Tattoos: The ultimate long term relationship
by Devon on Nov.03, 2008, under Appearance, Fantasies, Identity, Love, Spirituality
I will admit this freely: I am commitment-phobic. I’ve parted ways with many a hot buddy (did I just out myself as a total slut?), because of the pressure (or perceived pressure) to consider something more than physical romps. I don’t want it. At all. NO! Just the notion that someone wants anything from me is enough to make the elevator gown down to the basement.
I wasn’t always like that. I gave until it hurt. I did that far too many times. Finally, my little faerie wings got tattered to the point where I couldn’t flitter away anymore. That’s not to say that I’m jaded or bitter, because I’m still open to being inspired – I just don’t walk around looking for it. If lightning strikes, fine; however, I’ve learned to dodge the rain drops pretty efficiently.
Anyway, this issue of dating isn’t the focus of my story (I think). However, it does affect something else in my little world: I want to get tattoos, but I’m terrified they’ll be permanent mistakes. I like tattoos that are well-done. I think they can be extremely flattering, and that they reveal a layer of the person wearing them. But I’m so fussy about design and execution that I’ve never been able to bring myself to get any. I’m concerned that I’d find any little straying minute mistake and never be able to get past it. We are talking about tattoos, and not guys… right?
Despite these fears I’m looking at several images to gain inspiration for original designs. I know generally what I want, but I have to consider where to place them. I’m also not going to get anything done until I find an artist I trust. Before I take the plunge there are some rules that have to be established before this long term relationship can be possible.
I feel very strongly that tattoos should be original designs with strong personal significance. With that in mind I have to consider very carefully how to express the most fundamental parts of my personality, which might evolve but won’t change completely. I want something that will illustrate a basic, yet permanent philosophy. Tastes change, but wisdom grows deeper.
What is designed is important, but its size and placement matter too. I’d really like a design that fits into its space well. Perhaps it wraps around a contour or causes the eye to make a connection to something else on me? I don’t know how to explain this properly, but I know I do not want an image etched onto me like a badly placed price tag or something. The design needs to fit into its niche, to enhance the place where it sits, and to meld itself in such a way that it indisputably belongs wherever it is.
I want my tattoos to be beautiful. That doesn’t have to mean overly complex. There is beauty in simplicity as well. I think a small tattoo with pristine lines, expert filling, and excellent clarity is far more desirable than murky, busy, and/or sloppy tattoos of any size. I’m scared the tattooing will hurt, and that I’ll jump around and cause mistakes. I’m also terrified of being the victim of the artist’s random sneeze!
Oh my God! I know someone with a misspelled tattoo. I think I would have a nervous breakdown if that were to happen to me. He tried to explain that “Moter” is Old German for mother, but that’s not true. I think I’d go to jail if I got branded with a typo.
UGH! So many potential pitfalls… What if I get tired of my tattoo? What if I pick the wrong one? How difficult would it be to get rid of him? Wait… I think I’m confusing the issue already (in fact, I’m not sure which issue I’ve been talking about throughout this entire posting).
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November 3rd, 2008 on 10:46 am
I have to say… i think you are a bit to savy and smart to do something like… get a tattoo with writing as your first one. All in all, getting a tattoo is the most empowering thing a person can do, it shows true ownership of ones body.
November 3rd, 2008 on 10:54 am
oh my god! that’s the most powerful statement about tattoos i think i’ve ever heard… do you have any pics?? i’d be happy to post them for you
November 3rd, 2008 on 8:51 pm
Really?! I absolutely abhor tattoos. I don’t understand how or why they have become a part of mainstream culture. I was in a restaurant the other night and was seated in a section where my waitor had his neck and knuckles inked. Despite the clean personal appearance of this waitor, he still looked “dirty” to me and I had to be moved to a different section with a different server.
I especially don’t understand all these white boys and girl who get inked with Chinese symbols. The last time I checked, most of these people can barely comprehend English, let alone Chinese.
