Just Out of Curiosity... - Richmond,VA

I came of age when only tough guys got tattoos, and never considered getting one. I think they are interesting – sometimes quite beautiful, but wonder how people can choose images that they will love for their whole lives. My daughter got a small one on her shoulder years ago, but sometimes wishes it wasn't there any more.

I also wonder whether many who get tattoos simply because it's the trend realize that their lives will probably change a few times over the decades, and that the tattoos may fade, stretch and sag right along with the body. Very few of us stay as charmingly slim and toned as we were when young.

I do not have tattoos. I don't have anything against them. I just cannot imagine anything that I would want on my body for the rest of my life.

I have 2, but if I had to do it over again, I'd have none or one discreet (sp) one. Things that mattered to me at 26 don't matter so much 20 years later (and what cost $200 to get would cost $2000 to remove).

That said, I don't have any issues with what other people do. The friend I was with when I got my 1st one also got her 1st one that day and she has several now. It hasn't changed who she is. I love her; she's a good friend.

It's just that if someone asked ME if they should, I'd recommend against it.

Okay, prepare for brutal honesty.
I have no tatoos. I am not married, but if and when I ever marry, it will be to a man with no tatoos. I prefer 'clean' skin. (It is not a deal breaker, but I believe 'my man' out there will have none.) I figure I cannot tell my son not to get any if I have even one. Plus there is nothing I want drawn or written on my body that will last forever.

Okay, here's the brutal part. I think they look trashy. I don't care if it is supposed to be cute (like a little heart, flower, or butterfly) or an homage to someone (like R.I.P. + your mother's name, your hubby's or kid's names, or a cross), they all look trashy to me. My brother has a couple, and my nephew and his wife have MANY (they also have a tattoo shop). My brother has made many bad choices, and my nephew, well.....to be honest he is trashy.

I think it would be hard to get certain jobs with them visible. Descrete tattoos are better IMHO than ones that are out there screaming, "Look at me!" Some people get a bunch of tattoos knowing other people make judgements about them, then complain about being judged. Makes no sense to me.

Please don't bash me.....The poster ASKED what people with no tatoos thought of them (tattoos), and that's just what I THINK. I don't treat tattooed people any differently than people with no tattoos. Just because my brother got tattooed, it didn't make me love him any less.

I'm an artist.. so I have a hard an fast rule that I have to want the tattoo for at LEAST 1 year before I can start saving for it... because otherwise, I WOULD be covered. I was also in the USMC, and that's one of my regrets... that I didn't get "branded" while I was in. But my job, while it would "waiver" in preexisting tattoos didn't allow new ones. People would, from time to time, but you had to be willing to risk getting demoted + 30 days restriction for it, and possibly being kicked out of the MOS.

So that said... I currently have 1, and 2 are in the "waiting period".

The one I have:
I have Kanji down my spine custom from the calligraphy artist Eri Takase. One thing I *really* like about it is that it's a triple translation. It says free spirit in kangi (which has no meaning in Japanese, since it's a western saying), the way to translate into Japanese is to say "honor". So Freedom Soul > Free Spirit > Honor. I chose Kangi because while it's beautiful, I also spent nearly half my life in Japan. So again, double meaning.

The ones in quarantine:

- "Muchness" (english, from Alice in Wonderland) on my wrist, where my watchband would go

- A paper cutout style of a bird in flight across my lower back/ ribs.

As an artist I often amuse myself by drawing on myself. Typically with perm markers similar to sharpie but that don't bleed (they cost about $11 *each*). Then I take an alcohol rub and "fade" them, so they really do look like real work. I'm ambidexterous so I've had full sleeves, partial sleeves, and pieces all over anywhere I can reach. I come by this habit honestly. My mum used to draw butterflies, horses, dragons, and other special things on our tummies while we slept as "love notes" when we were little.

I have none. My husband does not have any either. I don't have any close relatives that have one. My mother always told me that if I ever came home with one she would hold me down and scrape it off with a dull knife. Must have worked because I have never wanted one. No offense to those that have them but I think they are ugly and I can't imagine permanently coloring on my body. I tell my kids the same thing my mother told me and so far none of them want one either.

