I've always had a passion for tattoos. Getting tattooed has become a hobby/collection for me. It started off with one, sneaking into a tat parlour when I was 16. I never planned on getting many at the time but I just kept adding one here, one there, at first I swore NEVER to get my arms tattooed as I thought it was too butchy looking...that went out the window...but I kept giving myself limitations as the ink progressed yet the boundaries grew further.
As time passed I started to look at my older tattoos and they reminded me of that time in my life. Most of them have a significant connection to my life and experiences. The more I got the more I wanted in order to get further with this picture story book of who I am. I have a story behind each and every one. Some (mostly older ones) are more loosley connected to me ex: a gargoyle on my back just because I like gargoyles and symbolically they watch over you. The newer ones have a deeper connection to me and my life/ people in my life. All of my stuff (save a few old ones) is done by reputable artists. I can't imagine me without them. One question that always puzzles me is when people ask "what is that gonna look like when you're old?" well I guess its gonna look old just like me. If I'm still worried about personal aesthetics in a ripe old age then shoot me please:) because I doubt I'll ever be rich enough to look like some of them stretched out million dollar walking hides...eeesshhh...but I digress, I'm curious to hear about other peoples tattoos and their stories. If you feel comfortable enough please share your tattoos as well. To me skin art is eye candy:) I love seeing the different pieces that people wear:)
here are a few of mine to start
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first off, the fear turns into adrenaline and then a real sense of accomplishment once its finished. Its a challenge and hence the whole Rite of Passage.
Reading your interests, especially religion, I think the old school style would look awesome...oh I wish I had pics of receptionist at my tattoo parlour...she has old school on both arms and she's just this little sweet doll barely in her 20's. One arm has a large angel on it covering one side of her forearm and the other arm has Jesus with his hands crossed in prayer...they are stunning tattoos. Remember old skool tattoos done with new skool tattoo guns look a zillion times better, colour and quality is astounding! I must warn you...Don't go into detail...I've learned through experience that the finer the lines and the more detail the worse they look as they age because of the bluring...bold lines and larger tattoos with more simple design stand the test of time much better.
to answer your questions..I have been going to the same guy for a couple of years now. Jamie Izumi, he is an award winning (and well known through out North America) tattoo artist. I will save some skin for other artists but Jamie owns my arms and calves (which btw are still not finished). I have had one arm done almost completely in one big design...i don't want to do that with my other arm, it takes the fun out of adding little surprises to it as you go along. The one arm is a giant New Orleans tomb done in that cartoonish Gotham city style...you know where it gets stretched out at the top...I have a great love for the architecture in the cemetaries in NO...entwined around the tomb are 5 Ontario snakes (representing my volunteer work educating people about snakes in Ontario and ofcoarse my love of them:)) My first ball python is tattooed on my elbow in a way that when its bent the bone is his jaw and gives the tattoo a 3d effect.
The other arm is going to be a tribute to performing artists....the circus freak kind, that wear their differences with pride whether they are born that way or choose to live that way. I love things that are different and I think the world would be a boring place without all of the unique qualities that we share.
that will be done piece by piece...
NOW, I am curious...you did not say you were an artist. You've got me curious, I am always looking for good custom design. Usually its my tattooist that does it but I'm open to options....whatcha got for me?
Gotcha!!!! LOL :D
Believe me I've thought about getting one many times and I secretly get a thrill from toying around with the idea but I'm still working up to it. That's not excitement coming through the monitor...it's the smell of fear! LOL
I'm and old school girl at heart so a pin-up mermaid girl sounds wicked. Do you always go to the same person to get them done? Will you plan out what design you're going to do with your entire arm first and then do it in stages or will you just get them done at random?
If I did one I would start with something fairly small. I'm very attracted to religious symbols. I would probably go with something Asian. Not sure exactly what it would be but it would have to be something very intricate with a very powerful meaniing.
