Tattoo ideas - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

alec · 07-02-2003, 09:19 PM

I'm considering getting a tattoo on the upper right side of my chest at the end of this summer but I'm not sure what I should get. I'm trying not to get anything to corny or cliched (so no Asian characters).

I also had some questions about whether they strech (I'm trying to bulk up this summer) and what the overall experience was like.

thanks
-alec

XenuHubbard · 07-02-2003, 09:51 PM

If you're serious about getting a tattoo, you should take longer time to think about it. I'm not saying it's bad, just that it is a good idea to wait after you've found what you want. Impulse tattoo's are quite often regretted. If not for the motive, often for the "wasted space".

As for stretching - most tattoo's move down a bit if you put on weight. It depends much on the location. Ask your tattoo artist.

I have a high pain treshhold, so for me it's never been a problem getting one. But some people faint, other's need to take breaks, and one of the artists I've spoken to told me about a guy who wanted a dragon all over his back, but gave up after the first dragon-toe.

In the end, pick something that suits you perfectly, no matter what other people say. Remember two things - YOU are the one who'll be seeing it the most, and when your 70, YOU will have to explain your choice to your grandkids. The Powerpuff Girls, or Bill O'Reilly's face, may not invoke the same feelings then as they do now.

Good luck! And remember, it's never too late. When you've found what you want, I'd recommend you to WAIT for one year. During that year, have a look at the motive you picked every day. If you feel the same after one year, it might just be right for you. When it comes to the location - look at your body when you're naked. Symmetry is important. And don't be afraid to ask your artist - if the guy or girl isn't interested in customizing what you want, they're probably hacks.

Gman · 07-02-2003, 10:25 PM

I plan on putting a Triforce symbol in about the area you're talking about. It can either mean you're a Zelda/Games fan. Or you can say it represents to joining of Mind, Body, and Spirit into one shape.

miked10270 · 07-03-2003, 01:07 AM

Hi Alec, Gman,

Xenuhubbard has it about right - a mature sensible course of action for somebody considering a tattoo.

Another way is to travel to San Francisco, put on a sailor suit, sink 2 bottles of Wild Turkey, and wander the dock area. Of course, when you wake up it might not just be your shoulder that's sore!

Seriously... ANY tattoo you choose would reflect your present state of mind, what you like and admire NOW. That may well not be your state of mind in 10... 20... 30 years time. Also, fashions change. What's really cool now is guaranteed to look really tacky in 10 or 20 years, just as you're needing to impress your maturity and "well-adjustedness" on others. Bear in mind that while 16-22 year olds are spending a fortune on tattoos, the 30+ are spending a fortune on tatoo removal!

Think VERY hard. Remember that most people will make sweeping assumptions about you based on the presence, placement and design of any tattoo you choose (for example I knew a guy who had a saltire and the words "made in Scotland" tattoo'd into the hairline he had at 18 - which subsequently receded. On seeing this, I along with most people made the assumption that he was a f'ing idiot & won't waste time actually getting to know the guy who turned out to be a diamond).

Don't get me wrong, I quite like tattoos, I just wouldn't have any on me.

Mike.

bender · 07-03-2003, 07:16 AM

Get a thin streight line, that'll keep people guessing.

Bob Biter · 07-03-2003, 07:48 AM

Along with design, tattoo placement is key. Sure, you want something meaningful to you, but putting a tattoo on a body part that's sure to change shape as you grow old or that will get a lot of sun exposure will really damage it. Look at bikers that have tats on their forearms; whatever colour they might have had has faded and the things look pretty much all blue or black.

I have 2 tattoos, 1 of a shamrock with my family name under it on my upper right arm (got it when I was 16) and another of my life philosophy in latin on my upper left arm. Since I at least wear t-shirts outside, then I'm sure they will never fade that badly (my first one still looks great and I've had it for 9 years) and the upper arm of a guy barely changes shape as he grows old, so both tattoos will retain the same look. The back will also retain the same shape, as will the lower legs and hands. Anything on your chest, stomach, upper legs or forearms is a big gamble.

