The Tattoo and Piercing Thread

[megladon8]

So I'm planning out a new tattoo design. I honestly do not have the artistic ability to produce what I want for myself, so I thought I'd bring it here in hopes that someone would take a crack at it.

You know that synbol for "infinity"? You know, the one with the snake eating its own tail....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v496/megladon8/uroboros.jpg

Well, I want a variation on that, involving a Xenomorph from the Alien movies.

I found this design on the net, which is sort of similar to what I'm looking for...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v496/megladon8/Xenomorph.jpg


Except I'd like the tail to connect to the mouth (possibly even the Alien's second mouth??)

Anyone feel like tackling this little project for me?

[[ETM]]

I'll give it a shot, Meg. Keep your checkbook handy.:lol:

[megladon8]

;47163']I'll give it a shot, Meg. Keep your checkbook handy.:lol:


Awesome, thanks man!

Actually, I wouldn't mind paying a few bucks for the design...I just hope you're not expecting like, $300 or something.

[[ETM]]

like, $300 or something.

Nah. An elaborate original design for a full body tattoo maybe.:P

[megladon8]

Anyone got anything yet? :)

[[ETM]]

Sorry, man, been busy, but I started on it.

[Sven]

None of this PM stuff--I wanna see the graphic when it's done!

[D_Davis]

I'll do one this weekend.

[megladon8]

Sweet, thanks guys!

[megladon8]

I just found a $50 gift certificate to the tattoo parlour on one of my shelves.

I had completely forgotten about it.

Sweet.

[megladon8]

So I'm working on a new tattoo design. Probably for my right forearm.

I'm thinking of a Giger-esque biomech design. Here are two I've seen that I really like...

http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/3180/hrgigertattoobybrandonb.jpg
http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/276/bwbiomechsleevelarge.jpg


I'm wanting a totally original design, though. So it'll be similar in style to these, but not the same :)

[Ezee E]

Nice. And expensive looking. :)

I'm thinking of getting my first tattoo. More simple than that.

Ever get that alien one?

[Glass Co.]

I support pretty much anything Giger-related.

[megladon8]

Nice. And expensive looking. :)

I'm thinking of getting my first tattoo. More simple than that.

Ever get that alien one?


No I didn't, but I'm thinking about getting that as well, as a sort of bracelet. Have the alien wrap around my arm, its head and tail meeting in the middle.

What are you thinking of getting, and where?



I support pretty much anything Giger-related.


Indeed :D One of my favorite stylists.




Is anyone here particularly good and drawing this style of artwork? I have some composite ideas but I'm admittedly not even close to being talented enough to draw it out.

[Ezee E]

I was thinking about the comedy/tragedy masks. More than likely on a shoulder. I can't do anything on my forearms because of the fire department.

Black only. Each mask the size of a fist maybe?

I have to find the right mask too. More gothic in nature.

[megladon8]

I was thinking about the comedy/tragedy masks. More than likely on a shoulder. I can't do anything on my forearms because of the fire department.

Black only. Each mask the size of a fist maybe?

I have to find the right mask too. More gothic in nature.



Here's a really different version of it...

http://img713.imageshack.us/img713/3232/comedyandtragedyqm.jpg

[Ezee E]

Here's a really different version of it...

http://img713.imageshack.us/img713/3232/comedyandtragedyqm.jpg
Ha. No.

More like the medieval Gothic. :)

[megladon8]

Ha. No.

More like the medieval Gothic. :)


Yeah I didn't mean it as a suggestion for your tattoo, I just saw it and thought it was really - as I said - different.

Something more along these lines?

http://img713.imageshack.us/img713/4082/thecomedyandtragedymask.jpg

[Ezee E]

Yeah I didn't mean it as a suggestion for your tattoo, I just saw it and thought it was really - as I said - different.

Something more along these lines?

http://img713.imageshack.us/img713/4082/thecomedyandtragedymask.jpg
Getting closer. But not it. I'd prefer the masks to be all black probably, as my pasty white skin won't look good for the white mask.

[megladon8]

Getting closer. But not it. I'd prefer the masks to be all black probably, as my pasty white skin won't look good for the white mask.


Here are a few I found that are more predominantly black...



http://img714.imageshack.us/img714/9947/work21815065fc135x135bl.jpg

http://img714.imageshack.us/img714/3004/sp0619450.jpg

[megladon8]

This is a good one, too...


http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/5986/comtrag.jpg

[Ezee E]

This is a good one, too...


http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/5986/comtrag.jpg
Like the last one the most for sure.

[megladon8]

Like the last one the most for sure.


Yeah, I like that one a lot as well.

Well, best of luck with whatever you do decide on, and be sure to post the results when it's done!

[jenniferofthejungle]

Braden, I think you should find a Giger book for more inspiration. I have tried using google and it's the same damned pictures over and over again.

[megladon8]

Braden, I think you should find a Giger book for more inspiration. I have tried using google and it's the same damned pictures over and over again.


I agree. His website is also awesome. I want some Giger furniture.

http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/4360/lofth1.jpg

[number8]

For that reason that Jonathan Davis has the best mic stand in the history of music.

http://www.hrgiger.com/music/images/korn1.jpg

[jenniferofthejungle]

I agree. His website is also awesome. I want some Giger furniture.

http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/4360/lofth1.jpg

Blech, no. I love wild and crazy things, but no, no, no, no, no. NO.

[megladon8]

Going to see my artist tomorrow to talk about my design.

Excited!!

[jenniferofthejungle]

Going to see my artist tomorrow to talk about my design.

Excited!!

What did she say?

I was disheartened to see some random douche on the New Moon fanpage with my tattoo flash inspired sugar skull girl.

[megladon8]

What did she say?


I gave her a few different images by Giger and she seemed to totally dig and understand what I'm going for.

So she's going to work on a design, then e-mail it to me when it's done and I can call when I'm ready to have it done!

It's pretty much going to be a half sleeve - my whole right forearm :)

[jenniferofthejungle]

I gave her a few different images by Giger and she seemed to totally dig and understand what I'm going for.

So she's going to work on a design, then e-mail it to me when it's done and I can call when I'm ready to have it done!

It's pretty much going to be a half sleeve - my whole right forearm :)

How is she going to work around your present tattoo?

[megladon8]

How is she going to work around your present tattoo?


It won't even affect it, Jen :) That one's on my shoulder. This is my forearm. Won't go much past the elbow.

[jenniferofthejungle]

Ugh, I'm slow today.

[megladon8]

So my brother was getting some work done at the tattoo parlour the other night, and my artist told him to pass the message to me that my design is about half done.

It's largely based on this one work by Giger...

http://img708.imageshack.us/img708/1332/lihrgiger.jpg


Based around the woman's face, but with different features and an original biomech design surrounding it.

