I'm not sure who said it, but in reference to whether or not to get a tattoo, I once heard that they should feel like they've always been under your skin, and have made their way to the surface. I love that.
My first tattoo is a good-sized quote on my ribs, "And in that moment I swear we were infinite" from Perks of Being a Wallflower. I got it the summer before I moved across the country to go to college, and I love it because it encompasses so many other milestones I've had prior to then, and since then.
My second is the Italian word for "blessed" on my inner wrist. I got it during a rough patch in college, when I needed a reminder that life is good.
I really want one of the Leo zodiac symbol and a lion's face, forming a heart. Not sure where I'd put it yet.
ETF: iPhone decided to ghostwrite my sentence for me ...
None yet, but DH and I are both planning on getting some as our reward to ourselves for getting back in shape... hopefully this summer, haha. We'll both be going for fairly large pieces across our backs and we have an artist chosen. I'll post here when we do.
I really love the look of a quarter-sleeve for myself as well, but I can't quite settle on a design to suit the shape. LOVE half, 3/4, or full sleeves as well (on other people, I mean), so if H wanted to go for that eventually I think it would be super sexy. But we'll start with our backs, and I have a feeling I may end up with more than he. We run our own business so workplace culture won't be an issue.
My biggest fear is I have a huge nickel allergy. I've been doing as much research on inks as I can and it sounds promising, but there is just so little actual research or info out there about ink ingredients and reactions.
Currently I only have one tattoo. It's the word strength on the inside of my left wrist. I was highly suicidal as a teenager and having that there reminds me of what I has to get me through those tough times.
I have plans for several more: the word bubbles, a rose and my aunt's birthday and date of death on my hip in remembrance of her, me and BF's birth flowers as a half sleeve and a dog paw print and cat paw print with my pets names to always remember them.
Quote on my lower left back framed by calalilies that says "We've all been sorry, we've all been hurt, its how we survive that makes us who we are" (Rise Against quote)
Shooting star over a crescent moon on my butt (I was 16 and felt like this was a good idea)
Paw print on my right ankle
Combination Zodiac sign on my left ankle w/ my BFF (BFF same thing same spot)
the word "sister" written in elvish writing (yes - from LOTR) on the top of my right foot (sis has same thing same spot)
Lady bug crawling up vines on the top of my left foot - in remembrance of my mom
Butterfly on my left arm with the word "Mom" hidden in the wing veins - also for my mom . . . obviously.
There are more I would like - eventually - but none on the books for right now. I've been toying with some Zelda something on one of my outer thighs
None yet, but DH and I are both planning on getting some as our reward to ourselves for getting back in shape... hopefully this summer, haha. We'll both be going for fairly large pieces across our backs and we have an artist chosen. I'll post here when we do.
I really love the look of a quarter-sleeve for myself as well, but I can't quite settle on a design to suit the shape. LOVE half, 3/4, or full sleeves as well (on other people, I mean), so if H wanted to go for that eventually I think it would be super sexy. But we'll start with our backs, and I have a feeling I may end up with more than he. We run our own business so workplace culture won't be an issue.
My biggest fear is I have a huge nickel allergy. I've been doing as much research on inks as I can and it sounds promising, but there is just so little actual research or info out there about ink ingredients and reactions.
I have a bit of a nickel allergy myself. I have had my ears pierced a total of three times and had them close and form scar tissue because of the allergy to cheap, nickel based earrings.
I have only one tattoo and I had no problems with it. The place I got it done was the same place I got my navel pierced and I have spoken to their piercer about getting my ears really done.
I think you should be fine. Just be sure to research where you are going and if you don't feel comfortable or it seems a bit sketchy, feel free to walk out and find some place else. I'd also make sure wherever you go, that sanitation is their number one priority.
None yet, but DH and I are both planning on getting some as our reward to ourselves for getting back in shape... hopefully this summer, haha. We'll both be going for fairly large pieces across our backs and we have an artist chosen. I'll post here when we do.
