wanting a tattoo

[phoenix11]

I have been wanting to get a tattoo forever but was never sure what of. I have an idea in my head and needa get more opinions about it. The tattoo would look something like this

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vtyo4Tlz_k0/SNm006f4HTI/AAAAAAAABQU/1iqLBUbgIcw/s400/snake+skeleton+tattoo+design.jpg

But I would have the back of the snake "the tail" wrapped around my neck and the rest of the snake would be coiled around my arm. Maybe I could have part of my shoulder and arm tattooed as a skeleton that the snake is crawling on as well. but I think that would make it to confusing. Whats your ops.

[Argent Towers]

Dude, a tattoo like the one you linked to requires a certain kind of person to pull it off. Something like that will not look cool on just anyone. Give us more context here...about what kind of guy you are. You sort of need to be a hard-ass to blast that kind of macabre ink and make it work.

[phoenix11]

Dude, a tattoo like the one you linked to requires a certain kind of person to pull it off. Something like that will not look cool on just anyone. Give us more context here...about what kind of guy you are. You sort of need to be a hard-ass to blast that kind of macabre ink and make it work.

Well I consiter myself to have a goth mentality, night is my life. I love skeletons and into metal and gothic rock. I have a lip and eyebrow piercing. longish black hair thin frame i'm 5ft 6 and weigh 125lb. Going to get a motorcycle license, type of bike would be a Ducati. And i'm a girl thank you very much.:smack:

[Argent Towers]

In that case, it sounds like the tattoo would suit you. Go for it. Just make sure you go to a good studio and that the artist knows what he/she is doing...that's really the most important thing.

[campp]

You asked for opinions. Here's mine: Yechhh.

Flash forward to when you are 60. Do you think that will look good on you then?

But then I'm just an old hippie.




[/old fogie mode]

[campp]

Also, if you think I was threadshitting, that was not my intention. I just honestly think they are a bad idea and someday you'll be sorry.

Carry on.

[Crafter_Man]

This needs to be moved to IMHO.

And my humble opinion is thus: don't do it. You'll one day regret it.

Also consider that, because tattoos so ubiquitous nowadays, the best way to stand out is to not have a tattoo...

[WhyNot]

I like the skeletal snake, and I like the idea of tattooing a skeleton shoulder, but yes, I do think that would be visually confusing. If you're going to tattoo an image of your shoulder's skeleton, then give the snake flesh and bones. Otherwise, she's going to get lost in a grayscale of bones.

Is this your first tatt? If so, the other thing I would recommend, not because I'm anti-tattoo (I'm not), but just because it's hard to visualize how tattoos on joints move until you have it on, I'd suggest finding a good body painter or, even better, mehendi (henna) artist and have him paint it on you. Make it an occasion - go to a party or a club afterwards and see how it feels. See what the reactions are, see how it looks when you catch yourself in a mirror, see what happens to the snake image when you raise your arm over your head - does she look pinched? twisted? constipated? :D

Then, the next day, go out to breakfast with your grandmother. Can you cover as much of the tatt as you want to? Does your shirt keep slipping to reveal it? Does it show through the material of your shirt? Consider what wardrobe amendments you may need to make if/when you want to work a job where visible tatts are forbidden.

After that, if you still like it, great! Just don't forget to post pics when you're done!

[jjimm]

Man, be careful - I got "just the one tattoo" eight years ago.

Just had my fourth done last week...

[The Hamster King]

Flash forward to when you are 60. Do you think that will look good on you then?Most guys don't look so hot with their shirts off when they're 60. The tattoo ages with your body.

And my humble opinion is thus: don't do it. You'll one day regret it.I got tattooed 15 years ago. I've never regretted it.

Also consider that, because tattoos so ubiquitous nowadays, the best way to stand out is to not have a tattoo...There are lots of reasons to get a tattoo besides "wanting to stand out".

phoenix11, my only caveat is that it's a pretty large and complicated piece to get as a first tattoo. I agree with WhyNot's suggestion to find some way to try out how it wears before making it permanent.