Again, this is going to be a half sleeve. My who right forearm will be covered.

Very excited.

[megladon8]

Woo-hoo! Booked my appointment. Friday May 28th from 2-6pm.

[Spun Lepton]

http://img708.imageshack.us/img708/1332/lihrgiger.jpg

I have this image framed and hanging on my wall. bac0n gave it to me, actually.

[megladon8]

I have this image framed and hanging on my wall. bac0n gave it to me, actually.


It's an awesome image.

I'll show you the final tattoo when it's done.

[Lasse]

I'll show you the final tattoo when it's done.

Do you have a sketch or something? It's a very cool image.

[megladon8]

Do you have a sketch or something? It's a very cool image.


Yes but nothing I'm comfortable sharing at the moment :)

I should have a finalized drawing in 10-14 days.

[Lasse]

Yes but nothing I'm comfortable sharing at the moment :)

I should have a finalized drawing in 10-14 days.

Great. Good luck with it.

[megladon8]

So it's about 80% done. There's still some shading to do, particularly around the right side. But I think it already looks fantastic...


http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/2766/58823730.jpg

http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/9875/15810152.jpg

http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/4634/62711279.jpg

[megladon8]

I have to say it often surprises me that there are so few people on MatchCut with tattoos and/or piercings (or even an interest in either).

Usually creative, artistic people are the ones drawn more towards that kind of stuff.


EDIT: And we really should change the title of this thread to "The Tattoo and Piercing Thread" or something. The title is a little deceiving.

[Ezee E]

Creative and artistic people getting tattoos? Sort of. The ones that post here (and I include myself) are more of the geeky kind, and not many geeks have tattoos.

[[ETM]]

Usually creative, artistic people are the ones drawn more towards that kind of stuff.

I don't think that's necessarily true. In my experience quite the opposite, actually. Speaking as a creative, artistic person, I know for a fact that I would hate whatever tattoo I'd have done within months because my brain doesn't work that way - I'm constantly evolving and finding new areas of interest, and the thought of marking myself permanently with something I'd feel less strongly about in a while terrifies me. I'm also against any other type of permanent body modification, so piercings are completely out of the question, even more than tattoos.

[Dead & Messed Up]

I have to say it often surprises me that there are so few people on MatchCut with tattoos and/or piercings (or even an interest in either).

I've often thought about getting a large ourobouros on my back, but my interests can change dramatically over the years. Ten years ago I would've wanted a zombie tattoo - now I can't stand the damned things.

[megladon8]

Creative and artistic people getting tattoos? Sort of. The ones that post here (and I include myself) are more of the geeky kind, and not many geeks have tattoos.


Whaaa? Geeks are often covered in tattoos. If I go to a comic book store just about anyone over the age of 15 or 16 has some kind of visible tattoo.

[megladon8]

I've often thought about getting a large ourobouros on my back, but my interests can change dramatically over the years. Ten years ago I would've wanted a zombie tattoo - now I can't stand the damned things.


I find this to be part of the appeal, actually.

I too am constantly changing and evolving. Interests come and go. Having tattoos is like a road map of my life.

[Ezee E]

Whaaa? Geeks are often covered in tattoos. If I go to a comic book store just about anyone over the age of 15 or 16 has some kind of visible tattoo.
I forgot that you live in Ottawa.

[[ETM]]

I too am constantly changing and evolving. Interests come and go. Having tattoos is like a road map of my life.

Believe me, I regret things even without having permanent ink to remind me.

[megladon8]

;263140']Believe me, I regret things even without having permanent ink to remind me.


To each his own :)

I just see creative, artsy types being more attracted to body art than, say, the pencil pushers and accountants of the world.

But, that being said, my dad is a chartered accountant and his back and shoulders are covered.

[[ETM]]

I'm saying there's no real rule, but I'd argue that creative artsy types would be far more picky about things they put on their skin. There's plenty of evidence for others being the other way round...

I mean, I'd LOVE to do tattoo designs for people, but I don't think I'd ever want something on mine.

[D_Davis]

That looks cool, meg.

[Scar]

If I made the kind of money I made in my late twenties and even right now when I was eighteen, I'd probably have a lot of ink.

And I would regret it.

But, like you said, to each their own.

[Sycophant]

Very nearly everyone in Salt Lake who isn't Mormon is covered in tattoos. But I'm not. I can't imagine anything I'd want on me at all times ever always.

[Adam]

I have to say it often surprises me that there are so few people on MatchCut with tattoos and/or piercings (or even an interest in either).

Usually creative, artistic people are the ones drawn more towards that kind of stuff.

I don't know you, so don't take offense when I say that 90% of the time it's the emptiest, most boring people who get tattoos. Almost all the folks I know who have had them done are clearly overcompensating and essentially painting on a personality. Ironic, in that it's ostensibly an act of individual expression, but usually winds up being done to fit into a certain "type" or crowd. And like [ETM] said, I know I'd personally regret any tattoo about two weeks after I got it

[Winston*]

Thinking of getting a tattoo to remember my mother on my lower back. She's still alive and healthy, but you've got to plan ahead in life.

[Adam]

Lower back's good, but you should get twin headstones - One for her and one for you. When she dies, you fill in her date of death and likewise when you go, they ink in yours posthumously

[megladon8]

I don't know you, so don't take offense when I say that 90% of the time it's the emptiest, most boring people who get tattoos. Almost all the folks I know who have had them done are clearly overcompensating and essentially painting on a personality. Ironic, in that it's ostensibly an act of individual expression, but usually winds up being done to fit into a certain "type" or crowd. And like [ETM] said, I know I'd personally regret any tattoo about two weeks after I got it


I certainly know what you mean, Adam. I've seen a lot of very bland, boring tattoos on bland, boring people who get them more to say "I have a tattoo...now people with tattoos think I'm badass!"

A few of the worst offenders are:

-guys with barbed wire/tribal patterns around their muscles
-girls with lower back tattoos (aka the "tramp stamp")
-gangsters and drug dealers with tattoos of Jesus ('cause I'm sure he's looking out for you, dude)
-cheesy, cliché sayings like "Live Laugh Love" and "Live fast, die young"

All of my tattoos have very personal meanings to them and are things that, even when I have grown out of "that phase" in my life, will remain special and meaningful.

Yes, even my Cthulhu tattoo.

[soitgoes...]

Thinking of getting a tattoo to remember my mother on my lower back. She's still alive and healthy, but you've got to plan ahead in life.Won't this get in the way of the prancing unicorns?

[jenniferofthejungle]

I'd love a tattoo, but I just cannot make up my mind at this point. I just know I'd never ever get the butterfly/fairy/angel/rose on my shoulder route.

