There is a bit of a stigma associated with tattoos in the ‘burbs. I thought it would be a great time to address my thoughts on the subject being that my dear husband and I just celebrated our anniversary with a trip to the tattoo shop!
I am going to refrain from getting all heated (as if I am trying to defend myself…
I’m not defending myself, right?).
To start, here is my tat background: I got my first tattoo when I was 22. I thought for a long time about it, and got something that symbolized what was most important in my life – my faith. It is a Chinese symbol for Spirit & Soul on my lower back. A few years ago, I had three stars tattooed on my right shoulder blade to represent my three kids. Then about 2 years ago, I had a dove done on my foot.
And finally (but probably
not finally), a few days ago, I had some work done on my foot to make it more beautiful and had my stars filled in. I am in no way an expert in this world of tattooing – but I have spent a good few hours of my life in a tattoo shop thus declaring myself “expertish.”
So, here are my Tat Rules that I give to my nearest and dearest friends:
1. Do something that means something. And, what is meaningful to me may not be meaningful to you so no judging! Never feel bad about what you choose to be meaningful! Unless its a cartoon character – then feel bad.
2. No neck or face when you still have to run carpool or go to your kids’ soccer games.
3. Think about it. Run it by a few people. Think about it more. Google it. Pray about it if you need to. Think about it more. Then go get it.
4. Be sober(ish). Being that it is actually illegal for a tattoo artist to work on someone who has been drinking, this is pretty easy – but for real – a drunk tattoo is one you will likely regret.
5. Ask for an artist referral from a friend (or me). Go meet & take your ideas to them. Schedule a time to come back.
6. Be completely confident in your decision before you do it.
I would love to hear your thoughts and any additional rules you would like to add! Play nice though!
When Shauna isnt hanging around tattoo shops or keeping your dear website afloat – she is providing more unsolicited advice over at Blah Blah Blog!
My nephew just got a tattoo. It looked great and it had meaning for him. So it made sense. I took him out for a beer to celebrate. My niece went with us and she asked me what I thought about her getting a tattoo. I told her absolutely not. Any other male chauvanist pigs out there that think women are beautiful just they way they are.
Love the rules! One I might add: “Don’t get a tattoo the first semester of your Freshman year of college.”
I appreciate a good tattoo, but boy do I wish I had not made a quick decision to get a butterfly tattoo on my shoulder that first semester of college. It has no meaning…it isn’t even a great tattoo…it’s just there. Sigh. I would have waited if I could go back in time and get a tattoo when I was a little bit older and wiser.
About the whole “tattoo in the burbs”…I find it to be more common than people think.
Totally on with the rules! I’m constantly telling people to not only think it through, but get an artist you can trust, that has considerable talent. There are many fly-by-night operations out there.
-Nate
Wow Tattoos – Ambigram Tattoo Designs
Love the Tat Rules…
Some people can pull it off classy…some can’t. I strongly suspect you are the former.
My wife and I have talked about doing it together, but I guess I’m the chicken. I always took pride in the fact I made it through 5 years in the Marine Corps without getting a tattoo…but that was way before it was cool!
Still saving for a new page…hopefully soon.
Hee Hee I always wonder about the IQ of people who have the Tasmanian Devil or Marvin the Martian tattooed on their calves. Of course, I always see these people walking around Six Flags while verbally abusing their kids and smoking a cigarette. Okay, wait, maybe I’m stereotyping…
But, I don’t think I could ever get a tattoo because: I think you should put it somewhere not hidden. I mean, if it’s hidden, then what’s the point of having it and no one seeing it, right? But if it’s somewhere that you can’t cover up when you want to, then you can put yourself into hot water being judged for it. I’m just too much of a wuss to make that commitment!
I have a tattoo of a turtle that I got when I was 18 (such a baby!) but I still love it, all these years later. My Hubby has two tattoos, and our oldest 20 year old son just got a big ass tattoo on his bicep (we weren’t really happy with that choice, but what can you do? we both have tattoos!)
I think your rules are fantastic. My turtle was a spur of the moment decision in college, although I started with an outline and returned a few days later to add color because I didn’t like it plain.
I would say YES…spend lots of time considering what you’ll get and if you really, really want it there forever!
Although I don’t have any tats, my brother and my husband do. Hubby only has one – a result of an impulsive “drunken night”. My brother has several, and they all follow the rules. Ok, all but one follow the rules 😉 Point is – even though tattoos aren’t for me, I appreciate the art, and *heart* around them! Great article!
My dad had two skunks – one on each arm – each representing me and my brother (I know… skunks, right?!). Anyway, I loved the fact that he got them for us.
BTW, I love your new foot tat. That had to hurt – if I were to get a tat, I would think that a “meatier” part of the body would be less painful.
That is too funny that he had two skunks!!! Yes, choose meatier for sure!
I’m the kind of chick who always wanted a belly-button ring, so that I could take it out when I got tired of it. I’m thinking a tattoo is not in the cards for me, but I think they’re fascinating – I admire anyone who can make such a definitive decision.
The rule in my circle, similar to your car pool rule – never put it in a place that you can’t cover up during a job interview.
I think tattoos on other people are cool. I like your tips. So far I have never found anything I would want to put on my body permanently. I think tattoos that can be covered up for professional situations are the smartest way to go. But maybe that is just me.
I agree on the professional rule…my foot doesn’t so much fall into that range – but could if needed.