I personally find them to be a huge turn off and the minute I discover ink on a guy, I’m no longer interested. I can’t see the “beauty” in permanent defamation of your body. Also keep in mind that you aren’t always going to be the tight, hard-bodied stripper that you are now. You will age and your body will not look as great. Then your perfect tattoo that you meticulously planned with change and you have no control over that.
My personal opinion is that no matter how “classy” or “detailed” they are, they still look like the epitome of white trash. No matter how “unique” or “original” you may think your design is, at the end of the day they are all the same – permanent, visible flaws. Even if you decide down the line to have them removed, the laser still leaves a scar, thus adding to the constant reminder of your mistake.
I implore you to not go through with this. If you like the design so much, have it converted into an art print for your house or use it as a background here. Please do not ruin your body with such an attrocious thing.
November 3rd, 2008 on 9:24 pm
and there you have a very strong opinion towards “maybe”
you raise excellent points. i’ve wanted tattoos for 10 years… note that i still want them – that means i’ve not gotten them in all this time (for the reasons you mentioned). i’m not rushing into anything (relationships or tattoos).
November 4th, 2008 on 8:20 pm
Devon,
Remember that the ideas of what is “classy” “fashionable” and “clean” change from era to era… not too too long ago bathing was unfashionable.
HOWEVER tattoos have stood the test of time. From High Priests, to prositutes, from Queens and Princes to pirates and navy sailors, from Japanese assassins to Tribal leaders the art of the tattoo has be infused into every culture across the globe, and across time!
The thought that you may or may not be “ruining” your body is a moot point with the likes of McDonalds, cigarettes, High Fructose corn syrup, Starbucks, and cheap rot gut vodka!
HOWEVER… as an avid collector of tattoos i do have some rules that should be followed!
OH GOD i just remembered i need to give you my Tattoo rules.
1. Never let your first tattoo consist of words or “characters”. These are the #1 most regretted tattoos. An abstract design, picture, comic book character, animal, etc is your best choice and one that will be easiest to live with.
2. Always get the first tattoo where YOU can see it. If you can’t see it, and you don’t like it there is still the chance that you will want another… and you will get it… this will leave you out more money, and more time.
3. ALWAYS know your artist. Look at work, ask questions, get referals. Look for things like CPR and Adult Frist Aid certifications etc etc etc
And remember JUST because an artist HAS a lot of tattoos doesnt mean they are a good artist… it just means they are a good collector!
November 4th, 2008 on 11:37 pm
i like this discussion – i can appreciate both sides, and that’s why i continue to admire tattoos, but have never gotten any… this sort of situation requires a great deal of consideration, of course
November 5th, 2008 on 2:46 pm
In many ways, when it comes to tattoos that is, I’m at the same point as you. I want to get one, but I’m really anxious about what I want and where it’ll be. I’ve found some really interesting tattoo pics on RJ that show real creativity for me. Have you seen any that you like? Any ideas as to what you want?
November 5th, 2008 on 4:17 pm
yes, i’ve “narrowed” it down to the types of symbols that will have longlasting significance to me; however, i’m still not sold on the idea of having them irreparably stamped into my skin… we’ll see how it goes – i’m not in a rush
November 5th, 2008 on 5:42 pm
You could always get a freedom-2 tattoo if you’re that paranoid
Then you’re just one laser treatment away from non-scarring removal.
I don’t work for freedom-2, but I’ve seen my fair share of scarred or “corrected” tattoos. http://www.freedom2inc.com
Don’t get kanji/chinese characters. I’ve seen guys with ones that don’t mean what they think they do.
November 5th, 2008 on 9:04 pm
oh, WOW! now THAT is cool… i’d never heard of this possibility – this, of course, changes everything… LOL… now suddenly the entire prospect is more appealing…
February 6th, 2009 on 4:17 pm
If you’re still soliciting opinions, I would say this: For the love of god, PLEASE don’t get a tramp stamp! I beg of you! One of the reasons is that your lower back/coxix area is a work of art, full stop.
If you do decide to get tattooed, you know what I think would look cool? Matching or related, narrow, and right in the crease where your calf muscles are defined. Black only.