These are the kinds of images I have always been drawn to, but I don't know if I'll ever be ready for something like that.

http://img809.imageshack.us/img809/5079/22512244.th.jpg (http://img809.imageshack.us/i/22512244.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/3972/69930806.th.jpg (http://img263.imageshack.us/i/69930806.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

I had an awesome Sylvia Ji tattoo saved on this comp, but I can't find it right now.

I would have to place it where it wouldn't be seen (back) because I really do not like how skanky some tattoos look when you combine them with a pretty dress.

[Wryan]

Best way to avoid worrying about that tattoo mistake? Get it somewhere you can't really normally see, like the back. That's where I want to get mine when I get it someday, and I definitely want to. The thing is that I've waited with the same design idea in mind for a long time, and I still love the idea so much, so I know I wouldn't get bored/angry with having it, especially somewhere I can't normally see that easily. I think I've described it elsewhere on this site, maybe this thread.

[megladon8]

I think you should totally get a unique, one-of-a-kind sugarskull design, Jen. Something colourful, vibrant and awesome :)

[jenniferofthejungle]

I think you should totally get a unique, one-of-a-kind sugarskull design, Jen. Something colourful, vibrant and awesome :)


I'm going to think about it for a year or so.

Wryan, I would definitely get it on my back.

EDITED TO ADD: This is the one I am currently a little obsessed with.

http://img823.imageshack.us/img823/899/41345480420c01378558o.jpg (http://img823.imageshack.us/i/41345480420c01378558o.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

[Ezee E]

Got my idea.

A certain quote that's more of a reminder to me more then anything. However, I'm going to put it in hieroglyphics, so it's visual to others, but still personal to me. I like it a lot. Talked about it with an artist. We'll see sometime this summer.

What do you guys think? Granted most of you aren't fans of tattoos.

[Winston*]

Got my idea.

A certain quote that's more of a reminder to me more then anything. However, I'm going to put it in hieroglyphics, so it's visual to others, but still personal to me. I like it a lot. Talked about it with an artist. We'll see sometime this summer.

What do you guys think? Granted most of you aren't fans of tattoos.

Better that than in Chinese.

[Dukefrukem]

Got my idea.

A certain quote that's more of a reminder to me more then anything. However, I'm going to put it in hieroglyphics, so it's visual to others, but still personal to me. I like it a lot. Talked about it with an artist. We'll see sometime this summer.

What do you guys think? Granted most of you aren't fans of tattoos.

Meh. I read into it a bit more if I were you. I first wanted to do something like this before I got my sleeve done, and I found out that the translations are all over the place. I'm assuming you want to get some particular phrase or wording? If that's the case, I'd reconsider thinking of something you cant get that has more of a visual representation rather than text (in any language)

All Tattoos with text are extremely cheesy looking in the perspective of EVERYONE who isn't you. You may not care about that since the tattoo is for you and you only but it exists. I have text, but it's literally in my armpit so NO ONE would see it. But then again, I cover my sleeve everywhere I go anyway. Long Sleeve 4 Life.

[Kurosawa Fan]

Got my idea.

A certain quote that's more of a reminder to me more then anything. However, I'm going to put it in hieroglyphics, so it's visual to others, but still personal to me. I like it a lot. Talked about it with an artist. We'll see sometime this summer.

What do you guys think? Granted most of you aren't fans of tattoos.

Just get the quote. It'll look a lot less trendy. I have a quote on my arm that is significant to me, and people misunderstand the message all the time, but I don't give a damn. I got it for me.

[Dukefrukem]

Just get the quote. It'll look a lot less trendy. I have a quote on my arm that is significant to me, and people misunderstand the message all the time, but I don't give a damn. I got it for me.

It's very cliche to not give a damn what other people think of your tattoos. The reality is your constantly being judged. Before you get a tattoo, most people think they can handle the scrutiny, but some hold a lot of regret. Everyone gets tattoos for themselves, unless youre a tattoo artist or a rockstar... which is why I cover always cover mine. They're for me. But people get tattoos to show them off don't they? (rhetorical question)

[Irish]

I'm going to put it in hieroglyphics, so it's visual to others, but still personal to me.

Unless you're an egyptologist, this is a bad idea.

[Kurosawa Fan]

It's very cliche to not give a damn what other people think of your tattoos. The reality is your constantly being judged. Before you get a tattoo, most people think they can handle the scrutiny, but some hold a lot of regret. Everyone gets tattoos for themselves, unless youre a tattoo artist or a rockstar... which is why I cover always cover mine. They're for me. But people get tattoos to show them off don't they? (rhetorical question)

I don't think it's cliche to not give a damn what people think of a tattoo. I'm constantly judged for everything in my life, from what I drive to what I wear, and if I made those judgements based on what everyone thinks, I'd suffocate under the pressure. It doesn't matter to me if people misinterpret what my tattoo is supposed to mean. It wasn't done for them. What you're talking about is different. I wear long sleeves if I'm going to be in a professional environment, but I would do that no matter what my tattoo looked like. They're considered unprofessional and counterculture, and for that reason I don't need to show mine off where it wouldn't be welcome. On your other point, yes, I got my tattoo because I like the way it looks, but I didn't get the specific tattoo I got because I thought people would find it cool or meaningful. In that regard, my tattoo is personal to me, and other's opinions don't matter.

[Dukefrukem]

I don't think it's cliche to not give a damn what people think of a tattoo. I'm constantly judged for everything in my life, from what I drive to what I wear, and if I made those judgements based on what everyone thinks, I'd suffocate under the pressure. It doesn't matter to me if people misinterpret what my tattoo is supposed to mean. It wasn't done for them. What you're talking about is different. I wear long sleeves if I'm going to be in a professional environment, but I would do that no matter what my tattoo looked like. They're considered unprofessional and counterculture, and for that reason I don't need to show mine off where it wouldn't be welcome. On your other point, yes, I got my tattoo because I like the way it looks, but I didn't get the specific tattoo I got because I thought people would find it cool or meaningful. In that regard, my tattoo is personal to me, and other's opinions don't matter.

Understood. I'm simply stating that a lot of people think don't think of these things AFTER the fact.

[Kurosawa Fan]

Understood. I'm simply stating that a lot of people think don't think of these things AFTER the fact.

This is probably true, which is why I was encouraging E to think about it now, and not compromise what he wants, the quote, just so others have something interesting to look at, the hieroglyphs. Just get what you want and don't worry about how other people view it.

[Dukefrukem]

This is probably true, which is why I was encouraging E to think about it now, and not compromise what he wants, the quote, just so others have something interesting to look at, the hieroglyphs. Just get what you want and don't worry about how other people view it.

