tattoos

[English assassin]

OK, I am officially an old fart, but what is it with tattoos? When did the "convicts and sailors only" law get repealed?

If people look nice, a tattoo doesn't make them look nicer, and if they look like 18 stones of pale white fat (as a for instance), do they seriously think some cheesey maori rip off design makes them look any less gross? Woo, I may be working in McDonalds but inside I'm a INDIVIDUAL (like the other 95% of my age group who have the exact same tattoo).

Whats it all about, people?

[Byzantine Prince]

There are different motivations for getting tattoos. Some people do it to get an edge, or others do it as special sign of something they have been through on their bodies.

I don't so much understand the "edge" part because right now you have more stay-at-home moms getting tattoos than bikers or sailors. If you don't believe me just visit your local tattoo shop and look at the clientelle or ask who the biggest group that are clients there are. You will find it is a lot of middle aged people and emo kids.

I think some tattoos look good on certain people, but considering the permanence of a tattoo I can't say I recommend anyone get one.

[Craterus]

Tattoo's look good for rockstars too. But the list stops there.

[Samurai Waki]

I have one to always remind myself that the beast lurks inside. Can't say my Girlfriend's father approves, but he's Iranian so I understand. I don't have a cheesy japanese symbol or like a heart with a name on it, or a Maori design. It took four days too do though.

[Louis VI the Fat]

Well I'm relatively young, big cityesque, not conservative by any standard and I find them gross too. Or maybe not gross, but they just don't do anything for me.

[Big King Sanctaphrax]

Tats only look good on attractive women, in my opinion. Tasteful ones at the small of the back are rather pleasant.

[KukriKhan]

Sorry. Been waiting 2 years to use that image somewhere. Thanks Engl As'n!

[GeneralHankerchief]

Sorry. Been waiting 2 years to use that image somewhere.

Best... picture... ever. Aside from the babe thread, that is.

As for my opinion, I don't think they're that gross, but I don't see the value of having one. The way I look at it is, if you're branding something permanent into your skin, that something had better be of some special, important meaning to you. And I guarantee that 99% of tattoos out there do not fulfill that criterion.

[SwordsMaster]

I don't find them gross, but as everything else they must be used in moderation. And in combination. Just as nice shoes won't make you a nicer person (or nicer to look at person) a nice tatoo won't make an 280 lb fat bastard attractive. But I find that one-well made and well placed tatoo will add an edge to an already attractive body. Such as myself I don't have one just yet, but I will consider getting one if something memorable enough happens.

Random factoids: the Yakuza assasins used to get tatoos for every person they killed. So the expert assasins could be recognised because most of their body surface was covered in tatoos.

The russians have along tradition of criminal tatoos that usually represent wither their rank within the mafia or their prison sentence. For example a barbed wire around the forehead meant a life sentence.

[Alexanderofmacedon]

Nice pic Kukri!

I think in some places on some girls, it's pretty hot.

[Dutch_guy]

Tats only look good on attractive women, in my opinion. Tasteful ones at the small of the back are rather pleasant.

I agree.

Other than that I don't really mind tattoos though people who make themselves walking tattoos are just plain disgusting in my opinion.

[Beirut]

Been thinking of getting one, really not sure though. If I did, it would be a small Canadian flag with Made in Canada underneath. Maybe have it down above my ankle on the inside of my leg, make it look like I was stamped when I was born.

Either that or one of a giant fire-breathing scorpion destroying a city across my chest.

One of the two. I dunno.

[Big King Sanctaphrax]

If I ever did get a tattoo, it would be a huge Optimus Prime on my back.

[SwordsMaster]

Been thinking of getting one, really not sure though. If I did, it would be a small Canadian flag with Made in Canada underneath. Maybe have it down above my ankle on the inside of my leg, make it look like I was stamped when I was born.

Either that or one of a giant fire-breathing scorpion destroying a city across my chest.

One of the two. I dunno.

Come on Beirut, we all know what you REALLY want is an anchor on your forearm, pop-eye style.

Or maybe a big double-headed axe that says "This is my tool" on it.


Actually one of the most curious tatoos I saw was one of Christ on a surfboard that said "Jesus couldn't surf" underneath. At the time I though it was hilarous (I was fairly pissed)

[Zalmoxis]

Sorry. Been waiting 2 years to use that image somewhere. Thanks Engl As'n!

Awesome!

[Alexanderofmacedon]

If I got a tattoo it would probably be a dragon breathing fire on a man on a mountain with a huge sword and shield. On my back of course.

[Samurai Waki]

Mine is a black dragon, tail wrapped around my upper right arm, its body looks like its clutching my shoulder and the neck and head follow along my right collar bone. (Western Style Dragon)

it reminds me of the depression I had, and after enduring it, becoming a stronger person. Its sort of how I imagine myself as being.

[Avicenna]

Been thinking of getting one, really not sure though. If I did, it would be a small Canadian flag with Made in Canada underneath. Maybe have it down above my ankle on the inside of my leg, make it look like I was stamped when I was born.

Either that or one of a giant fire-breathing scorpion destroying a city across my chest.

