I want a tattoo.
I wouldn't say all the people I know have one, but about 1/3. Here on the East coast, it's still somewhat taboo. When I lived on the West coast 10 years ago, just about everyone had one. But for me, it's not about keeping up with fashion, and rather, creating a portable work of art.
I'm an artist. I paint still lives, portraits and landscapes. I dabble in illustration and cartoons. I do it all. And for over a decade, I've been thinking about, planning and drawing what I want tattooed on my body. My ideas have changed and where I want the tattoo has changed; and I guess that's part of my problem.
Pain is not attractive to me either. I know some people grin and bear it, others have become accustomed if not addicted to the sensation. Probably not for my own good, as I've gotten older I've become fussy and afraid of the unknown.
Feeling the sting of age perhaps, three years ago I cut my long blonde hair short and dyed some strands hot pink. I was preparing to get a nose ring to go along with it, but my husband didn't find that attractive. I mean, I'm a free agent to do what I want and he'll still love me...but let's face it, who wants to gross out their spouse? He asked me what I'd do if I had a cold and blew my nose, with of course, the imaginable nasty consequences happening.
Back in college after a break up I shaved my head. Seriously. Few people I associate with now even believe me. I was a fan of punk and alternative rock, and hey, if Sinead O'Connor could do it, why not me? Surprisingly, my protest against everything men loved, and especially about me because my hair was long and blonde, drew more positive attention from the guys. It looked wild and kinky. The college guys went for it.
I grew it all back and then, here and there, have had short, medium or long do's. But I'm tired of playing with my hair. I want something that says I'm not an old fart yet.
Another caveat for me though : aging, flabby skin and a tattoo? Anyone ever see that hysterical Saturday Night Live skit where Amy Poehler is in a fake commercial, using a new product that removes tattoos? They use computer imaging to show a funny time lapse of a woman's tattooed lower back as it sags with age. Of course, by then, no one's going to be looking at me.
Should I do it? How painful is it? Maybe it's cooler to do when you're under 30.
Should I get a tattoo?
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Posted by Sun Aug 17, 2008 4:34pm PDT
Report AbuseHurts more in certain areas and less in others. Overall its bearable. Do it if you want, though remember this advice (I have 3) 1) go look at the tattoo artist work on someone. They are usually cool about this. Then you can see the quality for yourself. Tattoos are like anything else in life. There are good ones and crappy ones too. Just look around and see what some people have on them. Mine are all top quality and I had to pay for it. 2)Make sure you do something you really like. It's permanent. 3) Do you want them visible always or do you have limits? (I teach nothing pass elbows, on neck, hands, etc.) Have fun...
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Posted by Sun Aug 17, 2008 4:34pm PDT
Report AbuseHurts more in certain areas and less in others. Overall its bearable. Do it if you want, though remember this advice (I have 3) 1) go look at the tattoo artist work on someone. They are usually cool about this. Then you can see the quality for yourself. Tattoos are like anything else in life. There are good ones and crappy ones too. Just look around and see what some people have on them. Mine are all top quality and I had to pay for it. 2)Make sure you do something you really like. It's permanent. 3) Do you want them visible always or do you have limits? (I teach nothing pass elbows, on neck, hands, etc.) Have fun...
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Posted by Sun Aug 17, 2008 6:58pm PDT
Report AbuseI got a tattoo at 21 and don't regret. I agree with working about not making it to visible due to jobs. Mine is on my ankle cause I had the same concern about getting flabby and it stretching.Pain isn't attarctive to me either, but it was a piece easy. I don't want another one.
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Posted by Mon Aug 18, 2008 7:44am PDT
Report AbuseI am from New England. My mom got her first Tattoo at 40 then another a year later. She said if I were to get one we can go out together. The only problem is I don't know of what. If you get a tattoo, you would have to love it for life.
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Posted by Mon Aug 18, 2008 7:50am PDT
Report AbuseI'm 57, I have 3 tattoos and have never regretted any. My last one was about 5 years ago. Nothing I've tattooed is sagging as I am small and thin. The number one thing to remember is, NEVER, EVER, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES put another person's name on your body (unless it's your child). I hate dentists, needles all that but I've never really had a problem with the tattooing. Two are on my back, one just above my breast and if I can take it, you can. Good luck, you'll love it. It makes you totally unique, however, it won't make you younger.
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Posted by Mon Aug 18, 2008 9:32am PDT
Report Abusehey peggy yeah girl get a tatoo whatever makes you happy i don't know if your up on the latest but also be careful where you get it to i saw another post on tatoos a while back and they call the lower back one a "tramp stamp" but unless you are cool with that spot go ahead and get one peace!!!!
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Posted by Mon Aug 18, 2008 10:16am PDT
Report Abuseim over 50
and i had my eyes done eyeliner it's the best thing i'veever done for myself.now i wear no makeup .sometime if i'm going somewhere special i'llput a little eye shadow and mascara.people have aksed how do i keep my eyeliner so perfect all the time? i tell them it's tatoo.
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Posted by Mon Aug 18, 2008 10:25am PDT
Report AbuseI want a tatoo too. I'm 42, and it will be my first one. I've been thinking about it for some time, and the only thing that stops me is that I haven't found the right design, and the right artist to do it. Same as you, I am concerned about sagging, but I found that maybe the back of the neck is a good not-sagging spot. But, I also want to see my own tatoo, without the help of two mirrors at once. Tough decision.
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Posted by Mon Aug 18, 2008 10:41am PDT
Report AbuseI actually applaud someone in their thirties finally getting a tattoo after a long planning/thinking/wondering if it hurts phase. I have 4; my first was at 19, the second two at 28 (I had an interesting year), and my last one 3 years ago at 32. Yes, they hurt, but in a really different way. I don't know anyone who wouldn't go through it again. Your body starts to release endorphins shortly after the tattooing begins, and you actually get an incredible high. I'm afraid of pain, but have gone back and am about to get my 5th. Do think about placement, because as an artist as well, I still occaisionally have to interact with mainstream society (My 3 children all attend a parochial school, and sometimes, being the tattooed mama is less of a thrill than my kids can bear). Good luck and enjoy!
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