Tattoo Tuesday V.62

Name/blog name: Amber – www.bebebirdbeck.blogspot.com

Age: 23

Occupation: Police Dispatcher/ Student

Age of first tattoo: 18

Favorite tattoo: I’m the worst at picking favorites. If I was forced to pick I’d say the word lovely on the inside of my right bicep. It makes my heart swell every time I see it. It’s the first tattoo I got that really meant something big to me. In short, I got it because my God has called me lovely. There was a point in my life that I definitely didn't love myself or even really like anything about myself. I wasn't in a good place at all. I figured there was no way that I could be pleasing to God. Through several people that I looked up to most in my church, my Bible, and quiet times with Him He called me lovely. I felt a peace deep down and knew that my God delighted in me, He has called me lovely (which is actually my right sleeve theme is). My heart was flooded. I never felt as beautiful or as sure about life. It's such a sweet reminder every time I see it, especially on those days when I tend to be too hard on myself. I'm lovely. 

Featured tattoo/location: Initials AB on my left rib panel.

Artist/shop/location of featured tattoo: Mike Tweed at Inkfluence Tattoo in Lubbock, TX.

1) Tell us about your featured tattoo- is there a background story or special meaning? Why did you choose this particular piece of art? 

I’ve wanted to get my husband’s initials since the day we met got married. We ended up getting ring finger tattoos of a favorite scripture instead. I decided to get the tattoo without him knowing as a present. I wanted it to be as girly and fancy as possible. It was the hardest secret I’ve ever had to keep. I showed it to him on Valentine’s Day (corny… but cute nonetheless ;] ) He was completely shocked, but he adores it too! 

2) Do you have any other tattoos? If so, what do you have and where? 

I have most of my right arm done. It contains script that reads, “I delight in you my treasure my bride,” an owl, the word “lovely”, a little birdie, daisies, floral/girly designs, an Indian girl, 2 more owls, a fox, and the word “beloved” in Hebrew. My left arm has a cherry blossom tree and Japanese waves. I have 1 Cor 13:4 and a bow tattooed on my ring fingers, a diamond on my left upper chest/shoulder area, and a fleur-de-lis on my left hip.

3) Do you plan on getting more? 

Definitely. I’m not sure what my stopping point will be. I do believe I’m done with the cherry blossom/wave arm. I like the way it looks with my upper arm blank. I will definitely complete my right arm. I go back and forth between wanting a chest piece, so far I can’t dream up anything substantial enough to get there. I want my thighs done and feet also. I’d like to think someday I’ll be mostly covered. Strangely enough, I even love being tattooed. So to answer the question that everyone and their mom (literally) asks, No it doesn't really hurt that bad. I kinda like it. ;]

4) How do your family and friends feel about your tattoo(s)? Have you run into any adversity or negativity because of them? Do you have a significant other? Does he/she have tattoos? 

My family wasn’t super stoked on my tattoos at first, but I think they have all mostly come around and accepted that they are part of me and that I will continue getting them. My mom took the longest. She just couldn’t figure out why I wanted to have something so permanent on my “beautiful skin.” She cried when I got my first tattoo (and probably 2nd, 3rd, 4th and so on) Granted I got my first against her wishes when I still lived at home and hid it from her as long as possible. I would have done that differently for sure and waited till I was on my own. She has come around and even thinks some of them are pretty now. She never treated me any differently because of them, just couldn’t understand why I wanted them. She loves me all the same though, which is awesome. :] 

I actually don’t have any heavily tattooed friends, but they all love them.

As for random strangers, I live in a highly conservative town, so I’ve come across plenty of negativity. A woman recently told me, “You might have been pretty if you didn’t completely ruin your skin.” I guess being visibly tattooed makes strangers think they have a right to approach you with their opinion. I just smile and walk away, usually. Sometimes I accidentally let out a sharp sentence or two and then smile as I walk away. However, I try to just respond kindly no matter the situation; it makes me happy and them just feel like a bigger jerk. With that being said, I am approached by plenty of strangers who love my “ink, tatz, sleeves, or work.” My favorite is when old little women tell me how pretty they are. 

My husband has a quarter sleeve, loves tattoos, and adores all of mine. He loves dreaming up new tattoos with me. He's about to get another one this week actually. Yay!

5) Any advice for those interested in getting tattooed but haven't gotten one yet? 