The question remains why hieroglyphs? Why not wingdings then? Why not French?

But At least it's not a kanji. :frustrated:

[number8]

Yeah, why hieroglyphs? if you're doing that just to be different, you're doing it wrong.

[Ezee E]

I'll expand a little on the reasoning of hieroglyphics.

Not just to be different. I don't really like quotes or written words, even if I were to put it in another language. Hieroglyphics and ancient Egypt have always been fascinating to me in the first place. In middle school, I even trained myself to nearly read hieroglyphics.

It'll still remain significant to me (in both childhood, what it actually means, etc), and visually appealing to me at the same time. It's going to be in a spot that's not really noticeable to others anyway. I can't have tatts on the arms because of the FD.

[Dukefrukem]

I can't have tatts on the arms because of the FD.

Ink Armor (http://www.tat2x.com/)

[megladon8]

Agree with everyone here who says get what you want.

If it's in a spot that won't be seen by others anyways, I don't see why you'd want to have it be hieroglyphics so that it's visually appealing to others?

But if doing it in hieroglyphics is in itself of personal significance to you, then I say go for it.


Of course every tattoo should have much thought put into it beforehand, which it seems you've done.

So I say go for it if it's what you really want.

[Ezee E]

Done and done.

[megladon8]

You should post pics, E!


I'm having my arm piece finished up this Thursday.

[megladon8]

Apparently a new trend in body modification is having a very small magnet implanted in your finger tip(s).

This apparently gives the person the ability to "feel" electromagnetic waves. People have reported being able to detect live wires and electronic devices using this.

[monolith94]

Yeah, just not interested in people messing with my body. I like my body! it's like I look at the skin of my body, and can't see a single place where ink or a piercing would make it better, if that makes sense.

[Mara]

Apparently a new trend in body modification is having a very small magnet implanted in your finger tip(s).

This apparently gives the person the ability to "feel" electromagnetic waves. People have reported being able to detect live wires and electronic devices using this.

Considering our computer-based culture, this seems like a terrible idea. Could you demagnetize your credit card? Screw up your thumb drive, or your phone?

[Dukefrukem]

Considering our computer-based culture, this seems like a terrible idea. Could you demagnetize your credit card? Screw up your thumb drive, or your phone?

Not likely. Magnets affect physical disk hard drives with spinning heads, but not flash memory, which is what is used in thumb drives and phones. Small magnets cannot affect credit cards.

[Mara]

Not likely. Magnets affect physical disk hard drives with spinning heads, but not flash memory, which is what is used in thumb drives and phones. Small magnets cannot affect credit cards.

Good to know.

...I still think implanting magnets is kind of dumb, though.

[Dukefrukem]

Good to know.

...I still think implanting magnets is kind of dumb, though.

As do I.

Who thinks of this stuff?

[Mara]

I never even got my ears pierced. For whatever reason, I actually find the idea kind of horrifying.

[shaun]

Wired had a piece on that like 5 years ago.

http://www.wired.com/gadgets/mods/news/2006/06/71087

Zack Lynch, managing director of neurotechnology consulting firm NeuroInsights, is skeptical of the practice altogether. "I'm not sure if it's efficacious, intelligent or therapeutic.... I'd worry about long-term problems, including corrosion."

Several months after having the procedure, some people begin to have problems. Some magnets begin to turn dark under the skin, suggesting the bio-neutral silicone sheath is failing. Exposure to the body starts breaking down the magnets.

[Dukefrukem]

Wired had a piece on that like 5 years ago.

http://www.wired.com/gadgets/mods/news/2006/06/71087

There's a similar affect for the people who get black light tattoos. The ink used for those is considered highly toxic.

[number8]

I think I'm finally getting my first tattoo in the next week or so. I want it to be healed by the time I leave for San Diego.

[D_Davis]

Apparently a new trend in body modification is having a very small magnet implanted in your finger tip(s).

This apparently gives the person the ability to "feel" electromagnetic waves. People have reported being able to detect live wires and electronic devices using this.

My friend Kevin did this. He's all into that transhumanism stuff.

[number8]

Rough sketch of what I want on my arm.

http://i.imgur.com/mE4geh.jpg

[Ezee E]

Where at 8?

My tattoo healed in just two-four hours. No worries there. Just don't let it get dry.

[number8]

Left sleeve, probably. Seems like a good place for it.

I'm not a fan of elaborate or colored tattoos, so I've decided long ago that all my tattoos should be minimalistic black symbols, text or pattern.

[Mara]

Torchwood tattoo? Are you sure? What if the series goes to crap?

Also, is this part of your master plan of seducing John Barrowman? Because that's actually rather clever.

[Dukefrukem]

I like it.

[number8]

I specifically avoided a more overt reference to Torchwood (like a cog instead of the subway tile logo or whatever) because I don't want a permanent allegiance to a work of entertainment I may feel differently about in the future.

But I just really like that line, and I've adopted it as a personal motto for the progressive causes that I support.

[Ezee E]

Left sleeve, probably. Seems like a good place for it.

I'm not a fan of elaborate or colored tattoos, so I've decided long ago that all my tattoos should be minimalistic black symbols, text or pattern.
Yeah, I don't mind color, I just don't like text. Good luck with it! Lots of artists have trouble with circles believe it or not. So make sure they are comfortable with it.

[Mara]

But I just really like that line, and I've adopted it as a personal motto for the progressive causes that I support.

That makes more sense to me.

[monolith94]

The only problem with it is that it was the twentieth century when everything changed. :P

[number8]

The only problem with it is that it was the twentieth century when everything changed. :P

Nowhere near enough for me. Not when my transgendered friend is still having mean things said about her gender behind her back by strangers in a bar, which I overheard this past weekend when we went out for her birthday.

[Watashi]

I've decided to get a tattoo of Brad Bird's face on my chest.

[Ezee E]

I've decided to get a tattoo of Brad Bird's face on my chest.
Look forward to it!

[Ezee E]

Look forward to it!
That said, when I was looking through the stores' portfolio, I saw a tattoo that consisted of Pee-Wee Herman's face, Patrick Bateman's face (with blood all over it), and Chewbacca's face, all on the abdomen. Written underneath it, "Seriously."

[number8]

Awesome.

[Irish]

Rough sketch of what I want on my arm.

Kerning!

[Ezee E]

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/bialasishaha/Photoon2011-06-21at22092.jpg

[megladon8]

Very nice, E!

How did you find it, pain-wise?

I've heard some people say that on or close to the collar bone can be pretty brutal.

[Ezee E]

Meh. Nothing unbearable really. But then again, another artist was shocked that I'd get my first tattoo in that spot, and a girl was surprised that I was talking/laughing during my session.

I just thought she was hot.