I really love the look of a quarter-sleeve for myself as well, but I can't quite settle on a design to suit the shape. LOVE half, 3/4, or full sleeves as well (on other people, I mean), so if H wanted to go for that eventually I think it would be super sexy. But we'll start with our backs, and I have a feeling I may end up with more than he. We run our own business so workplace culture won't be an issue.
My biggest fear is I have a huge nickel allergy. I've been doing as much research on inks as I can and it sounds promising, but there is just so little actual research or info out there about ink ingredients and reactions.
I have a bit of a nickel allergy myself. I have had my ears pierced a total of three times and had them close and form scar tissue because of the allergy to cheap, nickel based earrings.
I have only one tattoo and I had no problems with it. The place I got it done was the same place I got my navel pierced and I have spoken to their piercer about getting my ears really done.
I think you should be fine. Just be sure to research where you are going and if you don't feel comfortable or it seems a bit sketchy, feel free to walk out and find some place else. I'd also make sure wherever you go, that sanitation is their number one priority.
I've read that some inks themselves contain nickel and other metals though? That's awesome that you've had no problems, though! It's just that all the research I can find is purely anecdotal - there was one lady on another forum who had no problems with one of her tattoos, but did have a reaction with another. Some people think black ink is a bigger risk, some say purple, some say red. I would hate to get a huge tattoo done and then have a horrible reaction to it.
Maybe @MagicInk can shed some light on the actual formulation of the inks or any experience with metal-allergic clients?
@kahlyla My skin hates my tattoo. I've never been diagnosed with an allergy, but cheap jewelry and the inside of jeans buttons often (but not always) give me rashes.
Another thing--how is your body with other scars? I was 19 when I got my tattoo and just not fully aware of my body yet. Since then, I've noticed that if any scar on my body gets dry or irritated, it will become itchy, red, and inflamed. My tattoo is no different from the other scars. I pretty much always have to have a long undershirt tucked into my jeans to avoid the tag irritating my lower back where the tattoo is. And it's only the tattoo itself, not the area around it. When it gets irritated, I can feel the outline perfectly with my finger.
I do plan to have it removed, hopefully starting this year, although I imagine their will still be a scar and it may not solve the problem completely.
I'm not sure who said it, but in reference to whether or not to get a tattoo, I once heard that they should feel like they've always been under your skin, and have made their way to the surface. I love that.
Oh, I like that a lot.
I have: - a flock of birds on my right shoulder for my family (adding two for the new spouses hopefully this summer) - a Celtic cross on my back - 'this amazing day' on my left wrist from my favourite e.e. cummings poem - a treble clef/dragonfly - a pseudo-math equation on my leg (a string of dates for my training added together to equal my regimental number) - two provincial flowers on my left foot for where I've lived (these actually cover up some Chinese characters I got when I was younger and momentarily forgot that I'm not Chinese). - 'I'm not afraid to walk, I know who guides my steps' and cherry blossoms on my right foot - a scroll tree with 'Yet will I serve You, blessed by Your name' on my right leg - an ambigram of my maiden name - flowers for my dad's heritage (rose, shamrock, thistle) with our traditional family motto in Latin
@kahlyla My skin hates my tattoo. I've never been diagnosed with an allergy, but cheap jewelry and the inside of jeans buttons often (but not always) give me rashes.
Another thing--how is your body with other scars? I was 19 when I got my tattoo and just not fully aware of my body yet. Since then, I've noticed that if any scar on my body gets dry or irritated, it will become itchy, red, and inflamed. My tattoo is no different from the other scars. I pretty much always have to have a long undershirt tucked into my jeans to avoid the tag irritating my lower back where the tattoo is. And it's only the tattoo itself, not the area around it. When it gets irritated, I can feel the outline perfectly with my finger.