It’s been said plenty of times before, but really, find an amazing tattoo artist. I’ve had my fair share of bad tattoos, luckily easily fixed by my tattoo artist. I got one out of town, on my honeymoon, from a random tattoo shop. His portfolio looked pretty rad, but his work was not up to par. I don’t know if it was a stolen portfolio or what, but the tattoo was horribly HORRIBLY done. The lines weren’t straight or connected and the shading was ridiculous. I made him fix a few things but then just realized every time he went back to work, he made it worse. I didn’t think it would be fixable, but luckily it was! It’s the diamond on my shoulder. It always sounds like such a brilliant idea to get a tattoo as a souvenir, but I definitely won't be doing that anymore unless I already know the tattoo artist is amazing beforehand. I also accepted a tattoo as a gift once. Never a good idea, unless it’s from the shop/artist you already know and love. 

Also, be prepared to have random strangers approach you EVERY day about your tattoos. I’m probably asked a minimum of eight times a day if my tattoos hurt. A lot of people just really are intrigued by them. It used to bug me pretty bad when strangers would grab my arms and rub them, but I’m pretty accustomed to it now. I try to take it as a compliment and move on. An older lady even told me once, “I’ve found that people who are tattooed are very affectionate and loved to be touched.” Apparently she has done her fair share of touching tattooed folk. 

I usually wear a cardigan if I'm not feeling extra friendly that day. Can't a girl go grab some milk in peace?! And don’t get me started about being a tattooed lady in a gym. 

Lastly, tattoos are lifelong commitments, duh, but get something that you really want. Whether it's because it means something super important, or because it's just too dang pretty not to have on your body; make sure you love it. Don't accept whatever the tattoo artist draws up IF you don't like it. I've had my tattoo artist change things after he has it completely drawn it up if I just don't feel right about something. He doesn't ever care and gladly changes it. If he did care, I would have found someone else. The art is going to be on you forever. Now, I completely trust my tattooist's artistic vision and how well he knows me. He knows what I like and can tell what sort of style I want my tattoo to be. I think that's super important.

OH, and tip. :] 

David Beckham Celebrity Tattoos

Famous soccer player and celebrity David Beckham also has many tattoos, look at the tattoos on his left arm is a tattoo with her ​​name "Victoria" in Hindi. Hmmmm ... very romantic I think.

standart tatto's

tatto standart

The Book of Old-School Skin Art

The Book of Old-School Skin Art

Product Description

Tattoos have gone from badges of rebellion to fashion statements fully absorbed into mainstream culture. They are enjoying a renaissance, with graphic designers and artists creating specialty tattoos for a growing audience, unleashing a revival of interest in the bawdy vintage tattoo. Old school tattoos are being rediscovered (sometimes ironically, sometimes not) by a new generation. Originally embraced by rebels, sailors, and gangsters, these tattoos—broken hearts, naked girls, floral motifs, and maritime emblems—are now showing up on the fashion runway and in music videos. This book chronicles vintage motifs in thematic chapters interspersed with profiles of influential tattoo artists and their distinctive designs: Sailor Jerry Collins, Don Ed Hardy ("the Godfather of Tattoos"), Mike "Rollo Banks" Malone, Bert Grimm, Japan’s Horiyoshi III, and Shanghai’s Pinky Yun. 

Review

“It seems like everyone and their mother has been inked. Carol Clerk’s new tome, Vintage Tattoos, The Book of Old-School Skin Art, tracks the evolution of old-school pin-up girl pieces…as well as classic floral, nautical, death memorials and heart designs.” ~Nylon Magazine

“We’ve read our fill about tattooed circus acts and indigenous people, but we’ll always make time for the scalawags who revolutionized tattoo art. The best chapters in Carol Clerk’s Vintage Tattoos: The Book of Old-School Skin Art detail the history of nautical and patriotic tattoos and their superstitions.” ~Inked Magazine

"The lavishly displayed wealth of brightly colored old-school flash is the heart of Vintage Tattoos, and the main reason you’ll find yourself flipping through it again and again. (Clerk's) ruminations on these designs and their cryptic meanings are enlightening." ~Playboy.com

"Vintage Tattoos is as much a tat history for tat lovers as it is for anyone into pop culture and art. Gems of tattoo lore transport us to the traveling circuses of the turn of the century (which kick-started America’s tattoo fascination) and hidden backroom parlors which popped up once state governments started banning tattooing in the 1960s. It’s a history lesson worth its ink." ~ModernTonic.com