I'm glad to see you don't want to go on the traditional "chinese symbol" route that's all the rage these days. Get something personal... I waited 1 year to get my 2nd tattoo, to see if I still wanted it badly enough. I did and I don't regret it at all.

The hygiene factor also weighs in heavily. Ask around to find the cleanest place and make sure they use fresh needles right out of sterile packs everytime. In Montreal, the competition for tattoo artists is so heavy that everyone makes sure to be the cleanest, fastest and most professional place around.

TIO · 07-03-2003, 08:54 AM

I'm a skier, and I'm thinking about 2 black diamonds on my back

crow_daw · 07-03-2003, 09:26 AM

TIO, I think thats a kickass idea for a tat.........for a skier. It wouldn't make any sense on me, but seriously, that oughta turn out really cool. But I would get somethin thats totally personal and you know will always remain constant, like your girlfriends name! j/k, for God's sake, don't do that. Me, I'm going to get my last name in the style of a tribal band wrapped around my right bicep. I know when I am fifty, my last name will be the same.

dawnylou · 07-03-2003, 04:20 PM

Yeah you really need to think about what you want.
I want at least another 3, but it's taken a year so far just thinking of what to get done! lol!
Everything I really like just seems to be common!

I'll probably not get my next one until end of summer now though.

XenuHubbard · 07-04-2003, 12:16 AM

Heh, I knew a guy who tattooed himself. His girlfriend's name on his forearm, etc. Of course it ended up weird, since he made it look good from his perspective. He bought the tattoo gun via mailorder.

He said, "Shit, do you have any idea how much money I've saved?"

I still find it funny.

boredjerk · 07-04-2003, 12:30 AM

Find a favorite homeless guy and get a very detailed portrait. Seriously.

World's King · 07-04-2003, 01:04 AM

Anyone that says that tattoos don't hurt is lying.

dawnylou · 07-04-2003, 01:10 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by World's King
Anyone that says that tattoos don't hurt is lying.

Depends where you get it.
The one on my shoulderblade honestly never hurt at all.
The one on my lowerback killed!

Ratman · 07-04-2003, 05:15 AM

Mine are all done with invisible ink. Use your imagination.

BlueBongo · 07-04-2003, 07:36 PM

What I would recommend doing is finding an artist and giving them an idea of what you want done.. have them draw something for you and then take a look. This is probably the best way that both you and the artist will be able to have an original idea...

I'm not one to talk though.. I've got a lawn gnome on my ankle. I'm getting more ink-work done in Aug or Oct.. I can't wait!

Plus I need to get my ears gauged again.

BUT, as I said.. it's best to work with the artist and have them create a drawing for you. Just a thought

rat · 07-04-2003, 07:41 PM

I have a single tatoo on my left pec, and yes, it is a japanese symbol (kanji) which means death. while it may sound morbid, I have quite a few close friends who have passed in the last 3-4 years, and I' ve had my ink for almost 2 years now. For a couple of them, I was thinking of having their names done in ink, but found one tattoo more economical and sensical. I'll always carry their funerals in my heart, and every morning when I wake up and look in the mirror, I'm reminded of who I've lost, and why I'll strive to never fail them. I get quite a few odd looks from people when they find out I have a tattoo, and even more when they learn what it is. But my tattoo isn't for them, and it isn't for me; it's for those who are no longer with me that have made me who I am today, and the lessons they burned into my being with their triumphs and mistakes. Don't let anyone choose your design for you, and make up your own mind. Also, clean workplace, and DONT DRINK AT ALL before you get the ink put in--it will fade horribly. Pain is tolerable, fading is inescapable.

*Nikki* · 07-05-2003, 05:15 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by World's King
Anyone that says that tattoos don't hurt is lying.

Well depending where they are.

The one on my left shoulder didn't hurt at all, and that is not a lie.

However the one on my pelvis and foot hurt like living hell. Felt like I was being stung by a bee over and over.

