Help me with a Tatt...

[ethics]

I can't even write out the entire word this is how un-me this is.

Long story short, with me getting the bike (soon) and riding with my Biker cousin (and he is a true image of a biker--muscles, brawn, wear, tattoo, the whole nine yards) he has two musts for me.

1. I must get back in to my previous shape in body strength (working out).

2. I must get a tattoo.

Working out is not a problem. It's actually a good thing that he has this conditional. I am not overweight but I can be a lot more healthier and pick up where I dropped exercising back in my mid twenties -- and yes, I know it will be different: harder, more recovery, etc... Besides I promised the wife (for years now) that she would get to see my body that I used to have.

Tattoo? Oh man. I am a conservative boy who works in Wall Street. While I am not a suit, it's still pretty anti-tattoo culture, you know. But I HAVE to get one other wise (and while he says this smiling he means it) he is not "riding with me."

Soooo, I pretty much ruled out ANYplace that would be visible at work when I roll up my sleeves a bit-- so fore arms are out. It has to be upper arms/bicep area.

The tough part is what to get? I don't want that silly barbed wire shit that is already outdated or anything that WOULD date me. Forget about Star of David--or anything religiously symbolic, God knows there are plenty of ignoramuses even in NYC.

So I need ideas.

And being that this forum has had A LOT of influence in my life decisions, I figured what better group of people to ask?

[cmhbob]

Well, it certainly needs to be unique, right? Sounds like you don't want anything that anyone else has.

What about some sort of combination of the Star of David and some Ukrainian cultural or folklore symbol?

Edit: Or some heraldry symbol, like the Ukrainian State Arms (http://www.fotw.net/flags/ua-arms.html)?

[Violet1966]

OK first off where are you going to get it done? Have any idea? Here's a place in Brooklyn. Go in and get a consultation. Look at their business. Ask questions. Relax. Do not tell them you're being told to get a tattoo to ride a bike. Trust me on this one. ;)

http://www.omegatattoo.com/index.shtml

He can do Giger. I'd take a close look at some Giger and see what he thinks about placement. When I got my tattoo, I had it put on the back of my shoulder so when I wear a tank top, it shows but I'm a girl.

My husband has a lot of tattoos. His back is covered, both arms almost sleaves. Has one on the side of his leg in the shin area on the side.

Outside of the forearm is a nice area. Outside upper arm too. Left is best. I always do everything left. Extra piercings etc. Used to be right only meant gay. Stupid but old burn outs like me see things like this. LOL ;)

For a Giger type, upper arm outside would look way cool. Slightly wrapping. Just my opinion. Want to get bigger? Get back done. A lot of work but it's worth it and for a guy, it's a safe spot.

The best thing is to really speak to an artist. Tell him about yourself and what your interests are. They'll be able to guide you. Then come back and tell us what they said. Take it slow. Be sure to check their portfolio. Don't be afraid to ask others questions in the shop but don't act scared.

Giger is hard. This guy is acclaimed and on exhibit in a museum. I'd take a look at him and his work. I like his work from what I see on his site.

[Coot]

How about on your upper back/shoulder area.

[ethics]

Well, it certainly needs to be unique, right? Sounds like you don't want anything that anyone else has.

What about some sort of combination of the Star of David and some Ukrainian cultural or folklore symbol?

Edit: Or some heraldry symbol, like the Ukrainian State Arms (http://www.fotw.net/flags/ua-arms.html)?

Nothing Ukrainian. Not really connected there except birth.

[ethics]

How about on your upper back/shoulder area.

Could work? I don't want anything TOO big though.

[ethics]

Thanks Vio... Not sure I like Giger. Then again, the right piece of work, who knows.

[MNeedham73]

I've been contemplating a tattoo for 3-4 years now. The one thing I've settled on is that I want it to show how important my family is to me. Odds are, when I get around to it, the tattoo will be my family's coat of arms from Ireland.
http://mctiernan.com/need.gif

I don't have any kids, but I know you do. Something that shows your love for your wife and kids maybe?