I would LOVE to design a tattoo for someone. Miami Ink here I come! I've offered my services to everyone I know but they're all too chicken, like me :cry:
Know anyone who's looking? :D
Dustbunnydiva, JaninVan and anyone else that wonders about the numbing ointments, some tattoo shops carry the stuff but you can also get it over the counter at the pharmacy. My guy will use it when people start to get to the breaking point and he doesn't want to stop the job. It goes from being a bit irritating at first to a comfortable numb but usually after many hours the pain starts coming back especially when he wipes it down with a cleanser...oh ya...I don't know what it is but it feels like rubbing alcohol!! :eek:
This is done over and over to clean off excess ink that has spattered. It feels as if someone is sanding an open wound or slicing you open on a sunburn once he starts nailing you with the needle. Alot of people faint (from what I've been told from various sources its mostly men) and some even do a little bit of this.... :hurl:
BUT...and this is a big BUT....getting tattooed is like a Rite of Passage. Its all about earning the ink. I gave my artist **** for putting it on me, because he didn't tell me that he had. I went out to get us some coffees and some air he wrapped my arm up and put this gel stuff on it. When he started working again I felt NOTHING, and was a bit concerned, thats when he told me he had used it...I felt cheated of my Rite (although it was only the last hour). so what if I was getting sweaty and flinchy...I can take it :cry: :cry:
Ladies who are still ink virgins, fear not, if our bodies can handle giving birth a tattoo is merely a walk in the park:)
Marma, you little fibber and big trickster:laugh: :biglol: on another note with an imagination like that you could probably come up with an awesome REAL tattoo...wouldn't it be fun to trick people into thinking...naaa, she wouldn't get one and then show it and stick your tongue out at them...better yet get a tattoo of a cute pixie sticking its tongue out!lol...seriously though...Someone that loves Elvis would probably suit an 'old school' tattoo very well. you know a poster girl looking mermaid, flowers with a banner in it you know the sailor type tattoos, except done professionally ofcoarse:). I'm really getting into those now, I've reserved my whole right arm to the 'old school' style. I know you can do it, I can sense your excitement straight through the monitor...go.go.go.go
You're so cute, Indigo, but you'll have to pardon my sometimes strange ( yet playful and creative, of course :D ) sense of humour because unfortunately the Elvis tat was just a creation of my imagination **blushing like tomato**.
It is, however, totally in my character to do something like that and I'm afraid that if you keep pushing I could be easily persuaded ;)
[QUOTE=Indigo]Marma, I think thats hilariously cool that you have a giant Elvis temporary tattoo on your back!:D If you can do something so playful and creative you can definately pull a tatty off ;)...am I a pusher or what:D
Well the only tattoo around here is on the dog I'm afraid.
My only issue with any tattoo is the worry that I would have a change of mind later. I can't think of anything I loved in my 20's (visually) that still has me going, same with my 30's and so on and so on. So although I know it could be changed, I guess my concern would be a sudden change of heart to not wanting any at all. So more a 'how permanent is this?' and not liking that in any respect in my life than not liking the practice.
What I do like is when you see some that are very original. I like Indigo's flowers on her calf for instance as that is something I haven't seen before and goes beyond the usual butterfly or arm band type. I also like watching those tattoo shows that are on to see what things people are having done. The more original the better in my book. What I don't get is why they can't do something to numb the area so people don't have to experience the pain.
Just a suggestion from someone who doesn't have any tatoos. Have you ever considered using Emla. It's a behind-the-counter product at the pharmacy. It totally numbs the area it's applied to. Ok maybe not totally but it would definitely help especially for a small area. One use is for numbing for piercing. Talk to the pharmacist or your doctor about it. Or research it on the internet. Costs around $11 - $44 depending on the size of the tube. A little goes a long way.
France, alright, just as i thought...you got your first two in REALLY bad spots...abdomens are brutal!!! As an example...an acquaitance of mine years ago was a hand to hand combat instructor in the military...tough as nails...he had a tattoo done on his abdomen and told me he was ready to give up half way through...it was a large piece but still...that is a BAD spot...I've heard that from a few people...ankles are kinda pinchy feeling as well...
honestly the lower back is a cake walk unless you move towards the sides...where there is a bit more flesh...that area is a bit more sensitive but if you're doing it down the centre....NO problem...especially after the areas you have had done...you'll be surprised...in a good way:) you won't need the tequila, anyhow you shouldn't because that will only make you bleed more and the ink won't take as well.