"Vintage Tattoos...is 256 pages of art and anecdotes. Salty stories of tattoo times when shotguns, not art school degrees, hung on the walls behind the parlor counter. When tattooists traveled with the circus, not metal bands. And when the art went underground because of tattoo bans." ~Needled.com

"...an entertaining and informative title that should be in every tattoo enthusiast's book collection." ~Skin Art Magazine

“Somehow quaint and sexy at once, this opus of the epidermis will stimulate smiles, winces, and perhaps more.” ~Passport Magazine

Flower Tattoo Design

flower tattoo is very suitable for women because it's beautiful flowers are the same as a beautiful woman. Usually tattoo placed flowers at the feet, hands and body back. If the placement and selection of a good tattoo looks more sexy then a woman ...

Pisces Tattoos Designs

Tattooing is an ancient art, which became popular among the youth of today as a form of self-expression. From the ancient times, many cultures, both tribal and civilized have practiced tattooing as a form of tradition and for identification also. 

Nowadays, people prefer tattoos with their zodiac signs. There are millions of people in the world, who believe in astrology, and love to get their zodiac tattoo inked on their body. Pisces is the twelfth astrological sign in the zodiac and originates from the Pisces constellation. The Pisces sign is usually feminine and considered as an extroverted water sign, ruled by the planet Neptune. People who are born between February 19th and March 20th are believed to be born under the sign of Pisces. 

People who are born in Pisces months share the same characteristics such as easy going, sensitivity, impracticability, imaginative thoughts and gullibility. Pisces tattoos often incorporate the water elements such as waves, bubbles and seaweed, etc. It is believed that the Pisces zodiac rules the feet, so people often wear their Pisces fish tattoos on their feet.

Tattoo lettering

I think Tattoo lettering is cool, simple, and meaningful. Tattoo letters are usually chosen faforit letter gothic font type, the type of hand writing. It could be tattoo initial letters of dear people, families, celebrities, name of pet dogs, and so forth.

Removing Henna Tattoo

Removing Henna Tattoo

Henna Tattoo tattoo is not permanent it will fade within 1 week to 1 month depending on her treatment. But if you want to immediately remove henna tattoo there are a few tips for you:

1. Frequent washing of skin that is henna tattoo, use soap to scrub the area.

2. Soak henna tattoo skin area in salt water for 20 minutes, this will help the tattoo stain disappears.

3. Using the dead skin remover to remove henna tattoo, but make sure you do not have skin allergies prior to use.

4. Immediately wash the henna tattoo after you have finished making it.

Removed henna tattoo is not complicated and does not create pain, maybe above method not only bias quickly remove a henna tattoo but the way is the simplest and most easily carried out.

Henna Tattoo

Henna Tattoo Kit




Product Description

The Henna Tattoo Kit comes complete with Henna Powder, Earth Henna Solution, Eucalyptus Oil, Applicator Squeeze Bottle and Applicator Tip, Cotton Swabs and Toothpicks.

Ingredients

Henna powder, water, glycerin, black walnut extract, benayl alcohol, sugar, sorbitol, citric acid, eucalyptus oil, disodium EDTA and lactic acid.

Product Features

* Each Earth Henna Body Painting Kit contains 1 cone of henna powder, Earth Henna solution, eucalyptus oil, applicator squeeze bottle, screw-on applicator tip, 15 reusable stencils, cotton swabs and toothpicks.

* This safe alternative to permanent tattoos lasts from 1 to 3 weeks on the skin. Reusable stencils last up to 5 times and each Original Kit contains approximately 15 applications.

* The art of adorning the body with stunning, temporary tattoos created using the deep, rich color of the henna plant has been practiced for thousands of years in ancient lands.

* This beautiful art form, known as Mehndi, is made simple with this easy-to-use kit featuring safe, natural, superior quality henna from the fields of Morocco.

Henna Tattoos Celebrities

Henna Tattoos Celebrities

Henna tattoo is now famous throughout the world from remote villages to cities, from ordinary people to celebrities. Do you know celebrities who popularized the henna tattoo? She is Madonna, Demi Moore and no other artist.

Henna tattoo gives you the freedom of creativity and imagination poured in the art to decorate the body skin without the side effects and feeling pain. In addition, you will be more beautiful and attractive to use henna tattoo.