[Violet1966]

Well my point is if he's an acclaimed Giger artist, he's one of the best. He probably can do anything, which is why I said check him out. Check his portfolio while there. The right piece of work is what I meant more or less. He's close and can do some pretty intense hard stuff. Giger isn't easy.

Tribal is nice. Husband just got a tribal when I got my tatt. He got a tribal piece with the zodiac signs of me, himself and the kids worked into it. You can't tell they're really there unless you know to look. Just looks like a cool looking tribal piece. I love tribal.

How about something that works this one in? ;)

[ethics]

I don't have any kids, but I know you do. Something that shows your love for your wife and kids maybe?

Was thinking on that. Not sure what though. A name under a pic itself?

Well my point is if he's an acclaimed Giger artist, he's one of the best. He probably can do anything, which is why I said check him out. Check his portfolio while there. The right piece of work is what I meant more or less. He's close and can do some pretty intense hard stuff. Giger isn't easy.

AHHHH! Ok, that makes sense. Thanks for an excellent tip!

Tribal is nice.

How about something that works this one in? ;)[/quote]

Now Tribal I can do because it would be timeless and it's not something you will think, "oh, I should have got a wolf head" or something like that. Hmmm, and put in my "ethics" Plato or Socrates? Won't be too "geeky"?

[Coot]

I have one on my right shoulder blade, about 6" or so.

[ethics]

I have one on my right shoulder blade, about 6" or so.

6" would work, actually. What is it of?

[Lovehound]

2. I must get a tattoo.
You're delusional. Think it over for 6 months. You'll probably thank me if you take my advice.

[Coot]

It's a medicine wheel, in celebration of the native half of my genealogy.

[ethics]

It's a medicine wheel, in celebration of the native half of my genealogy.

AH! How cool is that?

[ethics]

You're delusional. Think it over for 6 months. You'll probably thank me if you take my advice.

I doubt it. My dad had a mermaid on his upper arm for since I can remember. Always wanted one and this slight shift in beginning my new second part of my life is a push I may have needed.

In other words, this isn't something I have not thought over, the bike was just something that nudged me towards getting one. It feels right and there's really no medical reason not to get one.

[Lovehound]

Good luck E-guy.

[ethics]

Thanks! Don't worry, it won't be anything crazy. :) Nothing like this (http://www.aolcdn.com/aolr/tattoo-tribal-400a0411.jpg)

[MemphisMark]

Leon,

Remember that miniatures wargame that I play, Warhammer 40k? Here are some examples of what people have done to themselves just for that wargame. I can scare up some additional tats if that's what you want...

[MNeedham73]

Was thinking on that. Not sure what though. A name under a pic itself?

Depends on you and your family man. You could do portraits. One I had considered was four wolf heads, denoting myself, my parents, and my sister. And that could be added to if/when I ever start a family of my own.

But of course, that's me. I'm just tossing ideas I've had out there to maybe give you some ideas :)

[ethics]

Those are nice though. Double eagle is too Austro-Hungary though.;)

[ethics]

No no, I appreciate it, Mike. It's a good idea. Love wolves.

Btw, and slightly OT but looking through some shots I didn't know Victoria Beckham had one? And a Hebrew one too?

http://hebrewtattoo.net/images/victoria_beckham_tattoo_2_big.jpg
Explained here (http://ancienthebrewpoetry.typepad.com/ancient_hebrew_poetry/2007/07/victoria-beckha.html). And Vio, Victoria understand that being Jewish is not just being religious. ;)

"And I'm a quarter Jewish and I decided to have Hebrew on my arms.
"When Jewish people get married they have this wording around their wedding ring.
"So every one of the tattoos actually means something to me."

[BigDeputyDog]

Browse through this site... it has a nice collection of tattoos under different "themes"... maybe you'll get an idea or two... ;)

http://www.eviltattoo.com/

I have a dragon that I designed on my upper right arm. Doesn't show unless the sleeves are very short. My son has a dragon on one arm and a phoenix on the other.

