I am turning 16 soon and my mother is letting me get a small tattoo. I want to get the perfect one!?

Question

But I'm not sure how to pick the right one, or how to design it. I have several ideas that I have drawn, but none seem PERFECT, you know?

So, things about me:

I am a writer. A very passionate writer, words are my life.

I also love reading.

I love the sky, all of it, the sun, the clouds, the moon, the stars, etc. (Twilight is one of my favorite words =P)

I love flowers. Tigerlilies are my favorite.

I love music. All of it.

I love my friends and family.

I love LOVE! And hearts and cute things like that.

And butterflies. And ladybugs. And dragonflies.

I know, it's a lot. I want something that represents ME. And it has to fit in a small tattoo that will be going either on my ankle or my shoulder.

But what do I do????

Amanda

But I'm not sure how to pick the right one, or how to design it. I have several ideas that I have drawn, but none seem PERFECT, you know?

So, things about me:

I am a writer. A very passionate writer, words are my life.

I also love reading.

I love the sky, all of it, the sun, the clouds, the moon, the stars, etc. (Twilight is one of my favorite words =P)

I love flowers. Tigerlilies are my favorite.

I love music. All of it.

I love my friends and family.

I love LOVE! And hearts and cute things like that.

And butterflies. And ladybugs. And dragonflies.

I know, it's a lot. I want something that represents ME. And it has to fit in a small tattoo that will be going either on my ankle or my shoulder.

But what do I do????

Amanda

PS. Seeing as people are mentioning this a lot, I should tell you that I WILL be gettng one at 16, I have thought a lot about it. and soon to me is actually like 8months. I still have plenty of time. And it is legal here. Checked.

Yeah, only read the P.S. of that next part, I accidentally put more than I needed....


But to add to what I was saying, I AM sure I want a tattoo, and of course I will have good judgement when it comes to choosing the right artist, the right tattoo, but I sometimes feel that more opinions are better than one. =)

Answer 1

I got my first tattoo when I was 16, and my mom came with me to watch. I got the zodiac symbols for the members of my family in the colours of their birthstones. Its about 1" x 1/4" and I had wanted a tattoo since I was 8. My best advice is to either a) go to a great tattoo artist and give all the info you have given here and ask for something personalized to you (from an expert on the subject) OR just start searching for imagery or sketching and settle on an image, idea or theme for at least 3 months before you have it done.

Also, before you get a butterfly or a ladybug ask yourself, "how long have I liked this thing?". I got a ladybug tattooed when I was 17 and I STILL love it, but I've always liked insects and ladybugs have been and still are my favorite since I was LITTLE. However, many people regret cuteitsy things they get when they are teenagers.

Just keep in mine "will I like it when I'm 65 with grandchildren?" if you can truly answer yes, then go for it.

Good Luck!

NOTE: I'm a 27 year old mother, I am close with my mother in a mother daughter relationship, she was always very responsible and a great role model. I got my first tattoo when I was 16 and I'm still in love with it, its above my wrist on the outside of my arm. I have never been discriminated against. I have a university degree, multiple certifications and have worked as a professional both for myself and in a hospital setting. My sister has over 14 tattoos, most NOT small, and most visable. She has worked the front desk and membership sales at a promenant YMCA for YEARS and has turned down job offers as uppity as PR for NHL teams....

Don't let anyone tell you "you're to young, to stupid, to anything" to have a tattoo. If you and your mother choose it for you, go for it. People regret their tattoos because a) it doesn't suit them b) its placed stupidly c) the work is bad d) it doesn't mean anything to them now or e) they didn't really want it in the first place. If you think about it first, most people DON'T regret their tattoos.

Once you were a convict or a dirty sailor if you had tattoos, now its pretty common and normal....

Answer 2

O.k some things people might have already said but make good points....

