Tattoos

[WishverseWhedon]

For a long while now I've been thinking of getting a tattoo. I've been thinking about it for over two years, and I'm not exactly thinking about rushing into it. I've preferred the idea of getting a tattoo of something that truly means something to me, and not something that I may regret later in life...ahah.

Considering Buffy is such a big inspiration to me, as well as:
Firefly, Friends, Gilmore Girls, One Tree Hill, Doctor Who....etc etc. - I was thinking of getting something connected to one of them. I'm quite unsure.

I'm rather confident that I want the tattoo to be rather small, whether it's a symbol or short quote that I really love...

Honestly, I've been playing around with the motivational words of 'happiness' and 'bliss' and 'eternity' but I'm still not confident with them. Other than that idea, I have recently thought of the Irish Claddagh ring symbol - because I've always loved the concept and design and the meaning behind it. Ever since seeing it on Buffy, I looked into the Irish Claddagh ring and became very attached to it, along with my boyfriend actually getting me the ring.

I was just curious if anyone had any suggestions or ideas on what I could get... Whether it's quotes or symbols, connected or not connected to a TV show. Or maybe share photos of your tattoos? I love seeing what other people have and their reasoning or story behind it 🙂

 

[Ethan Reigns]

You should keep in mind the symbolism of how the Claddagh ring is worn:

1. On the right hand with the point of the heart toward the fingertips, the wearer is single and may be looking for love.
2. On the right hand with the point of the heart toward the wrist, the wearer is in a relationship.
3. On the left hand with the point of the heart toward the fingertips, the wearer is engaged.
4. On the left hand with the point of the heart toward the wrist, the wearer is married.

If you have it as a finger tattoo, you have to pick one of these orientations and accept the fact that you may be advertising a relationship status that doesn't exist or could be altered at any time.

As for tattoos in general, I was on another board where one of the members was a fanatical Evanescence fan, so he got a tattoo of their logo on his ankle - 3 weeks before the band broke up. Sometimes you are happiest about the things you didn't do.

 

[caitaintdead]

I've been tattooed on four separate occasions. 3 were Everton tattoos. I know for a fact that I have supported Everton from the day I was born and will never decide to 'stop' supporting them. To me they represent my life, my heritage and everything I love about football.

Last year I got a commemorative tattoo for my boyfriend that passed away while serving in the army. He loved Legend of Zelda and had The Sun Song tattooed on his arm, as he believed it was the perfect words to describe the cycle of life and death. I got the keys of that tattooed on my ribs with 'lest we forget' written underneath. The photo below is nice and fresh, sorry about the blood, I couldn't find a healed shot!

The next tattoo I want to get is an outline of my favourite building by Mies Van Der Rohe, Farnsworth House, probably one of the outlines below. I love the building itself and the story behind it is that Mies was instructed to build a house that he would build for himself that represents and expresses his style of architecture. He did so, and built a beautiful house. The lady that commissioned it was not happy with the finished result, despite it being to all her exact instructions. It would serve as a reminder that no matter how hard you try to please people that sometimes even when you reach perfection and your ideal self that people may not be happy with it. This is not failure, rather, a way of life.

 

[Taake]

Well, I have a lot of tattoos and all I can say is that it's good that you're taking your time and thinking about it properly 🙂 As someone who's gotten inked on dares and during less than sober states I can honestly say that, while I don't regret any tattoos, it's not really to be recommended 😉

I always think it's hard to try to advise or suggest tats for someone else, because I think of them as so personal, that it's impossible to come up with something that's going to resonate with someone else forever. It does sound like you have a good stepping off place though, with ideas of what you might want to get... I'd try to visualize different quotes or symbols on different locations, if I were you. Maybe even write or draw them on yourself in ink. Just to see if you feel comfortable with it 😀

My next tattoo, whenever that'll happen, will be a quote from 'The Scarlet Letter'.

 

[Blaze]

Yes, indeed it's very hard to suggest tattoos for someone else, especially if you want them to be personal. It does depend on the person very much, sometimes I get a tattoo because it means something to me, and honestly sometimes I just get one cause it looks nice or cool. There's no good or bad reason to get one, contrary to what many people will tell you. And nowadays, I don't think it's a big deal to have them anymore. (tattooed and employed here 😛) Just go with what your gut is telling you, take your time to make the decision, especially if it's your first one.

Personally, for quotes, just make sure you choose something that has a special meaning for you. I got a lot of friends who just got a random "inspirational quote" tattooed, and I've seen quite a few times when they come to regret it once the quote no longer has a meaning to them. But again, I also got a quote tattooed, so if you like it go for it! (Mine is a quote from the book "Le Petit Prince", got it 4 years ago and I love it to pieces).

One last thing, do be weary of where you put the tattoo if you plan on having kids or gaining weight. My quote goes along my side, and I gained about 15 pounds since I've had it done, and it does stretch out the tattoo (that'll teach me, don't get a tattoo when you're 19 and a toothpick, by the time you're 23, you won't be able to eat whatever you want no more). Personally it's not something that I care about, but for some people it might be a deal breaker.

 

[Fuffy]

Might want to get a tattoo someday, but still quite iffy about that…(and that's perfectly ok 🙂)

Anyways, I wouldn't recommended getting a tattoo in a place where you are ticklish,since tattoos are no laughing matter 😛

 

[Skanky Vamp]

The next tattoo I want to get is an outline of my favourite building

That's not a bad idea.. I am thinking now about getting this:

That way wherever I go or am at, I am always at home.