BDD... :{)

[Violet1966]

No no, I appreciate it, Mike. It's a good idea. Love wolves.

Btw, and slightly OT but looking through some shots I didn't know Victoria Beckham had one? And a Hebrew one too?

http://hebrewtattoo.net/images/victoria_beckham_tattoo_2_big.jpg
Explained here (http://ancienthebrewpoetry.typepad.com/ancient_hebrew_poetry/2007/07/victoria-beckha.html). And Vio, Victoria understand that being Jewish is not just being religious. ;)

You're such a wise ass you know that??? :kissmy:

Well I'm a Christian in culture so I wouldn't understand! It's called American!!! :kissmy: *running and hiding* :rofl:

My husband has a hebrew writing tattoo on his lower arm. I think it's a good luck symbol? I forget now. I have to ask him. :)

[Fiona]

I'm more than a little concerned that you are going to permanently mar your body because someone else told you to... (?)

but- if you do... choose something that means something important to YOU.
Family, religion, an affiliation or achievement.

You know it took me 40 years to find a good reason... but it WAS a good reason, and I have not regretted it.

No ideas, sorry. Good hunting.

[Biker]

Heh. Once you get one, you're hooked... Could always put a brand on your ass.. "Property of...." :biggrin:

[Morg]

I'm surprised no one on the forum has suggested this one.

Have a pink thong tattooed around your buttocks and pelvic area. It's out of site except in the closest of intimacy and it would be meaningful to you and the forum members. :biggrin:

[Frodo Lives]

Have a little sign tattoed over your add that says, "EXIT ONLY". :haha:


Believe it or not, I have a tat. If I can get a pic of it, I will post it.

[tke711]

Good luck deciding Leon. My first, and only tattoo was an easy decision for me, but I've been struggling for about 12 years now what my next one will be. Just recently, after watching an old episode of Miami Ink did I decide on what it will be.

There is an artist named Kat Von D (http://www.katvond.net/tattoos.html), that was on Miami Ink and now has her own show called LA Ink. She is absolutely amazing at doing portrait work, and that's what my next tat will be. A portrait of my little one...I just haven't decided which picture of her to do and where to put it. However, when I do, I'll plunk down the cash and fly to LA to have Kat do it.

The link above will show you some of her work, and here is one I just pulled from her site.

http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/8537/t13th8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[ethics]

That's a DRAWING?!? Wow!

[MNeedham73]

I watched Miami Ink for quite awhile. Have only caught a couple episodes of LA Ink, however. But Kat Von D is incredible when it comes to doing portraits.

[ethics]

You know, looking at her talent, my choices just rose up. One theme in my life, my motto, my inner driving force is one of "Never Again". I may get really creative with that one.

Keep those ideas flowing.

[tke711]

I certainly understand wanting to incorporate a saying you've lived your life by. The saying under my current tattoo is "Be True To Yourself", which has always been my life motto.

Get creative, take your time, and get something that's unique and meaningful to you. This will be there for life, so it should have some meaning so you don't ever regret it.

Side note. I'll never forget the first time my daughter saw my tattoo and knew what it was. She asked, "Daddy, how many days will that take to wear off?" She was used to the temporary tattoos that kids get, and figured mine was the same way. When I told her it was real and there forever, the look of awe on her face as amazing.

I am however waiting for the day when she asks why in the hell I got the tattoo where I did. It's on my right ass cheek, which at the time I did because at least it was in a place nobody would see if I regretted it later in life. :)

[tke711]

Chris Garver is another amazing artist from the original Miami Ink show. You can see his work here (http://chrisgarvertattoo.com/tattoo%20pages/2.html).

Ami James is another guy from the show, and you can see some of his work here (http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=78532654).

These guys are truly some of the best in the business, so they should give you plenty of ideas.