[campp]

Most guys don't look so hot with their shirts off when they're 60. The tattoo ages with your body.

Exactly. Why make it worse? Plus the OP is a woman.

[phoenix11]

[/QUOTE]
phoenix11, my only caveat is that it's a pretty large and complicated piece to get as a first tattoo. I agree with WhyNot's suggestion to find some way to try out how it wears before making it permanent. [/QUOTE]


Yea thats some good advice. The tat artist could draw it out on your skin first, I believe then I can decide. How much would something like this tattoo cost? if I had the snake come a little below my elbow? Yep this would be my first tattoo. I'm also kinda the black sheep of the family lol so i'm sure alot of them think I already have tattoos. For a job I would also be going into the art field so I dont think tattoos would be a huge prob there. But I guess if the occasion calls I could just wear a long sleeve mini dress or something.

Thanks

[BMax]

Make sure that the tattoo you choose is something that you will still find meaningful or at least will have some value to you in 15, 20 or 30 years. When you're young, it is hard to know what you will still like as a middle aged or old person. I suggest you avoid any tattoo that you can't easily cover up with a long sleeved shirt. Although you may have a solid plan for earning an income that allows you to avoid dress codes and sport whatever appearance you choose, those situations change and you need to be prepared to go to work in an office full of conservative people.

[sandra_nz]

My thought: that's a pretty big first tattoo. I'd suggest going for something smaller to start with, then maybe going for that as your second tattoo. Or perhaps start with one element, e.g. the skull, then get the rest added later.

[Marley23]

This needs to be moved to IMHO.
Done.

[phoenix11]

My thought: that's a pretty big first tattoo. I'd suggest going for something smaller to start with, then maybe going for that as your second tattoo. Or perhaps start with one element, e.g. the skull, then get the rest added later.

Yea it is a little large. I was also thinking on getting a black rose some place, but i'm not sure where. I was also thinking on getting a short poem on my lower back. I love poetry, so I know that would be meaningful. I also have a pet python though as well so they all have their purpose :D.

[flatlined]

That's very nice. WhyNot's suggestion of trying it out first is excellent.

My advice about actually getting it is to remember that your skin is going to be really sore for a couple of days. You might want to plan to do it when you won't need to wear clothes for a few days.

You might also want to consider waiting until after you've had your motorcycle for a year or so. You WILL fall over and it would be a shame to mess up your ink.

[jackdavinci]

My only concerns would be

1) If this is your first tattoo, you might want to get something smaller first, and work up to something that grandiose

2) Neck tattoos can be really hard to hide

[Dolores Reborn]

I don't think a neck tattoo is ever a good idea, but I'm kind of an old broad. That big of a tattoo is likely to be very expensive, too. My small (size of a 50 cent piece) cost about $80 6 years ago.

I like the suggestion to get it painted on, or as a henna drawing, first.

I do like the art!

[ZipperJJ]

Honestly, a really good and honest tattoo artist is not going to do something so big or prominent on a first-timer. Start small.

[needscoffee]

To me, it looks cliched: "I'm a biker chick, so I need a snake, and a skeleton–wait, maybe a snake skeleton!–and a skull, and oh, yeah, don't forget a black rose."

You may think you'll always work in "the art field" so a neck tattoo won't be an issue, but you may someday have to stoop to an ordinary job like the common folk do.

But I'm not a big fan of big tattoos, so I'm probably biased.

[Dangerosa]

To me, it looks cliched: "I'm a biker chick, so I need a snake, and a skeleton–wait, maybe a snake skeleton!–and a skull, and oh, yeah, don't forget a black rose."

You may think you'll always work in "the art field" so a neck tattoo won't be an issue, but you may someday have to stoop to an ordinary job like the common folk do.

But I'm not a big fan of big tattoos, so I'm probably biased.

This. At 45 with a lot of friends in "arts fields" no one I know has been able to maintain themselves only with their art. They've needed mundane jobs. The ones that kept their tats coverable and their piercings removable find much better jobs than "pizza delivery."

