still love that tattoo because it reminds that while there are times that life sucks, you live.  I have a double crescent tattoo on my collar bone that really doesn’t have a meaning, I just like how it looks.  I remember what was going on in my life when I got that and that gives it meaning.  I also didn’t get it spur of the moment.  I planned each off my tattoos for at least 6 months before getting them.

I work in a substance abuse rehab facility and the majority of my clients have tattoos.  My co-workers all have tattoos.  The policy at my job is that it’s okay for tattoos to be visible so long as the design isn’t vulgar.  My visible ink make it easier for my clients to approach me and talk to me.  

I don’t have any yet (lack of money) but I definitely want to get one someday. I’ve always wanted something connected with the song “Imagine”, just because it’s been my favourite song ever since I was six, and I love the message it’s trying to give. 

Not yet, and want a BIG piece (underbreast, cleavage, hips, thights, something flowerish/biomecanical).
It’s expensive, I’m still student…. But I love tatoos, piercing and implants.

The things I hate is people lokking a the catalog at the tatoo shop and choose on it the “fashion chinese ideogramm” or the “cute dolphin”, or the “fake tribal”. They nerves me out… inking your body without personnality, just to get ink !

I have one on my shoulder. I’m contemplating a second one on my hip. 

I only have 1 tattoo, but I got it when I was only 15 years old. I’d like to get more sometime, but I dont really have the money for it. I’ve gotten more piercings for the time being now.

I have three!

I also have three piercings + my ears ;]

A heart, a trisklion symbol [Irish for birth life & death] & my Gemini symbol. All on my inside arm going up from the heart on my wrist; evenly spaced. 
Also..yeah, when you’re going to have a needle pierce your skin; you’re of course running the risk of getting infected with something. That’s a no-brainer. Life is all about taking risks – at least to me. Big or small. I adore my ink & I would like to get a few more [no money right now for them] 
but the ones I would like to get are custom made paw prints [I want to dip my two dogs & my cats' front paw in animal-friendly ink; if I can ever find any then ink their paw onto white paper & then have the tattoo artist take it from there. I want it on my left shoulder blade in a small cluster. The large paw print from one of my dogs in the center, with my small dog & cats print on either side up a bit.] 

I have 3 and I’d love to get more. I have no idea what I want though. I have to make sure it’s something that is definitely me since it will be on my body forever. I love tattoos. I think they can be beautiful and works of art.

I have three tattoos. One is of an infinity symbol that my fiancé Ryan gave me on my ankle. The second tat is a heart with wings and Ryan’s name on my forearm. And the last one is on my back shoulder and it’s a portrait in memory of my fiancé. I plan on getting more Tattoos one is of a feather with “stand by me” flowing with it.

@kissmycouturex@xanga - Thank you for bringing this issue to our attention. For cases so rare, it doesn’t hinder people with the one in a million chance, but for that one person affected it becomes just that crucial. Did your relative take action against the shop? His case could probably raise a lot of awareness. Shops are progressively stepping up more and more to avoid any liabilities and their safety regulations are very strict. Hopefully all shops will realize the critical importance of safety codes, as they can seriously affect innocent people like your relative. Thank you again for sharing something so personal.

There was a period of time where I thought it was a good idea, but I’m glad I outlived it without permanently marking up my body… 

I’ve wanted for some time now to get the symbol for Mars (which is the same symbol for the male gender) tattooed on my left wrist, or on my foot, and to have it be small and black.  It’s significant to me because I am an Aries in astrology, whose planet is Mars, and I appreciate the ideals behind that sign; passion, drive, energy, endurance, living each day to the fullest, and never giving up.  All ideals I want to embody, and the symbol signifies that to me. I’d do it, but I’m scared of the permanence of it, even though I’m finally old enough to get it done.  I probably will at some point, but I want to be ready and sure first.

I have 3 tattoos but I’m constantly fiending for more. Lucky for my body, I never have any cash, ha.

zombie boy has the hottest all over body tattoos. I have yet to see tatts on females that I find to be as amazing and creative as zombie boy’s tats. I usually find them to look lame but a rare few seem to work it if they think it is hot, then ok.

@Spearmint – I’m an Aries like your self and I wanted a ram. But your right is permanent but If you really want it then you should get it. I think that is a sweet concept of a tattoo.

I would never want a tattoo. At 18 I thought I might want one, but I’m really glad now I didn’t act on it. I just don’t think I could ever appreciate something tattooed on my body my entire life. 

I have none, but I can’t wait to get inked–I have so many ideas.  I’m also a fan of piercings.
I just need money.

I have my family mon tattooed on my left arm between my elbow and my shoulder. It’s visible in short sleeve shirts, but I figured that any job that has an extreme prejudice against tattoos is going to have a dress code, so I’d be wearing a dress shirt anyways. I’d like to get another one on my back or on the opposing arm, but since I have dermographism, I’m worried that it would be a huge pain in the ass to get inked again, so this might unfortunately be my only one. I also have both my ears pierced although I haven’t worn any studs or piercings in years and the holes have probably closed by now.

Luckily here in the Bay Area, a lot of companies are more lenient about tattoos, and it’s less of an issue. Hell some of the major companies around here don’t even have dress codes.

I have one tattoo that I got last summer, a few months before I turned nineteen. Its a very nice flowing black and white script across my right scapula and ribcage that says “Art and Soul”. Art is one of the few things in my life I feel strongly enough about that I won’t ever regret getting a tattoo about, because art is and always has been my entire life.

This summer if its not too costly, I plan on getting this Kandinsky quote on the inside of my upper arm (as the beginning of a sleeve) “Color is the keyboard, the eyes are the harmonies, and the soul is the
piano with many strings. The artist is the hand that plays, touching one
key or another, to cause vibrations in the soul” It is so perfect to how I feel about painting and art in general

I currently have 8, more in planning, hopefully one coming up in June. Most of mine are small right now, the next one I am going for is a rib piece, or an arm piece, bigger commitment, I am pumped. I do not planning on limiting my ink

I have four tattoos….and would LOVE to get more.  <3

I have two, but to the people who keep saying they aren’t accepted in the work place: as long as they aren’t on your hands, face, or high up on your neck, how hard is it to cover? have a sleeve? wear a sweater. have one on your back? don’t go to work topless. It isn’t at all hard to cover your tattoos. and even if some type of event prevents you from wearing clothing that covers it, there are products out there made for covering them. or just invest in some quality cover-up.