Lisa

I don't have any. I don't want any. I don't want my children to have them. I spent many years living in a "Navy town", and military men have been getting drunk and getting tattooed forever. Tattoos are nothing new.

Generally, though, I just see it as the "latest fad". The latest thing that the younger generation can do to stretch the bounds of what their parents say is okay. The Shock they can cause someone else. And I have never been into making those sorts of "statements". In the 50's & 60's it was the ducktail hair, the cigarettes rolled into the Tshirt sleeves, the new "rock and roll" music that the "kids" used to rebel against the societal norms. The 70's it was the "hippie" movement and the free sex and drugs. The 80's was punk. The 90's .... well... what was left? Oh.... yes... tattoos started to crop up. ALL the "preppy" girls started getting them to prove they weren't "just" preppy girls, that they were a little risque and had a sexy side, too. Then came 2000... hmm.. what was left for them? Oh yes.... piercings... so they started piercing every conceivable part of their body: ears, noses, eyebrows, bellybuttons, tongues, nipples, et al.

What has happened with virtually all of these self-expression methods, is that rather than distinguishing themselves from their peers (what I think they are subconsciously after) they ALL have them, so they are once again undistinguished from their peers. The only difference being if they chose to do it "tastefully" or not. (nothing vulgar and they are able to cover it if they want to). It kind of reminds me of the Dr. Seuss story about the Sneeches. (Those without Stars upon Thars, remember?)

I do not care if someone wants to tattoo themselves. But I prefer not to have to look at them myself. If you want to tattoo your bicep, you can wear sleeves. If you want to tattoo your belly, hopefully I'll never see that. Even if it is "tasteful". I just think that it is more of a reflection of a person having a little too much regard for what others think of them, than anything else.

I once dated a military guy who had an American Flag on his chest. It didn't gross me out, but it didn't do anything FOR me either. Whatever.
But it is pretty much (barring a HUGE expense and some pain and possible not quite perfectly accomplished) a permanent thing that you can't undo. I did do some rash things in my "youth" (I'm 42), but I was at least wise enough to know that I WAS a rash youth and not to do anything I might want UNdone later.

I have good friends (female) who have one. Things like little butterflies or whatever. Whatever suits them... it's not my body. But do I admire them as art? No. My niece has a HUGE one across the back of her shoulder. In my opinion, it ruined the photos of her in her white strapless wedding gown. To each his own. They aren't my wedding pictures.

My pastor even has one on his arm. You don't see it unless he is hanging out with friends/family on his "own" time.

All that said, if you want to work in an industry where you deal with the public, keep in mind that not everyone agrees about your "art". I am okay with it in moderation. But to have a server in a restaurant use an arm inked from the wrist to the elbow to serve my plate causes problems with my appetite.
If you really like the image you want put on your body, why not buy it in a framed print and hang it on your wall? I just don't have an eye for it.

Sorry I have offended any of you who have them. But the question was 'what are your thoughts'. Those are mine. I can see past them to the person behind them easily, as long as the person behind them doesn't make an issue of it by making who they are about the tattoo, if that makes any sense.

I have one on my lower back of a shooting star. My hubby got the same image on his calf. It goes with part of a poem we had engraved on our wedding rings: Gentler Stars Unite. I love the idea that we're all made up of the same basic elements, like star dust. I also want to get the names of our kids encircling my belly button, but I may wait a few years and make sure we're really done having children.

I don't have any, and I won't get any. I don't have piercings either. I don't like how they look, and more importantly, how they will look when skin starts getting old. I don't judge those who have them. They're just not my cup of tea. If my kids ask for tattoos when they grow up, they will have to be on their own for them to get them.

The honest truth? To my eye they just don't look nice. I hate seeing a woman all dressed up and then ink on her arm, leg or wherever. Just wrecks the look for me. I guess I just don't understand the need to advertise something on your skin. And I suppose I also feel that the person who sports a bunch of them is probably a bit on the wild side whether true or not. A few discreet ones not so much.

Don't have any, don't like them. I do not like how they look and do not see the "art" in them. I feel the same about piercings. I see it as something someone would do in the spur of the moment in youth or as rebellion and then regret 10 years later when your outlook on life may change and you may want that job where they will look at your differently because you have a barbed wire necklace tattooed on. A girl friend has a little heart with her child's name in it on her shoulder blade but it is hidden under her bra. So to each their own, but I sincerely hope my kids do not want them when they get older.