(Artist -> teacher, writer -> teacher, filmmaker -> IT guy, writer ->writer who married very well, musician -> sleeps on friends couches, artist-> works for an arts organization asking corporations for grants.)

You may think this will not be you, but life tends to hand out unexpected surprises. Don't limit your options - make it coverable.

(I think its hideous, since you asked, but it isn't my body.)

[Markxxx]

Dude, a tattoo like the one you linked to requires a certain kind of person to pull it off.

I think this is the reason why I hate tatoos. Not everyone can pull them off and not all tatoos are for everyone.

Why not get a temp tatoo. That way you can see if it IS right for you. After all you have to live with it and as long as you like it, and it won't hamper your future job prospects, who else matter.

So get a temp one and see if you like it. If so, go for it, if not well it was money worth spent

[needscoffee]

Dude, a tattoo like the one you linked to requires a certain kind of person to pull it off. Something like that will not look cool on just anyone. Give us more context here...about what kind of guy you are. You sort of need to be a hard-ass to blast that kind of macabre ink and make it work.I think saying this would just make a person want it that much more. It sounds like a commercial for it. All you have to do is add, "Are you that person?"

[lavenderviolet]

A large and flamboyant tattoo like that is a pretty big commitment. If you're under say 30 I would suggest waiting a few years just to be sure that this is the kind of image you will always want to project. Like some of the others said, you may in the future need to work a normal job or your priorities might change and you might not want to be seen as the tatted biker chick forever.

[Ibanez]

As a first tattoo, I'd recomend getting something smaller that isn't a 1/2 sleeve. As others have mentioned you'd be limiting yourself as far as career choices with a 1/2 sleeve.

But if you feel that employment will never be a problem because of where you had your tattoo done, go for it.

I have a few tattoos. I started with something small that I would naturally cover up every day for work and took it from there.

[olivesmarch4th]

I give you my best tattoo advice: Whatever you decide on, commit to waiting at least one year before you get it. If you still want it after the end of that year, you're probably good.

I waited two years for my first tattoo - nothing as ambitious as yours either, just the word ''impermanent'' written in Sanskrit on my left wrist. I'm glad every day that I made that choice. For a long time I've considered adding the other two Buddhist marks of existence, suffering and equanimity, on either side, so that it makes a circle around my wrist.

I'm getting it ''finished'' as a graduation present in May. As to how long I've planned this? Five years. Impulsive rebel I ain't.

During that year, you can post a picture of what you want on your mirror or somewhere you will have to see it every day, and see if you don't get sick of it. You can also spend that time thinking seriously about how you're going to cover it up when you have to. At my current office, they don't care, but you can bet I'm going to have to cover it up somehow for my future job interviews. There are some times, even if you're not working in that kind of environment, when you're going to want to cover it up. For example, I used to work in a nursing home where tattoos were forbidden because many of the residents were Holocaust survivors. Odds are no matter where you work, someday there's going to be a funeral, or a wedding, or some other formal event where you're thinking, ''Man, I should have thought this through a little better.''

[Gary "Wombat" Robson]

My opinion on that tattoo would depend on how you normally dress. You might want to have a friend come over and help you "rough it out" with body paint or washable markers, and then try some clothes with it.

I have a forearm tattoo (http://robson.org/pics/tattoo.jpg) that is completely hidden with a long sleeved shirt and completely visible with a short-sleeve shirt or if I roll my sleeves up. Unless you always wear tube tops, yours would be partially visible most of the time. sketch it out on your body and then see if it looks weird being half-covered with your hair down, with your shoulders covered, with your back covered, and so on.

olivesmarch4th makes a good point, too. I started thinking seriously about a tattoo almost seven years ago. I changed the location, changed the design, changed the colors, sketched, re-sketched, and finally made a decision last summer. Cancer treatments put it on hold, and I finally got the tattoo as a Christmas present from my wife a couple of months ago. I'm very happy with it, and quite pleased that I didn't just do the first thing that came to mind.