I'm going to get a border around each column, I'm thinking.

[Dukefrukem]

The nipple area is the best.

Feels like a blowtorch

[megladon8]

Of all my tattoos, the only one that caused me any real discomfort was the one on my left calf, as the artist began to work up towards the inside of my knee.

Now that hurt. I sweat through all my clothes, and my hands cramped up from gripping the table so hard.

[Derek]

I've decided to get a tattoo of Brad Bird's face on my chest.

You should get that tattoo on your face, so you're that much closer to actually being Brad Bird.

[Ezee E]

It's definitely not a comfortable feeling, and I bled throughout it, but it's definitely not the pain level that I heard about. They say the abdoman is the only spot worse then the pec.

[megladon8]

I still remember about 2 weeks after The Dark Knight was released, some 16 or 17 year old high school student in Boston (?) had his face tattoo'd with the Joker's make-up.

Everyone was all "holy shit, welcome to never getting a job" and "yeah, you'll never regret that"...which is absolutely true.

But I was more wanting to know what tattoo artist could justify doing that to a teenager.

[Dukefrukem]

It's definitely not a comfortable feeling, and I bled throughout it, but it's definitely not the pain level that I heard about. They say the abdoman is the only spot worse then the pec.

In my experience of pain:

Foot > Nipple > Abdomen/Ribs > Wrist/Elbow/Anything else bony >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Pectoral/Collarbone

For some reason I couldn't feel anything in the collarbone area. It was the ladder half of a six hour session and I was teetering on being so relaxed that I could have fallen asleep.

[Ezee E]

You got a tattoo on your foot duke? Only girls do that. :lol:

[Dukefrukem]

You got a tattoo on your foot duke? Only girls do that. :lol:

Tis true.

I wanted to know what i felt like.

[romantisaurusrex]

My current tattoo:
http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs032.snc1/3221_1064327813101_1373160035_ 30143684_1041818_n.jpg

I have an appointment to get a new piece in a few weeks. It's going to be on my right rib cage, a tribute to JD Salinger and to a good friend of mine. I want it to be a real abstract boat in the water with two yellow bananafish, but I want it to be more vertical (up my side) than horizontal. This kind of general idea for the boat/water:

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UoloDehQpMc/TaMy9unQCkI/AAAAAAAAAnE/AY6wXzZnbb0/s1600/tattoo%2Bsailboat%2B1%2Bweekly %2Bpromotion.jpg

Also, along the side of the piece I'm getting the text "One little piece of Holy Ground to the next" from the last line of Seymour: An Introduction ("Seymour once said that all we ever do in life is go from one little piece of Holy Ground to the next. Was he never wrong?")

[Mara]

Black or colored?

And how big?

[romantisaurusrex]

Of all my tattoos, the only one that caused me any real discomfort was the one on my left calf, as the artist began to work up towards the inside of my knee.

Now that hurt. I sweat through all my clothes, and my hands cramped up from gripping the table so hard.

It was really hard for me directly over the spine. But I'm assuming the ribs are going to be worse.

[[ETM]]

Kerning!

Hopefully.

[Ezee E]

I dig the bird, romantisaurus. Gonna keep it black or color it at all?

[romantisaurusrex]

Black or colored?

And how big?

It's either going to be all colored or some combination between black and white/colored. I'm thinking about getting the water blue and the fish yellow but the boat and the text just black and white.

As far as size, I don't want it to be too big but I want the text to be readable. Probably smaller than my other tattoo.

[romantisaurusrex]

I dig the bird, romantisaurus. Gonna keep it black or color it at all?

Thanks! I like yours too :)

I'm not coloring her for now, just getting her touched up (I got her over 3 years ago). Maybe someday I'll shade her in reds and yellows, but I like her black and white in a lot of ways.

[Mara]

It's either going to be all colored or some combination between black and white/colored. I'm thinking about getting the water blue and the fish yellow but the boat and the text just black and white.

As far as size, I don't want it to be too big but I want the text to be readable. Probably smaller than my other tattoo.

Okay. I like the abstractness of the picture (when you described it to me verbally, it sounded kind of awful.) And I much prefer black to colored tattoos, if tattoos must be had.

[romantisaurusrex]

Okay. I like the abstractness of the picture (when you described it to me verbally, it sounded kind of awful.) And I much prefer black to colored tattoos, if tattoos must be had.


:eek: In Mara speak this almost sounds like an endorsement!

[Ezee E]

:eek: In Mara speak this almost sounds like an endorsement!
:lol:

[Mara]

:eek: In Mara speak this almost sounds like an endorsement!

IT'S NOT.

It's a caving to the inevitable.

[Qrazy]

I"m thinking of getting a full body tattoo of what my body looked like when I was 21. Good idea?

[romantisaurusrex]

Getting needled tomorrow. I've talked to various people who have gotten rib tattoos and they all say to call in to work on Wednesday. Wasn't expecting it to be that bad, but now i'm nervous...

[Mara]

Getting needled tomorrow. I've talked to various people who have gotten rib tattoos and they all say to call in to work on Wednesday. Wasn't expecting it to be that bad, but now i'm nervous...

Not too late to change your mind! And buy, like, a really fancy hat!

[Kurosawa Fan]

Not too late to change your mind! And buy, like, a really fancy hat!

Or fancy gloves! Not enough people invest in nice gloves these days.

[number8]

I set up an appointment with an artist I like, but will probably not get the tattoo done in time for Comic Con. There goes my ploy to seduce Barrowman.

[romantisaurusrex]

http://i54.tinypic.com/287dl3k.jpg

[EyesWideOpen]

That looks really good. Very clean.

[romantisaurusrex]

That looks really good. Very clean.

Thanks. It feels like hell. ;)

[EyesWideOpen]

I've got quite a lot of ideas for tattoo's I just have to buckle down and get them. I plan on having a Totoro sleeve with Catbus being on my inside lower arm.

I currently only have one tattoo which is a Bat symbol on my leg which was used to cover up a girl's name (yes quite pathetic). That one needs to be touched up.

[megladon8]

Beautiful work, romantisaurusrex!

[Ezee E]

Yup. That looks great.

[romantisaurusrex]

I currently only have one tattoo which is a Bat symbol on my leg which was used to cover up a girl's name (yes quite pathetic). That one needs to be touched up.

Not pathetic, although smart to get it covered. I went on a date once with a guy who had "Danielle" tattooed on his wrist and it was a hu-uge turnoff. Conversely, my ex had "Love is suicide" covered because though he got it in reference to the Smashing Pumpkins lyric it just came off as terribly emo.


Beautiful work, romantisaurusrex!


Yup. That looks great.

Thanks a lot. :)

[Ezee E]

Another reason I don't like words printed!