1) Think long & hard about what your getting & why, is it meaningful to you, will it be with you for the rest of you life like the tattoo will

2) Make sure you find a great artist in a clean enviroment & not some nutsack that can't draw worth a **** & might use dirty tools

3) Don't get one just because you're turning 16

4) DO NOT expect 1 tattoo to some up all your intrest & what not because if you some everything up in 1 tattoo it will look to busy & that wil take away from the art work

O.k so with that out of the way maybe you should start off small if you can find a pro who will do a tattoo for you or you could find a design with stuff you like & get one of those tattoos they spray on or something like that ( I think they last for a few weeks) and see how you like it that way you can be for sure about what you want.......whatever you do do make sure it's meaningful to you

Answer 3

Okay, I really don't like suggesting tattoo ideas anymore, since the person who wants to get a tattoo should know what they want to get without asking other people. Get something that resembles you, or something you love. I'm planning to get a tattoo of a treble clef since music is such a huge passion of mine and I also play piano and guitar. I wouldn't suggest anything like a butterfly or heart if you want to be different from other people. Those ideas are way too popular. Look up some ideas on Google and other tattoo websites.

Answer 4

Tribal Signs, Chinese Symbols, and Names are the last things people should get tattooed. In 25 years, they'll look ridiculous. Go to a certified and bonded tatoo shop. I guarantee you they'll have a great book of designs for your to choose from. These people make they're living doing tatoos, so don't feel afraid to trust them. Stars are nice, as are music symbols. They're timeless and universal. So even if you end up not liking music 20 years down the road, it'll still be ok to talk about. Make sure the tatoo is somewhere where you can conceal it for formal events. I.E. Not on your forearm or neck. Right now it might sound like a good idea, but be mature and leave yourself an out.

Answer 5

Honey you are 16 years old im 31 the things I thought I would love forever at 16 are so much different now, I have 31 tat's dont get something trendy, they come and go I think you should wait but if your stuck on this idea make sure you can live with it for the rest of your life and find a great artist!!!! Do some research on your lacal tattoo shop's before you go and talk to the artist about what you want before you get it PLEASE!

Answer 6

If you don't know don't do anything. Also, it may not be legal to get a tattoo at 16. I think five or less states actually allow parental consent on tattoos anymore so check state laws first. Don't break rules just to get a tattoo, wait it out and give an idea time. Talk to an artist about pulling ideas together. Only you can decide what is perfect for you. Having to ask means you aren't ready, don't worry about it, check laws and relax. The idea that is meant to be will come to when it's right. Good luck and happy birthday.

Answer 7

since this is just a tattoo that you want and there's not any real sentimental value (or at least i don't think), you might end up regretting it later on so i'd think about it. i mean, i wouldn't want to be a saggy old lady with a tattoo on me, but it's up to you.

as for a tattoo design, if you want it perfect for you then you should decide, but i found something that might interest you.
http://www.dansbluemoontattoo.com/blue%20moon%20sign.JPG
and where the star is, you could change it to a heart, maybe change the roses to tigerlillies, make the moon's eyes open and maybe have it smiling.. and you could always keep it the way it is, or pick something completely different.

good luck deciding and getting it done!
:]

Answer 8

First think about it long and hard, don't jump the gun when you turn 16 just to get one, since you like tiger lilies maybe that on your ankle, don't expect one tattoo to represent all of your interests. And of course look for a good artist, ask for a portfolio of the artists work, make sure it is clean etc...

Answer 9

Keep designing and if you come across the perfect design and really want the tat, then go for it !! But i suggest black tattoos - if you want colour, you'll need 2 or more needles and stuff!! Also it would be harder to remove...
If you don't draw/find the exact design you want then just wait . Also make sure you want the tattoo for the rest of your life... even if you remove it it wont go completely , it is painful and really expensive! So choose wisely and don't rush!!
Hope this helps and..
HAPPY EARLY 16TH BIRTHDAY !!
♥

Answer 10

I won't be one of the people to tell you not to get it. Umm...I would suggest maybe some small music notes around some kind of quote, since you love music and writing. Or just get a small butterfly on your ankle. It will be cute and just right for your age!