I would do it again in a minute

majik_6 · 07-05-2003, 09:06 AM

Whatever you do, make sure that if the tattoo is supposed to have any special meaning, make it a theme that you'll always be proud of. Or, as many people do, use the tattoo as a way to remind a much older version of you what you were thinking/feeling at this age.

Myself, I've picked designs that I know I will always hold dear: the first picture I ever drew that I was really proud of (a tribal piece). I'm a much better artist now, but it will always remind me of how I got my start in art. For my other two, I'm working on a large grouping of three hearts, each one representing a facet of the Holy Trinity. Given that I was raised Christian, I figure that if I ever get to a point where I regret that tattoo, then I'll have bigger problems in my life than a tattoo (i.e. some very large spiritual changes) kinda like a colorful, permanent WWJD bracelet.

As for the pain, eh, it usually isn't that bad. I got my first one done a while back (right bicep) and it wasn't too terrible, the second one is on my upper left arm and was done when I was around 300 pounds, the extra padding lessened the pain greatly, however my third was done last Tuesday (left bicep/tricep) and hurt a little more, since I no longer have a great deal of extra weight on my upper torso. So, I'd have to say that it's all dependant on your body type, the placement, how the artist tattoos (my first one was done by a guy that drives the needle hard..a little more sting), and your tolerance for pain. I'd compare it to a sharp sunburn.

But, if you choose the right artist/design (I tend to design my own or have them drawn up just for me) it's well worth the temporary discomfort.

alec · 07-07-2003, 07:33 PM

whats the price range of tattoos and are they more expensive if you do your own design?

lheck66 · 07-07-2003, 07:45 PM

i have 2 wrist bands, 2 on my forearms, (black), and 1 on my bicep (in color)

rat · 07-07-2003, 09:18 PM

alec, the price is generally determined by the type, color and size of the tattoo, along with the level of detail. Lowest prices I've found for putting even a single dot of ink into you (without knowing the artist) is 40 dollars and the sky is always the limit when it comes to quality work. Seen competition pieces that were in excess of 1000 dollars, and they weren't sleeves, shirts or leggings.

clavus · 07-08-2003, 11:01 AM

My wife's tatoo on her bikini line went through two pregnancies. It grew and shrunk twice and still looks about the same. Not what I would have predicted.

bondagegirl · 07-08-2003, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Jaelin
***grins***

Yeah, and I should get "Rhondas Bitch" on my arm or something.

haha I love it!!!!

but about the tattoos, you should totally get something that means a lot to you, or something that you've wanted for a long time. Like I got the sign for scorpio tattooed on my lower back, and I had wanted for at least two years before, and it's something that will never change about me...

My friend got a quote that really means a lot to him tatooed on his chest in latin. for some odd reason I can't think of what the quote was, I'll let you guys know... lol

FuddMan · 07-08-2003, 03:44 PM

Fighting Hellfish all the way!

Bill O'Rights · 07-09-2003, 05:13 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by FuddMan
Fighting Hellfish all the way!

That's funny.

I've made it 41 years without ink. I imagine I can make another 41, or so.

putzy · 07-09-2003, 09:54 AM

so for all of you who think chinese symbols are gay...how about for those of us who are chinese. I am half chinese so it actually means something to me, its not just a 'cool' symbol. For me im getting the cantonese character for 'always' which for me has meaning. It's something i like to achieve when i do anything, whether it be snowboarding, bmx, work, etc.

i think as long as it had meaning, no matter when in your life, it will be relavent. If not at the time then definetly will remin you of what used to be good or bad.

fallen_angel · 07-22-2003, 11:25 AM

im getting an angel santuary one on my shoulder and on my lower back im getting wings

jaker · 07-22-2003, 12:04 PM

about a year ago i got the Om Mani Padme Hum tattoed on the inside of my arm where my hand meets my wrist.

Om Mani Padme Hum is an age old buddhist mantra that represents your "center", and thus, by the standards of the buddhist belief, is the center of the universe. it also represents the first sound of the universe...and they say that when everything (atoms, molecules) were comming together to form, the ominous sound could mostly be described as OM. basically, it's an age old theory for the big bang/god. there is alot more to it, but i dont want to bore anyone. i got this tatto becuase i feel that my hands are my center. i communicate best by writing with my hands. so...ya. anyway, my best advice, after talking to MANY people on legnth about tattoos is to not take there advice. tattoos are personal, and getting one is up to you. goodluck!