[BigDeputyDog]

You know, looking at her talent, my choices just rose up. One theme in my life, my motto, my inner driving force is one of "Never Again". I may get really creative with that one.

Keep those ideas flowing.

With the theme "Never Again", what is it you wish to portray? "Never Again" what? That's the key... ;)

Give me a theme, a hint, a clue as to which way you are going with this... I might be able to help... :)

BDD... :{)

[ethics]

Theme would be this (http://www.auschwitz.dk/Auschwitz.htm), BDD. Not sure how to do it tastefully though.

http://www.oskarschindler.net/SHOAH/Albums/Album1/Large/Auschwitz.jpg

[tke711]

You could always get a $100 bill tattooed onto your dick. That way you can watch your money grow and the wife can blow a hundred bucks and never leave the house. :lol:

[ethics]

No, my penis is "NO TATTOO" zone. So are my butt cheeks. Upper arm, shoulder, and upper back are free, however.

Not big on leg/foot tattoos.

[Coot]

No, my penis is "NO TATTOO" zone.

Ah well, so much for a 3D fly on the end of it. ;)

[tke711]

Something a long the lines of what you posted on your upper harm would probably look pretty damn cool if done by a good artist.

[Lovehound]

I bet you'd look good with a tramp stamp Leon. ;)

How about tattooing your dick "POST NO TATTOOS" ;)

I heard of a guy who had a tattoo on his calf of a chicken strung up with a rope around its neck. He said it was so he could truthfully say he had a cock hanging below his knees. ;)

[ethics]

Something a long the lines of what you posted on your upper harm would probably look pretty damn cool if done by a good artist.

I know. Maybe the words, "lest we forget" under?

[ethics]

I bet you'd look good with a tramp stamp Leon. ;)


I AM A TRAMP! ;)

[BigDeputyDog]

Something quick...

BDD... :{)

[Violet1966]

Never forget done in hebrew lettering or something with an oil lamp? Lamps can look really cool in ink. Like a jeanie lamp look with a flame out the spout. There's some interesting ideas if you look to Jewish art. http://www.yumuseum.org/index.php?pg=7&zoom=1

Raban too. I can't find much, but might be some interesting art to have duped hidden within that link?

[ethics]

Thanks Dave, but want to clear away from Star of David. Want to concentrate more on the culture and history vs. Judaism as a religion.

[Piobaireachd]

I have a Navy friend who had a Plimsoll Line (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waterline) tattooed on his side so he would always know when he was loaded. ;)

[MNeedham73]

:rofl: That's flippin' hilarious, Todd.

[tke711]

I know. Maybe the words, "lest we forget" under?

Ya, that would be cool.

Do some research on tattoo artists in NYC. Some of the best in the industry have to be located in the city, and then go to them with your idea. A good artist should help you come up with something kick ass.

[tke711]

From some quick research, it appears that these are some of the top rated in NYC:

Sacred Tattoo and Bowery Tattoo
Village Pop (333 Sixth Ave)

Edit: Here's another list (http://newyork.citysearch.com/bestof/winners/tattoo_and_piercing) of places to check out.

Here's another list (http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/23073/get_inked_tattoo_parlors_of_new_york.html)

[ethics]

Yah, I would think THE best would be in the Village. Will start looking.

[LissaKay]

I had to giggle when you said that Wall Street is a "anti-tattoo culture" cause I bet if you got them out of those stuffed shirts, you'd find quite a lot of ink under there.

No suggestions other than to make it something that is meaningful to you. I have a little unicorn on my right boobage/chestal area. I love it and have never regretted it for a moment.

[joseftu]

It would be pretty ironic to have something religious or Jewish--tattoos are against Jewish law, clearly forbidden, and my associations with them are always quite negative--it's what the Nazis did to us.

But I can see how you might want to reclaim the whole idea, and make it your own, as kind of a slap in the face to the Nazis.