No tattoos for me or hubby. I hate pain and can't think of anything I'd want on my body for the rest of my life. Hubby just doesn't like them.

I always love your posts! LOL ~

I have a tattoo, a "tramp stamp" if you will, but I am totally not a tramp, just like that position for a tattoo. It goes all the way across from hip to hip.

I plan to get more!!

I have a TINY (about the size of a nickel) ladybug tattoo on the top of my foot. I got it about 8 years ago with my closest girlfriends. We all got the same and I love it! It was a fun way to commemorate a great vacation and a fabulous friendship.

I don't mind tattoos but in my opinion they should be able to be covered up. I worked as an HR Director and the industry I worked in is conservative. I expect that if people want to be able to choose from any kind of job they need to be able to look the part. A tattoo doesn't suit all occupations so I think before you get one you have to look to the future and consider what's appropriate for what you do/want to do. Overall I think to each his own but must admit that it's more difficult for me to take seriously someone who is completely pierced and tattooed.

I have 4....One on the ankle- I was young and I hate it. (Wish it would magically disapper) A small butterfly on bikini area- again I was young but this one Im ok with- although the butterfly looked much different on a tight tummy :) And two side by side on the insole/side of my foot- these are my daughters signs... Cancer and Capricorn- LOVE THESE

R.:

Nope, no tats here.

I like to look at the artwork, but on me? Doesn't work for me. It all goes back to when I was around 8 and living in Hawaii - there was an older W., although in good shape, who had tats that were "sagging" so the art work looked all funky...all I could think was - wow....i wonder what that was really supposed to be!!

My best friend of 32 years has two or three, I think...I can't remember - it was her mid-life crisis....becoming a Grandma at 39...yeah - she NEEDED something.....

I love to look at the artwork - although I personally believe that some people get carried away with tats from head to toe...

I have always wanted one, since I was about 13 and my older brother got one. I knew enough to make sure it was something I could live with forever. So, I waited. At 41 I had my one and only Daughter, as I would put her to bed (even as a baby), I would always whisper, "you are my heart.." one night she surprised me and answered with, "you are my star..." So, last year, at 49, I got one on over my heart--her name, a heart, star and a crescent moon, too. It doesn't show. I got it for me, for her. It's beautiful, but it is just for us. Piercings fascinate me, but, I don't want any besides my ears.

I have 2 and plan to get 3 more. My first one is on my shoulder blade - moon and cloud with stars - its was my 21st bday present from my now husband (he had 7 tats at the time). My 2nd one is on my calf, its an anchor with a heart in the center and a rope that wraps around my calf with hearts above and below it; my husband got his 8th at that time. It was fun to sit side-by-side and get them done.

I plan to get a turtle on my other calf because that was my son's nickname when he was a baby. On my back I want a beach scene with a hammock between 2 palm trees. In the hammock I want my wedding anniversary and in the "sand" below I want my son's foot prints and birthdate. Then on my shoulder blade I want a sun and cloud (to be opposite the moon and cloud I already have).

Mine are in places that can be covered up. I used to nanny for a family that didn't know about them at all. I had worked for the for about 5 months when the weather got warm and I wore capris one day. The dad saw my calf and said to his wife (in front of me) "Did you know she has a tattoo". The mom's reaction was "so what, she takes great care of our son, and that's all that matters...besides my mom and sister got tats together and the only reason I didn't go was that I was pregnant". He didn't know what to say. LOL

I have 4 and will be getting my 5th this Spring. One on my hip, pink daisy on my big toe. Another on the inside of my left heal that has my oldest son's name/dob the other on my lower right ankle has my youngest son's name/dob (my hubby created both of these). My 5th will be a "bug" in honor of my step-daughter (bug is her nickname).
I love all mine!! No regrets :)

While I totally appreciate tattoo as an art, and often admire them on others, I don't have any. It can take me 3 months to pick out new hand towels, so I would never commit to something that permanent! LOL

And when I do admire tattoos, I especially like the people that really JUMP IN--like you--not the lonely rose/ankle thing. :)

I do not have any nor am I fond of them. I think they may suit their purpose for those covering scars or something of that nature. For those people who have any a few can be tasteful but tons of 'em? not my thing :)

I have three -one on my right hip bone, one on my right ankle and one on my lower back (received LONG before tattoos were "hip" or that area was known as a "tramp stamp"!). My husband has one on his upper back. I'm planning to have the lower back one turned into something else because it's never been quite what I wanted.

