Tattoos

Lately I've been thinking about getting another tattoo.  Jake (check it out, he's got some good stuff in The Art Dump) did such a great job on my first, but I think I might design this one myself.  It does bring up a good discussion though.  There always seems to be competing opinions about them.  That being said, are tattoos a good idea?

A tattoo can be compliment beauty and be used as a form of expression.  There is, however, a tendency that they'll make you look like a massive wanker.  Especially with those out there who discriminate against ink, it's important you don't fuck up majorly if you're getting one.  One of the most important aspects of tattoos are their need to be maintained; and by being maintained, I mean you're body.  Tattoos draws ones attention; please don't make that an unfortunate accident. (you know who you are)  There's also distortion that you need to worry about. This shit stays pretty well, even with today's tech.  Flabby grandma arms turn a butterfly into some psychedelic blob.  Which makes it all the more dangerous to get torso work done. (It's going to take an effort to keep that up)

Another important factor which decides the fate of your tattoo is the intent of it.  On a general principle, any non-custom work is stupid.  People get crests, imitations of celebrities work, and god forbid dumbass barbed wire (that's right, embrace your inner douche-bag)  or some equivalent; make it unique.  We try too damn hard to fit in and be the same, it's disgusting.  The least you could do is present yourself as an individual.  It's bad enough people are told how to act by institutions, don't provide them with another way to categorize you.  Your using your skin as a canvas, don't waste it.

I don't know if it's just me but I hate hearing the reasoning behind why someone got a specific tattoo and learning the meaning of it all.  I don't even give a shit about my own (that way I don't come off as a prick).  For that matter, shouldn't the piece speak for itself?  Everyone sounds like a complete tosser when they tell the story, and other times it turns out to be waaay to intricate; so you sound like some sort of Freemason creep and everyone is looking for the exit.  "Well it a fox because my family's crest has one and three tail for my three children.  The stripe indicates..." SHUT YOUR DAMN MOUTH!  Stories of when you got it could be cool though (4 hours waiting in an interesting part of town).

Portraits are always dangerous to get because if the artist isn't having a good day, you now have a deformed alienhead image of your child on your arm.  Who the hell gets portraits in the first place for that matter?  They're pretty damn creepy and time locked.  Just say "no" kids.