Only because you asked for advice, not that it's my right to tell you what to do, but I would stay far away from using Hebrew letters at all (and even farther from anything religious, but I don't have to tell you that).

[drntdrtydg]

Well, it certainly needs to be unique, right? Sounds like you don't want anything that anyone else has.

What about some sort of combination of the Star of David and some Ukrainian cultural or folklore symbol?

Edit: Or some heraldry symbol, like the Ukrainian State Arms (http://www.fotw.net/flags/ua-arms.html)?

Thats @%#&% cool! ( INSERT TOUGH GUY CURSE WORD).

[MNeedham73]

That's kind of funny, Joe. Ami James from Miami Ink is Jewish and he is obviously covered in tattoos.

[drntdrtydg]

It would be pretty ironic to have something religious or Jewish--tattoos are against Jewish law, clearly forbidden, and my associations with them are always quite negative--it's what the Nazis did to us.

But I can see how you might want to reclaim the whole idea, and make it your own, as kind of a slap in the face to the Nazis.

Only because you asked for advice, not that it's my right to tell you what to do, but I would stay far away from using Hebrew letters at all (and even farther from anything religious, but I don't have to tell you that).

Good point Joe-us evangelical Christians are taught to avoid them as they prepare one for the mark of the beast. I just don't care for them myself; nothing religous though. More an artistic preference-I think the human body is already so phenomenal I've just never thought we could improve on it but i guess a gazzilion dollar a year cosmetics industry proves that one wrong.LOL.

[ethics]

I appreciate that, Joe, and yes, you know me man.

The one thing, well a few things we don't do today because of the Nazis. The Tatts are against the Jewish law, has been since those days. Christmas trees (although us former Soviets called it "New Year Pine") are also banned. I'll never forget the Jewish organization rep that came to our apartment one day when we put the tree up. It was our first year in the states and Miriam almost lost it. We were so ostracized by the Jews around us, the Temple, the organization that was aiding us that my parents, who had one all of their lives, never had one again.

And I ask you, WHY? Because the fucktards are still controlling what we do?

No thanks. I spit in their collective faces and if the Jews don't like it, time for them to do the same and stop being little slaves since in 1940's. Never again is not just for "them" it's also for "us".

[Piobaireachd]

Tattooing in Jewish Law (http://www.myjewishlearning.com/daily_life/TheBody/Adorning_the_Body/Tattoo.htm)

I did a little searching to see what I could find on the subject.

Interesting...

[ethics]

Thats @%#&% cool! ( INSERT TOUGH GUY CURSE WORD).

If there's one thing I know, it's never to mess with mother nature, mother in-laws and, mother fucking Ukrainians. --Skinny Pete from the Italian Job.

[joseftu]

Oh, there's certainly a range of ideas, even within Judaism, on the subject, and there are plenty of Jews (not just the guy on Miami Ink) who ignore Jewish law or just decide not to follow it. The Torah is very clear--but it's also very clear on plenty of other things, too, and we adapt to fit our beliefs and ideals (or some of us do).

I would never condemn or belittle anyone else, Jewish or not, who might want to tattoo their own body--I just wouldn't do it myself. But I can respect other people's decisions to do so--it's basically none of my business.

So, ethics, wear it in good health!
:)

[ethics]

I shall. Thanks. :)

[damonlab]

You can always get a "Your Name" tattoo. You can always win some money in the bars with that one.

[ethics]

Please explain?

[MemphisMark]

You walk into a bar, and say to a person, "I'll bet you $10 that I have your name on my arm." They'll take that bet, just to see it, and then you roll up your sleeve to expose "Your Name."

[ethics]

You walk into a bar, and say to a person, "I'll bet you $10 that I have your name on my arm." They'll take that bet, just to see it, and then you roll up your sleeve to expose "Your Name."

LOL! Nice... But I can't see a lifelong tatt on my arm for that. ;)

[Sarge]

Just tell him you have "Wrong Way," "Do Not Enter" and "Exit Only" signs on your ass!

