Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with tattoos

Fierce tattoo recommendations

twiggy32 — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 09:35:38 -0800

I would love recommendations for the fiercest of fierce tattoos. I'm tossing a few ideas around in my head, and asking other people for tattoo recommendations is usually a bad idea for obvious reasons, but I'm going through some major major life transitions right now, and I want a tattoo to remind me what a badass I am while I deal with it all. The tat would go on my left bicep (really deltoid), which was quite muscular and has lost a little muscle mass of late, but I'm a lady so I don't think stretching as I regain muscle mass is much of a concern.

Artist Recommendations for 3rd Annual Chicago Tattoo Arts Convention

Juliet Banana — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 12:53:35 -0800

A staggering, overwhelming amount of tattoo artists from all over the USA will be attending the 3rd Annual Chicago Tattoo Arts Convention. Is anyone familiar with any of these artists? Can you recommend one that you would recommend for either of the two prospective tattoo ideas I have inside? I also have some questions about tattoo conventions, as someone who has only had work done in shops. TATTOO NUMBER ONE: STRAWBERRIES: I'd like to get fat, plump, juicy strawberries tattooed on each shoulder with little vines curling under my clavicle bones, in a cute, bubbly, storybook style. Think a 1950s Golden Book. Ideally I'd get Esther Garcia to do it, but getting an appointment with her is murder, so I'm looking into other artists with a feminine (though not necessarily female), delicate hand, and a portfolio full of flowers, fruits, and cute stuff. Just having a few girly sparrows-and-bows tattoos done in the Sailor Jerry/Americana style is not good enough.

TATTOO NUMBER TWO: CIRCULAR SYMBOL: I want a huge circular symbol done on my upper thigh. I'm not even sure yet of what I want, but you can imagine a pentagram as an example; super thick black lines, simple geometric shape. I'm looking for someone who does crisp, precise, black & white linework. I would also love ideas of symbols I should get; I'm into bikes, the occult, and genderqueerdom. I kind of want it to be the kind of tattoo a bassist in a death metal band would get. I know this sounds like I'm some dumb idiot getting my first tattoo who's like "I think I want something tribal or maybe a dolphin?!?!?" but I have plenty of tattoos, to the point I don't take them crazy seriously anymore, I am 100% sure that I want a bold circular shape in this location, and I'm just not sure which one.

QUESTIONS: Um, how does getting tattooed at a convention work? Do you set an appointment or just wander around or what? Is there any reason I would NOT want to get tattooed at a convention?

Previously.

Quality Temporary Tattoos

dbirchum — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 06:41:34 -0800

Is it possible to buy affordable temporary tattoos online? Ok, so I am going to an event soon, and we were throwing around the idea of having some temporary tattoos with some logos on them. Nothing too fancy. They don't need to last too long (a night or two would be great). I have searched online and ebay for these and was shocked at the prices. I ordered one from ebay from a seller as a test, but they were printing their tattoos on printer tattoo paper that left a clear film over the tattoo and it looked bad.

That being said, does anyone know of a place that does "decent" quality temporary tattoos, that doesn't cost an arm and a leg? Is this even possible?? I am starting to think it is.

Just curious.

Do serial killers tattoo on their arms lists of their intended victims?

Mayree — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 12:21:05 -0800

I have a friend who wants to get a tattoo on his forearm, consisting of a numbered "to do" list. He can then fill in the numbers with whatever he needs to accomplish that day. However, he's heard that serial killers sometimes have "To Do" lists on their arms containing names of their future or past victims. He doesn't want to raise any suspicions that he is a serial killer, rather than an admirably efficient and conscientious person. Does anyone know if this is true or not? A Google search wasn't helpful. Thank you.

What are good markers for use on the skin?

kellybird — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 23:01:36 -0800

Can you recommend any good tattoo markers, and/or other markers or pens that can be used on the skin (whether or not they are specifically for tattoos)? I am trying to build a robotic device that will mark the skin for decorative purposes. Wondering if there exist any good tattoo markers or pens with nice features, such as:

- long lasting
- doesn't bleed too much from where you initially put it
- non toxic
- comes in colors
- variety of widths

Any ideas? I'd be especially curious to hear from anyone who has real life experience with this. Also interested in inks and DIY solutions if those are better than pre-packaged markers.

Thanks!

Tattoo preparation for first-timer

greta simone — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 21:11:58 -0800

Getting my first tattoo! How should I prepare? I'll be getting a small tattoo (1x3 inches) next week of the outline of my home state, thin line, black ink, on the side of my torso, on my ribcage, below my boob. Like just below where the side band of a bra would be. The artist said that it should only take about 30 minutes to do.

So how should I prepare? Any kinds of things I should do or not do beforehand? Any recommendations for how to maybe take the edge off the pain or ensure that the process goes smoothly?

I'm normally tolerant to pain (not supersensitive or supertough). I have a normal amount of body-squish (5'7", 135 lbs), so not superbony or fat. I'm a relatively pasty white girl, if that matters at all. I'm not particularly scared or squeamish at the idea of getting a tattoo.

So please help me make this a good and easy experience! Thanks!

Bird tattoo

corn_bread — Thu, 17 May 2012 09:35:28 -0800

I am getting a tattoo of two birds on my back to cover up some old tattoos that I no longer like. I am looking for bird species inspiration. Ideally these will be some sort of plumed birds, but please link me/give me a species name of any birds that you find to be particularly beautiful. Thanks!

Exposed to hepatitis C. Now what?

thrasher — Wed, 09 May 2012 13:34:46 -0800

On Friday I got a call from my primary care physician saying that my HCV AB EIA QL (Hepatitis C) test result came back reactive. The same test in August 2011 was nonreactive. I am waiting for the referral to the GI department to be processed so I can find out what happens next. In the meantime I'm freaking out. They say this means I was "exposed to" hepatitis C, not necessarily that I "have" it. In the research I've done since then I have learned this means I may have already had acute Hep C and cleared it, or it's possible I do actually have chronic Hep C, and I would assume that's what the GI department will determine.

I have several tattoos that were done between 1991 and 2009 (some done in the US, some in France, some in Australia), in 2009 I had a hysterectomy in Australia and gallbladder removal in the US, in 2010 I had MRSA. I have been in 3 long term, committed relationships since 1994; in my current 2 year relationship we have had threesomes with two partners (both female, once with the first one, several times with the second, most recent was in December. Regular STD testing before, during and since with both partners.)

Is there a way to know exactly when and how I was exposed? If I don't have it, am I at greater risk of contracting it? Should I give up alcohol or make any other dietary/supplement changes? Does lack of a gall bladder have any effect on any of this? How do I need to go forward with future sex partners (or past, for that matter?) What do I need to be asking my doc or the GI dep't? Anything else I'm forgetting or need to know?

Tell me About White Ink Tattoos

=^^= — Tue, 08 May 2012 06:17:51 -0800

What can you tell me about getting a white ink tattoo? I'm considering getting a white ink tattoo ranging from my hand to my upper arm. Personal experiences or any reliable resources you can point me to about the pros and cons and things to look out for? Also, if you can recommend (based on personal experience) a skilled and talented white tattoo artist in Melbourne (VIC) please let me know.

Mickey Mantle Tattoos

blueplasticfish — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 11:16:15 -0800

Did Mickey Mantle have tattoos? In this photo Jason Kottke posted to his blog from Life Magazine it looks like Mickey Mantle had sleeves (tattoos). Is this true or a distortion in the photo?

More Latin tattoofilter

Kitty Stardust — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 10:03:57 -0800

Tattoo filter: Latin motto that means "always weird" or "strange"? I was thinking about how crests often have Latin mottos and have been kicking around the idea of a tattoo that means basically "forever weird" or "always strange" or something along those lines. Essentially, a reminder to myself to keep things weird. The closest motto I've been able to gin up on my own is "Semper Insolitus" but alas my school never offered me Latin and I don't want to look like an illiterati. Is this motto close to what I'm trying to express? Bonus points for a small image that might go with these words. I'm wanting the tattoo to be more text than imagery, but I have a few text tattoos already and I fear that eventually, I'm going to look like a scratch pad. What's a symbol of the weird or strange?

Info about Tattoo Culture?

DisreputableDog — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 13:31:12 -0800

I'm going to be getting a tattoo or two within the next few months. However, I'm also going to Japan at some point next year to live there for 2+ years. What all should I know? I've done -some- research, and know that tattoos are prohibited in bath houses, gyms, and possibly beaches soon. Is there anywhere else wherein I'll be prohibited from going?
Would it be better for me to wear long-sleeved shirts in public, even though I love wearing tank tops in the summer? What should I expect if I don't hide them in hot weather?

Thank you for any information or tips.

Tattoo Me!

PJMoore — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 10:21:43 -0800

Tattoo ideas pleeeze! I feel the need for new ink. I'm thinking about a little something to represent my grandchild and possible future grandchildren. Knocking around the idea of a small star or heart and then adding others when and if more grandchildren arrive. While interesting looking I even thought of the names in Elvish, even though, sorry, I'm not a bit LOTR fan. Any fun ideas and flash patterns are welcome!

Fine Art Tattoo Advice

i_am_a_fiesta — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 16:10:41 -0800

Looking for advice regarding a tattoo interpretation of this painting (Van Gogh's Almond Blossom). I'm beginning to think about getting another tattoo, and you guys were so helpful with my last one, I thought I'd ask again!

I really love this painting, and would like to get a branch with some blossoms, perhaps 6" long and with hints of the blue. I have an idea in my mind what it should look like, but I am not an artist, so someone is going to have to be able to listen to my idea and turn it into an image. How does this work? Will I have to pay for a proof? If I don't like the drawing, is it considered rude or unacceptable to seek out a new artist?

I would really like the tattoo to look like the painting (texture-wise and in general) and I know there are artists that mimic fine art (and I did see this previous question). Does anyone have a recommendation for an artist near New York City or Rochester, NY? Any idea how much this will cost?

Arms/sleeves vs. Legs/???

jfwlucy — Tue, 24 May 2011 20:12:44 -0800

So if tattoos all over the arms are called sleeves, are tats all over your legs called stockings? socks? I'm serious. This is bothering me.

Cover me in feathers!

DisreputableDog — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 07:40:49 -0800

Looking for awesome high-res pictures of certain birds... Including:

- White-tailed Tropicbird (known locally in Bermuda as a Longtail) in flight

- House Wren in flight

- Falcon (s) in flight

Also, trying to find high res images of John James Audubon work of the above. Mainly searching for all of these things as base image ideas for tattoos.

Plus, if anyone knows of a good one, searching for a database on bird symbolism. Not one of those common websites that list maybe one or two meanings per bird, but rather one that lists both good and bad symbolism of a crow (messenger, death, etc) for example.

Thanks for any help you can give, Hive-mind!

Help me find this illustration!

a.steele — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 08:09:52 -0800

Tattoo time! I need help tracking down the artist or book that this illustration is from. Bonus question about what to tip my tattoo artist/bff. The tattoo I'm getting is the illustration from this image. I love the sentiment behind the quote, but since I know there's no way it's a direct quote, I'm just getting the illustration (I'm also adding the rest of the planets, for anyone wondering--even Pluto!). Thing is, this is going to be on my body forever and I'd rather like to know beforehand where it came from. I found the image on Tumblr with no reference or credit.

Bonus question: What should I tip my good friend/tattoo artist who is doing this for free? Her shop usually charges $120 an hour, but anytime I have an idea for something she finds really fun or exciting, she offers to do it without charging me the hourly rate. I initially thought $50 was a good, even number, but I started thinking maybe I should pay her what I would've paid the shop. This will take no more than an hour, I'm sure. What do you think is appropriate?

Thanks for the help!

Tattoo Quiz

crazylegs — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 17:29:17 -0800

Tattoo filter: Who is this guy? Who is the artist? What is the image? I've become mildly obsessed with the sleeve tattoo shown here and here. Does anyone know anything about this man, the tattoo artist, or the significance of the image? All I know is that the man's name is Brian Torrey, and that these pictures are on pages 36 and 37 of the book "Body Art: The Human Canvas - Ink and Steel" by Gary Lee Heard (Collectors Press, 2003) (ISBN 1-888054-84-0). Thanks!

Holy Tattoos!

grapefruitmoon — Mon, 04 May 2009 13:10:47 -0800

DalaiLamaFilter: Does the Dalai Lama have tattoos? In some photos of the Dalai Lama (for example) four light marks can be seen on his arm. While the size and symmetry of them suggests tattoos, they're rather faded and could definitely be birthmarks.

Does anyone know if the Dalai Lama is indeed sporting some ink, and if so, what it means?

I don't read Chinese, but I do speak Science.

i_am_a_fiesta — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 16:57:02 -0800

I'm thinking of getting a tattoo of a bunch of organic molecules that represent positive traits, feelings, etc. More along the lines of serotonin representing happiness than ethanol or caffeine representing happiness. What are your ideas for emotions/ traits and their corresponding chemicals?

Words, words, words.

bookwo3107 — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 08:53:16 -0800

Tattoo Typeface Troubles: My sister and I are looking to get a line from Hamlet tattooed on our wrists, and want it to look like it was printed out of a book. Help me (us) choose a good typeface! The exact line is "Words, words, words." I'm kind of thinking something that looks timeless, but at least slightly unique. Thanks in advance!

A tattoo as permanent resource.

(bb|[^b]{2}) — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 08:47:00 -0800

I have some space available for my next tattoo that I'd like to fill with some sort of reference piece (i.e. a perpetual calendar, a conversion table), but I'm having a hard time thinking of anything beyond that. Any other ideas? The only guidelines are that the design must be informative, able to fit in a roughly 2" x 3" rectangle, and perpetual (a dollar to euro conversion is out of the question). So what say you mefites? What informative tattoo would you like to have branded on our forearm?

What does one do while getting a tattoo?

Anonymous — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 20:29:31 -0800

What does one do while getting a tattoo? I'm getting my first tattoo soon. The tattooist scheduled me for two appointments, each two hours long. I'm curious about the etiquette of getting a tattoo. Do you chat with the tattooist, like you do with a hairdresser? Do you tip? Is it okay to bring a book? An iPod? Any other suggestions for what to do during the actual appointment?

Un-tattooed Olympians?

chookibing — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 17:53:40 -0800

Are competitors in the Beijing Olympics required to cover up or mute their tattoos? Or is my mind playing tricks on me. Every person that I've seen with a tattoo looks like its been at least partially covered with makeup. Mostly I've seen this in the track and weightlifting events.

You like to what, now?

Cricket — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 02:27:00 -0800

Does anyone remember a site that had symbols for designing a comprehensive logo reflecting one's sexual practices and orientation? Some time ago, a friend of mine had a site bookmarked that had small images designed to be combined to show what sexual practices someone enjoyed, including instructions for indicating whether the person preferred to "give or receive.".

My friend wanted to design a tattoo around the idea, and having the original site would help. Does anyone remember seeing anything like that?