Has Mara thrown in her opinion yet? :)

[EyesWideOpen]

Not pathetic, although smart to get it covered. I went on a date once with a guy who had "Danielle" tattooed on his wrist and it was a hu-uge turnoff. Conversely, my ex had "Love is suicide" covered because though he got it in reference to the Smashing Pumpkins lyric it just came off as terribly emo.





Thanks a lot. :)

Funny enough I didn't get it covered up until a short time before me and wife got married. She surprisingly enough wasn't bothered by it and never even asked me to get it covered up. I went and did it without her knowing.

[Mara]

Has Mara thrown in her opinion yet? :)

It's huge.

[romantisaurusrex]

It's huge.

Go big or go home, amirite? I asked her how much worse it was going to hurt than my back tattoo and she said "you'll be fine." I said that was the most expertly evasive non-answer she could have given and that she should run for congress. The REAL answer would have been "It will be about one thousand times worse."

[Ezee E]

3 hour session?

[megladon8]

I'm working on a design for the inside of my left forearm.

I have very prominent veins, and I'm using them in the design.

[romantisaurusrex]

3 hour session?

No, thank god, it was only 2 hours. No breaks though-- she was hardcore.


I'm working on a design for the inside of my left forearm.

I have very prominent veins, and I'm using them in the design.

Cool! Can we see?

[megladon8]

Cool! Can we see?


When there's something to show, sure! :lol:

[megladon8]

Currently at the parlour waiting for my consultation.

[romantisaurusrex]

Currently at the parlour waiting for my consultation.

Yay, I'm so excited for you! Body art is such a wonderful thing...

[number8]

I am strongly tempted to get a tattoo of Leviticus 19:28. I've been thinking about this for days. Someone needs to talk me out of it.

[Mara]

I am strongly tempted to get a tattoo of Leviticus 19:28. I've been thinking about this for days. Someone needs to talk me out of it.

Ugh. Needlessly ironic, self-referential, and condescending. Hipsters will think you're cool, everyone else will think you're just a jerk.







Did I do it?

[megladon8]

Yay, I'm so excited for you! Body art is such a wonderful thing...


Thank you! Yeah it's definitely kind of addictive.

This will turn my biomech tattoo on my right forearm into a full sleeve. And it well incorporate the Superman symbol I have on my shoulder. Yay for biomech Superman!

[Ezee E]

Ugh. Needlessly ironic, self-referential, and condescending. Hipsters will think you're cool, everyone else will think you're just a jerk.







Did I do it?
I assumed he was joking.

It'd be funny for a few months.

[megladon8]

I'm sssoooo excited for this new tattoo piece.

I wish I could fast-forward a couple of weeks so the design is finished :D

[number8]

Oh yeah, I never posted mine.

http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/08/12/e74915e7230747779f12206834297b 45_7.jpg

This was taken right after it's finished, though. I'll take another one in daylight and in context of my whole arm sometime this weekend and post that.

[[ETM]]

Kudos to the artist. When you posted the sketch, I actually did a couple of versions of it as suggestions, but that looks better than anything I came up with.

[number8]

Yeah, I put my trust in her when she said that her degree was in Graphic Design and that she's a font snob.

During the session, we bonded over our hate of Papyrus.

[megladon8]

Very nice, 8.

Don't be surprised if you have some fading, or what look like "light freckles" (spots where it's lighter). It'll just need touching up.

That's very, very common with black tattoos, especially one like yours that is such a substantial amount of solid black.

[number8]

It's already faded a bit. I've scheduled a touch-up session with her.

[megladon8]

It's already faded a bit. I've scheduled a touch-up session with her.


Yeah but I'm talking a year down the road. You're going to notice more.

[number8]

Oh, when I walked in, another artist was working on this girl who was getting her entire neck tattooed. She was screaming and moaning the entire time. It was kinda funny. Mara would have been horrified. When it was done, the artist yelled out, "Welcome to the world of never having a normal job ever!"

[Mara]

Oh, when I walked in, another artist was working on this girl who was getting her entire neck tattooed. She was screaming and moaning the entire time. It was kinda funny. Mara would have been horrified. When it was done, the artist yelled out, "Welcome to the world of never having a normal job ever!"

Yup. Gross.

By the way, the words and spacing look better on your arm than in the original picture you posted.

[megladon8]

Oh, when I walked in, another artist was working on this girl who was getting her entire neck tattooed. She was screaming and moaning the entire time. It was kinda funny. Mara would have been horrified. When it was done, the artist yelled out, "Welcome to the world of never having a normal job ever!"


I've had discussions with my artist (I've had the same artist for every tattoo, except this latest one I'm getting) and she said it's an almost daily occurrence that they have a female come in to get a tattoo or piercing, and she ends up having a screaming orgasm during the process.

Funny that tattoo artists share a trait with career porn stars, in that a screaming orgasm becomes so common place it's ignorable.

[number8]

This is healing pretty nicely.

http://i.imgur.com/KPx3Qh.jpg

[Mara]

I've had discussions with my artist (I've had the same artist for every tattoo, except this latest one I'm getting) and she said it's an almost daily occurrence that they have a female come in to get a tattoo or piercing, and she ends up having a screaming orgasm during the process.


I don't understand. It hurts, right?

[Dukefrukem]

I like it. Now finish the quarter sleeve. :D

[number8]

I don't understand. It hurts, right?

I don't think she meant literal orgasms... Most of my female friends have gotten tattoos. Not one of them ever said they had an orgasm while getting a tattoo. While I wouldn't rule it out, it's unlikely to be often.

The woman I was talking about was a friend of the artist. She was definitely moaning out of pain.

[Mara]

literal

I don't know what this word means anymore.

[number8]

I don't know what this word means anymore.

For real reals.

[megladon8]

I don't understand. It hurts, right?


Contrary to what 8 said, yes, she meant literal (:)) orgasm.

I don't find it that surprising that tattoo and piercing parlours get a lot of pain fetishists for clientele.

[Ezee E]

Still think there's an exaggeration there or a search to seek some type of approval from that artist. My friend said it's never happened to him either.

[Dukefrukem]

Still think there's an exaggeration there or a search to seek some type of approval from that artist. My friend said it's never happened to him either.

I just messaged my artist on G-chat and he said it's never happened. He's been tattooing for 24 years.

Piercings however?

[Mara]

I don't find it that surprising that tattoo and piercing parlours get a lot of pain fetishists for clientele.

Can't help but be reminded of this:


Buffy: "See, that's my secret to attracting men. You know, it's simple, really. You slap 'em around a bit, you torture 'em, you make their lives a living hell, and-- sure, the nice guys, they'll run away, but every now and then you'll come across a real prince of a guy like Spike who gets off on it."