Then dare your cousin to see for himself!

[Violet1966]

Another my husband always says he would love to do is get a rooster tattood below his knee hanging from a rope. Then he can tell people his cock hangs below his knees. They say bullshit, he says wanna make a bet. They take the bet. He rolls up pant leg and wins. ;)

He says that one a lot. :rofl:

[tke711]

I found the PERFECT tattoo for you Leon. I would just require one extra step, and that's a small implant to really make the tattoo pop. :lol:

http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/44/0220tatimplantsplashyd3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[ethics]

That's gross.

[tke711]

Agreed. I'm always amazed at just how far people will take body modification.

[Sierra Mike]

"One Inch Boy" in Chinese should fit the bill nicely. It worked for Domh, after all.

SM

[Domh]

"One Inch Boy" in Chinese should fit the bill nicely. It worked for Domh, after all.

That's what it says!? Fuck!

Leon... do not go to "Moore's Tat Shack" in the Village! :haha:

[ethics]

Oh I knew that, I didn't know you went there. He tries to tattoo all the guys with that because his IS 1 inch and he feels lonely by being in minority.

[Frodo Lives]

Oh I knew that, I didn't know you went there. He tries to tattoo all the guys with that because his IS 1 inch and he feels lonely by being in minority.

Well that explains why he is so popular with all the Asian women. :P

[LissaKay]

I always thought this one was too cute ...

<a href="http://img180.imageshack.us/my.php?image=tattoograssca9.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/7605/tattoograssca9.th.jpg" border="0" alt="Free Image Hosting at www.ImageShack.us" /></a>

[MemphisMark]

:rofl:

[Biker]

Any ideas yet? Know an excellent artist down here that does some work that will blow your mind. I'm having him design one for me that will incorporate a dead man's hand and skeleton (with flames) firing a pistol. Sketches so far are frickin' awesome. Can't wait to get working so I can have it done. I'll post a link later today with some of his work.

[Biker]

Here's a link to some of Kirby's work... http://www.fubar.com/images.php?u=910976&albumid=378100

[ethics]

I had many ideas, none which are 'permanent' enough to get stamped with though. I may forgo the whole thing though. I am not riding a chopper or even a cruiser so I think I can get away with it for now. ;)

[Violet1966]

Sounds pretty cool Tom! :)

Leon I really don't blame you. You know how long it took before I was sure enough at 40, to get my tattoo and exactly what and how I wanted? Years. When it's there, it's there for good. So many people do it then regret it because they didn't think it over enough. ;)

[Kluge]

My dad had a seahorse on his arm. When somebody asked what it meant, he said it was to get into Jones Beach for free (it had a seahorse theme, too).

A friend of his was a prosecutor... he had chains on both wrists.

I haven't had any tattoo, various good reasons, one of my favorites being that they might be things you see on other people when you're drunk. Sort of like The Illustrated Man (http://www.harperacademic.com/catalog/book_xml.asp?isbn=0380973847) : Those aren't tattoos! They are Skin Illustrations!

A guy I was working for a few years ago was asked to weld a replica of the gate at Auschwitz saying 'Arbeit Macht Frei' or Work Will Set You Free. An anti-theme for the Biker Freedom crowd, maybe, maybe not. Another similar saying is 'Work is its own reward' and it seems like every time I go the extra mile to do a good job, suddenly another extra mile is needed or appears ahead. Just thoughts, anyway.

I see temporary tattoos for kids being sold at the 7-11. Why can't somebody whip up something for ink jet printers that lets you make your own design, print it up, slap it on for the weekend, wash it off for work on monday? I don't believe in permanent tats ever since I worked with a Viet Nam Vet whose girlfriend had Dear John'd him after he had her name emblazoned on his arm. He had it covered over with a giant heart and ribbon with 'Mother' on it.

[Brazbit]

Here you go. have you club logo turned into a Wall Street friendly Tattoo: http://www.tattoosales.com/TempTattoos.aspx ;)