Choosing your Tattoo Parlor What to watch out for

Choosing your Tattoo Parlor What to watch out for

Once you have made the decision to get a tattoo you'll need to find a qualified tattoo parlor. This is a very important decision, as it can easily make or break your tattoo. Before you decide on a tattoo artist or tattoo parlor, you must first see if they are qualified. There are hundreds of thousands of tattoo parlors out there, some better than others. If you go to a less than perfect tattoo parlor, you could very well end up with an infection that can cause you more trouble than you ever thought possible. Finding out how long a parlor has been in business is very important - as this will tell you how much business the parlor receives.

When you look for the best parlor you should always watch for those who have the best history with keeping their equipment clean. Clean equipment and a clean studio is without a doubt the most important consideration when dealing with tattoos. If the artist isn't licensed or not a professional there will be little to no guarantee that the equipment is clean. Health is a big concern with tattoos for most people, and for good reason. If you are looking to get a tattoo you should always make sure that the artists are licensed, the parlor is clean - and the equipment is sanitized and cleaned after each and every tattoo.

The best tattoo parlors will welcome you in with open arms, anticipating your business. When you meet the tattoo artist, he should be friendly and not intimidate you at all, nor should he at any time attempt to push a design on you. Under no circumstances should the artist try and talk you into getting a more expensive tattoo design if all you want is something small and simple.

Pushy sales and unfriendly salesmen are common pitfalls with most businesses. Tattoo parlors should always be friendly and open to what you want. Although the more experienced tattoo artists will offer their opinions, they shouldn't try to push you around. If a tattoo artists thinks there will be a problem with your design or if he thinks he can do anything to improve it, he will more than likely let you know. If he is able to save you some money, the higher quality tattoo artists won't think twice about doing so.

Before you decide on a tattoo parlor to do your tattoo, you should always compare what's available to you and weigh out your options. The higher quality tattoo parlors will cost quite a bit of money, more than the other parlors. This is to be expected, as the higher quality studios cost more to pay their artists and keep their parlor nice and clean. These parlors are among the best in the world, with sparkling floors and a clean interior. The tattoo artists here ensure that their rooms are clean, with most wiping down their equipment and materials every chance they get.

The ideal way to find tattoo parlors in your area or close by is to use the Internet and search or just open a local phone book. If you look for the keyword tattoos, you'll find several that are relatively close to you. Once you have found some addresses, simply drive out there and take a look around. If you like what you see, you can always come back. You shouldn't rush your decision - but instead look at what each tattoo parlor has to offer you.

Article source: www.articlesbase.com

Tattoo Tuesday V.63

Name and blog name: Ayden / The Little Blog Of Horrors (www.mydollface.blogspot.com)

Age: 21

Occupation: Freelance Applied Artist for Film, Television and Theatre

Age of first tattoo: 18

Favorite tattoo: My swallows (chest)

Featured tattoo/location: Pocket watch and tiger lillies (side)

Artist/shop/location of feature tattoo: Stephen Kelly at Irezumi, in Glasgow, Scotland. Stephen also did the swallows on my chest, but I lost track of where he was working after then. So, when I found him a couple of tattoos and years later, I knew he was the perfect person to do this piece for me. I sat in on a session while he tattooed one of my best friends at the end of December just there, and promptly booked myself in for his first slot in January!

1) Tell us about your featured tattoo- is there a background story or special meaning? Why did you choose this particular piece of art?

I wanted an image designed round the quote 'remember to live'. I gave Stephen this quote, along with some photographs of old, ornate pocket watches and tiger lillies and this is what he came up with. We only have one life, and living it to the fullest is my number one priority. The lilies in full bloom, and open pocket watch displaying the time of my birth is my representation of this. I feel like we sometimes spend too much time waiting for our life to 'begin', constantly making resolutions and plans but never doing anything about them. Time waits for no one, and for me, this tattoo will always remind me that if I want something enough in life then I should always have the motivation to go out and get it.

2) Do you have any other tattoos? If so, what do you have and where?

My very first tattoo was a heart shaped locket and key on my forearm. I was 18, and although I knew exactly what I wanted and how much it meant to me, I didn't realise different tattoo artists have different strengths, weaknesses and specialities. I now completely understand what people mean when they say 'a good tattoo ain't cheap, and a cheap tattoo ain't good! A girl who I knew from school many years ago was in her apprenticeship tattooing, and I always knew she was a talented artist so jumped at the chance to get tattooed by her. But unfortunately my first one was far from perfect, and a year later I approached another artist to patch it up a bit, and add 'Irie' underneath. I'll never regret my first tattoo, as it reminds me of turning 18 and a time in my life which I always want to remember. Adding Irie underneath, reminds me to always stay positive. To respect yourself, and be happy with who you are. 