[MeanOldLady]

To me, it looks cliched: "I'm a biker chick, so I need a snake, and a skeleton–wait, maybe a snake skeleton!–and a skull, and oh, yeah, don't forget a black rose."

You may think you'll always work in "the art field" so a neck tattoo won't be an issue, but you may someday have to stoop to an ordinary job like the common folk do.

But I'm not a big fan of big tattoos, so I'm probably biased.I have two tattoos, and I agree.

I think the advice of waiting a year before getting any tattoo you're considering is solid. If it's going to be on your body for the rest of your life, what's 12 measly months? I also have a forearm tattoo, but it would never been seen during a job interview. I'm not Dilbert; I don't show up to important business functions in short-sleeved shirts. Getting a tattoo that is as easy to hide as is to display is a good idea. I don't, however, give in to this notion of "But think about how you'll look when you're 80!" Why? Who gives a shit?

[SecretaryofEvil]

I agree with the people who say a neck tattoo is very hard to hide. There was a thread a couple months ago in which people insisted that people with neck or face tattoos have no problems finding work. I tend to disagree. Go ahead and get a tattoo, but do yourself a favor, don't get it on your neck, face, hands or wrists. I will also say that large tattoos can be expensive (1-2 grand, easily) and painful. You may want to start small.

I think this video should be required viewing for anyone who wants a tattoo. It's called "I hate my tattoos."

http://www.mtv.com/videos/true-life-i-hate-my-tattoos/1632057/playlist.jhtml

[filling_pages]

I think this video should be required viewing for anyone who wants a tattoo. It's called "I hate my tattoos."

http://www.mtv.com/videos/true-life-i-hate-my-tattoos/1632057/playlist.jhtml

That clip shows three things:
1. Drug addicts get really bad, homemade tattoos and then blame their lack of ability to get a better job on said tattoos.
2. Getting a significant other's name tattooed on you is stupid as hell.
3. Getting tattooed like a rock star/tattoo artist/piercer is probably dumb if you are not one of those things.

Luckily, none of those lessons apply to most people who get tattoos and aren't complete idiots. So OP, don't be an idiot - get something smaller first, see if you like it, and don't get your neck tattooed if you don't have some major job security that sort of thing won't impact.

[Tristan]

I like the idea. And I like the artwork.

Some pointers:

Guys who get put in magazines are usually the absolute best of the best. That artist is really really good, and also, I imagine that tattoo is fairly new. As they age, they do tend to blur a bit. While tech has gotten better for fine lines and whatnot, in 10-15 years it will not be that crisp, on him or on you.

What folks are saying about being able to cover it is key too. When I am dressed for an interview, you can't see any of my tattoo's, and I plan to keep it that way. It's cool to be a rebel and an individual and all that crap, but it sucks if the only job you can get is working at Starbucks because you have tattoo's that are unprofessional.

[Gary "Wombat" Robson]

I think this video should be required viewing for anyone who wants a tattoo. It's called "I hate my tattoos."

http://www.mtv.com/videos/true-life-i-hate-my-tattoos/1632057/playlist.jhtmlI watched about ten minutes of that, and it's clearly not about tattoos. It's about drunks, drug addicts, and people stupid enough to get a boyfriend's name tattooed on their skin.

[kaylasdad99]

Goth, eh? Normally, I'm totally anti-tattoo, but I'm trying to be more open-minded and supportive of my fellow Dopers. You could go (on the surface) with the polar opposite of your standard "goth-y" image. The little blue fella in this strip (http://www.somethingpositive.net/sp12262006.shtml) is VERY creepy once you get to know him. Somewhere around your ankle, I think.




His name is "Fluffmodeus," btw.

[breaking-reality]

Although you may have a solid plan for earning an income that allows you to avoid dress codes and sport whatever appearance you choose, those situations change and you need to be prepared to go to work in an office full of conservative people.