I only have ear piercings, but I've always wanted a very thin little hoop in my eyebrow. Maybe I'll get it if the mood strikes me! Years ago I wanted my nipples pierced with hoops, but I was teaching high school then, and I was afraid at some point they would show through my shirt -and I can only imagine the commotion that would have caused!

Each to his own...me, I'd never pay anyone to stick needles in me and draw pictures.

I have 3 and plan on getting more. Mine are all small and in places to where if I want to show them off I can and if I don't than I can cover them up. I believe its your body and you are the one who has to live with it so do what you like and feel comfortable with.

I have my kid's names tattooed on my lower left side of my back in really cool font...well at least I think it's cool! =-)

I have 2 tattoos......one fairly large on my back and one small on my hip. I intend on getting a few more (and maybe getting my feet covered if I make a career change). I keep them in places that can be hidden for corporate America (boo......) and I, of course, think they are tasteful. I really wish my husband would get at least one (he wants one but doesn't like needles).

I don't have any, mostly because I can't think of anything I want to have on myself for life! I'm obsessed with watching LA Ink though, and think Kat Von D is so interesting. It's a great form of art, just not for me.

I have no tattoos and I will never get one.
I am not against them. I mean, I don't think they make a person bad for having them.
I think sometimes people get tattoos when they are young because they think they're cool or they have a special meaning to them, but when you get older, it just isn't attractive.
That's my opinion.
The last hospital I worked at, there was a nurse with tattoos on the back and sides of her neck.
I know another woman who is an executive with a large company and when she wears nice white blouses, you can still see the tatts all over her back and on her arms right through her blouse.
She's not a young girl and it just doesn't come off as very professional.
My daughter has tattoos and I can promise there will come a day she regrets them. They look cute on a 22 year old. Not on a 52 year old.
Again....just my opinion.

Best wishes.

I have the "unless" from the Lorax by Dr, Suess written on my ankle. I got it for a 30th birthday present to myself : ) I plan on getting one of Ferdinand the bull on the back of my shoulder as soon as we have spending money for that kind of thing : )

Updated

I have the "unless" from the Lorax by Dr, Suess written on my ankle. I got it for a 30th birthday present to myself : ) I plan on getting one of Ferdinand the bull on the back of my shoulder as soon as we have spending money for that kind of thing : )

I have three. One one my shoulder blade, one on the front of my shoulder, and one on my upper leg. They are all meaningful, and I love them all. I am really itching for more, but I just can't make myself spend the money on tats when I have two kids that I would like to spoil more!

I've not read any of the replies, but I did read your "so what happened". I have 3 small tattoos, 1 on my stomach (a mushroom when I was barely 18), 1 on my extreme lower back (a frog when I was 20), and 1 on my foot (a Celtic knot in the shape of a shamrock when I was 31). I've always felt that my tatoos are for me & nobody else & also try to keep in mind how will I feel about this when I'm 70. I know there are people out there that look down or whatever on tatoos, and while I don't think what I've done with my body is anyone else's business, but I also certainly don't ever want it held against me.

The one on my foot however is the only one that can be seen by the general public. I got it along with my sister, we got the same thing at the same time, and it was more of a dedication to 4 family members we had lost within 5 months all of whom were 100% Irish. That one I will wear proudly and explain it to anyone who asks, and up to now I have been asked a lot.

If I saw a mom with lots of tattoos, I wouldn't think she was a bad person or a bad mom. I personally don't understand why someone would spend so much money on them or why a woman would get them in what I consider "masculine" location like the upper arm. I don't have any tattoos, I have friends who have several. I don't think I have ever known anyone heavily tattooed but I think I would be taken aback at first. I would also wonder why they feel that they need to broadcast to the world their interests in such a permanent way.

I have 5 tatoos. The only one I regret is a big one on my arm. I got it when I was 18. I wanted it big and where everyone would see it. Now I try to hide it all the time. I do feel like people look at me differently because of the tatoos.