On my 19th birthday I got my Swallows. This caused a bit of an uproar amongst my family and mixed opinions from friends. Lets just say in hindsight, I'm glad my 1st and shaky tattoo is on my arm, and not on my chest!

Just before my 21st birthday, I got a little anchor and diamond on the bottom of each leg. 2010 was a big year for me, and amongst graduating from university, registering as self employed and securing my first contract, turning 21, going travelling around europe over the summer, and moving away from home for the first time... it seemed appropriate to get a little memento to remind me to stay strong and always keep my feet on the ground (amongst the madness and a real year of 'growing up')

3) Do you plan on getting more? 

I'm not in the sort of industry where I need to wear smart clothes to work every day and keep a formal appearance, so I guess I'm not limited/restricted in that sense! Sometimes I can imagine myself being covered in tattoos, and then other days I think I'm done with them. I got my first piece of 'hate' on my blog last week, and it was over my tattoos. But other peoples opinions do not hinder me in the slightest - getting tattooed is something I do for MYSELF, and no one else. So I think I will only get more if an idea comes to me which I genuinely feel really excited and inspired about. Hells no to a tattoo just for the sake of it. That's dangerous/regretful territory when it comes to my character... I change my mind like the weather! I do have a couple more ideas in the pipeline, so if I still have them in my head in a year or so, we'll see what happens.

4) How do your family and friends feel about your tattoo(s)? Have you run into any adversity or negativity because of them? Do you have a significant other? Does he/she have tattoos? 

I really don't like the fact that people assume you are a certain kind of person because you have tattoos. It sucks to be judged in that way, but I guess that's just our society. The only adversity I have experienced because of them is through my blog, which is absolutely ridiculous, and doesn't offend me because the anon who wrote it clearly doesn't know ME. I don't mind folks having an opinion on them, but I don't think I need to justify my taste or reasoning to anonymous haters on the internet! But luckily the people whose opinion I do really care about, my friends and family, has always been a positive/supportive one. Yeah the initial 'HOLY CRAP!" from my parents - but even my grandparents admitted they like them and couldn't imagine me without them now. My boyfriend doesn't have any tattoos, but he does appreciate a nice tattoo and has always been supportive and honest about mines.

5) Any advice for those interested in getting tattooed but haven't gotten one yet?

Don't rush into anything! I know its so easy to get caught up in the excitement and rush of booking your first (or even fifth or sixth!) tattoo. But you really need to take your time, and don't sign up to such a big commitment until the idea has been in your head for at least 4-5 months (that's just my opinion!) So you know that you are positively sure about it. I figure that even if I regret the overall design or look of my tattoos one day when I'm grey and old, they will still mean something to me because they remind me of a certain time in my life that I want to remember. Different artists have different areas of expertise, so do your research and try to find someone that would be perfect for the piece you're looking to get done.

Fish Tattoo

Fish Tattoo

Many people use fish tattoo asia, especially China and Japan because they have a good influence to people who have a tattoo of fish, especially certain fish such as Koi fish.

Custom Tattoo

Custom Tattoo

Custom Tattoo provides freedom of expression and works to the respective artist. Through a custom tattoo can have more value than the other streams tattoo artist. Custom tattoo attention to form, technique and composition of tattoo coloring.

If you do not want to have a normal tattoo, similar to tattoo someone else then I suggest you create a custom tattoo, definitely cool.

ABOUT MAORI TATTOOS

ABOUT MAORI TATTOOS

Maori are the indigenous tribes of New Zealand and they have a very interesting culture, one of which is the tattoo culture. Maori tattoos is very popular today and many become inspired tattoo modern era. Actually for the Maori tattoos is a self-identity, each tribe has an tattoo characteristic that is different from other tribes.

Maori tattoos are usually worn on the face, thighs, buttocks for men while women wearing Maori tattoos on his lips and chin. If you see people wearing Maori tattoos mean the person has a rank, a certain social status. If you are interested in has a Maori tattoo I suggest you do not make a tattoo Maori relating to ethnicity, social status, rank of the Maori because you are a foreigner who is not related to the Maori, but are allowed to have tattoos related to Maori art and culture.