MichaelFarker · 07-22-2003, 12:20 PM

Pick something that reveals who you are or want to be (at least if accompanied by an explanation).
Do it when you get the chance. Most people don't seem to stay that free to act.

07-02-2003, 09:19 PM	#1 (permalink)
alec Insane Location: Washington DC	Tattoo ideas I'm considering getting a tattoo on the upper right side of my chest at the end of this summer but I'm not sure what I should get. I'm trying not to get anything to corny or cliched (so no Asian characters). I also had some questions about whether they strech (I'm trying to bulk up this summer) and what the overall experience was like. thanks -alec

07-02-2003, 09:51 PM	#2 (permalink)
XenuHubbard Cute and Cuddly Location: Teegeeack.	If you're serious about getting a tattoo, you should take longer time to think about it. I'm not saying it's bad, just that it is a good idea to wait after you've found what you want. Impulse tattoo's are quite often regretted. If not for the motive, often for the "wasted space". As for stretching - most tattoo's move down a bit if you put on weight. It depends much on the location. Ask your tattoo artist. I have a high pain treshhold, so for me it's never been a problem getting one. But some people faint, other's need to take breaks, and one of the artists I've spoken to told me about a guy who wanted a dragon all over his back, but gave up after the first dragon-toe. In the end, pick something that suits you perfectly, no matter what other people say. Remember two things - YOU are the one who'll be seeing it the most, and when your 70, YOU will have to explain your choice to your grandkids. The Powerpuff Girls, or Bill O'Reilly's face, may not invoke the same feelings then as they do now. Good luck! And remember, it's never too late. When you've found what you want, I'd recommend you to WAIT for one year. During that year, have a look at the motive you picked every day. If you feel the same after one year, it might just be right for you. When it comes to the location - look at your body when you're naked. Symmetry is important. And don't be afraid to ask your artist - if the guy or girl isn't interested in customizing what you want, they're probably hacks. __________________ The above was written by a true prophet. Trust me. "What doesn't kill you, makes you bitter and paranoid". - SB2000

07-03-2003, 07:48 AM	#6 (permalink)
Bob Biter Non-smokers die everyday Location: Montreal	Along with design, tattoo placement is key. Sure, you want something meaningful to you, but putting a tattoo on a body part that's sure to change shape as you grow old or that will get a lot of sun exposure will really damage it. Look at bikers that have tats on their forearms; whatever colour they might have had has faded and the things look pretty much all blue or black. I have 2 tattoos, 1 of a shamrock with my family name under it on my upper right arm (got it when I was 16) and another of my life philosophy in latin on my upper left arm. Since I at least wear t-shirts outside, then I'm sure they will never fade that badly (my first one still looks great and I've had it for 9 years) and the upper arm of a guy barely changes shape as he grows old, so both tattoos will retain the same look. The back will also retain the same shape, as will the lower legs and hands. Anything on your chest, stomach, upper legs or forearms is a big gamble. I'm glad to see you don't want to go on the traditional "chinese symbol" route that's all the rage these days. Get something personal... I waited 1 year to get my 2nd tattoo, to see if I still wanted it badly enough. I did and I don't regret it at all. The hygiene factor also weighs in heavily. Ask around to find the cleanest place and make sure they use fresh needles right out of sterile packs everytime. In Montreal, the competition for tattoo artists is so heavy that everyone makes sure to be the cleanest, fastest and most professional place around. __________________ A plan is just a list of things that don't happen.