I have 2 tattoos a rose on my right sholder blade and a small cherry on my bikini line (it was a dare) The beginning of march I am getting another one on my lower back (yup tramp stamp) the one on my back thoug is going to be pretty big, prolly from hip to hip. Its going to be Andy's leo lion and all 4 kids signs surrounding it. I am a SAHM but I like to tattoos in places I can cover them. I don't want to walk into a meeting at school all tattooed up as I live in a very small gossipy judgemental town. (lived here all my life) Andy also has an awesome one between his sholder blades. He is a big NASCAR fan and likes the earnhearts so he has 2 playing cards together 8 of hearts and 3 of diamonds together with wings. I can't explain it real well but it looks awesome.

I don't have one but my hubby does in between his sholders so sexy. I am not big for needles.

I have 3. One on my ankle, and one on each bicep area. I got them when I was much younger. I have mixed feelings about them. Sometimes they make me feel "young" again. Sometimes I look at them and wish they weren't there. My husband has 8, and I think they look very cool on him. I guess its different for a woman.

If you like them, and you like the way they look, that is all that matters. Don't let anyone make you feel bad about them. We are all different, thank goodness! It takes ALL kinds to make this world go around!

Hi R.
I have two ,one fairly big one on my left arm.It a crescent of the moon,done in blue with designs on it.
Another of a butterfly in a sun on my back.
These were done over 15yrs ago.
I also used to have nose and eye piercings which I took out last year,by choice.
I love my individuality and get quite amused when I wear a summer top and some professionals see them for the first time,the look of shock!
I am a well educated woman with a good job.
I think confidence to be one self is a beautiful thing and will probally get another in the next few years,an angel holding a yin and yang symbol.
B.

Love tatoos. I don't have any but have often thought about getting one. If I ever get one it will have to be Tweety Bird holding a banner that says "This too shall pass". I have double piercings in both ears and a just got my cartilage pierced in one. I have always wanted my cartilage pierced and my daughters were getting theirs done, so I told myself I am not getting any younger so it is now or never.

I have a horse shoe on my ankle, for good luck ....2 months after i got it i met my husband and have a beautiful 1 1/2 year old baby boy!!

I have a little panda bear eating bamboo on my ankle, I got him because my mom used to call me "manda panda" I covered up a home made tattoo of a heart that looked too much like a pac man. I also had my belly peirced(well its still there i just dont wear it), and my ears. My tongue was at one time(18 years old), wow what a mistake. My husband has 8 tattoos, but they are all able to be covered besides this little clover he has on the underside of his forearm. They are all on his back, shoulders and calves.

I hate tattoos. I have never seen one I thought was pretty, not once. I read and speak Japanese, and truthfully, I'm particularly bothered by kanji tattoos, because they're just words and often from people who don't even speak the language. I'm sure people who have them think they are pretty and Zen, but all my Japanese friends make fun of them for just writing regular words on their bodies (plus, in Japan, tattoos are a sign of the mafia - definitely not Zen).

Having said that, my brother is covered with tattoos, and even has a kanji tattoo (and no, he doesn't speak Japanese). And he's an awesome guy. I'm not a fan of his tattoos, but I know that they don't change who he is, and he even believes his kanji tattoo has deep meaning to him. So I try not to be judgmental when I see others with tattoos, and remember that I don't want anyone judging my brother for his. Although I really respect that he has gotten tattoos in places that can be easily covered in places of business - I think that's very professional of him. I'm glad you enjoy yours. ^_^

I have 4, angel wings on my ankle in memory of loved ones, another on the inside of my other ankle, my daughters name on the top of my foot with flowers and faith written on the inside of my wrist. All small and easy to cover. I think that tattoos are fine depending on what you get. Mine all have meaning to me, I don't really like when girls get nasty looking skulls or things like that.

My son has wanted a tattoo for a few years now and I told him to wait til he's 18. He asked me to get one with him (I was playing with the idea.) Well, he turns 18 this summer and I still can't decide whether I want one or not! If I do get one it will be small.

