Tattoos: Is this age-old form of body modification for you?

I have 3, 2 crosses, on that has cowboy up in it from when I used to ride shortly after HS and then another one that has my kid's initials. and an Ohio State O that I got for my uncle after he passed since that was his favorite team

I have 5, all in discreet locations. I got my first one almost 20 yrs ago and my latest was done 4 yrs ago. Each tells its own story and I don't have any regrets. In fact, I have plans for another soon.

When it comes to tattoos, it's a matter of "whatever floats your boat". If you don't like them, I understand. If you have them over 90% of your body, I think I understand that as well.

i have quite a few but understand why people don't like them. i know my mom and grandma hate that i got them done. but i agree with postal.. its a whatever floats your boat situation.

Body art doesn't especially appeal to me, personally, and also I had thought about it (especially in my college days when "everyone" was getting tattoos) but could never commit to any image that I liked well enough to permanently make a part of myself.

Having said that, my brother and dad both have tattoos, as does my brother's longtime girlfriend (she actually is a tattoo artist). All of them are pretty modest and easily hidden if they need to be.

I sort of don't "get" people who heavily tattoo themselves or put really large ones in really obvious places, but whatever, it's not my body so what do I care?

Both of my daughters have small indiscrete ones. I don’t like to see too much (of anything), and some look ridiculous. I guess we all have our costumes/look, but I just don’t like to draw attention to myself.

I've seen some real nice work though.

No tats for me. I don't think they are least bit sexy or appealing. Then again, back in the 70's I had hair to the middle of my back, wild shirts, bell bottom jeans and 4 inch platform elevator shoes. Oh yeah, I REALLY looked appealing. NOT!

To each thier own just not for me.

None here, though I was close to getting a shamrock on my right calve when I was in college.

I'm not sure if it's the "ink" that bothers people but what is inked.

If someone walks up to me with flowers inked over 90% of their body, I wouldn't care.

If someone walks up with skulls, and the grim reaper raping some naked chick on their arm, I'd be a bit more nervous.

Point is, they appear to be a reflection or extension of ones self. Not my cup of tea, but no problem with it as an art form in and of itself.

" A permanent reminder of a temporary feeling" Jimmy Buffet

I had my tats all picked out. I wanted two dragons across my chest, and a big snake up one arm and a whole bunch of stars on the other arm with a big heart on my biceps saying Mother I Love You. Then I found out it involved needles and a LOT of money. I was about 12 at the time.

The "coolness" factor has definitely been watered down. No longer a sign of edgy-ness or wild streak. Tats used to mean you were a little bit of a badass. Now in many cases, means you are trendy and/or a follower, chasing whatever is "hip".....let me repeat "in many cases", not all. I think some of the true tatoo peeps out there know what I mean.

Kinda like when they threw V6's in the old muscle car designs. Shallow imitations.

Its going to be funny/sad/disgusting, when in 30 yrs all the 60+ yr old women have sagging, disfigured tats too.

see above.....sagging TATS. Not the other things. :>)....well, I guess that'll be funny too.

Bikers and Navy men across the world are devastated by the trendiness of tats, once reserved for true tough guys and gals.

The NBA started it with wimps like Jason Williams getting tatted out.

I was never a tat guy, until I did something in my life I was truly proud of and was confident that a permanent memorialization of that was "me." My wife having several may have changed my tune as well. My kids don't talk in terms of if they get tattoos, but WHEN.

TAHL

I've always thought most people with tattoos to be rather insecure with low self esteem and needing the attention of others without actually knowing or talking with them. I never understood what really would motivate someone to get one. I'm always looking for leaders and people that can take charge of matters. I guess I just normally consider that tattooed individuals are more of the follower types and usually shy away from them when hiring someone for a leadership position. It's too bad that I have this mindset because I've probably missed out on some really talented people.

Like others have said some people dig them and some don't. Everyone I have represents some part of my life that I am proud of, and they have never cost me job.

The two reasons being, All 3 are well covered and the # two reason is because I've had my own businesses since I graduated high school.

