[Ulala]

Yes, it's that time of life where I feel like doing something stupid and permanent. Okay, not really, but I have been considering a tattoo, although nothing drastic like a chinese dragon covering my entire back or anything. Anyway, I'm curious to hear people's thoughts. I have many friends who are "what's the point? It's just a waste of money that you'll most likely regret later."  And some others who say "if it's what you want, why not?"

Also, I'm wondering if someone can give me any sort of price estimate. I can even post a photoshopped picture of myself, the tattoo, where it'd be, how big, etc.. but I'll wait to see if anyone has any knowledge. Basically I'd like to avoid going into the local tattoo shop and asking questions that'll only get me a salesman's pitch and pressure. Any takers?

[Prophet]

I think there's nothing bad about tattoos... If there's suitable amounts of taste involved. If you want it then take it. One of my relatives has this cheesy anchor tattoo on his arm. But that's okay because he happens to be hairy (very hairy), large (I mean huge), loud, swears a lot and tells lots of dirty jokes. I'm serious, he even build himself a ship. A real ship, I think 10-20 meters long, I can't remember anymore coz he sold it a while ago. Anyway, that anchor tattoo was so natural on him. And I think my mom has at least two tattoos. Nothing extreme, just her initials and this "thingy" on her shoulder.

I've been thinking of getting a tattoo myself. But right now I'm pooling my money on computers. And theres not a tattooist nearby.

[Mefustae]

Ooh! Get a barcode on the back of your neck just below the hairline.

[Harbinger of DOOM]

Lmao

[Prophet]

Yeah that only works if you're a cold uber cool killer (Mr.47), or a hot uber cool pussy (Jessica Alba is feline, remember? ).

[Ulala]

Mmmmm, Jessica Alba...

[Mefustae]

Well there you go, Ulala. You get a barcode tat, and you can pretend to be Agent 47 during the week, and Jessica Alba when you're alone.

[Ulala]

Well, I was thinking more along the lines of a lion, like the kind seen in heraldry:


I think I've seen it in a movie before (can't remember which), but it was the only decent example I could find online. As for placement, somewhere on my back, such as:

http://oregonstate.edu/~cornelic/tat/caleb's%20tatoo1.jpg

(I didn't post the image cause it's pretty big, so check the link) Anyone know about how much something like this would cost? I've heard anywhere from $50 to $250.. from people who probably have no idea what they're talking about. 

[Prophet]

I've seen that before... It was blue...

And another comes to mind... The Finnish coat of arms: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/ae/Coat_of_arms_of_Finland.svg

EDIT: Oh and the cost. That estimate you mentioned might be pretty close.
It think different tattooists have very different rates. And it certainly varies from country to country, so I can't much help you here.

[Flipside]

That reminds me, I'll have to get my Tattoo re-inked at some point, it's about 18 years old now, and very faded. I've kept meaning to do it for ages, but part of it's a Yin-Yan symbol and getting large areas of Black re-inked stings a fair bit.

Edit : You might want to keep that in mind btw, the Black ink is done with a larger needle, so if possible, don't get a tattoo with too many large black areas Oh, and ALWAYS insist on watching the Tattoist open the pack with the new needle in, any one worth his salt won't mind in the slightest if you ask.

[Ulala]

I'd assumed black was the cheapest, like a black and white copy at Kinko's or something. *shrugs* I figure multi-colored would cost more, black seemed the logical choice. And it's one of my favorite non-colors! I'll be sure to ask to see them open the new needle. I'd like to get away with less than $150 if I can.  I'm not the wealthiest fellow. Pain isn't really an issue for me.

[Flipside]

The price really boils down to complexity rather than the amount of colour used to be honest, a very detailed Tattoo takes more of the Tattooist's time, so the price increases to compensate for that.

I think my mistake was getting it done on my Shoulder blade, it wasn't so much the stinging sensation that was the problem as the vibrating of the needle against the bone setting my teeth on edge.

[Ulala]

Ah, that's where I was considering having mine done. Wouldn't have to see it all the time, easily covered, wouldn't make it hard to get a job or anything.. Does getting it re-inked cost much?

[Flipside]

Probably won't cost that much, I'll have to check with a Tattoist to be sure but it's usually a lot cheaper than the original work, especially if you get it done by the same Tattoo parlour that did the Tattoo in the first place.

Those were the same reasons I got the shoulder done first, I could put on a shirt and no-one would know that I even had a Tat. The other option is the top of the arm, there's more muscle there to act as padding. To be honest though, I probably wouldn't have been nearly as uncomfortable if I'd relaxed a bit more whilst it was going on

[Ulala]

Good to know, I'll be sure to stay relaxed. Yeah, I'd considered the top of the arm, but I'd rather have it on my back.

[Janos]

swastika in the forehead is a sure way to get some attention from the ladies

[Ulala]

In the forehead?!

[Prophet]

You never read/saw Sin City? And if it's a blue swastika, it doesn't meant you're a Nazi. See Finnish armed forces used a blue swastika even before Hitler...

[achtung]

Well, I was thinking more along the lines of a lion, like the kind seen in heraldry:


I think I've seen it in a movie before (can't remember which), but it was the only decent example I could find online. As for placement, somewhere on my back, such as:

http://oregonstate.edu/~cornelic/tat/caleb's%20tatoo1.jpg

(I didn't post the image cause it's pretty big, so check the link) Anyone know about how much something like this would cost? I've heard anywhere from $50 to $250.. from people who probably have no idea what they're talking about. 

My dad has that tattoo on his right arm.

[Ghostavo]

swastika in the forehead is a sure way to get some attention from the ladies

Neji? Is that you?