"But what will it look like when you're 50!?"
Like 50 is old. Obviously none of them have seen the beautiful Inky, who is 51. Also, who cares? I'm going to be badass when I'm 50 -- not some little old lady.
"But what if you change your mind?"
See, I'm not an indecisive lamer. When I commit to something I make sure of it. I have three tattoos I got when I was 22. They are all hidden. For a while, I hated them. But a friend recently wrote an article about how tattoos are a living, breathing record of you life. Now I love them. I began getting "real" tattoos in 2006 and I've averaged about 1-2 per year since then. I don't run out and get tattooed for the hell of it -- I have to have a design that strikes me.
I wouldn't recommend anyone get a tattoo until they are older, anyway. I was in my 30s when I began serious tattooing and I still love every single one I have from 2006 to my latest one last week!
"I want a tattoo, but I'm not sure I should get one."
My advice for this person: DON'T! These are the types of people who end up regretting what they got, complaining about it, and making all us confident tattoo people look bad. Tattoos ARE NOT for everyone. That is fine. It takes a certain "type" to wear them and love them forever.
"Did that hurt?/I'm afraid it will hurt!"
Some of it hurts more than others. MOST of it feels like a cat claw scraping over your skin with a bit of vibration. Some areas on me were more tender than others. Under my arms, close to my inner elbow, and the back of my legs. The back of my legs was the most uncomfortable to me -- I had to get them done in two sessions because I was a pussy about it. Lol. Really, I wouldn't say it's "painful." It's more UNCOMFORTABLE. I don't know about other people, but when I am under the needle for an hour or more my brain chemicals begin to kick in and I enter this euphoric, meditative state. Maybe that's why these fuckers are addictive....
"Tattoos are trashy! Especially on women!"
HELL YEA! That's why they are awesome!! But most people who say this aren't familiar with tattoo subcultures like rockabilly. They probably haven't seen many tattooed women outside of a NASCAR convention.
"Tattoos aren't vintage!"
They go back pretty far. Didn't the discover some ice-age man with a tattoo? Also, I live in 2011. Don't know about anyone else.
"Tattoos are sooooooo trendy right now!"
LOL. I remember reading an interview with Shannon Dougherty and she said this same thing. IN 1991.
You're right! I'm glad I waited until my late 30's to get my first one and still love it. My only regret is that I was concerned about being able to cover it, so it's only visible when I wear sleeveless tops, which is very rare.
ReplyDeleteawwww, thank you so much, Amy, for your sweet compliment! I concur with your views as well. I think people should wait a bit, give the ink they wish to live with much thought and enjoy it for a lifetime. I collected my first tattoo at age 20, in 1980, my most recent is last Saturday at age 51. I'm almost confident it's not a phase ;) I love every single one of my many tattoos and can tell you a story about all of them.
ReplyDeleteHahaha I could have sworn Tayva wrote this with all that foul mouthness! Hahahaha This is probably my favourite yet and I don't want tattoos at all!
ReplyDeleteExcellent post! I actually had 2 regretable tattoos lasered off,as they really were shitty-due to a shitty tattooist.I've had what's left covered with a lovely back piece that I am so happy with....
ReplyDeleteAgree about waiting til ones 30's,your so much more clear on who you are and what you want,and less likely to make rash decisions.
Do we get to see your works sometime?
Fantastic advice A-J. I agree with all your points here - when I was in my late 20s I toyed with the idea of getting a tattoo but promised myself that if I still wanted one when I turned 30, I would do it. Turns out I didn't want one at 30 or since then, but I love the artwork and always compliment someone if they are sporting something beautiful. Who knows? I might change my mind yet! I'm 43, but I might want one when I'm 60:)) xo
ReplyDeleteyou're cute..! *hahaha! happily and rather heavily tattooed (I guess?) here...I love your attitude, girl. & yeah...sometimes I could almost fall asleep under the gun. If ya don't like em, don't look...pretty simple, isn't it?
ReplyDelete* ; )
I know right away when I meet a new guy if it will work out or not...if he says something like, "...so, do you plan to keep getting more tattoos?" I know we're probly not a good match unless he's smiling when he says it! *heehee