I do plan to have it removed, hopefully starting this year, although I imagine their will still be a scar and it may not solve the problem completely.
Hmm, interesting. Well, the bolded definitely happens to me but I have no issue with scars. I plan to ask the artist if he can do a patch test with the ink colours at the very least; hopefully that will give a heads-up? And I suppose I should start with a smaller piece before going whole-hog.
@kahlyla My skin hates my tattoo. I've never been diagnosed with an allergy, but cheap jewelry and the inside of jeans buttons often (but not always) give me rashes.
Another thing--how is your body with other scars? I was 19 when I got my tattoo and just not fully aware of my body yet. Since then, I've noticed that if any scar on my body gets dry or irritated, it will become itchy, red, and inflamed. My tattoo is no different from the other scars. I pretty much always have to have a long undershirt tucked into my jeans to avoid the tag irritating my lower back where the tattoo is. And it's only the tattoo itself, not the area around it. When it gets irritated, I can feel the outline perfectly with my finger.
I do plan to have it removed, hopefully starting this year, although I imagine their will still be a scar and it may not solve the problem completely.
Ugh my skin's like this too. Can't wear any earrings at all.
I scar very easily and have very sensitive skin, but my tattoos healed really quickly. My Monroe percing took a month, though.
I love AW threads. I don't have pics of all mine on my phone but here's a few. My half sleeve is my fave tropical flowers and octopus's garden, inner bicep is vintage map of the world. My cat on my calf. Palm tree on my inner ankle. Area code on my other bicep (represent!), my name in a tramp stamp, my parents initials on my rib cage.
GIRRRRL my FI would have so much beard envy for your H's beard haha.
I have two: a pink poinsettia on my foot and a blue falling feather on my ribs. Both are pretty small and very easy to cover. Both really hurt! And they also mean nothing. I wanted a tattoo and went into the shop and picked out a pretty picture. Zero meaning.
FI on the other hand has two beautiful half arm sleeves (working on full right arm sleeve now) and half leg sleeves and every tattoo has some sort of meaning or reason behind them. The arm sleeves are seriously awesome and I suppose it doesn't hurt that he has sexy muscles.
How did you all go about finding the artists who did your tattoos? I feel like there are so many to choose from, and most of the portfolios online tend to show the more intricate designs. But I don't want intricate; I want something graphic, with brushstroke style, which is proving kind of hard to tack down when I'm looking at websites/portfolios. Maybe people don't tend to "specialize" in this format, so it's not really A Thing that would show up? Or maybe I'm such a newb that I'm not searching the correct terms! I don't know.
How did you all go about finding the artists who did your tattoos? I feel like there are so many to choose from, and most of the portfolios online tend to show the more intricate designs. But I don't want intricate; I want something graphic, with brushstroke style, which is proving kind of hard to tack down when I'm looking at websites/portfolios. Maybe people don't tend to "specialize" in this format, so it's not really A Thing that would show up? Or maybe I'm such a newb that I'm not searching the correct terms! I don't know.
I'm struggling with the same thing right now! I've got my heart set on something watercolor-y and am struggling to find a place that I like that can do it. A few leads but it's tough.
How did you all go about finding the artists who did your tattoos? I feel like there are so many to choose from, and most of the portfolios online tend to show the more intricate designs. But I don't want intricate; I want something graphic, with brushstroke style, which is proving kind of hard to tack down when I'm looking at websites/portfolios. Maybe people don't tend to "specialize" in this format, so it's not really A Thing that would show up? Or maybe I'm such a newb that I'm not searching the correct terms! I don't know.
I'm struggling with the same thing right now! I've got my heart set on something watercolor-y and am struggling to find a place that I like that can do it. A few leads but it's tough.
Just found a pretty cool site, tattrx.com that lets you search images by style, color, location, artist, etc.
Well, my sister has a watercolor one @wandajune6 - her artist won't help you, because he's here in AL but she just went in, told him what she wanted, and he told her if he could do it or not. He did fantastically - if I had a picture I'd share it. It's beautiful.