 

[Skanky Vamp]

It would look good on your calf.

Really? You dont think my calves are too hairy? I just figured you wouldnt be able to see it. Unless I shave all the time. I was thinking inside wrist.

 

[Taake]

Anyways, I wouldn't recommended getting a tattoo in a place where you are ticklish,since tattoos are no laughing matter 😛

Or far up in the armpit. I have one there and didn't realize until the inking process just how sensitive your skin is up there. That hurt like... (insert string of expletives)

@caitaintdead I may or may not have poo permanently marked on my body. In a very metal way though ;P

 

[Skanky Vamp]

@caitaintdead I may or may not have poo permanently marked on my body. In a very metal way though ;P

Do you mean the word poo or like a little turd image.. a turd image throwing up a metal sign could be friggin cool!! the shit would be rockin!

 

[Skanky Vamp]

my mental image...

I want one now...

 

[Mr Trick]

No Tattoos are not for me and I don't see the appeal of them in general really.

 

[WishverseWhedon]

You should keep in mind the symbolism of how the Claddagh ring is worn

Ah yes, I understand. But I wasn't particularly thinking about getting it as a finger tattoo. I would rather have just the symbol/main focal point of the ring shown... The hands, heart and crown - as I already have a Claddagh ring, and I've heard multiple stories of finger/hand tattoos being more prone to fading.
I still love the concept and the tradition behind it and have seen many Claddagh tattoos which only display the symbol. 

And nowadays, I don't think it's a big deal to have them anymore. (tattooed and employed here 😛)

Exactly, yes. That's the thing, employment agencies care less about the amount of tattoos nowadays. Although, I do only want a small tattoo, in which I can see (so preferably not on my back). What worries me is, if I do get into my chosen profession (acting), I don't know how people would look upon it, whilst casting. I've noticed in 90s shows and films, it's rather common for actors to have a couple of tattoos here or there...but it's been hard for me to see it as much anymore - unless it suits the character. Now, that might just be down to covering them up skilfully or not acknowledging them at all. It's been a bit of a worry to me...

 

[Blaze]

Exactly, yes. That's the thing, employment agencies care less about the amount of tattoos nowadays. Although, I do only want a small tattoo, in which I can see (so preferably not on my back). What worries me is, if I do get into my chosen profession (acting), I don't know how people would look upon it, whilst casting. I've noticed in 90s shows and films, it's rather common for actors to have a couple of tattoos here or there...but it's been hard for me to see it as much anymore - unless it suits the character. Now, that might just be down to covering them up skilfully or not acknowledging them at all. It's been a bit of a worry to me.

Usually they cover them up, so I wouldn't worry too much about it, many actors actually have tattoos. Look at Angilina Jolie, or Lena Headey, they're both covered in them. Although I dunno how it would affect things if you're new to the acting world.

and I've heard multiple stories of finger/hand tattoos being more prone to fading.

This one is true. Hand and feet tattoo usually both fade quicker than other parts of the body. Any tattoo will fade somewhat over time, but area of skin that you use a lot will fade faster. Just gotta remember to care for the tatts, even after they're healed up.

 

[MarlieTheSlayer]

I would love to have a tattoo one day, but I am way too scared for the pain 😛

 

[Skanky Vamp]

So... does anyone have subdermal implants? I have seen a few chicks with them.. I was meeting them in professional environments so I didnt really want to say "can I touch it" but I wanted to touch them so badly.

 

[Blaze]

So... does anyone have subdermal implants? I have seen a few chicks with them.. I was meeting them in professional environments so I didnt really want to say "can I touch it" but I wanted to touch them so badly.

I once had someone ask to touch my lip ring at work.

 

[Skanky Vamp]

I once had someone ask to touch my lip ring at work.

but you know.. you KNOW what a ring feels like. I have no idea what an implant feels like.. dont know how soft or hard it is.. I should have asked. It just seemed rude all things considered, but I am sure I was staring at it. The one was probably twice this size... on her hand like that.. then the other had moon on her shoulder.

 

[caitaintdead]

I once had someone ask to touch my lip ring at work.

I've never had people ask to touch my piercings, but I have had the creepy feeling of someone stroking my tattoo on my upper back while I've been out at the pub. Eww.

 

[RoxySilver]

Exactly, yes. That's the thing, employment agencies care less about the amount of tattoos nowadays. Although, I do only want a small tattoo, in which I can see (so preferably not on my back). What worries me is, if I do get into my chosen profession (acting), I don't know how people would look upon it, whilst casting. I've noticed in 90s shows and films, it's rather common for actors to have a couple of tattoos here or there...but it's been hard for me to see it as much anymore - unless it suits the character. Now, that might just be down to covering them up skilfully or not acknowledging them at all. It's been a bit of a worry to me...

I think it depends on the acting. You can cover a tattoo quite easily in movies, but theatre is a little bit more difficult. Some of my friends (I've been doing theatre for over 10 years now) are professional theatre actors and won't get any more tattoos because they're afraid or they've heard of directors that wouldn't hire someone who's tattooed.
It also depends where it's done. The neck and foot are hard to cover up, even with a really heavy foundation or with bandage, for examples. Plus, it's ugly, the audience can see it almost all the time. But it can be done. On the contrary, ribcage is not that often shown on stage (unless you're a dancer as well).
Also, it can be your trademark as an actress. It depends on so many things. The important thing is to be proud of it. Audience and directors are used to tattooed artists.