I have two. One below my ankle, on my foot and one on the small of my back. I got the foot one with my best friend from college when I was in my early 20's. I would never change it.
The one on my back is a butterfly with the American flag in it(with some scroll). My hubby had just gotten the eagle, globe and anchor on his arm. (He's a Marine) and I was feeling very patriotic. LOL!! While I have no problem with tattoos, the one on my back would be the one I'd probably do a different way - mostly, smaller and in a different place. I had not heard the term "tramp stamp" before I got it. If I'd had, I would have never put it there.!!!!!
I know there are many parents/teachers/etc that have seen my butterfly and sometimes I think, "What must they think of me?" But, ya know what? It's none of their business. I am a good person who is also a good Mom (most days...LOL!) The tattoo is something unique to me and, if asked, I will proudly explain my reasons behind it. I love my husband, my country and I support all the troops, in my own way, by the tattoo on my back. I think of the families and service men and women who are fighting and have given their lives, each time I catch a glimpse of it in the mirror. I'm ok with it, even though some may think "tramp stamp". I know the truth :)

4 tat's and more to come! some small, 2 big, and all but one are visible : )

My brother and I are gonna get one together next month (This being my first and his third). Since he is my only brother, I thought it would be pretty neat to get something that symbolizes us as my first tattoo. As weird as it sounds because my name is R. but we are gonna get R. tattoo's with something from our culture inbeded in to it. Something a little different. I wanna get it on one of my shoulders. My mom doesn't really care for them but when I told her that it was something that my brother and I wanted to represent my brother and I, she was all for it! She has always said to us that when she's gone my brother and I are all we got.
I don't find anything wrong with tattoos. I just think it represents the person and lets you know a little about them, even without talking to them. Some people place art on their walls and others to share to the world on them self. Besides my five year old thinks that they are pretty neat and she has always been taught not to judge people until she knows them. So if anybody came from around the corner and was covered, she wouldn't be scared or think that they were a bad person. For a lot of you moms that think it makes a person seem like a bad person, what happend to don't judge a book by it's cover?

I have one.

In college, just before Graduation... me and all my girlfriends, got one.
Small, not obnoxious. Hidden area.

Tattoos, and its likability, depends on many things.

My niece, who is 23, has a lot of anime (japanese cartoons) on her body and I wonder what she will think of them when she is older. My husband has a cross that I think is awesome and timeless. I don't have any, not because I don't want one or we don't have the money, it just now with my daughter I always think of something we can do with the money instead.

i have no tats, and my ears aren't even pierced. it just doesn't appeal to me. i guess to some degree i'm like R. D, there's always been a visceral 'ew' to seeing 'em. i've mostly got over it as they are so culturally the norm any more (funny since they used to be a symbol of rebellion) and there are some really talented artists out there. but none for me!
i think yours are beautiful, R., and LOVE that you have a sleeve dedicated to the secret garden, a beautiful and purely magical book.
my older son wanted one more than life when he turned 18 and none of my pleading would dissuade him. so we devised one together, one that would have meaning and resonance throughout his life, and made the process a sort of coming of age ritual. the artist is a wonderful fellow who is also a reiki master. he took the bindrune i created from my son's name and incorporated it into a dragon, making a wholly unique and meaningful tattoo. we created sacred space together for the work to be done. it was pretty cool.
since then my rotten son has done his whole back, a calf and his GUM, gods give me strength. i don't like the ones on his calf and gum, but his back, and of course his dragon, are spectacular. he wears a longish polo shirt to cover it at work. at the moment none of his tatts show, but if he gets a sleeve he'll have to be more careful to cover it if he ends up in corporate. he's a music major now so it's not a big deal at the moment, but he's aware that it could be an issue in the future. not much of one, i'm thinking. corporate too has had to lighten up, tattoos are so ubiquitous these days. but still a possible issue.
my younger had a cardiac cath when he was a tiny and has to take prophylactic antibiotics before anything pierces him, even dental work. so his lovely skin is pristine.
:) khairete
S.

i have one on my shoulder blade. It's two ram's horns hooked together to make a diamond with my son's name underneath. My husband and I are both aries so they horns are for the two of us together. I want to get my daughter's name on there soon and need some ideas on how to decorate it if anyone has any. It's just in plain black ink now because i wanted to get it pretty-fied after i added her (no more kids for us, btw)

I have one on my right shoulder blade.
it's black, 3 ground stakes representing the holy trinity (my faith) that keeps me "grounded". I designed it and had it done on my 30th birthday a few months ago. =)

I think tattoos are neat.