[number8]

What the fuck.

http://www.sideshowcollectors.com/forums/showthread.php?t=98410

[Dukefrukem]

I love this.

http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/MSNBC/Components/Photo/_new/pb-110311-sydney-tattoo-02-whalen.photoblog900.jpg

[megladon8]

Have an 8 hour session booked for November 15th!

Woo-hoo!

[Ezee E]

Have an 8 hour session booked for November 15th!

Woo-hoo!
What're you getting done?

[Kurosawa Fan]

Have an 8 hour session booked for November 15th!

Woo-hoo!

Happy birthday to me?

[romantisaurusrex]

Have an 8 hour session booked for November 15th!

Woo-hoo!

That sounds absolutely miserable dude, post the art when it's done!

[Dukefrukem]

Anything above 6+ hours is miserable.

[megladon8]

My entire right arm is going to be Giger-ized.

[Winston*]

My entire right arm is going to be Giger-ized.

Covered in penises?

[Derek]

Covered in penises?

Obviously he's talking about famed Swiss cross-country skier, Albert Giger.

[megladon8]

Sitting in the chair having my sleeve worked on.

Some of this is pretty ouchy.

[Dukefrukem]

This might be the best tattoo I've ever seen.

http://blastr.com/assets_c/2012/03/TerminatorTattoo031912-thumb-500x665-86630.jpg

[Ezee E]

How are you suppose to put an IV in that biotic arm????

[number8]

I dunno, the whole skin peel tattoo thing is kinda played out at this point, I think.

[D_Davis]

I dunno, the whole skin peel tattoo thing is kinda played out at this point, I think.

The dream of the '90s is alive in Portland.

[Dukefrukem]

Nah, when done tastefully like above it still works. I agree bio-mechanical and Giger tattoos are a bit dated at this point.

[Lasse]

My friend had a "skin peel" tattoo done. Underneath it revealed a bunch of M&M's. Pretty funny, but I can't believe he had a tattoo done for the sake of giggles.

[megladon8]

Nah, when done tastefully like above it still works. I agree bio-mechanical and Giger tattoos are a bit dated at this point.


:cry:

[Dukefrukem]

:cry:

:confused:

[Dukefrukem]

:cry:

bah sorry Meg. I didn't mean for that to sound how it sounded. I also forgot you were currently working on a project. I'm not relating them to tribal tattoos in any way. If I had the money, I would totally pay for a Guy Aitchison bio mechanical tattoo because.. well... it's Guy Aitchison!

But most tattoo artists cannot pull of what he can. And the Giger stuff hit big time popularity in the 90s. I'm not saying it doesn’t look good. It's just a bit over saturated in the market IMO.

[megladon8]

bah sorry Meg. I didn't mean for that to sound how it sounded. I also forgot you were currently working on a project. I'm not relating them to tribal tattoos in any way. If I had the money, I would totally pay for a Guy Aitchison bio mechanical tattoo because.. well... it's Guy Aitchison!

But most tattoo artists cannot pull of what he can. And the Giger stuff hit big time popularity in the 90s. I'm not saying it doesn’t look good. It's just a bit over saturated in the market IMO.


I know what you meant, that's why I put a goofy-looking smilie :)

I think pretty much everything is played out at this point. Tattoos as a whole have become an over-saturated marketplace. Everyone and their grandmother has some intricate tattoo work.

Which I think is awesome, because body mod is so much more widely accepted now.

But there are, as you pointed out, some pretty overdone designs and themes (like tribal, celtic, so-called "tramp stamps", and the like).

Which is why I've resorted to not really care about that stuff, and just get stuff that's meaningful and beautiful to me. And I have always been fascinated by Giger and biomech stuff. Combine that with the personal meaning of my tattoo, and viola, I have a Giger sleeve.

[Dukefrukem]

How’s the project coming anyway? It's been over a year since the needle hit me. I’m getting antsy.

[megladon8]

How’s the project coming anyway? It's been over a year since the needle hit me. I’m getting antsy.


I have a good chunk of the rough outlining done for the rest of the sleeve, but I have yet to go back to have any touch up or fill-in work done because of the cost.

Luckily I'm up for a promotion at work very soon, so if I get that, I'll get my butt over to the parlour and book an appointment.

[number8]

Got this a few days ago.

http://distilleryimage11.instagram.co m/24b6bd94776411e1b9f11231381409 26_7.jpg

[number8]

Collarbone was a motherfucker.

[megladon8]

Very nice!! How long did the whole thing take? Was it in one sitting?

[number8]

Yeah, less than 3 hours.

[megladon8]

Was there much pain in the back of your shoulder? I've been thinking of having something done back there.

[number8]

While getting it? No, it was probably the least painful part. Chest and collar were a bitch. While it's healing, though, it made the entire shoulder tender. Putting on t-shirts have been a chore.

[megladon8]

While getting it? No, it was probably the least painful part. Chest and collar were a bitch. While it's healing, though, it made the entire shoulder tender. Putting on t-shirts have been a chore.


Take good care of it. No scratching! You'll get hairy palms.

[Dukefrukem]

Collarbone was a motherfucker.

Not for nothing, but the collarbone literally put me to sleep. Not saying I'm tougher than you, I'm just amazed at how different people are when it comes to pain.

[Ezee E]

Collarbone was just a weird annoying pain.

May be adding this summer...

[Derek]

Adjani is unquestionably teh hotness, but not sure this is the way I'd go if I were to immortalize her on my body:

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0pp5VjBDwbg/TGtTJj3Ky4I/AAAAAAAAAmo/kxLhAd0iYtE/s1600/40458_145459572145212_10000043 5107884_306045_7666589_n.jpg

Still laughed though... :)

[number8]

Well, it is her best movie...

[number8]

Damn. Was looking at other people's bat tattoos and came across this badass piece.

http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4105/5050867708_55860c4ebe.jpg

[Ezee E]

Yours is better.

[number8]

EW WHY.

http://i.imgur.com/Cqyz2.jpg

[number8]

Jealous, meg?

http://i.imgur.com/df64T.jpg

[megladon8]

Yeah, that's pretty gorgeous work.

I'm thinking my left arm will be very colourful like that. Right arm will stay B&W.

[Dukefrukem]

Yeah, that's pretty gorgeous work.

I'm thinking my left arm will be very colourful like that. Right arm will stay B&W.

That's also what I did.

[[ETM]]

Some of the work collected in this Facebook album (https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.127669047261145.17288.1 22290647798985&type=3) is simply mind-bogglingly awesome.

A lot of the pics are NSFW, obviously.

[romantisaurusrex]

Jealous, meg?



It's contrasted by the absolute lameness of the piece on her right arm.