07-03-2003, 08:54 AM	#7 (permalink)
TIO Addict Location: The Land Down Under	I'm a skier, and I'm thinking about 2 black diamonds on my back __________________ Strewth

07-03-2003, 09:26 AM	#8 (permalink)
crow_daw Idolator Location: Vol Country	TIO, I think thats a kickass idea for a tat.........for a skier. It wouldn't make any sense on me, but seriously, that oughta turn out really cool. But I would get somethin thats totally personal and you know will always remain constant, like your girlfriends name! j/k, for God's sake, don't do that. Me, I'm going to get my last name in the style of a tribal band wrapped around my right bicep. I know when I am fifty, my last name will be the same. __________________ "We each have a star, all we have to do is find it. Once you do, everyone who sees it will be blinded." - Earl Simmons

07-02-2003, 10:25 PM	#3 (permalink)
Gman Insane Location: Down South In Louisiana	I plan on putting a Triforce symbol in about the area you're talking about. It can either mean you're a Zelda/Games fan. Or you can say it represents to joining of Mind, Body, and Spirit into one shape.

07-03-2003, 01:07 AM	#4 (permalink)
miked10270 Banned Location: Scotland	Hi Alec, Gman, Xenuhubbard has it about right - a mature sensible course of action for somebody considering a tattoo. Another way is to travel to San Francisco, put on a sailor suit, sink 2 bottles of Wild Turkey, and wander the dock area. Of course, when you wake up it might not just be your shoulder that's sore! Seriously... ANY tattoo you choose would reflect your present state of mind, what you like and admire NOW. That may well not be your state of mind in 10... 20... 30 years time. Also, fashions change. What's really cool now is guaranteed to look really tacky in 10 or 20 years, just as you're needing to impress your maturity and "well-adjustedness" on others. Bear in mind that while 16-22 year olds are spending a fortune on tattoos, the 30+ are spending a fortune on tatoo removal! Think VERY hard. Remember that most people will make sweeping assumptions about you based on the presence, placement and design of any tattoo you choose (for example I knew a guy who had a saltire and the words "made in Scotland" tattoo'd into the hairline he had at 18 - which subsequently receded. On seeing this, I along with most people made the assumption that he was a f'ing idiot & won't waste time actually getting to know the guy who turned out to be a diamond). Don't get me wrong, I quite like tattoos, I just wouldn't have any on me. Mike.

07-03-2003, 07:16 AM	#5 (permalink)
bender Addict Location: around the corner	Get a thin streight line, that'll keep people guessing.

07-03-2003, 04:20 PM	#9 (permalink)
dawnylou Tilted Location: UK	Yeah you really need to think about what you want. I want at least another 3, but it's taken a year so far just thinking of what to get done! lol! Everything I really like just seems to be common! I'll probably not get my next one until end of summer now though. __________________ "A blowjob is just like having a wank in the bath" "I'd say it was more like fucking someones face"

07-04-2003, 12:16 AM	#10 (permalink)
XenuHubbard Cute and Cuddly Location: Teegeeack.	Heh, I knew a guy who tattooed himself. His girlfriend's name on his forearm, etc. Of course it ended up weird, since he made it look good from his perspective. He bought the tattoo gun via mailorder. He said, "Shit, do you have any idea how much money I've saved?" I still find it funny. __________________ The above was written by a true prophet. Trust me. "What doesn't kill you, makes you bitter and paranoid". - SB2000

07-04-2003, 12:30 AM	#11 (permalink)
boredjerk Insane Location: Antarctica	Find a favorite homeless guy and get a very detailed portrait. Seriously. __________________ Fuck 'em if they can't take a joke.

07-04-2003, 01:04 AM	#12 (permalink)
World's King Here Location: Denver City Denver	Anyone that says that tattoos don't hurt is lying. __________________ heavy is the head that wears the crown

07-04-2003, 05:15 AM	#14 (permalink)
Ratman Addict Location: Somewhere... Across the sea...	Mine are all done with invisible ink. Use your imagination. __________________ The difference between theory and reality is that in theory there is no difference. "God made man, but he used the monkey to do it." DEVO