I would agree with this. I had a teacher in high school who we found out was required to wear pants and long sleeves all year round because he had tattoos on his arms and legs. He also had to take out his piercings. I'm sure when he got the tattoos he didn't imagine this would be a problem, but I also know how much he started hating the warmer seasons. There are plenty of career choices and companies that would require you to not have tattoos visible.

Also, I can think of at a handful of examples where friends/family felt they didn't get a job because of a visible tattoo/piercing. Granted, I don't think this is a good reason not to get a tattoo, but it's something to be aware of.

I would echo what the others above have said to try it out and get it drawn on (I like the idea of henna because it lasts a while and you can see how you feel after having it for a couple weeks). Most tattoos of this size (from what I've seen) get put on in stages, not all at once. You might want to start with something small that would look decent on it's own, and then slowly add to it. Of course this depends what you're thinking and what your pain tolerance is. Mine is low. I can't imagine getting a tattoo for myself that would be bigger than a couple inches.

[Attack from the 3rd dimension]

Olives pretty much always gives solid advice. Try a year thinking about it, or a year with a henna tat, and see what you think.

[Gary "Wombat" Robson]

I would agree with this. I had a teacher in high school who we found out was required to wear pants and long sleeves all year round because he had tattoos on his arms and legs.I know the days of teachers in suits and ties are just about gone, but he was surprised that he had to wear pants to work? As a teacher?

[breaking-reality]

I know the days of teachers in suits and ties are just about gone, but he was surprised that he had to wear pants to work? As a teacher?

I doubt it, but it wasn't unheard of for teachers to wear khaki shorts when it was really hot. Honestly, my teacher wasn't surprised at having to wear long sleeve shirts, either, I just know it bothered him in the warmer months when he would sweat through a dress shirt and wasn't allowed to pull his sleeves up.

[lavenderviolet]

I think this video should be required viewing for anyone who wants a tattoo. It's called "I hate my tattoos."

http://www.mtv.com/videos/true-life-i-hate-my-tattoos/1632057/playlist.jhtml

Wow. What a stunning lack of common sense. That girl who had her fiancee's name tatted on her was only dating the guy for 10 months!

I do feel like people don't always get an accurate picture of the long term side of tattoos. Everyone's excited about showing off the fresh and pretty looking brand new tattoo but people don't think about the fact that they do fade (as someone mentioned). Most people who regret getting a tattoo probably don't like to draw attention to it by talking about it in the open either.

[Lamar Mundane]

I'd recommend that the next time you go to your goth clubs, that you take a look around and check the ages of the people there. Goth culture has been around a long time, and it seems to be solidly a youth movement. People in their teen and early twenties are really, really into it, but you don't see nearly as many in their late twenties, and hardly any over 30.

I'd be wary of permanently inking myself with something that is so identified with a culture that you're probably going to grow out of in ten or fifteen years.

When the tattoo -on-youth thing first started in the early 80's, I saw more than a couple of these (http://machetemfg.com/ProductImages/stray-cats/childrens-wear/stray-cats-toddler-tee_lg.jpg) on people. Does anyone under 40 even know who The Stray Cats were? They were an international sensation for a couple of years back then.

[Argent Towers]

Yeah, tattoos fade - that's why you get a touch-up. Tattoos need to be worked on periodically to keep them looking good, and anyone serious about them understands this.

[filling_pages]

When the tattoo -on-youth thing first started in the early 80's, I saw more than a couple of these (http://machetemfg.com/ProductImages/stray-cats/childrens-wear/stray-cats-toddler-tee_lg.jpg) on people. Does anyone under 40 even know who The Stray Cats were? They were an international sensation for a couple of years back then.

The youngest person I know with a Stray Cats tattoo is 22. They're still very well known, and not just in the Rockabilly scene. Also, it's a great design.