[Ezee E]

Nobody's entered this thread in almost a year?

I'm thinking of getting a grayscale Rocky Mountains drawing on my upper arm. It'll be the Flatirons, which was basically the first thing i saw every day of nearly my entire life.

[Kurosawa Fan]

Nobody's entered this thread in almost a year?

I'm thinking of getting a grayscale Rocky Mountains drawing on my upper arm. It'll be the Flatirons, which was basically the first thing i saw every day of nearly my entire life.

That would be an awesome tribute. Very cool idea.

I toyed with getting a new piece on my arm this summer, but for nearly $1,000, there's just far better uses for that kind of money. Maybe someday.

[number8]

I've been saving up. Should be getting a new piece sometime in July.

[Dukefrukem]

I dont like posting pictures of my tattoos. But I pretty much get ink once every 3 weeks since 2009

[megladon8]

I dont like posting pictures of my tattoos. But I pretty much get ink once every 3 weeks since 2009


I'm guessing these are small pieces?

The cheapest tattoo I've ever gotten has been the Batman symbol on my left shoulder. It's about the size of the bottom of a Coke can. It was $120.

Every three weeks is a shitload of money.

[Dukefrukem]

I'm guessing these are small pieces?

The cheapest tattoo I've ever gotten has been the Batman symbol on my left shoulder. It's about the size of the bottom of a Coke can. It was $120.

Every three weeks is a shitload of money.

No. Full sleeve, Full Chest, feet and back. Almost totally covered. My left arm sleeve I'm still designing. I'm going to have someone in Vegas do it in 3, 12 hour sessions.

I don't pay for most of this work.

[number8]

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/970599_669761516716_1867788560 _n.jpg

[number8]

I actually got this two months ago, but I forgot all about this thread. I decided to get a tattoo of my life philosophy, combined with my addiction to puns.

Excuse the hideous bacne. I'm dealing with it.


https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/t1.0-9/10371742_736265232736_15084749 94598282353_n.jpg

[Dukefrukem]

That raven is so much better than my raven. Jealous.

[megladon8]

Very beautiful work, 8.

[TGM]

So I got a new tattoo:

https://i.imgur.com/fwxxDWZ.jpg

Just above my right knee. Some additional context:

Here's the original picture that acted as inspiration behind the tattoo:

https://i.imgur.com/dk9cayN.jpg

And then here's a comparison of that picture next to the tattooed version:

https://i.imgur.com/yAJVMRU.jpg

Also, this new tattoo is in fact a cover-up of a previous tattoo, which you can see the comparison of THAT here:

https://i.imgur.com/4oVcnNi.jpg

The concept behind the original tattoo was supposed to be Abraham Lincoln winning the world championship in a wrestling match against John Wilkes Booth. I went to a tattoo artist who was highly recommended to me, and I then proceeded to ignore red flag after red flag, up to and including while being tattooed, in which I found myself questioning the guy about how it was turning out because it was, well, not looking so swell even in the seat. But he kept assuring me that it would look fine after it healed. And in the end, I wound up with an underwhelming finished product that would end up being my only tattoo to date that I regretted getting. Got that one back in 2010, and spent about a decade trying to figure out what I could cover it up with, seeing how it was a rather large tattoo, and rather dark at that, which limited my options.

I came up with a bunch of throw away ideas that I wound up not liking, and which made it nowhere near meeting my usual requirement of needing to be something where, even a year after coming up with the idea, I still wanted to get it tattooed (and in fact, the original Abe Lincoln tattoo was actually my only tattoo where I broke this rule of mine, and sure enough, wound up being my only tattoo that I wound up not liking).

But then I got into Babymetal. And then a little later on, I stumbled upon their Dark Knights promo picture:

https://i.imgur.com/fIvT6WO.jpg

And suddenly I knew I was heading in the right direction for what I wanted. And that was approximately a year ago now. Cut to just a few months ago, and I stumbled upon the original picture posted above, and I immediately knew, THAT was the picture I wanted to get.

It represents a number of things: a. My love for Babymetal; b. the time period in which I initially discovered the band and got into them, that being in 2018 just prior to their Dark Night Carnival concerts; c. the times we're in now, where it feels timely to get this particular tattoo as well, as the masked image also acts as a timestamp for present conditions; and d. as a result of present conditions, it also felt like a good enough excuse to make it out to my usual tattoo shop to visit the guy who's done most of my work (and who I quite frankly should've just gone to for the original idea in the first place) and give them some much needed support, what with business being down, and the whole lockdown situation coming into effect literally after they had JUST moved into a brand new shop at that, so going out and showing them my support got me motivated enough to make the time to get out to the shop.

And, yeah, I freaking love this thing. I still like the original concept behind the original Abe Lincoln tattoo, and I would've been cool with keeping it if it had turned out how I had originally envisioned it. But it was a total botchamania, and it needed to go. And in a way, it's almost fitting that it's a wrestling tattoo that is the only one of my tats that I wound up growing out of love with and needing to find a replacement for, as that in a way almost mirrors my real life relationship with professional wrestling, and how I've similarly grown more cold towards it in recent years. Meanwhile, I still love all my other fandom tattoos just as much as I still love those various properties themselves, and I similarly feel good about this one going forward.

[Dukefrukem]

Wow that's a damn good cover. The original story is kinda funny (now, I bet at the time you were pissed) and since you have the new tattoo now, it doesn't seem all that bad.

I've been thinking about starting my left sleeve lately.

[TGM]

I was indeed very pissed at one point. Had a friend at the time who I would rant to about it sometimes. At least it was in a spot where it was almost never visible to most anyone else, but I still had to personally see it all the time, and yeah, it was not one I liked seeing that constant reminder of. Now that it's gone though, it probably will make for an interesting tattoo horror story to share, lol.

Saw in one of your most recent posts from years back in this thread that you don't like sharing your tattoos. Any change in that stance? Mind you, I get it, and I honestly rarely share my own as well. But I'm still interested all the same. :p

[Skitch]

Very impressive cover up tattoo. I'm always impressed when that comes out well. What a difficult task that must be.

[TGM]

Very impressive cover up tattoo. I'm always impressed when that comes out well. What a difficult task that must be.

I thought so too. The only part you can still see of the original is on her arms, but he said to come back after it's healed, and he'll apply one last layer of ink over her skin that should get rid of the last of it. :)

[Dukefrukem]

Saw in one of your most recent posts from years back in this thread that you don't like sharing your tattoos. Any change in that stance? Mind you, I get it, and I honestly rarely share my own as well. But I'm still interested all the same. :p

Not really. If they show up in pictures thats fine. But I just don't like taking photos of them.

[TGM]

Understandable. The only photos that really exist of my own are the ones the artist takes after he finishes them.