I'd never cover myself in them.
but I enjoy looking at them.

I have one on my lower back that I designed. I swirly design that is the intertwined initials of my kids. I got it on my 39th birthday... I have nothing against tatoos at all, and think they are a great way to express/cherish those things that are important to us. I might even get another!!!

I have an arm band (black and green) with an abstract Taurus sign in the middle and the band I created myself. I want another one!

i have 4. one on the back of my neck (butterfly), one on my shoulder (treble cleff), one on my ankle (chinese saying, "fear no man"), and one on my lower back (cross covered in blue roses). (bad typing, holding newborn!)
my husband has our boy's (2) feet on his calf (when they were newborns) and is going to get our daughter's in a couple of weeks.
I like my tattoos although I wish I hadn't covered my treble cleff in flames! lol That's okay though. I think it's great. When I am older, sagging, and falling apart I can look back on my tattoos and remember the "good ol' days"
L.

I love tattoos - I think they are art.

That being said, I only have one - a Chinese Fu Dog on my right hip. Didn't get it until I was 30 and my father still freaked out. LOL Have three holes in two ears and a naval ring. While I dream of other tattoos I probably will not get anymore - well maybe to celebrate my 50 birthday in 5 years. :)

My son's father has several on each arm and many of my friends have one or two in discreet places. Oddly enough, my 14 year old son has no interest in them and says he will never get one.

Enjoy your art - personal expression varies widely from person to person and is a beautiful thing in all of its forms.

Nope -- No tats. There is simply not one image or statement that I feel so strongly about that I would want to see it daily for the rest of my life.

My husband has tatoos. None of them make him cringe with regret but the only ones he loves are the sets of our babies' actual footprints.

I just heard from a friend on mine with a few and she is freaked out because her clinical lead on her current nursing school rotation told her if her wrist tat is EVER visible when she is on hospital property she will get kicked out of the program (even though she has a 4.0 -- anyone in nursing knows how competitive those programs are and getting kicked out and re-applying for a slot is terrifying).

Well, as for me, I have no tattos but I would most certainly love to get one done on me. I would love to get my sons intitials and birthday tatted.
As for piercings, I like them as well. I feel that's its a way of expressing who you are and what makes you.
I know that many people feel that piercings and tattos are sorta "taboo" because the body is supposed to be sacred. Idk....
Al I know is that in this world people are gunna do what they wanna do with their bodies and that's all that matters now!!!

I don't see a problem with them at all. My husband has many, and is always getting more. I love them. I don't have any myself, but it's not because I wouldn't like to. I just don't think I have a nice enough body for them to look good!!!

I always knew that I would get a tattoo someday, but my husband never really wanted one. I finally talked him into it and we both got one on our 15th wedding anniversary. We went to a very talented, well-known tattoo artist who has a waiting list a mile long. You can't just walk in off the street. Mine is on my lower back...green and purple calla lillies w/vines. We used calla lillies in our wedding so it is very symbolic to both of us. That one satisfied me. I don't plan on getting anymore, but the funny thing is my husband now has two and is designing his third.

I LOVE tattoos! I keep asking my hubby to get more cuz I think they're sexy :o) We're planning his half-sleave right now; he's got a large one on his back and 2 smaller ones on each shoulder.

I don't have any of my own, ONLY because I'm such a perfectionist. I've got a great idea for one to honor my family, but I can't decide if I want colour or black only, where to put it, how big to make it, etc. I'm waiting till I 100% decide everything because I don't want to regret it.

I do have my left nostril pierced though; it's just a little sparkly pink stud and I love it! It's so pretty. Course, now EVERYONE I know has it done, so it's not so special :o(

lol I have 2 small tattoos on my arms. and plan on getting a few more. but i don't like tramp stamps!

I wanted one when I was younger(high school/college age) but then a friend of mine got one on his shoulder and I saw it a couple of days later when it was all scabbed over and healing- I don't know how typical that is- but it looked so painful! I just couldn't do it! I'm a wimp! :)
But if I could, I really don't know what I would get or where I would get it put. How long does it take to heal anyway?
~C.