[SeaDragonTattoo]

I waited until I was 25 to get my first tatt. I had always wanted one since I was a teen, but knew I would get something stupid, so waited until I was ready to make a lifelong commitment to a design. My first tatt was an anklet on my left ankle, my own design. I have since gotten three more, each bigger than the last. I am working on #5, but even with my artist giving a flat fee ( = discount), it will cost over $1,000 so it may be a couple more years before I can give up that amount of cash. I'm 40 now - and female. All of mine are coverable, in the summer of course the anklet is easily seen, and my sea dragon peeks out from under short sleeves.

I think the quality and placement of the artwork says a lot about someone. Obvious amateur work always makes the wearer look like an idiot. Names and portraits should be verboten unless the person is dead, IMO. I've only seen a couple of tatts above the shoulder that seemed OK, and they definitely weren't those stupid cursive names. If what's on the neck is part of a larger, beautifully done piece, I would think more positively about it.

Definitely don't get a rose tattoo of any kind, IMO. They're so common, even if it's your own design it will look like flash. And flash is the LAST thing you want on your body!

[Sally Mander]

During that year, you can post a picture of what you want on your mirror or somewhere you will have to see it every day, and see if you don't get sick of it.
This is excellent advice. My friend's husband is a tattoo artist, and when people are asking about getting their 1st tat, he'll work out a design with them, and then prints several copies of it. He tells them to put them around in places where they'll see it all the time; on the desk, taped to the bathroom mirror, on the fridge, on top of the TV and even in the car. Give it a couple of months and see if you still like it.

Getting a temporary henna version is a good idea, too.

[Number]

An excellent point/counterpoint from the Red vs. Blue guys (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2pSt2gACrc)

Personally, I never thought I would get a tattoo, but I had something happen of deep personal significance which I thought it was important to remind myself of on a daily basis. Even then I waited for months to make sure I still felt the same way.

I'm not saying your design doesn't look cool, but if that's your only reason for getting it then I'd advise against it. Your tastes and personal style may change, and there are a lot of other, non-permanent ways you can distinguish yourself.

[lavenderviolet]

Yeah, tattoos fade - that's why you get a touch-up. Tattoos need to be worked on periodically to keep them looking good, and anyone serious about them understands this.

I believe that serious tattoo enthusiasts understand this. I was talking about people like those in that regrets show. I doubt that such people realize that they're going to need to do maintenance on the tattoo to keep it looking nice. Anyone who was serious about tattoos would have enough sense not to tattoo the name of some guy they'd been dating for a few months, but it still happens.

[Staggerlee]

Make sure that the tattoo you choose is something that you will still find meaningful or at least will have some value to you in 15, 20 or 30 years. So you'd suggest a tattoo of a fusion-powered bio-dome, or a pair of hover-slippers?

[zweisamkeit]

I'd recommend that the next time you go to your goth clubs, that you take a look around and check the ages of the people there. Goth culture has been around a long time, and it seems to be solidly a youth movement. People in their teen and early twenties are really, really into it, but you don't see nearly as many in their late twenties, and hardly any over 30.
.

Heh. I get what you're saying, but clubs/clubbing aren't a requirement of "goth culture"*. I'd say your age separations apply to any club at all (goth club, frat/sorority club, techno club, top 40 club, etc) and it's due to having a full time job, possibly a family and other time commitments and interests that make going to a club not how they want to spend their diminished free time anymore.

I know a lot of "elder goths" (have been around since the late 70s/early 80s, usually) in their 40s-50s. They don't go to clubs, no, but they definitely exist.


I apparently give off a Goth Vibe no matter what I do. Sure, in high school I had black eyeliner, tons of silver jewelry, velvet and so on. But pretty steadily, I have people tell me that when they first met me, they "thought you were one of them goths", even though I'd be in, say, an office environment wearing standard business casual stuff. I don't even stick to all or mostly black, either!


* heh heh, I always find it funny when a subculture gets called a "culture", "lifestyle", or what have you. I mean, technically I guess it IS, but IME people who use the phrase are either 1- total outsiders who take it far too seriously (usually considering it dangerous or threatening) or 2- people in the subculture who take it waaaaaaay too seriously, where most other members roll their eyes at them.