Artists are generally, in my experience, willing to say "Yep, I can do that!" or "No, but this dude/lady can help you!" as the situation requires. They get it. They don't want to do shitty art any more than you want them to.
@KatieInBkln my Imagine was done in NYC! ....East Village? Maybe? I'm pretty sure the shop was called Whatever Tattoo. Mine doesn't look great because I almost passed out (hadn't eaten... poor choices), so the artist babied me a little. But my mom, brother, and the older of my two sisters all got theirs done there as well and THEY look fantastic.
How did you all go about finding the artists who did your tattoos? I feel like there are so many to choose from, and most of the portfolios online tend to show the more intricate designs. But I don't want intricate; I want something graphic, with brushstroke style, which is proving kind of hard to tack down when I'm looking at websites/portfolios. Maybe people don't tend to "specialize" in this format, so it's not really A Thing that would show up? Or maybe I'm such a newb that I'm not searching the correct terms! I don't know.
There are a few artists that I just love from seeing their work online. In the future when I actually plan on getting some tattoos, I think I'll try to get in with one of them. It'll cost a butt load and be a pain to drive to and from, I suppose, but I think it's worth it.
For Fi and my anniversary this year, I'm getting a tiny Deadpool, probably on my hip.
Whenever I have extra dough I'll be getting Howl's Moving Castle on my leg. It's my favorite book and movie.
Ugh. This list is just about as long as the ones I already have.
- need to add two birds for the boys that joined our family last year - add heritage flowers for my mom's side - my siblings and I are all going to go get our birthdates in Roman numerals (i-xxx-xi)
There's a revolving door of ideas depending on what day it is, which way the wind is blowing, and what I'm currently reading
Well, my sister has a watercolor one @wandajune6 - her artist won't help you, because he's here in AL but she just went in, told him what she wanted, and he told her if he could do it or not. He did fantastically - if I had a picture I'd share it. It's beautiful.
Artists are generally, in my experience, willing to say "Yep, I can do that!" or "No, but this dude/lady can help you!" as the situation requires. They get it. They don't want to do shitty art any more than you want them to.
@KatieInBkln my Imagine was done in NYC! ....East Village? Maybe? I'm pretty sure the shop was called Whatever Tattoo. Mine doesn't look great because I almost passed out (hadn't eaten... poor choices), so the artist babied me a little. But my mom, brother, and the older of my two sisters all got theirs done there as well and THEY look fantastic.
I'll have to check them out!
And you're totally right--I'm sure most artists will just tell me if what I'm planning isn't their style. You see a lot of whiny Yelp reviews from people who take it personally when an artist "rejects" their idea (and a lot of prickly-ass artists who seem to lack tact when they send people away) but ultimately I think if I remember that I'm asking someone to make art on me, and that means sometimes they might not be the right person to do it, then I should be okay.
I love AW threads. I don't have pics of all mine on my phone but here's a few. My half sleeve is my fave tropical flowers and octopus's garden, inner bicep is vintage map of the world. My cat on my calf. Palm tree on my inner ankle. Area code on my other bicep (represent!), my name in a tramp stamp, my parents initials on my rib cage.
@jenna8984 This is a little late and off topic, but, WHEN DID YOU GET YOUR PRO PICS???!?!?!?! I thought they were gone forever?!!
For Fi and my anniversary this year, I'm getting a tiny Deadpool, probably on my hip.
Whenever I have extra dough I'll be getting Howl's Moving Castle on my leg. It's my favorite book and movie.
I really want something on my rib cage/back (something that wraps), but I haven't found anything I like yet and I don't want to get something just to get it.