Tattoo Tuesday V.64

Name/blog name: Ari Oh (no seriously, that’s my whole name) // aryeo.tumblr.com

Age: 20

Occupation: Coffee bar manager, photographer, and graphic designer

Age of first tattoo: 18

Favorite tattoo: I don’t want to cop-out, but I don’t know that I could pick a favorite. What’s really cool is they all serve such different purposes and garner completely different reactions. I have a unique fondness for each of them.

Featured tattoo/location: Being the largest and most colorful tattoo I have, my half-sleeve gets a lot of comments and attention. It’s a girl in a row boat with the words “Bold is the heart that steers her through the night.”

Artist/shop/location of feature tattoo: I got my half-sleeve done by the wonderful Dusty Neal at New Republic Tattoo in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He’s an amazing artist.

{photo of the book Word Made Flesh, where this tattoo was featured} 

1) Tell us about your featured tattoo- is there a background story or special meaning? Why did you choose this particular piece of art?

The inspiration for the tattoo came from a novel called “A Hero of Our Time” by Mikhail Lermontov. The main character hears “an odd tune, slow and melancholy, then quick and lively” coming from a young girl that he described as “a veritable mermaid”:

“Tall ships sail o’er the deep green ocean,

White sails set on the billowy wave.

My little boat sails there with the tall ships,

Sails has she none, just her two good oars.

Storm winds will blow and the old tall ships

Will lift their wings and fly over the sea.

Then I’ll curtsey and beg so humbly:

‘Have pity on my boat, oh wicked sea.

Precious are the goods that my boat carries,

Bold is the heart that steers her through the night.’”

She’s a mysterious girl, wild and elusive, with bright and penetrating eyes that have a magnetic power. I felt like Lermontov was describing me (or at least the girl I dare to think I am). Plus, the meaning of the passage is truly inspiring- I may not have the means that others have, the sea of life may try to drown me, but my heart is strong and it will guide me through.

2) Do you have any other tattoos? If so, what do you have and where?

My first tattoo is an Oscar Wilde line from “Lady Windermere's Fan": “We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.” For me personally, it meant that we all face hardships and challenges in life, but we can still have dreams and follow our hearts. It’s the one on my ribs. When I was at the shop, all the artists were like, “This is your first one?? Going big, huh?” I was nervous, but the worst part was when the guy with his entire skull tattooed told me I was crazy. Dude, your head is tattooed. I’m the sane one.

My mom and I went and got matching stars tattooed on our wrists together. Ever since I was little, my mom called my brother, sister, and I her sun, moon, and star. I was the star. She painted stars on my walls when I was little, drew stars on my Christmas presents, and called me “her star”.

I have a piece on my left wrist and surprisingly few people understand the reference, which is both kind of fun and also slightly depressing about my generation. It says “A New Hope” and the emblem in the center is the Jedi emblem! I love love love Star Wars (especially the old trilogy) and kind of spontaneously decided to get it done, but I don’t regret it in the least.

On the side of my right hand, I got my dog’s name, Windsor, tattooed on the day he died. I grew up with that boy. We got him when I was seven years old and he lived for thirteen wonderful years before passing away of natural causes. Growing up is hard and he loved me more every day, regardless of what changes I went through. I always say I loved him more than I like most people.

3) Do you plan on getting more? 

I will definitely be getting more. I have plans for a Deftones-related tattoo, the word “Wildflower” on the side of my left hand for my mom, and I’m playing with some other ideas as well.

4) How do your family and friends feel about your tattoo(s)? Have you run into any adversity or negativity because of them?

My mom was a little wary of the first one, but she’s been really supportive through all of them once she got used to the idea of me permanently changing the body she gave birth to, which I think is a very valid concern. And my friends have all been really cool about it as well, which is an advantage of being a part of my generation. We tend to be more open-minded about it than older generations and view it as body art rather than this thing associated with guys who would go off to war and get their buddy to tattoo them with something vulgar or violent. Mostly people are just interested and ask me what they mean. I have been the subject of some sidelong glances and whispered conversations, but nothing outright.

5) Any advice for those interested in getting tattooed but haven't gotten one yet?

I think you should understand that you’ll get a lot of advice from a lot of different sources, but the most important thing is that you should establish your own personal beliefs about tattoos and take everything else with a grain of salt. Just decide how you feel rather than trying to feel how you think you're supposed to feel, which goes for everything else in life too. Follow your heart and be brave.