My favorite J Paul Getty quote is " The #1 guideline to success is you must be in business for yourself. When you work for someone else, you sell your time at wholesale to your employer, who then re-sells it at retail to the customer. "

American I am almost positive you've missed out on some really talented people too.

Ive always thought about getting one myself, but have yet to do it. I guess I've saw too many of my friends get stupid ones that seemed cool at the time. I still think there is nothing sexier than a chick with a good tatto.

Two small ones on each of my once-buff biceps: a Celtic cross and a heart with my wife's name on it.

Anyone recommend a tattoo parlor?

Ronaldo,

I got my 1 cross done at Toledo Tattoo Co. but that was back when the professor was still there, and then I had Duane at Infinite Art on Secor do both the cross on my left calf and my Ohio State O on my right arm.

I've always thought most people with tattoos to be rather insecure with low self esteem and needing the attention of others without actually knowing or talking with them. I never understood what really would motivate someone to get one. I'm always looking for leaders and people that can take charge of matters. I guess I just normally consider that tattooed individuals are more of the follower types and usually shy away from them when hiring someone for a leadership position. It's too bad that I have this mindset because I've probably missed out on some really talented people.

posted by AmericanPie on Mar 27, 2009 at 05:22:40 pm #

Most F'd post of the year award!

I hope this works, but here are my tats

http://s49.photobucket.com/albums/f299/lfrost2125/Tattoos/

Too much jewelery, piercings, tats, can be a sign of low self esteem but certainly not always. The psychology being: I don't like myself therefore I'll change, narcissm, a statement of belonging to a certain class or group, or the need for attention.
But, for the most it's just a popular way of hanging on to something dear, keeping it close to one's heart and the desire to express it.

I think most of us would like to be judged on what's on the inside and tattoos can help express one's inner self and for some it is screaming.

I'd prefer it like this: If you want to get to know me, come talk to me. Don't do it because I bear a certain look, wear certain fashions, hairstyle or status or relgious symbols. Many of these of course are part of all the world's cutures.

Personaly, I'm quite content with my appearance but I've considered ink. Who knows, maybe someday but, it will not be on my freaking neck.

Ronaldo - check these guys out:

http://www.revelationtattoos.com/Home/tabid/54/Default.aspx

Award winning artists. People drive for hours for these guy's work.

Best place to get tattooed is Infinite Art --- hands down, without a doubt. They have an artist for any art form you'd like, and the fact that a client has to schedule an appointment weeks ahead of time is a testament to the fact that ALL the artist there are amazing in their own form. Sure there are a few other places that have one or two good tattoo artist on staff, but most places are staffed with people who shouldn't be holding a tattoo needle in their hand.

I've always thought most people with tattoos to be rather insecure with low self esteem and needing the attention of others without actually knowing or talking with them. I never understood what really would motivate someone to get one. I'm always looking for leaders and people that can take charge of matters. I guess I just normally consider that tattooed individuals are more of the follower types and usually shy away from them when hiring someone for a leadership position. It's too bad that I have this mindset because I've probably missed out on some really talented people.

Sorry to hear of your ignorance! I have both arms tattooed in sleeves, a chest piece and a couple of tattoos on my legs. I graduated magna cum laude with a degree in applied mathematics, top of my class (read TOP, not in the top percentage, but the highest) with a Masters of Accountancy, and top of my class in law school. To be so ignorant is devastating to your intelligence. PS... I observed the "three finger rule" when getting tattooed -- which means that none of the tattoos on my arms are within three fingers of my wrist. Not a single person that I know of in my office even knows that I have a tattoo, let alone both arms, chest and portions of my legs covered in tattoos. I hide it with long sleeves and intelligence. I'm sure you have run into people like myself, but left thinking that we carry the ridiculous morals of yourself. Think again.
Can't wait for Hell City Tattoo Convention in Columbus. A must go for anyone who loves tattoos.

I believe Revelation Tattoo has went out of business??.... Despite the awards, the artists were HORRIBLE. My wife got a tattoo there and had to have it gone over by another artist because the black lines were so shabby.
Thankful for their closing!!!

Last years Ohio State Bar Association convention was in Cbus at the same hotel, and the same time as the Hell City Convention. Made the nights in the bar much more fun, and saw some great art.

TAHL