INdigo,
the two i have are small (the size of a large toonie) and hurt like hell. one is on my inner ankle and the other is on my lower abdomen. the next one i have in mind is quite a bit larger in size and i want it on the base of my spine. i was with my girlfriend for support when she had hers put there...she was sobbing :cry: the entire time so it has kind of freaked me out.
but i will get it, i just have to feel brave and dive in. i need motivation and perhaps a couple tequila shots beforehand! :o
smiles
janetc
thanks Janet, you'd be amazed at how NOT a big deal it is. Other than being a bit annoying it is far from what I would consider painful. Plucking eyebrows is more painful than getting a tattoo....ok maybe not a great comparison cause that really kills...lol...but it is tolerable...right?
ehem, I must say, I'm a tad bit disappointed that no one has shared any:( but I understand its personal for some.
Marma, I think thats hilariously cool that you have a giant Elvis temporary tattoo on your back!:D If you can do something so playful and creative you can definately pull a tatty off ;)...am I a pusher or what:D
to everyone who doesn't like them, no offence taken, you see, I find untattooed skin looks kinda funny. Its a giant blank canvas screaming for attention:D...seriously...to each his own. I do agree that depending on the dress you are wearing tattoos can sort of interfere with the flow of things...but its a tit for tat type thing...I try to by dresses that showcase my tats nicely. They can make for a great accessory if placed properly!
Zelda, about the pain addiction thing...I don't think it is so much of an addiction to the pain as it is a release of stress for some folks. Personally, I don't like the feeling and if I'm getting 4 hours of work done I'm usually very drained at the end of it all, but to me it is worth it because they mean alot to me.
Jainey, I've met so many people who shocked me when I found out they had tattoos. Its funny, because I always felt annoyed with those who would stereotype me for having tattoos, yet my reactions to those tattooed people proved I was stereotyping them as well. Just goes to show that a 'sort' of person doesn't apply to tattoos at all:) I respect your views on the subject and agree that tattoos are just another form of art.
thanks luvtodecorate, i suppose if my legs were tattooed dark enough I could get away leaving them hairy!lolol... its not a stupid ? at all, trauma to the skin can prevent hair from growing but a tattoo needle only goes in a couple of thin layers of skin, just enough to anchor the ink and cause a bit of discomfort or alot of discomfort in certain areas.
very well put Jalan, I couldn't agree with you more. They are very addictive but only if you truly have a passion for them. The love of getting tattooed extensively usually does have a deep meaning to the person and the aesthetics are not a factor, in terms of, looking good for other people. loving what it means and how it looks for YOURSELF is what makes them so special.
indigo....your tatoos are a beautiful peice of art....i couldnt imagine sitting through it....however i must confess i would like just one tiny one on the side of my ankle...daring im not :biglol:
smiles
janetc
I got my first tattoo last summer while my baby sister was apprenticing at a local tattoo shop. She is quite an artist..and wasn't really "school oriented" ;) if you know what I mean. So..at age 18..she found someone to teach her tattooing. Well, he taught her how to do the basics, the safety part, the fundamentals..the art of tattooing however has to come from her. So..now she has a gun..and tons of pig skin to practice on..as well as a few brave friends. :p
I was the proud recipient of her very first tattoo..which is pretty special cause she'll always be able to look at it and reflect. Oh my..that sounds a little silly now that i typed it..LOL. :rolleyes:
Anyway,,its a small sunflower-my favorite flower-on my ankle cause I thought that maybe someday..when I forgot how much it hurt ..I'd like to expand on it and make it an anklet. My memory is quite long however. :laugh:
:) Mel
thanks Mel, I know its Nfld flower, it is spectacular and so rare in Ontario. I was thinking of creating a bog in my backyard and trying to grow them but I here they are difficult to grow and require a fair bit of maintenance.