How did you all go about finding the artists who did your tattoos? I feel like there are so many to choose from, and most of the portfolios online tend to show the more intricate designs. But I don't want intricate; I want something graphic, with brushstroke style, which is proving kind of hard to tack down when I'm looking at websites/portfolios. Maybe people don't tend to "specialize" in this format, so it's not really A Thing that would show up? Or maybe I'm such a newb that I'm not searching the correct terms! I don't know.
Whenever I see someone with good work, I ask them where they got it done. I don't really trust online reviews, and most portfolios aren't comprehensive (they might have done 3,000 tattoos but only 11 of them show up in a portfolio, although it does help to look at their overall style to see if it will mesh with what you have in mind).
When I look at portfolios, I don't look at the overall design because I'm not getting that design so it doesn't matter if I like it or not. I look at the detail work; the lines (are they as thick/thin as they should be? Do they fade out where they're not supposed to? Are they uneven? Shaky? Do they have gaps that shouldn't be there? Are they uiform? Are the corners sharp? Are the curves smooth?), the shading (is it blended? Is it smooth? Subtle? Messy? Choppy?), and so on.
If they've been recommended by someone and I like their portfolio, then I call to talk to them. If I like the vibe, I go in for a consultation. If I like what they drew for me and they "get" what I want, I go for it.
ETA: when I find an artist I like who does good work, I stick to that person. The problem is, I keep moving away. So in my current city, I haven't found my artist yet. But my favorite bar tender at my favorite bar has amazing tattoos, and recommended me to someone in the area. I called the shop, described what I wanted, and the shop manager immediately recommended the same guy cuz he specializes in that style. His portfolio is awesome, and he seems to be a bit of a local celebrity for his work. So it seems like that's my guy. Just need to finish paying stupid wedding expenses so I can have money to blow on more ink
None yet, but DH and I are both planning on getting some as our reward to ourselves for getting back in shape... hopefully this summer, haha. We'll both be going for fairly large pieces across our backs and we have an artist chosen. I'll post here when we do.
I really love the look of a quarter-sleeve for myself as well, but I can't quite settle on a design to suit the shape. LOVE half, 3/4, or full sleeves as well (on other people, I mean), so if H wanted to go for that eventually I think it would be super sexy. But we'll start with our backs, and I have a feeling I may end up with more than he. We run our own business so workplace culture won't be an issue.
My biggest fear is I have a huge nickel allergy. I've been doing as much research on inks as I can and it sounds promising, but there is just so little actual research or info out there about ink ingredients and reactions.
I have a bit of a nickel allergy myself. I have had my ears pierced a total of three times and had them close and form scar tissue because of the allergy to cheap, nickel based earrings.
I have only one tattoo and I had no problems with it. The place I got it done was the same place I got my navel pierced and I have spoken to their piercer about getting my ears really done.
I think you should be fine. Just be sure to research where you are going and if you don't feel comfortable or it seems a bit sketchy, feel free to walk out and find some place else. I'd also make sure wherever you go, that sanitation is their number one priority.
I've read that some inks themselves contain nickel and other metals though? That's awesome that you've had no problems, though! It's just that all the research I can find is purely anecdotal - there was one lady on another forum who had no problems with one of her tattoos, but did have a reaction with another. Some people think black ink is a bigger risk, some say purple, some say red. I would hate to get a huge tattoo done and then have a horrible reaction to it.
Maybe @MagicInk can shed some light on the actual formulation of the inks or any experience with metal-allergic clients?
I have an allergy to nickle as well. Any reputable shop will ask you about any metal allergies up front. Nickle is a really common metal allergy, and at most shops you won't have a problem getting a tattoo. None of our ink contains nickle, and none of our guns are made with nickle.
PSA: When one goes to get a tattoo BE UP FRONT with your artist from the start. If you have an allergy tell them. A lot of shops use A&D ointment right after the tattoo is finished. People with fish allergies are allergic to A&D ointments. So while I won't be cooking you salmon I still need to know about your fish allergy. I need to know about any allergies to soaps, if you're allergic to latex, do you have a blood born disease? Fucking tell me. I'm attempting to make this as safe as possible.
