Choosing a Tattoo?

Question

It's something Ive been thinking on for about 2 months and I randomly look at designs and stuff, but Im not sure. How do you guys go about choosing a design? How do you know when you've choosen the right one? How did you know when you were ready to get your first tattoo?

Answer 1

many people choose tattoos based upon tragic events in their lives, which is often involving the loss of a loved one and the desire to remember them. they choose symbols for the person, which is what the tattoo is visually communicating. also, people choose to celebrate life through their tattoos, whether the birth of a child or their own life. these tattoos tell a story, which is the kind i love.

if you aren't sure, then you haven't found the tattoo for you. usually, tattoos have meanings to people.... that is often the case. these tattoos are usually the ones that are more treasured and least regretted.

the people who get trendy tattoos, or those that just "look" cool are usually the ones who regret their tattoos and opt for removal (or hope for it).

realize that you really want to think this decision though, and make sure it is something you are really deeply passionate about-- not only now but for the rest of your life.

Answer 2

First of all, think about how permanent a tattoo is. Find something you can live with....forever. If you get tired of it, sure it can be removed but not without an ugly scar and at great cost financially. You need to consider all this before taking the plunge in getting a tattoo. Also, what's cute when you're young will only look silly when you're 50. That's something to consider as well. You may want to try on a few temporary tattoos before making it permanent.

Answer 3

I think the order in which you are thinking is slightly wrong in my opinion. I believe that people should not go "okie time to get a tattoo" I think it should be something that you just happen to come across, i.e. picking the tattoo first. If you have something that is really meaningful to you then you can choose that for your tattoo. I personally do not have any tattoos. I know what I want and it is very symbolic to me... I want a pair of running shoes with wings with 26.2 written in them and I want it on my foot probably on the side of the heel. This is meaningful for me because I have been good at running since I can remember and so the shoes represent that and the 26.2 is the miles in a marathon in which I have ran 4 and will run the 5th one in January. Just pick something meaningful to you and do not follow trends, I have known many to do it and regret it later.. good luck in your choice!

Answer 4

The most important thing to consider when getting a tatoo is the fact that its permanent. Duh. I know its obvious, but keep in mind that this will be with you for a great deal of time. Choose something that you will always believe in or that will remind you of something positive. For your first tatoo you should get something small in an area that is not so obvious so that if you change your mind its not in everyone's view. This way you can see if it was the right choice.

The best advice I can give you is that if you have to think about anything too much, you are probably not that ready to do it. Take your time, and if this is really what you want to do (and for the right reasons) The ideas will just flow naturally.
good luck

Answer 5

it is not something that is a quick decision. it will be with you for the rest of your life. i have thought about some of them for up to two years. it's kinda like i get an idea where i want one first and then i start thinking about what might be there. And then one day i find a picture on a piece of old china, or a greeting card or on a book cover and then in a while i look down and wonder hey where's my tattoo and then i go get it...don't rush it and look until you find the one for you...i have eight over the course of 18 years...all mine are custom..that means that i found them and drew them up or had the tattoo artist draw them up ..they didn't come off the wall..and no one else will ever have them...

Answer 6

You have to remember this is something that you will most likely have for the rest of your life so its good you are not taking it lightly. I guess any age over 18 is ok. I am getting my first and only next month, my gift to me for my 60th birthday. I am of Irish heritage and am having a small celtic knot on the back of my left shoulder. I only want it to be seen when I choose.
Pick something that means something to you, maybe a flower, you have a birth flower same as you have a birthstone. Maybe there is a special animal you'd like? Or a sun, moon or star? The possibilities are endless, don't rush and have fun---anticipation can be part of the fun while you decide what you really want.

Answer 7

It will come to you naturally. Tattoing is an art and your body is the canvas, whatever you put on the canvas stays there for the rest of your life. When picking out a tattoo it reflects your personality and normally has a meaning to the person receiving the tattoo. You will know when it is time and you will know what it should be!!

Answer 8

No offense to you, or any other answers.

I didn't get my first TAT until I was 59 years old, and that wasn't because I viewed them negatively. I also will likely have more ART inked into my skin.

As in so many other aspects of your life,,,Choices might not always be best when they are random, impulsive, or for reasons you have to question.

Beyond the fact that I advise NO names injected into your body for a lifetime, or something that might strictly become offensive, I suggest that RUSHING to get INKED isn't strictly the way to proceed.

Certainly the "reasons" are likely as many as the images, but consider it something "special" that has significant meaning to you on a very personal,,, spiritual level perhaps,, and not the "advertisement" that so many are chosen to be.

I alluded to this above. As a young person, we often have a FIRST LOVE. I doubt that for many of us, that exists into our 7th decade of life, yet the TAT might.

Butterflys, Angels, hearts, are examples of feminine subjects, and not always chosen with any plan in mind before the fact.

Skulls with knives through them, or snakes crawling through eye sockets might be popular in some circles,,,,NO OFFENSE,,, but might not suit you?

Choose a permanent mark, as you might choose a direction for your life, in a well thought out process.

Perhaps another answer might be,,,, as is true with soooo many other things that will happen in your life,,, Let the TAT choose you, not the other way around.

Any good Artist will not only have many choices to view, but might even have the transfers, or sepia forms to let you LIVE with it for a day or two? They might also offer, if credible,,, opinions about what might,,, or might not be suitable.

A couple of examples..... Depending on your life choices, you might not be able to wear short sleeves in a professional setting, or have a collar high enough to hide that Monitor Lizard wrapped around your neck. You might not be with BOBBY MY HERO for a lifetime? You might not want that TRIBAL band to show as you walk down the aisle on your wedding day?

I find the ART to be beautiful, and the talented people who engage in applying TATS as their ART, to be pretty normal people.

I offer this last thought. Life is long,,,Pace yourself.

So sayeth Steven Wolf

Answer 9

You know you are ready and have chosen the right tattoo if you can see that tattoo being on you for the rest of your life.

Answer 10

Well for one, you have to find out what you want to see everyday of your life, for me personally i go with something that says something about your personality or something that you enjoy, Flowers, Skulls, Roses, Whatever you want, the choices are quite limitless, For me i got mine when i was in the Military, i have barbed wire that goes around my biceps and a picture of the CIB on my Other arm, Go with what you want.