would this look good?

Question

Ok, I'm working on designing an upper arm tattoo for myself, even though I can't get one for another year - good to think about it for a while - and here's what I've come up with (explanation: I'm Irish-Italian):

this picture (coat of arms of Italy)

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/e/e2/Italia-Stemma.png

with a shamrock in the middle (like this):

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0c/Irish_clover.jpg

with the branches around the edges twisted into a celtic knot (without the circle in this picture, and without the pointed parts on the corners):

http://tattoos.lovetoknow.com/images/4/4f/Celtic-knots.jpg

On the coat of arms, the darker grey would be black instead. Instead of the text, my name would be there, 1st name on the left side, last name on the right, in the same font.

Answer 1

If you only incorported the first part with the second part, that would be kewl but once you substitute with the third part and your name, there is nothing Italian left in it at all.

I don't like your name on it. I would leave the first and second parts and then maybe have Italy and Ireland on the banner.

Answer 2

first, i think its great that you are thinking about this a year in advance, and also that it has something to do with your heritage.
these two things will help to ensure that you wont regret your tat.

as others have said, i also like the idea of the coat of arms, with the shamrock in the middle, but i would not make the branches twisted into Celtic knots, because then it is no longer the coat or arms of Italy.
i would also keep the original words on the banner.
maybe you can put your first and last name in an arc shape above the coat of arms??
just a suggestion.
you can print all three or the pix and take them to your artist, and he will perfect everything for you!!
just use this year to shop around and find a great artist!!
good luck!!

Answer 3

I think it would look good, but the only thing is that I don't think many people would know about the coat of arms of Italy, especially if you replaced the "Republica Italliana" with your name.

I know it might be slightly cliche, but maybe get the shamrock filled in with the white/red/green tricolor?

Answer 4

First of all - in response to the first person who answered the question, tattoos are much more main stream these days. I am an executive assistant, supporting an executive vice president in a conservative company, and I am one of many Exec assistants who have tattoos. I see business guys with whole sleeves.. they just wear long sleeves in the office.

You have several good ideas, I suggest you print them all out, bring them to a good artist and see what he works up. He can work up several ideas for you. Do what you want...I have to explain my tattoo all the time...who would know that the three suns on my back are for my three sons...and the red feathers are for my redheaded husband...so what...I love it...it represents me...to me. And while the color will fade,and it may sag with age, it represents where you where in your 20s or 30s...as i told my husband when he said that my tattoo wouldnt look like its supposed to when I am 70...I said...nothing will look right...so what...I will know what it is and was...who I was and am...its for me, and no one else matters.

Answer 5

I like the first one, but downsize the star a little and put the shamrock as well on one side. If you want to put your name, have the tatoo artist center only your first name because, since this would be permanent, you'd be happier with that.

Answer 6

I like the idea, very unique and creative. Its great that you are getting things that reflect your heritage, but I personally don't think you should replace the "Repubblica Italiana" with your name. The symbol is that of the country, not of you alone. Again, just my two cents on that.

I say stick with the idea and if you like it in a year, go for it. Good luck to you.

Answer 7

Thumbs up Tatt_Brat. I was going to say just that, good thing I read your post first. :) Italy and Ireland instead of the name.

Answer 8

as long as it means someting to you and you like it then its all good my friends. just make sure its no regrets cause you can take out piercings but you cant take out tattoos that isnt painful and costly :)

Answer 9

I think might be a little too much going on.

Answer 10

honestly, as much as u will like it now you will regret it as you get older. imagine trying to get an accounting job as a middleaged man, or trying to a business person with something that looks unprofessional. ur better off getting something temporary, cuz it hurts to get one, it will sag etc. with age, and it hurts worse to get it off.