I'm 17 years old and have wanted a tattoo for some time now. I've drawn a few out, and even drawn them in sharpie on myself to see if I would like them on my body. I'm still not sure if it's a good decision though, as tattoos have become really common and meaningless for a lot of people. All of my tattoos will have some meaning behind them- I won't just get a bunch of stars or a butterfly because it looks pretty. So if anyone has any opinions about getting inked, or any stories about your own tattoos it would be greatly appreciated!
2007-07-09 13:41:00 · 10 answers · asked by Rach 4 in Beauty & Style ➔ Skin & Body ➔ Tattoos
I have one tattoo that I got last year when I was 20; the idea of me getting it kind of grew out of a joke, and then it hit me like a ton of bricks that I actually seriously wanted to get it. I'm a big music dork and it's of musical notes in a certain rhythm used by a favourite composer of mine to end some of his pieces. I set a date and contemplated location for a while before settling on between my boobs because I wanted it centered and on the front of my torso...so stomach? Nah. Too worried when I eventually get pregnant it'll stretch and look awful. Collar bone-ish? Nah. So I went for between the boobs figuring no one would ever have to see it unless I meant for them to...
...or so I thought. Turns out I wear lower cut shirts than I ever thought I did, not to mention that I'm short and apparently any tall person can look down into my shirt unless I wear a turtleneck. I've run into trouble in all sorts of places, from my parents just being ashamed, my boyfriend's parents thinking I'm a whore, and just having a difficult time trying to be classy when most gowns and such cut low enough that it's seen. But in all honesty, I still don't have any regrets about having gotten it done. People come and go but I'll still love Rachmaninoff and his music and know how that's inspired my path in life. If people are going to jump to conclusions about it, whatever, it doesn't change who I am.
So even though a lot of people might be quick to say you're too young, I think the fact that you've put so much thought into it matters a great deal. You definitely take it seriously and if it's something you truly feel is right for you, I say go for it. Just also take a lot of things into consideration; for example, I contemplated for a while getting a portrait of Beethoven on my bikini line before deciding it would take a very special soul to appreciate that later in life and marry me. :P But on a more serious note, I also contemplated putting my tattoo on one of my shoulders, but as a classical violinist, that probably wouldn't work too well in formal performances. (But when it comes down to it, there's definitely good makeup out there that can do a good cover up job!)
So yes. It sounds to me like your heart is in it, so do what feels right to you and don't let any opinions sway you other than your own. I feel that even if you get backlash for it, as long as you're firm in your feelings towards it, it won't matter in the long run. Good luck!
2007-07-09 20:03:45 · answer #1 · answered by nejimaki 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I do think that lots of ppl just got tattoos just to get them. I have 2 tattoos i got them both on my 18th birthday. And they both have very special meanings to me.
My first suggestion is to place the the tattoo in a place where it wont always be insight. For example: If you get a tattoo on your lower leg, the only time it wont be seen is when your wearing long pants. There are times when you are not going to want your tattoo to be showing. One on my side and then other on the right side of my lower back. This way everynow and then ppl can see it, yet i can still appear professional if i need to and now have tattoos all over the place.
It seems like you are being very mature about your decision and i think you should go for it.
2007-07-09 15:27:58 · answer #2 · answered by CharlestonQT 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hey! Before you get a tattoo you just need to make sure it is something you will always like. I got a tattoo the day after my 18th bday, and it was a claddagh for my Irish heritage, and it means a lot to me. Then a friend of mine was going thru a really rough time, so I got a tattoo of a roach, which was his last name, to show support to him, and later he turned into a total jerk, and I ended up turning it into a butterfly because that was the only thing that would work, and I NEVER wanted to get a butterfly becaues everyone has them, and mine is huge!!! But I had clovers drawn into it to make it look more original. So just make sure it's something you'll always love!!
2007-07-09 13:53:08 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I really like mine (on my ankle) because I described it to the artist, and she did it uniquely for me.
Do you want a word, or words?
Do you want different colors, or just one, for emphasis?
Get to your biggest local tattoo parlor, and look at their "flash" (the examples on their walls, or in their books)---there are so many gorgeous images, you might find the perfect thing already done, and it would simplify your transaction. I was very conservative with mine, but all the "flash" images were very tempting.
Wait until you're 18, though (or whatever is legal where you are.) It's a painful process, and you have to be diligent about following the directions while the tattoo heals---think carefully about where it will be on your skin, and how well that area will heal without getting friction, how you will dress until it heals, etc. Take a zinc supplement to aid healing.
2007-07-09 13:55:48 · answer #4 · answered by papyrusbtl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have 8 tattoos and every single one has a great meaning to me. One thing to keep in mind is most places require you to either be 18 or have a parents permission.
Another thing to keep in mind is, even though tattoos are getting more mainstream and accepted, some employers aren't so thrilled. So either place them where they can easily be covered up or stock up on band-aids! LOL
2007-07-09 13:50:00 · answer #5 · answered by Lilith M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I got my tattoo when I was 17 years old, and have no regrets, just make sure it is something meaningful to you and remember if you get color its going to fade(especially yellow and orange). I would not recommend using Vaseline or Neosporin on the scabs as many places will advise if you do get one use fragrance free lotion, it actually sooths and does not burn when you apply it. Good Luck!!
2007-07-09 13:53:28 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Before I had my first tattoo 25 years ago I drew it and pinned it beside my bed. I decided that if I still liked it in 6 months, I'd have it done. I waited, had it done and have had no regrets. If you have the slightest shadow of a doubt, don't do it.
2007-07-09 13:51:26 · answer #7 · answered by cobra 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a very important (to me) tatt on my shoulder...and I've had it for a coulple years now and I don't regreat anything about it. I have fianlly gotten around to start having another one drawn for me and I can't wait to get that one either. Make sure it's something you are going to like awhile down the road and that it's still going to mean something to you in 10-20 years. =)
2007-07-09 14:13:45 · answer #8 · answered by Jenn M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You know i liked tattoos my self and i think the best place on a girl in just above the a.s.s now that is neat and really good if done in a taste-full manner! I have seen allot of them there and they really look good there! but that's me!! it also depends on the person and where they them selves want to put it!
2007-07-10 06:22:05 · answer #9 · answered by mickey_112404 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i have 3 tattoos and ive had them for about 4 years and i love them.. but all mine have meanings not just because i was bored
2007-07-09 13:47:49 · answer #10 · answered by megleg88 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