Should I get a tattoo for my 40th birthday? ;)

[PatsMom]

I say if you want it, go for it. I am looking for my next one - I want something for being a cancer survivor but not the traditional ribbon, especially since the color for bladder cancer is yellow and people equate the yellow ribbon with the troops, not cancer.

I never do formal so the ones on shoulders aren't a problem. The ankle is a pretty good place to get a tattoo. I've also seen lots on the top of the foot lately for some reason.

 

[Magpie]

I say if you want it, go for it. I am looking for my next one - I want something for being a cancer survivor but not the traditional ribbon, especially since the color for bladder cancer is yellow and people equate the yellow ribbon with the troops, not cancer.

I never do formal so the ones on shoulders aren't a problem. The ankle is a pretty good place to get a tattoo. I've also seen lots on the top of the foot lately for some reason.

Oh, the top of the foot! That sounds like a good idea. I could show it off in flipflops and sandals, but cover it for more formal occasions.

The occasions I have to go to aren't for me - they're to do with my husband's work. My role at these things is basically to make him look good. Not that he cares... (I don't ask him for his advice on how to dress anymore, not after a certain "jeans" incident!)

Bladder cancer... I can definitely see where that would be tricky to design for! What about a word or a date? You could have something like a significant date (maybe your first diagnosis?), with a yellow ribbon twisted into it - as opposed to in the traditional "loop" design.

 

[Mrs. Charming]

Do it!

 

[Mrs. Charming]

Thank you, everyone! You've given me a lot to think about.

Especially about location... I mean, I do get invited to events occasionally (like 3x a year), so I wouldn't want the tattoo somewhere that's going to clash with my formal dresses. I was thinking about my leg, but that wouldn't work so well with nylons. Ditto for shoulders, as my dresses are mostly off the shoulder.

On the other hand, I DO want it somewhere I can see it, and somewhere I can show it off occasionally. Because I think it would go neat with blue jeans or a black bathing suit.

So I was thinking maybe on the side of my abdomen/upper hip (but oh... so ticklish!), but that will probably get kinda stretchy in a couple years even if I don't gain any weight.

However someone mentioned the inside of the ankle... that sounds like it might work - not quite so obvious in a formal setting, not terribly stretchy skin... Or back of calf? But does that stretch?

Any other suggestions?

BTW - Choice of subject is easy. I've wanted a platypus tattoo ever since I was a little girl!

I like a little *something* behind the ear. A little flower, a few stars, something petite and a little bit sexy.

HAHA I *love* the platypus idea!

 

[mr.bungle]

I say if you design something that you love and that means something to you, go for it!

I got a tattoo at 18, which meant nothing to me by the time i was 22. I regret it every time I want to wear something that has small straps (it's on my shoulder). I've thought about designing something myself to cover it, but I need to find the right tattoo artist to make it happen - and I just don't know where that person is. I love the look if they are done well and kept tasteful.

I think this is why it's cool that the OP who will be 40 is getting one (maybe). When you're 18, you're impulsive and rebellious. at 40, not so much. Plus, you probably have your career, your wedding photos, etc... and I think it may even mean more.

I have 6 tattoos and I really like 3 and a half of them. They all hold great significance to me and I do plan on getting more when the time is right so my legs look complete. As for the ones I don't like so much, it's more the execution than the design. I cheaped out which is NEVER something you do with tattoos. I was lucky enough to have one of my tattoos in a few magazines and the artist is one of the best in the industry currently.

I don't understand why so many people still dislike them so much. I can understand if they're offensive in nature or just plain terrible (wavy lines, poor artistry). The stigma still exists somewhat. The thing is - these days it's not just thugs and convicts who sport tattoos. It doesn't change how a person can perform a job. It doesn't automatically make someone a bad human.

People hang art in their homes. Now days, people put art on their bodies. One of my tattoos for example, is an MC Escher piece. I know people who get amazing portraits of loved ones, or recreations of famous art pieces. It is something that lasts longer than a photo.

example:

Sorry for the rant but I'm getting tired of generalized negative statements about tattoos. It's like a kid who has never tried an onion but who automatically hates onions because they're "icky". No real good reason.

 

[horseshowmom]

Would I ever get a tattoo? Nope, don't like them. You, however, are not me.

Nope, I wouldn't. I've never, ever seen a tattoo where I said to myself, "now that looks great!" You, however, may have had the opposite thought, so go for it if you really want one.

What they said. ^^

My father got one many years ago when he was in the military - nothing inappropriate, an eagle and an American flag - but he wishes he hadn't gotten it (it's on his arm so no sagging, etc.). Of course, you're old enough to make your own decision.

 

[mousebymarriage]

I say go for it! Just remember that it's permanent so it better be something you like.

