Tattoos

[rarll]

Stupid question, at nearly 35 years old, am I daft to want a tattoo.Or just to stupid to make up my own mind?

[Lennon]

Nah, I'd never say you were too old. Depends what you want done and where you want it done though. Sounds corny but I'd say get one that means something to you as opposed to a design you pick off a wall in the studio. Have you often thought about getting one done and never got round to it?

[WendyW]

Before you decide to have a tattoo do think about it carefully. My Father had several done when he was in his 20's and later on he really regretted it.

[rarll]

I know what both of you are saying,my own father was in the navy 30 years and does'nt have a single tattoo.You are right Lennon, I have wanted one for along time but haven't got round to it yet. As for the design, I haven't a clue except I know I don't want a cartoon or something very big.

[xyzzyplugh]

Of course rarll, you can, these days get temporary tattooos that last up to 5 years or less or more depending on choice.. try them maybe..http://temptats.net/

[mikewith]

rarll - I had my first tattoo nearly 20 years ago and I'm getting ready to have the next one soon. No point in rushing these things. You have to listen to yourself - if you want a tattoo, go and get one. I strongly recommend shopping around for the best artist - this is going to be with you for a while - so ask people you see with good tattoos where they got their's. (The woman who did my first one has sadly retired; I'm genuinely considering saving up for a holiday in Oregon because of a tattooist I know of in Portland, but that's a little excessive; my hairdresser's boyfriend is a possible alternative!)

[rinkytink]

I that WendyW is correct in saying that you should think about this carefully. There are a lot of people who get tattoos done in thier early years and regret it later. That said you have obviously been thinking about this for some time and are not making a snap decision on a whim. I'd say go for it ! I had my first done when I was thirty and am now about to get a second at thirty five. Go for something individual that means something personal to you - that way you'll minimalize the risk of regretting it later. Remember also that a good tatooist does not come cheap - if it is cheap it will probably be not that good. It is best to go on recommendation - find some people with tattoos that you think are good and find out where they got thiers. Good luck !

[Lennon]

Rarll, what area do you live in, or where can you easily get to? Then if anyone knows of any good tattoo studios near that area, we can tell you about it. Mine was done by the leading tattoo artist in Britain that year (I got it done 3 years ago) but that was near Heathrow, so that might be useless to you. Also, why don't you tell us who you're favourite band is or football club or something - things that you like, then we could give you suggestions about what tattoo to get and you could add your own personal touch to a suggestion.

[WaldoMcFroog]

I waited nearly ten years, wanting the same design, before I got mine done, and I haven't regretted it once. I still like the design and think that if you've wanted it for a while, the best thing you can do is go and find a professional artist to do it.

[mikewith]

Lennon -- my wife travelled out to near Heathrow a coupoe of years ago to get a tattoo from a highly-recommended artist, only to find he was [Edited to remove any suggestion of unfounded accusations! - AB Editor]. Looks like you timed your visit just right!

[Lennon]

God mikewith, thats really weird. I guess it could be the same one, his name was [name removed - we don't want to insinuate anything! - AB Editor] and the studio was actually in West Drayton, which isn't far from Heathrow. He was a really big guy, and what made me laugh the most was that he was singing along with the radio while he was tattooing me an dthe song happened to be 'I see you baby, shaking that ass!' It sounded so funny coming from him. My tattoo was of the John Lennon image on the front of the Imagine album, you know with the strands of hair that he drew of himself. That was nearly 4 years ago and the colours are still as bright as ever and it looks EXACTLY the same as the album sleeve.

[rarll]

People have told me of a few good tattooists in my location, Northern Ireland by the way, so I am giving them careful consideration. As for a design, thought about what you said Lennon, fave band - Neil Young , footer team - Liverpool (I know ). The football idea I have ditched, Neil Young is proving difficult as he doesn't put alot of stuff on his record sleeves! Have seen a few good tribal ones that would sit nicely on my shoulder.

[Lennon]

Okay then, well it looks like I don't know any in your area :) Tribal one's are good and they look really nice on blokes, like round the top of your arm in a band (I am female by the way in case that sounded a bit weird, don't let the Lennon bit confuse you!) :) I posted a question a while back about who had original/unique tattos, and someone posted an answer saying they had the music notes of a line of their favourite song (Pink Floyd I think) tattooed. I thought that was a wicked idea, so do you have a favourite Neil Young song? By the way, I'm pleased you support Liverpool (Lennon an' all that!)

[ANUSHIKA]

YES!! Don't bother you will regret it , i'm only in my twenties and i have 3 and regret every single one of them and would anything to have them removed, for the amount of money you will spend on one that looks half decent, you would be much better treating yourself to something else.

[ipek]

Well I wanted one for years, but couldn't decide what to have and where to have it. So I took my time and found a design I instantly felt was 'me' and had it drawn somewhere myself and others can enjoy it, on the side of my calf. I didn't see much point in having a picture on my rump where only a favoured few could view it - after all, it is art. The only other consideration I made on location was whether I could cover it up with clothing if I felt circumstances required it.
Hubby wanted one too, so he had a design specially drawn and then treated us both for my 51st birthday - so 35 certainly isn't too old..! I think waiting until you feel it's right will mean you will be happier with the result - that and definitely asking around for recommendations as to the artist, as they all have different styles and levels of expertise. Go for it and enjoy!

[DavidUK]

When tattoos are no longer "cool" or fashionable (and it will happen) anyone with a tattoo will be the butt(!) of jokes. I have been around long enough to see lots of fashions come and go but at least with silly clothes and haircuts you can easily change them.

[Lennon]

I do see what you mean David, but we all know that fashions do come back round again. But thats why I've suggested to get something personal to yourself, something that you'll always be proud of - its very unusual for your tastes and likes to change (once you reach adulthood), therefore your tattoo wouldn't go out of fashion, if you see what I mean! :) But each to their own opinion :)

[rarll]

Just an update to let you know that I still have'nt settled on a design

[sft42]

Rarll sorry to jump into the thread late on but can i just add that in Belfast on North St. tattoo pert is very good they did mine a small musical type tattoo which was quite hard to do but i think it looks great....they were very helpful in assisting with the design and will spend time with you. Good Luck!

[rarll]

sft42 - Yeah, have been given good reports about him by mates in work. I will ask another stupid question, do I have to make an appointment?

[sft42]

no appointments needed but your best bet is to go in and have a chat with him and tell him what your thinking of having done and explain your still a bit undecided.....it does hurt but it's not too bad.....and he'll be better able to show you what's possible....i think his hours are 10 - 4 but i'm not 100% sure....best leave the weekends as they are very busy.....if you'd like to see a pic of my tattoo then join xyzzy's site.