Planning on getting my first tattoo - thoughts?

I

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People always say a tattoo should have personal meaning, but tbh I don't really have anything like that.

I mean there is something but idk if it's stupid.
Oze1GeR.jpg

It's the cover art for FFX. My favorite game, played it tons and it kinda influenced me a lot to where I still love it 10 years later.

idk, either that or I'm gonna pick something that looks cool.
 
I suggest posting in the Tattoo thread.

But tattoos doesn't need to mean anything to everybody. Some just get it done because it looks cool. And some of the stuff really do!

For myself I like that mine has a bit of meaning to it. As a reminder, motivation, etc, tribute, etc...

But yeah just get it if you want something cool. I like checking out other peoples artwork.
 
I like it. That fighting crab in the middle is the best part tho if im being honest. Really brings the piece together.

Something with a positive message worked in can also look awesome!

bad-awful-tattoos-27.jpg
 
Got my 1st one in 1994, and a gazillion later I have never regretted a single one. Currently covering both forearms and then onto my legs
 
I wouldn't say a tattoo "has" to have meaning - you just need to be as sure as possible beforehand that that image or phrase or whatever you decide on is something you are going to be able to live with seeing, and other people seeing, for the rest of your life. Also, if you get something in a different language, make sure the translation is actually correct - you don't want to get what you think is a profound in Chinese proverb only to find it actually means "crispy duck with extra dumplings"
 
Encode a lenny face into a QR code ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°), then use that as a tattoo.
 
I'd say the most important is getting the right tattoo artist
 
My general rule is that if you stuck with the same idea for two years then you'll probably be happy to stick with it for life.

So that's kind of where I draw the line.

Also the concept of meaning is that it has a special meaning to you and not necessarily to anyone else. Doesn't mean the tattoo itself has to mean something.

If FFX is your favourite game then that's more than enough meaning and screw anyone else.


The only thing I tell people who want to get tattoos is at least put some thought into it and don't just take a copy and paste off the shelf on a whim once walking in the door. Settle on an idea even if it's a photo of another tattoo and ponder it for two years and if you still like then go for it.

But sweet jesus don't get the copy and paste dolphin or rose or whatever from the tattoo shop. The artist might smile and nod but even they hate doing it and some will go so far as to refuse.
 
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Gothan said:
I'd say the most important is getting the right tattoo artist
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So much this.

Do you research on the person doing the work, the bigger the tattoo the more research.

Don't just walk in and let whoever do the job (you will get the appie without question). Research before hand for the style of tattoo you want and then go to that person specifically.

Also loose number but if you aren't paying around a grand for even the most basic tattoo work then that person isn't worthy of being a tattoo artist. I'm horrified when I see these R250 specials at the corner mall because the work speaks for itself.

Usually you are looking at about R1000 for the first hour and progressively less as the hours go on. But don't quote me on that it's been a while.
 
Jip check out the artists portfolio and ask around. But also remember , some artists excel at traditional tattoos and so on and other excel at watercolour and so on. Find the one that fits what you need.
 
As with all things, if in doubt, don't. I predict an anti-tattoo movement in 5 years time. Unlike a miniskirt or crocs, you can't bin it. Be sure, not just "because".
 
I love good and tasteful body art. Been wanting to get a tattoo for a while now, but can never settle on anything I really like. So, I suppose I am just an observer of art then. I would rather be safe than sorry.

If you don't have the cash to invest in a good artist, don't do it. Have a mate that is stuck with a piece he hates, and it's a major bugbear for him. Tattoo removal is impossible on the piece he hates.
 
I have the most awesome tattoo artist.....when I know I want one but I'm not sure what I want, they sit with me and "read" me. I wanted something that represented warrior for my latest one and it had to be in a certain spot - he came up with "perseverance " and it is exactly what I wanted but didn't think of.
 
bokdrol said:
As with all things, if in doubt, don't. I predict an anti-tattoo movement in 5 years time. Unlike a miniskirt or crocs, you can't bin it. Be sure, not just "because".
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I don't agree with your statement. Tattoos have always been there, currently it's just more the in thing. But in the end there will still be people with tattoos ( a lot less), but there will be a more tolerant environment, making it easier for people to get tattooed all over. Unfortunately a tattoo is not a pair of jeans, and if you only get it to be fashionable you will definitely be looking at tattoo removal in the future
 
From my personal experience it matters more who you get it from than what you decide to get.
Do your homework, look at online/fb portfolio's of artists you are considering, try to fault each image you see of theirs, remember this is their showcase work, the stuff they are so proud of they shared it online.

So look at line work, or rather incomplete or wobbly lines, look at colour and shading, where the shading meets the line.

One of the most said and most important thing about tattoo's are : Cheap Tattoo's and Good and Good tattoo's aint cheap.
 
I know a guy in CPT that does brilliant work. Ricardo. Check out his FB page Rick.Ink. He worked from his house in Brackenfell but has a place in Woodstock now called Descriptive Art Collective

He's always booked for months in advanced though
 
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