Also every heals differently. My friend's tattoos all healed raised from her skin. No real rhyme or reason to why that happened, just how her body healed.
Re: Spinoff: Talk to me about your tattoos!
My first tattoo is a good-sized quote on my ribs, "And in that moment I swear we were infinite" from Perks of Being a Wallflower. I got it the summer before I moved across the country to go to college, and I love it because it encompasses so many other milestones I've had prior to then, and since then.
My second is the Italian word for "blessed" on my inner wrist. I got it during a rough patch in college, when I needed a reminder that life is good.
I really want one of the Leo zodiac symbol and a lion's face, forming a heart. Not sure where I'd put it yet.
ETF: iPhone decided to ghostwrite my sentence for me ...
I really love the look of a quarter-sleeve for myself as well, but I can't quite settle on a design to suit the shape. LOVE half, 3/4, or full sleeves as well (on other people, I mean), so if H wanted to go for that eventually I think it would be super sexy. But we'll start with our backs, and I have a feeling I may end up with more than he. We run our own business so workplace culture won't be an issue.
My biggest fear is I have a huge nickel allergy. I've been doing as much research on inks as I can and it sounds promising, but there is just so little actual research or info out there about ink ingredients and reactions.
I have plans for several more: the word bubbles, a rose and my aunt's birthday and date of death on my hip in remembrance of her, me and BF's birth flowers as a half sleeve and a dog paw print and cat paw print with my pets names to always remember them.
I have only one tattoo and I had no problems with it. The place I got it done was the same place I got my navel pierced and I have spoken to their piercer about getting my ears really done.
I think you should be fine. Just be sure to research where you are going and if you don't feel comfortable or it seems a bit sketchy, feel free to walk out and find some place else. I'd also make sure wherever you go, that sanitation is their number one priority.
Maybe @MagicInk can shed some light on the actual formulation of the inks or any experience with metal-allergic clients?
Another thing--how is your body with other scars? I was 19 when I got my tattoo and just not fully aware of my body yet. Since then, I've noticed that if any scar on my body gets dry or irritated, it will become itchy, red, and inflamed. My tattoo is no different from the other scars. I pretty much always have to have a long undershirt tucked into my jeans to avoid the tag irritating my lower back where the tattoo is. And it's only the tattoo itself, not the area around it. When it gets irritated, I can feel the outline perfectly with my finger.
I do plan to have it removed, hopefully starting this year, although I imagine their will still be a scar and it may not solve the problem completely.
Oh, I like that a lot.
I have:
- a flock of birds on my right shoulder for my family (adding two for the new spouses hopefully this summer)
- a Celtic cross on my back
- 'this amazing day' on my left wrist from my favourite e.e. cummings poem
- a treble clef/dragonfly
- a pseudo-math equation on my leg (a string of dates for my training added together to equal my regimental number)
- two provincial flowers on my left foot for where I've lived (these actually cover up some Chinese characters I got when I was younger and momentarily forgot that I'm not Chinese).
- 'I'm not afraid to walk, I know who guides my steps' and cherry blossoms on my right foot
- a scroll tree with 'Yet will I serve You, blessed by Your name' on my right leg
- an ambigram of my maiden name
- flowers for my dad's heritage (rose, shamrock, thistle) with our traditional family motto in Latin
And now I want all the tattoos. Again.
I have one tiny tattoo that I got symbolizing my strength to walk away from my marriage.
Ugh. This list is just about as long as the ones I already have.
- need to add two birds for the boys that joined our family last year
- add heritage flowers for my mom's side
- my siblings and I are all going to go get our birthdates in Roman numerals (i-xxx-xi)
There's a revolving door of ideas depending on what day it is, which way the wind is blowing, and what I'm currently reading
interesting. In a previous thread you said that your H left you out of the blue.
Your story has a ton of holes.