One of the two. I dunno.

While you're at it, you might as well add in godzilla.

[SwordsMaster]

Mine is a black dragon, tail wrapped around my upper right arm, its body looks like its clutching my shoulder and the neck and head follow along my right collar bone. (Western Style Dragon)

it reminds me of the depression I had, and after enduring it, becoming a stronger person. Its sort of how I imagine myself as being.

You mean green, ugly and with big teeth? Sorry, couldn't resist

[Togakure]

... Random factoids: the Yakuza assasins used to get tatoos for every person they killed. So the expert assasins could be recognised because most of their body surface was covered in tatoos. ...

This would be a good topic for the "Mythbusters" show--are you aware of any documentation to support this claim? While it is true that Yakuza members are known for full-body tats, I've not ever heard before that there is any correlation to the number of people they've killed ... .

When it comes to tats, I like the "a lot or a little" approach. I've always admired tasteful Japanese full-body tats, or very small western ones, artfully chosen and placed. The keyword is artfully--most I've seen here are too cliche, or garish, or just silly.

Here is a full body tat that I think compliments its bearer:



Comments?

[English assassin]

Comments?

How about: Sweet Jesus.

You wouldn't want to change your mind after would you?

Although fair play, it DOES have integrity. I still say don't gild the lily

[Samurai Waki]

You mean green, ugly and with big teeth? Sorry, couldn't resist

More or Less so

[Byzantine Prince]

Comments?

Do many women actually do the full body tattoo? I find it really attractive on that woman.

It must be a fortune to pay for a tattoo job that complex however.

[Louis VI the Fat]

I like the restrained good taste of this tattoo:

[Duke Malcolm]

Come on Beirut, we all know what you REALLY want is an anchor on your forearm, pop-eye style.

Or maybe a big double-headed axe that says "This is my tool" on it.

And a choir of Royal Canadian Mounted Policeman (the Mounties) to sing the Lumberjack song behind him...

He's a lumberjack and he's okay
He sleeps all night and he works all day
He likes to dress up in women's clothing
Suspenders and a bra
He likes to walk around in high-heels
Just like his dear Papa

But I digress...

[Oaty]

Well there were scarring tattoos that never seemed to get a takeoff and were more popular about 5 years ago as it took a good 5-10 mins on google search just to find this

Scar Tattoos

And ever seen the movie down periscope, the CO has a tattooo that says welcome aboard!

[Divinus Arma]

I think tattoos are a defining element of class and social followers.

Tattoos used to be taboo. Now the fringe leaders have adopted it and the middle class followers have adopted it after that.

If you have a tattoo it's because you are a social follower trying to assert how "independent" and "individual" you are. What a crock.

I have nothing but contempt for the tattooed. And chicks with the tattoo in the small of the back? That's nothing but a bullseye.


Edit: You know what's cool? Scars. Every scar has a story. You earn your scars. People who make their own are emo losers tragically whining about how miserable their middle class life is.

(Please refrain from bringing up other member's personal problems - Beirut)

[Reverend Joe]

Well there were scarring tattoos that never seemed to get a takeoff and were more popular about 5 years ago as it took a good 5-10 mins on google search just to find this

Scar Tattoos

And ever seen the movie down periscope, the CO has a tattooo that says welcome aboard!

Oh, god no! That is horrific!

[Togakure]

Do many women actually do the full body tattoo? I find it really attractive on that woman.

It must be a fortune to pay for a tattoo job that complex however.

Actually, I didn't know that Japanese women did this much at all until I found this and a few other images of them. I suspect that the majority of women who do are affiliated with the Yakuza, but I don't know this for a fact.

About five years ago I was toying with the idea of starting a full body tattoo project of my own. In California, the services would have cost anywhere from $5,000-$10,000 dollars if done by a reputable artist (not necessarily Japanese). I decided it wasn't worth it. I'm no Spring chicken anymore, my skin no longer ideal for this kind of art. I'd get maybe ten good years out of it before my age would have a serious impact on the quality of the images.

I learned on the 'net that, in Japan, your motivation for getting a full body tattoo is considered by the top-notch artists, and they will not generally do one for you unless your motivation suits them. What's the "right" motivation? Depends on who you're dealing with. I read that the "masters" generally won't even consider anyone who is not referred to them by a known and respected friend or business associate.

Pain? Heh. It's my understanding that in Japan most of the masters still use bamboo needles and natural inks--no machines. Enduring the considerable pain is part of the price paid for the "honor" of bearing a master's work. Tattoos are also sensitive to both prolonged sunlight (they sunburn easy) and cold (your tats feel colder), so with a full body tat, it's not just the getting of it that's uncomfortable.

I like the restrained good taste of this tattoo: ...

[SwordsMaster]

Actually, I didn't know that Japanese women did this much at all until I found this and a few other images of them. I suspect that the majority of women who do are affiliated with the Yakuza, but I don't know this for a fact.

Hey,hey! I didn't say that everyone with a full body tatoo is a Yakuza, I said the Yakuza assasins had this tradition.Besides, my sources might be wrong.