Simple graphical representations of Los Angeles suggestions needed.
June 13, 2019 11:26 AM Subscribe
I'm trying to brainstorm my next tattoo and I need some suggestions. I would like a simple line icon of LA
My Chicago tattoo is the El map in just black lines. My other tattoos are mostly simple lines. Obviously a palm tree is an option but it's not my favorite idea. What other simple graphics say LA?
My Chicago tattoo is the El map in just black lines. My other tattoos are mostly simple lines. Obviously a palm tree is an option but it's not my favorite idea. What other simple graphics say LA?
Map of the freeway system?
posted by InfidelZombie at 11:41 AM on June 13, 2019 [3 favorites]
posted by InfidelZombie at 11:41 AM on June 13, 2019 [3 favorites]
I've always liked the look of art maps of Los Angeles, like this. I mean as an outline, it would be a nightmare to do the typography.
Here's an actual line outline of LA.
I like the idea of having a topographical map simplified and maybe done as a watercolor-style tattoo.
posted by Lyn Never at 11:46 AM on June 13, 2019 [4 favorites]
Here's an actual line outline of LA.
I like the idea of having a topographical map simplified and maybe done as a watercolor-style tattoo.
posted by Lyn Never at 11:46 AM on June 13, 2019 [4 favorites]
LA fingers (although read up on the background and cultural context first).
posted by caek at 11:55 AM on June 13, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by caek at 11:55 AM on June 13, 2019 [1 favorite]
The downtown skyline? I think this depends on what part of LA you really call home, though. Every time the skyscraper I used to work in shows up on a TV show I'm always obnoxiously pointing it out to everyone, so that skyline really speaks to me.
posted by something something at 12:04 PM on June 13, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by something something at 12:04 PM on June 13, 2019 [1 favorite]
How about the interlocked LA of the Dodgers logo?
posted by BlahLaLa at 12:07 PM on June 13, 2019 [2 favorites]
posted by BlahLaLa at 12:07 PM on June 13, 2019 [2 favorites]
A friend of mine has a simple line drawing of the LA skyline (recognizable only to people from LA which is why I think it is so great - the LA skyline isn’t exactly iconic). But what does LA mean for you? The beach? Palm trees? Hollywood? To me LA was always about eternal sunshine and the best food of my life (tacos, to be exact). Lots of things could represent LA.
posted by teamnap at 12:23 PM on June 13, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by teamnap at 12:23 PM on June 13, 2019 [1 favorite]
Best answer: first thing that came to mind for me was the Interstate 405 shield.
posted by prize bull octorok at 12:29 PM on June 13, 2019 [2 favorites]
posted by prize bull octorok at 12:29 PM on June 13, 2019 [2 favorites]
mama mammoth sinking into the Tar Pits
posted by roger ackroyd at 12:42 PM on June 13, 2019 [4 favorites]
posted by roger ackroyd at 12:42 PM on June 13, 2019 [4 favorites]
Best answer: I like the LAX sign at the airport and Watts Towers.
posted by theora55 at 1:10 PM on June 13, 2019 [7 favorites]
posted by theora55 at 1:10 PM on June 13, 2019 [7 favorites]
Seconding Watts Towers or a Tar Pits image. The Griffith Park Observatory and the aqueduct snaking over the hills also say LA to me and could work as a simple outline.
posted by eotvos at 2:41 PM on June 13, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by eotvos at 2:41 PM on June 13, 2019 [1 favorite]
A taco truck idling in freeway traffic…
A freeway sign that says "What I really want to do is direct."
posted by mmc at 2:48 PM on June 13, 2019
A freeway sign that says "What I really want to do is direct."
posted by mmc at 2:48 PM on June 13, 2019
How about the interlocked LA of the Dodgers logo?
That was also going to be my suggestion. FWIW, this is what I would also get for myself, as an LA native -- it's the only tattoo I think I'd ever want. But I am a huge Dodgers fan and they're very meaningful to my family. I do think it's a VERY recognizable symbol of Los Angeles though. But what does Los Angeles mean to YOU? Some people would love a Hollywood sign tattoo, and other people would never do that.
Other than the Observatory and the Watts Towers, I think the LA City building is pretty iconic.
posted by Countess Sandwich at 4:15 PM on June 13, 2019 [1 favorite]
That was also going to be my suggestion. FWIW, this is what I would also get for myself, as an LA native -- it's the only tattoo I think I'd ever want. But I am a huge Dodgers fan and they're very meaningful to my family. I do think it's a VERY recognizable symbol of Los Angeles though. But what does Los Angeles mean to YOU? Some people would love a Hollywood sign tattoo, and other people would never do that.
Other than the Observatory and the Watts Towers, I think the LA City building is pretty iconic.
posted by Countess Sandwich at 4:15 PM on June 13, 2019 [1 favorite]
(Whoops, missed the edit window -- I of course meant the LA City Hall.)
posted by Countess Sandwich at 4:34 PM on June 13, 2019
posted by Countess Sandwich at 4:34 PM on June 13, 2019
Another random idea: an Angel's Flight car.
posted by eotvos at 4:52 PM on June 13, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by eotvos at 4:52 PM on June 13, 2019 [1 favorite]
Best answer: I love the look of the Theme Building at LAX - it's definitely iconic and has great lines if you wanted to do it as a line drawing.
posted by Mchelly at 5:31 PM on June 13, 2019 [4 favorites]
posted by Mchelly at 5:31 PM on June 13, 2019 [4 favorites]
In addition to the Theme Building at LAX, the Capitol Records Building and LA City Hall are other iconic buildings. Architectural line drawings can make great tattoos.
posted by quince at 8:04 PM on June 13, 2019 [2 favorites]
posted by quince at 8:04 PM on June 13, 2019 [2 favorites]
I always thought the FAA diagrams of airports were cool and would make good tattoos if simplified to just the parts in black and no text. Here's LAX, though I think the BUR and LGB diagrams are a little more recognizable or iconic.
posted by capricorn at 7:06 AM on June 14, 2019
posted by capricorn at 7:06 AM on June 14, 2019
How about the interlocked LA of the Dodgers logo?
If I were going to get a Dodgers tattoo, I'd get the hexagon of the DodgerVision scoreboards. Or perhaps just a full back portrait of Vin Scully.
posted by sideshow at 12:52 PM on June 14, 2019
If I were going to get a Dodgers tattoo, I'd get the hexagon of the DodgerVision scoreboards. Or perhaps just a full back portrait of Vin Scully.
posted by sideshow at 12:52 PM on June 14, 2019
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posted by hungrytiger at 11:29 AM on June 13, 2019 [1 favorite]