I have 2 tattoos.
-the first is on my chest on the left side right above my left breast. It is small (approx 2"x2") and it is a blue flower that my DD picked out. Blue is the color of her birthstone. It has a few green leaves around and a tiny lady bug on one of the leaves. I got the lady bug because I used to call her digglebug when she was a baby. it also has her name "Emily" written underneath the flower. She just turned 2 when I got the tattoo and watched me get it. that was almost 12 years ago.

-the second is considerably larger (approx 6"x6") and on my left shoulder. It is a butterfly that is done in red, orange and yellow. underneath are my moms initials. My 2 younger sisters have exactly the same tattoo, we got them together on the night of my moms funeral. We wanted the tattoos as a memorial to her. We chose a butterfly because at the cemetary while the three of us were standing together having an extremely hard time, a butterfly appeared out of no where and flew in a circle around the three of us for a couple of minutes (it never went near another person), then it just disappeared. We chose red for the butterfly as the dominant color because that was her favorite color.

I have never regretted either tattoo.

DS9 keeps asking when i am going to get one for him but, I am just not sure what design I want. Not sure if I will let him pick it out because I'm a little nervous about what he would choose. I will probably get one for him this winter.

 

[drag n' fly]

Absolutley! I have 3 tattoos. I got one at 21, 32 and 42. One of them is a Disney one with a hidden Mickey. My next one will be on my upcoming 45th birthday...prob Disney too.

 

[ShesAPirate]

I have two tattoos. Both have tremendous meaning to me, and they will for my entire life. Even knowing that, I thought for YEARS before getting them put on my body. I believe 4 or 5 years went by between the first one and the second, and the (possible) 3rd, I've been considering for about 5 years now. I know exactly what it would be, and what it means to me, but I'm still not 100% sure I want it (if I was sure, I'd have it already).

It seems that people these days forget that tattoos are forever (unless you want to get some painful and expensive laser removal). I honestly think if you don't know for sure, and you're asking us, you should probably wait a little bit longer. Not trying to be a downer -- I obviously have nothing against tattoos. I just know too many people who got tattoos that mean nothing to them (like, picked out of a book at the tattoo parlor) and now regret it.

Oh, and don't let anyone tell you that tattoos don't hurt. They are lying

Of course, if you go for it, make sure we get to see pics

 

[Magpie]

I think this is why it's cool that the OP who will be 40 is getting one (maybe). When you're 18, you're impulsive and rebellious. at 40, not so much. Plus, you probably have your career, your wedding photos, etc... and I think it may even mean more.

I have 6 tattoos and I really like 3 and a half of them. They all hold great significance to me and I do plan on getting more when the time is right so my legs look complete. As for the ones I don't like so much, it's more the execution than the design. I cheaped out which is NEVER something you do with tattoos. I was lucky enough to have one of my tattoos in a few magazines and the artist is one of the best in the industry currently.

I don't understand why so many people still dislike them so much. I can understand if they're offensive in nature or just plain terrible (wavy lines, poor artistry). The stigma still exists somewhat. The thing is - these days it's not just thugs and convicts who sport tattoos. It doesn't change how a person can perform a job. It doesn't automatically make someone a bad human.

People hang art in their homes. Now days, people put art on their bodies. One of my tattoos for example, is an MC Escher piece. I know people who get amazing portraits of loved ones, or recreations of famous art pieces. It is something that lasts longer than a photo.

example:

Sorry for the rant but I'm getting tired of generalized negative statements about tattoos. It's like a kid who has never tried an onion but who automatically hates onions because they're "icky". No real good reason.

Wow - that's a beautiful portrait!

I don't aspire to anything like it, but I can see how you view them as art. Because it IS art.

Thanks!

 

[Magpie]

I have two tattoos. Both have tremendous meaning to me, and they will for my entire life. Even knowing that, I thought for YEARS before getting them put on my body. I believe 4 or 5 years went by between the first one and the second, and the (possible) 3rd, I've been considering for about 5 years now. I know exactly what it would be, and what it means to me, but I'm still not 100% sure I want it (if I was sure, I'd have it already).

That's why I decided to ask now, so I can think about it for months and months.

IIt seems that people these days forget that tattoos are forever (unless you want to get some painful and expensive laser removal). I honestly think if you don't know for sure, and you're asking us, you should probably wait a little bit longer. Not trying to be a downer -- I obviously have nothing against tattoos. I just know too many people who got tattoos that mean nothing to them (like, picked out of a book at the tattoo parlor) and now regret it.

Oh, and don't let anyone tell you that tattoos don't hurt. They are lying

Of course, if you go for it, make sure we get to see pics

I appreciate your candor! I decided to toss the question out here, because I've mostly kinda made up my mind to do it... someday. But I was vague on the specifics.

As for how much it will hurt - I know! But I figure, okay, I've survived childbirth twice and live with a congenital stomach thingy that mostly doesn't bother me any more (knock on wood) but used to be awful, so hopefully getting a small tattoo won't be too bad.

Pics, for sure!