....I find the more tattoos I get the more I get used to the discomfort of getting them...ofcoarse there are always those extra sensitive areas...like the ANKLE!!lol
I have two tattoos so far. Nothing like the scale of yours though, just tiny little ones. But I agree with you they are a huge commitment and really should represent something related to your life experiences on a deeper level and not just because they are a fad or trend for the moment. I do want to get one more... I have designed it over 3 years ago and I am still trying to work up the bravery to get it in ink.
THanks for sharing!
thanks France, some of the old ones (15-17yrs old) are slightly blurry and faded, new ones always look a little less vibrant once they heal and the sun fades them a little as well. I have covered up some old ones with new ones and you can't tell at all they've been covered (I've attached a cover up). Why the work up of bravery, you already have two. Did those hurt alot? If so where did you get them and where do you want to place the new one..I can tell you if it will hurt more or less.
so which hair style won't you want back? :)
I know its been said.. to never say never ...but I know I would never want one. I cringe when I see how the tatoos are getting bigger and more showy as time goes on. The fact that they are so permanent is kinda scary.
Thank God hairstyles aren't permanent we'd really be in trouble! I hate to look back at some of the styles we thought were so cool in old pictures.
Ouch........... :eek: That must have hurt, or not? I have two meself, a dragon on my right arm, and the England flag somewhere else
Wicked art work :applaud:
one tattoo and it is very meaningful to me and as such it is in a place that most people never see - next to my heart. I think it is interesting because a lot of people would think that I would *not* be the sort of person (whatever sort that is) who would get a tattoo and so when I do share, most people are shocked. I don't think that I will be getting another one, but I don't know. The one I have currently, was very influenced by an event/time in my life. So, in the future, I may want another permanent reminder. That's the thing about art (which is what I believe tattoos are) It is individual to each person, it has the capacity to evoke emotions in others and can be completely misunderstood. I'm happy that I have the right to choose to do to my body, what is right for me and that others have the same choice!
I have the same feelings as Jeep on this one. No tatoos here at all. ;)
I have met alot of older people going through the removal process though.
Indigo, those are amazing tatoos on you. I personally don't like them on myself, my son did one on his upper arm, just a small one, and DH and I had a fit about it. One question now, do you still have to shave your legs? Just curious? and if you do, does it take away from the tatoo. Tell me if it's a stupid question...I'm brave I can take it :D
karenm, has your DH ever heard of waxing....ah yeah, ouch,ouch, too painful, I guess no to a tatoo :(
I have one, a unicorn above my right hip. I keep bugging DH to get one but he says he's too hairy.
I hope not to offend anyone here either but I just do not get wanting large showy tattoos. I have seen many of the small ones the size of a nickel and they do look fine in the right place.
I often wonder if people realize how they look to others and how tattoos spoil an outfit of clothing when they are on large exposed areas of the skin.
If you think you would like a large tattoo get one that washed off after a few showers, at least then you are not stuck for life with some design you loved in your teens or 20's and will hate more and more as you get older,
To each his own. ;)
I have a giant tattoo of Elvis on my back....but I guess I should mention that it washes off after 20 showers ...hehehe
Indigo....your tattoos are amazing!!!!! I appreciate the fine work and the thought behind them !! You definately have to have the right look to pull them off (I mean that as a compliment, of course). I love tattoos but I think they would look ridiculous on me...kind of like Martha Stewart wearing a thong or something like that :D
I also have always been fascinated by tattoos. I waited until I was in my late 20's before I took the plunge in ink. I thought about and planned the designs for many years. As I tell my children, it is not a decision to make lightly and should be done when you're mature enough, have really thought about it and its meaningful to you, not just following a fad or trend. I have a large stylized bird in flight on my back and a scene with a cross on my arm. My tattoos are so personal to me and represent parts about me I want to celebrate. I personally think tats are not about being beautiful or ugly, it's more about what it represents to you and you shouldn't just get any old thing tattooed to your body for no reason. I find them very addictive, you just want to keep the "story" going, and will be getting another one this summer!
I also don't mean to offend anyone but I don't understand why anyone would want one. To each his own I guess! I don't know if it's true or not but I've heard some people get addicted to the pain of having the tatooing done! :eek: