Tattoo ideas?
August 10, 2008 7:56 AM Subscribe
I'm looking for ideas for a tattoo (preferably the arm) to help commemorate quitting smoking. I can't find anything along those lines so far . . . maybe Japanese\Chinese symbols . . . some appropriate graphic? Help!
Japanese\Chinese symbols? Seriously?
Tacky-city, yo.
How about just a single, simple cigarette? You could point at it and say, "This is the last cig I'll ever have!"
posted by wfrgms at 8:09 AM on August 10, 2008 [4 favorites]
Tacky-city, yo.
How about just a single, simple cigarette? You could point at it and say, "This is the last cig I'll ever have!"
posted by wfrgms at 8:09 AM on August 10, 2008 [4 favorites]
Maybe a dragon breathing fire or about to breathe fire or with just smoke billowing out of his nostrils. Not as obvious but you would know the connection.
Or maybe a stylized Canary since they were once used to detect when air was unsafe to breathe. Could be done cool if you get the right artist.
Perhaps an intricately done tree of life with crown going up and around your shoulder. Could signify life and clean air...
these are just a few that came to me immediately... let me think a while ....
posted by fogonlittlecatfeet at 8:12 AM on August 10, 2008
Or maybe a stylized Canary since they were once used to detect when air was unsafe to breathe. Could be done cool if you get the right artist.
Perhaps an intricately done tree of life with crown going up and around your shoulder. Could signify life and clean air...
these are just a few that came to me immediately... let me think a while ....
posted by fogonlittlecatfeet at 8:12 AM on August 10, 2008
Did you have a particular brand that you smoked? If so, you could incorporate the logo of that band, if one, into a tattoo.
posted by thewittyname at 8:15 AM on August 10, 2008
posted by thewittyname at 8:15 AM on August 10, 2008
An elaboration of the alchemical symbol for burning out impurities? It could be made quite striking and elaborate.
posted by vers at 8:22 AM on August 10, 2008
posted by vers at 8:22 AM on August 10, 2008
Eep. This symbol is the one I meant to link.
posted by vers at 8:23 AM on August 10, 2008 [6 favorites]
posted by vers at 8:23 AM on August 10, 2008 [6 favorites]
If you really want to go with Japanese\Chinese symbols, you could go with something like this, meaning "long life."
posted by B(oYo)BIES at 8:24 AM on August 10, 2008
posted by B(oYo)BIES at 8:24 AM on August 10, 2008
If you're from the U.S. and old enough to remember this public service ad, how about R2D2 smoking a cigarette?
Maybe something incorporating a Greek Omega (Ω) which symbolizes "the end"? (because it's the last letter in the Greek alphabet)
posted by XMLicious at 8:35 AM on August 10, 2008
Maybe something incorporating a Greek Omega (Ω) which symbolizes "the end"? (because it's the last letter in the Greek alphabet)
posted by XMLicious at 8:35 AM on August 10, 2008
Whatever you do, I would avoid any representation of a cigarette or a brand of cigarette, or anyone/anything actually smoking a cigarette. Two reasons: First, although you know the meaning, to others it will look like an endorsement of smoking. Second, and more importantly, although I have never smoked, I know enough ex-smokers that they all seem to have one thing in common: after quitting, eventually they find anything smoking-related repulsive and disgusting. I wouldn't chance having something that you will end up repulsed by.
You might want to focus on something symbolic of a new beginning. Dawn, blossoms, sprouting seed, phoenix, butterfly, tree, alpha, a stylized number 8 (represents a new start, plus it's 2008, and it looks like the infinity symbol).
Congrats!
posted by Fuzzy Skinner at 8:41 AM on August 10, 2008
You might want to focus on something symbolic of a new beginning. Dawn, blossoms, sprouting seed, phoenix, butterfly, tree, alpha, a stylized number 8 (represents a new start, plus it's 2008, and it looks like the infinity symbol).
Congrats!
posted by Fuzzy Skinner at 8:41 AM on August 10, 2008
There are lots of symbols of different origin representing life and purity and stuff like that. I would avoid the cigarette image because you are leaving it behind. Google and choose something that speaks to you.
posted by funnygrrl at 8:59 AM on August 10, 2008
posted by funnygrrl at 8:59 AM on August 10, 2008
I'm also going to veto the Japanese or Chinese characters for you. Getting something tattooed on yourself in another language that you are not fluent in is never a good idea. Besides, so far as I know, the Japanese love to smoke, so that makes that idea, well kind of dumb.
Maybe instead you could focus on how you feel after you've quit. Do you feel stronger? More powerful? Cleaner? Get something based on that feeling. If you're feeling especially geeky you could get Δ (uppercase delta), the symbol for change (since you have indeed, changed).
If you have to get something smoking related, maybe a smoking skull? A stubbed out cigarette butt? The outline of a pack of cigarettes? However, whatever you get that is directly related to not smoking, someone will mistake it as approval of smoking, so tread wisely.
posted by sephira at 9:01 AM on August 10, 2008
Maybe instead you could focus on how you feel after you've quit. Do you feel stronger? More powerful? Cleaner? Get something based on that feeling. If you're feeling especially geeky you could get Δ (uppercase delta), the symbol for change (since you have indeed, changed).
If you have to get something smoking related, maybe a smoking skull? A stubbed out cigarette butt? The outline of a pack of cigarettes? However, whatever you get that is directly related to not smoking, someone will mistake it as approval of smoking, so tread wisely.
posted by sephira at 9:01 AM on August 10, 2008
Response by poster: Wow! - What a response! I like the Tree of Life idea . . . sorta . . . as long as it's not too intricate . . . I also like the "Long Life" symbol as well . . . it's smaller than the Japanese "No Smoking" characters I've been looking at. I'm going to look at the dawn, sprouting seed, Phoenix things also . . . Thanks guys!
posted by Shakes the Clown at 9:02 AM on August 10, 2008
posted by Shakes the Clown at 9:02 AM on August 10, 2008
An oxygen molecule?
A can of Perrier Air, like in spaceballs?
The "control" key from the keyboard?
The symbol of health you see on hospitals: a snake wrapped around a cross?
posted by metastability at 9:04 AM on August 10, 2008
A can of Perrier Air, like in spaceballs?
The "control" key from the keyboard?
The symbol of health you see on hospitals: a snake wrapped around a cross?
posted by metastability at 9:04 AM on August 10, 2008
(A note regarding B(oYo)BIES's Japanese\Chinese "symbol": I've been a student of Chinese/Japanese for many years, and that character looks like no hanzi/kanji I've ever learned. I'm with wfrgms on this one: don't go with Chinese characters.)
posted by msittig at 9:09 AM on August 10, 2008
posted by msittig at 9:09 AM on August 10, 2008
Response by poster: What about this for a Tree of Life symbol?
posted by Shakes the Clown at 9:29 AM on August 10, 2008
posted by Shakes the Clown at 9:29 AM on August 10, 2008
Between Fuzzy's point about ex-smokers finding smoking repulsive and the statistics about the number of people who quit smoking only to start again, I'd encourage you to think long and hard about your decision.
posted by box at 9:44 AM on August 10, 2008 [1 favorite]
posted by box at 9:44 AM on August 10, 2008 [1 favorite]
I like the idea of enclosing the tree in a circle. It reminds me of the Tree of Life in The Fountain.
Of course, I don't know all the ethical/legal concerns about using someone else's original art as a tattoo. Obviously, it happens all the time, though.
posted by Fuzzy Skinner at 9:45 AM on August 10, 2008
Of course, I don't know all the ethical/legal concerns about using someone else's original art as a tattoo. Obviously, it happens all the time, though.
posted by Fuzzy Skinner at 9:45 AM on August 10, 2008
Or maybe a stylized Canary since they were once used to detect when air was unsafe to breathe. Could be done cool if you get the right artist.
Great idea!
posted by you're a kitty! at 9:47 AM on August 10, 2008
Great idea!
posted by you're a kitty! at 9:47 AM on August 10, 2008
How about hexagram 57 from the I Ching? It consists of the symbol for wind doubled.
The image is of winds (or breaths) following one after the other, and the meaning is one of gentle but penetrating change.
posted by ottereroticist at 9:50 AM on August 10, 2008 [3 favorites]
The image is of winds (or breaths) following one after the other, and the meaning is one of gentle but penetrating change.
posted by ottereroticist at 9:50 AM on August 10, 2008 [3 favorites]
The Tree of Life sounds like a good idea - something you can draw on again as a reminder of your strength or determination, to know that you've done something difficult before and have the willpower to do it again. If anything symbolises that to you already, that's the one.
No brand names, unless you're being paid a fortune for the advertising.
Anything in a language you don't speak or from a culture that you aren't part of smacks of cultural appropriation and is pretty repugnant, no matter how accurate the translation/transliteration. Not the meaning you want in something permanent on your body.
posted by carbide at 9:51 AM on August 10, 2008 [1 favorite]
No brand names, unless you're being paid a fortune for the advertising.
Anything in a language you don't speak or from a culture that you aren't part of smacks of cultural appropriation and is pretty repugnant, no matter how accurate the translation/transliteration. Not the meaning you want in something permanent on your body.
posted by carbide at 9:51 AM on August 10, 2008 [1 favorite]
The only good thing about tattoos in Chinese is that they're frequently written incorrectly, providing endless amusement for those in the know. Avoid.
posted by sinfony at 10:09 AM on August 10, 2008 [2 favorites]
posted by sinfony at 10:09 AM on August 10, 2008 [2 favorites]
i really like the purify symbol vers suggested.
if you want to see how *not* to do chinese/japanese character tattoos, check out http://www.hanzismatter.com/
posted by rmd1023 at 11:00 AM on August 10, 2008
if you want to see how *not* to do chinese/japanese character tattoos, check out http://www.hanzismatter.com/
posted by rmd1023 at 11:00 AM on August 10, 2008
I'd suggest re-writing the Sugeon General's Warning (or whatever the counterpart is for your country if you don't live in the U.S.) to be a cheeky warning about yourself, and then brand yourself as a bona fide badass.
posted by Navelgazer at 11:22 AM on August 10, 2008
posted by Navelgazer at 11:22 AM on August 10, 2008
get one of these and every year add a hash mark too it like a service stripe.
posted by yort at 11:45 AM on August 10, 2008
posted by yort at 11:45 AM on August 10, 2008
I like the oxygen molecule idea, but I'm a science-nerd. Should be something that is very particular and unique to you, not ask.mefi
posted by arnicae at 12:31 PM on August 10, 2008
posted by arnicae at 12:31 PM on August 10, 2008
I like the tree of life idea myself. Trees give oxygen, oxygen is good for breathing (usually) and now that you don't smoke, you're one less person killing trees (ok, super dramatic, but you get my drift). HOWEVER, I would caution against getting a google image or a generic picture from the tattoo parlor. Get a friend to design it for you, or ask a (well-known, clearly talented) tattoo artist in your area to draw it for you. It makes it that much more unique and personal, because this is going to be on your body forever. You may want something unique that no one else has, something that really speaks to YOU.
And in the meantime, CONGRATULATIONS!
posted by cachondeo45 at 2:31 PM on August 10, 2008
And in the meantime, CONGRATULATIONS!
posted by cachondeo45 at 2:31 PM on August 10, 2008
msittig:
I was also confused by the image, but after staring at it for a few minutes, I realised that, while written very strangely, it is in fact a real character. It's not entirely clear to me whether it's a poor reproduction or whether it is just using some ancient or technical script, but if it's supposed to be Chinese, I can be fairly certain that it is not written in the modern 正體/繁體 or 簡體 scripts.
If it had been written in modern Chinese, it would be
政體：壽、ㄕㄡˋ
or
簡體：寿、shòu
meaning in isolation
「生日（～辰）、年齡（年～）、吉祥祝福語（福祿～喜）、慶祝生日的物品（～麵）、死人的用品（～衣）」
and appearing in proverbs like
～終正寢（「正寢：舊式住宅的正房。愿意是人享盡天年，在家中自然死亡。引申指事物消亡。」）
which do carry this positive connotation of longevity.
If had been written in modern Japanese, I'm guessing it would probably be
日本語：寿、ことぶき
which I think means about the same as in Chinese (~長生き?) and seems to appear in fairly similar compounds with similar connotations.
Anyway, it's a great character, and I suspect it has a much deeper philosophical or spiritual meaning than these short definitions can express, but you're right that it would probably make a rather tacky tattoo.
I think the no smoking sign sounds much better - it's more culturally relevant and carries stronger symbolic meaning to both the bearer and to those who will see it and also sends a good message to the kids!
posted by Sangermaine at 3:19 PM on August 10, 2008
I was also confused by the image, but after staring at it for a few minutes, I realised that, while written very strangely, it is in fact a real character. It's not entirely clear to me whether it's a poor reproduction or whether it is just using some ancient or technical script, but if it's supposed to be Chinese, I can be fairly certain that it is not written in the modern 正體/繁體 or 簡體 scripts.
If it had been written in modern Chinese, it would be
政體：壽、ㄕㄡˋ
or
簡體：寿、shòu
meaning in isolation
「生日（～辰）、年齡（年～）、吉祥祝福語（福祿～喜）、慶祝生日的物品（～麵）、死人的用品（～衣）」
and appearing in proverbs like
～終正寢（「正寢：舊式住宅的正房。愿意是人享盡天年，在家中自然死亡。引申指事物消亡。」）
which do carry this positive connotation of longevity.
If had been written in modern Japanese, I'm guessing it would probably be
日本語：寿、ことぶき
which I think means about the same as in Chinese (~長生き?) and seems to appear in fairly similar compounds with similar connotations.
Anyway, it's a great character, and I suspect it has a much deeper philosophical or spiritual meaning than these short definitions can express, but you're right that it would probably make a rather tacky tattoo.
I think the no smoking sign sounds much better - it's more culturally relevant and carries stronger symbolic meaning to both the bearer and to those who will see it and also sends a good message to the kids!
posted by Sangermaine at 3:19 PM on August 10, 2008
Response by poster: I'm absolutely amazed at the amount of responses there are . . . for now, I'm leaning toward this image - that's my arm with the Celtic Tree of Life . . . after seeing the comments about the Chinese\Japanese characters, I think I'll steer clear of those for now. Thanks everyone!
posted by Shakes the Clown at 3:26 PM on August 10, 2008
posted by Shakes the Clown at 3:26 PM on August 10, 2008
I do like that!
I'm no tattoo expert (only have one, and probably will never get another) but I think you will be happier in the long run with something like that, which is more unique than anything in Chinese/Japanese. Unless the viewer reads the language, it just looks like "Chinese symbol!" which too many people already have.
The Celtic Tree of Life in your link is simple at first glance, yet has some depth to it.
posted by Fuzzy Skinner at 3:42 PM on August 10, 2008
I'm no tattoo expert (only have one, and probably will never get another) but I think you will be happier in the long run with something like that, which is more unique than anything in Chinese/Japanese. Unless the viewer reads the language, it just looks like "Chinese symbol!" which too many people already have.
The Celtic Tree of Life in your link is simple at first glance, yet has some depth to it.
posted by Fuzzy Skinner at 3:42 PM on August 10, 2008
If you really want to go with Japanese\Chinese symbols, you could go with something like this, meaning "long life."
A number of kids in my grad school smoked a brand of Chinese cigarettes called "Long Life".
The more you can simplify the symbol, the nicer it will look at it ages. Redder and lighter fade faster than blacks, etc.
Congrats. The money you're saving on cigs certainly more than makes up for even the most expensive tattoo artist.
posted by Gucky at 4:55 PM on August 10, 2008
A number of kids in my grad school smoked a brand of Chinese cigarettes called "Long Life".
The more you can simplify the symbol, the nicer it will look at it ages. Redder and lighter fade faster than blacks, etc.
Congrats. The money you're saving on cigs certainly more than makes up for even the most expensive tattoo artist.
posted by Gucky at 4:55 PM on August 10, 2008
What about "I'm a quitter".
Kinda funny if you ask me.
posted by Mephisto at 7:38 PM on August 10, 2008
Kinda funny if you ask me.
posted by Mephisto at 7:38 PM on August 10, 2008
My first thoughts when I first quit smoking myself was either a broken cig next to a crushed pack, or the no smoking sign, but now that I read the other comments I do agree that if your not careful it could look like a promo add for smoking. I do like the outline of a cig pack, keeping the inside blank. Then again, this is a tattoo with a meaning of being free from an addiction regardless of what it is. A sign of breaking the hold it had on you and choosing to step out of that smoking culture. So there really is no need to have anything resembling a cig. Just something that to you, and you alone, symbols rebirth, freedom, and change. I would even suggest finding a quote that expresses the feeling you have now that you dont smoke.
posted by bluerain11907 at 11:01 PM on October 26, 2008
posted by bluerain11907 at 11:01 PM on October 26, 2008
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by mkb at 8:08 AM on August 10, 2008