Tattoos... advice from those so adorned

[Tundra Tiger]

I am 56, first tattoo was at 17, followed by many more bits and pieces. Finally I had a very good tattooist link them all up so I guess I have a now two large tattoos.
Would/will I get more tattoos? Yes, but there is no rush, probably my two family coat of arms, maybe my old army regiment insignia, maybe some personal old runes and some other stuff.
Tattooing can be very personal, fun or just stuff, I have all of these and don't regret any.
I did artillery, tattooed Gunners is kind of normal. This went along with all of the males in my family being tattooed.
only one thing, tattoo for you and nobody else, they are the ones you may regret.

Carlsson coat of arms, namesake (father's side blue/yellow) and Gordon coat of arms (mother's side in green)


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Agreed. The things I am considering I would be doing for myself and not viewable by others, unless I chose to show them. This is very much something I would be doing for me, and there are a number of possible things to depict that have been constants in my life, and always will be. The trick, listening to people here, would seem to be finding the right artist from the get-go.

 

[Major Bonkers]

Get an 'ass tattoo', then you can pretend that you are a pornstar.

 

[Tubby’s Canteen]

Agreed. The things I am considering I would be doing for myself and not viewable by others, unless I chose to show them. This is very much something I would be doing for me, and there are a number of possible things to depict that have been constants in my life, and always will be. The trick, listening to people here, would seem to be finding the right artist from the get-go.

That and taking your aftercare seriously

 

[mdwest]

Absolutely the single most important thing.. find the RIGHT artist.. then worry about how to get there, when they are available, how much its going to cost, etc (its possible the right artist may require you to travel if they arent anywhere near where you live/work)..

constants in life I think are wise as well... one of mine is related to a son that passed away many years ago.. one is directly related to a unit I served in.. one is related to a team I spent time in combat with.. two are directly related to my wife/marriage.. one is religious and very personal (has been for more than 30 years).. etc etc..

 

[Tundra Tiger]

Perhaps off topic Dave, but as a dad with a son, condolences on your son.

 

[Wade J VanGinkel]

Might not be a big deal for some but when I do get one now I purposely plan it in the winter so I have less exposure to dirt grime and sweat working outside in the heat.
Healing on a large one is a several week process.

 

[Tundra Tiger]

Might not be a big deal for some but when I do get one now I purposely plan it in the winter so I have less exposure to dirt grime and sweat working outside in the heat.
Healing on a large one is a several week process.

That is good to know.

This is still early enough in the process that I am still doing my research on specific aspects. Based on that and some things I have scheduled in the spring, maybe this'd be a good thing for after moose season, and things are calming down for a while.

 

[Wade J VanGinkel]

I was born and grew up in Upper Michigan. After my mom and dad split up my mom moved back there and was killed by a drunk driver a year later in Ishpeming.

I gave my artist a bunch of ideas and this is what he came up with. For me it's perfect and couldn't be happier with it.

 

[Tundra Tiger]

That looks really sharp Wade. Well done sir.

 

[Jon Glajchen]

Life is short. Do whatever floats your boat!

The fact that you’re asking people for their opinions about getting one indicates that you’re probably not ready to get one yet.

 

[Tundra Tiger]

Life is short. Do whatever floats your boat!

The fact that you’re asking people for their opinions about getting one indicates that you’re probably not ready to get one yet.

I research the crap out of stuff before I do something. This is a part of the research. Just like I researched the crap out of going to Africa to hunt, primarily on this site. That worked out incredibly well.

 

[Nyati]

Never had one, never will.

 

[JimP]

It comes down to it is your body and your choice and no ones else's.

The best that you can get from this site here is the care of it once you get it if you do.

I have seen some that might look good on a boar hog, and others that are tastefully done and look good. I have also seen some that have kept people from being hired in a customer service position just because of how they made the wearer look, first impressions are important in a number of jobs where you have contact with others.

I have never considered even thinking of getting one, and know a number of people that have regretted it. I figure that I have enough body art in the form of scars that I have picked up in 72 years of living.

 

[Pilgrim]

If you're a man of means by no means, it seems you would be better to save the tattoo money for your future elephant.

 

[Tundra Tiger]

If you're a man of means by no means, it seems you would be better to save the tattoo money for your future elephant.

There is perhaps truth to that.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

This has been educational. Not that I'll ever be tattooed, but I just figured it was walk into the shop, "Ink me up," and I leave and go on about life. A lot more is involved than I ever suspected.

 

[V.Veritas]

An observation I picked up so far from all the comments is that in time the skin starts sagging and this could be useful if you are planning for it ahead of time.

1. Chose the location and orientation of the tattoo to align with the gravitational force.
2. Chose a tattoo that will adge well.

The cape buffalo was a neat idea if you think about it. Select a young bull with good horns and boss. Once the skin starts sagging, the horns will drop, the face and boss will wrinkle and it will start looking like a trophy old warrior. It will even save money in the future as touch-ups won't be required. The savings can be redirected towards a hunt for a real cape buffalo.

 

[RLP]

First one at 19 years old, last one at 62 years old, still not done. New York, North Carolina, California Afghanistan, and Hawaii. Each is meaningful to me and has a story.

- formulate a design and body location in your head.
- pick a tattoo artist not a tattoo parlor. Do this by researching his/her portfolio.
- Once the artist is picked, work with him/her on the design. Some people allow artist to freestyle on them...not me. This may require some money upfront. They are concerned you will take their design to another artist.
- observe their workstation for cleanliness and general hygiene.

Some of my art was months or years of thought. Don't rush enjoy the process. Godspeed.