07-05-2003, 09:06 AM	#18 (permalink)
majik_6 narcissist Location: looking in a mirror	Whatever you do, make sure that if the tattoo is supposed to have any special meaning, make it a theme that you'll always be proud of. Or, as many people do, use the tattoo as a way to remind a much older version of you what you were thinking/feeling at this age. Myself, I've picked designs that I know I will always hold dear: the first picture I ever drew that I was really proud of (a tribal piece). I'm a much better artist now, but it will always remind me of how I got my start in art. For my other two, I'm working on a large grouping of three hearts, each one representing a facet of the Holy Trinity. Given that I was raised Christian, I figure that if I ever get to a point where I regret that tattoo, then I'll have bigger problems in my life than a tattoo (i.e. some very large spiritual changes) kinda like a colorful, permanent WWJD bracelet. As for the pain, eh, it usually isn't that bad. I got my first one done a while back (right bicep) and it wasn't too terrible, the second one is on my upper left arm and was done when I was around 300 pounds, the extra padding lessened the pain greatly, however my third was done last Tuesday (left bicep/tricep) and hurt a little more, since I no longer have a great deal of extra weight on my upper torso. So, I'd have to say that it's all dependant on your body type, the placement, how the artist tattoos (my first one was done by a guy that drives the needle hard..a little more sting), and your tolerance for pain. I'd compare it to a sharp sunburn. But, if you choose the right artist/design (I tend to design my own or have them drawn up just for me) it's well worth the temporary discomfort. __________________ it's all about self-indulgence

07-07-2003, 07:33 PM	#19 (permalink)
alec Insane Location: Washington DC	whats the price range of tattoos and are they more expensive if you do your own design?

07-07-2003, 07:45 PM	#20 (permalink)
lheck66 Upright Location: atlanta	i have 2 wrist bands, 2 on my forearms, (black), and 1 on my bicep (in color)

07-08-2003, 11:01 AM	#22 (permalink)
clavus pow! Location: NorCal	My wife's tatoo on her bikini line went through two pregnancies. It grew and shrunk twice and still looks about the same. Not what I would have predicted. __________________ Ass, gas or grass. Nobody rides for free.

07-08-2003, 03:44 PM	#24 (permalink)
FuddMan Crazy Location: USA	Fighting Hellfish all the way!

07-09-2003, 09:54 AM	#26 (permalink)
putzy Crazy	so for all of you who think chinese symbols are gay...how about for those of us who are chinese. I am half chinese so it actually means something to me, its not just a 'cool' symbol. For me im getting the cantonese character for 'always' which for me has meaning. It's something i like to achieve when i do anything, whether it be snowboarding, bmx, work, etc. i think as long as it had meaning, no matter when in your life, it will be relavent. If not at the time then definetly will remin you of what used to be good or bad.

07-22-2003, 11:25 AM	#27 (permalink)
fallen_angel Psycho Location: Somewhere between the Havens and the Earth	im getting an angel santuary one on my shoulder and on my lower back im getting wings __________________ from the Havens I have fallen. . . to the earth as a mangled form. . . writhing in pain, my wings torn and bloodied. . . I have one purpose, only one goal. . . to find you and love you, for I am your. . . fallen angel

07-22-2003, 12:04 PM	#28 (permalink)
jaker Crazy	about a year ago i got the Om Mani Padme Hum tattoed on the inside of my arm where my hand meets my wrist. Om Mani Padme Hum is an age old buddhist mantra that represents your "center", and thus, by the standards of the buddhist belief, is the center of the universe. it also represents the first sound of the universe...and they say that when everything (atoms, molecules) were comming together to form, the ominous sound could mostly be described as OM. basically, it's an age old theory for the big bang/god. there is alot more to it, but i dont want to bore anyone. i got this tatto becuase i feel that my hands are my center. i communicate best by writing with my hands. so...ya. anyway, my best advice, after talking to MANY people on legnth about tattoos is to not take there advice. tattoos are personal, and getting one is up to you. goodluck!

07-22-2003, 12:20 PM	#29 (permalink)
MichaelFarker 2+2=5? Not again! Location: Dallas, Texas	Pick something that reveals who you are or want to be (at least if accompanied by an explanation). Do it when you get the chance. Most people don't seem to stay that free to act.