Tattoos?

Tattoos, Iv been thinking of getting a tattoo and was wondering if there is anything I should look out for while working out after getting it.?

Just follow the care instructions your tattoo artist gives you. You could probably ask him/her the same questions and they will tell you whats up.

the idea has been in my mind for a while... i got all sorts of advices from friends who have tattoos and those who don't; the point is, and i don't want to sound like your mother: make sure it's well hidden! tattoos are accepted but let's be honest, at a formal dinner party  i doubt they'd look nice at you if you have a visible tattoo lol

I want a small butterly on  my lower back; a friend, nicely told me that's the 'tramp stamp' ; yikes! i mean can a friend put a label on another friend just for the idea of getting a tattoo?!

To be honest, the first thing I will say is dont rush into it. 

Find a design, and be sure that you want it.  I found mine on a necklace (bought the necklace) and had it for a year before I finally got the tattoo done.  You may think thats wierd but as I read before "the tattoo is like a friend for life and its always going to be there".

Secondly, go to a reputable tattoo parlor.  Have any of your friends tattoos - if so ask for recommendations.

Like a previous poster said, make sure its well hidden.  Just imagine you were getting married (not sure if you are or not), you probably wouldnt want your tattoo showing - well I know I wouldnt anyways.

Not to hijack your thread or anything, but....

I'm also wanting to get a tattoo and have something very specific in mind.  I am not artistic and a picture is not be avaliable on the internet (trust me, I've searched).  Is it ok for me to ask a tattoo artist to draw what I'm thinking of then decide if I want that particular artist to actually do the tattoo?  Or, is it like once they draw it they will expect some sort of payment?

In terms of working out, probably not. There's the slight chance of distorting the tattoo, but most places you'd get the tattoo vs. how you body would change that isn't likely. I did manage to hurt a tattoo of mine after a workout (slight color fade where I knocked off a scab too soon, but I mainly blame that on my being careless or may have had nothing actually to do with it.

Also, the mothering is somewhat unjustified. If your that worried about what people are going to think of you if you have a tattoo, the answer isn't to get the tattoo somewhere hidden, it's to not get the tattoo at all. You should get the tattoo where it fits with your body and how you want the tattoo to look, wherever that may be.

alle - Asking an artist to do the design is actually the more...I don't have the proper word, so let's go with "proper" way to get a tattoo. While any will do whatever you bring in, most want to exercise their creativity and personal talents in the matter as much as anything else. Furthermore, they are the experts. They have a better sense of what works and what doesn't work.

This is why it's best to shop around, look at the books that each has out, and find the one who's art looks most like something you want, then to work to design the art with him or her. And it is expected that it may take a few drafts until it's what you want, so don't be afraid to suggest changes and ask for a different version.

Things vary with region, but most artists will ask for a non-refundable deposit of some amount, largely depending on the complexity of the work. There's nothing wrong with deciding after the fact to not use that tattooist, but it is considered incredibly poor form. The idea is that you've made your choices already in terms of the work and the artist, and this is merely sealing the deal, so someone's spent all that time and effort for nothing. But far better to do that, than to have a tattoo you don't like.

Three weeks ago, I got a large back-piece done (a tree covering my entire back--I love it!) and have ALSO been training for a marathon (running from 35-45 miles/week) and doing yoga.  If/when you get your tattoo done, just be sure to follow the instructions your artist gives you for caring for your new ink!  My tattoo healed beautifully, so you should have no problem continuing to work out once you get your ink.  But a warning: tattoos are addictive--it's hard to stop at just one!  

I def agree with freedomfrom. I got a tattoo a while ago, when I was at my slimmest. But I went and splurged over the summer and put it all back on again urghh. My tat is of a little butterfly on my shoulder blade. I had it done in colour, purple and orange, and it looks great when I wear strappy tops and things. I havent put that much weight on (only 14lbs, cripes mebbe it is lol) its not that noticeable, and hasn't done any harm to my ickle friend in terms of stretching. But I would suppose it does depend on where you get it...

Good luck!

I am a mom of two twenty-something children (21 and 23).  My son was fascinated with all things rebellious from a young age, and began begging my husband and I to let him get a tattoo at 14.  While we both allowed him to get the various piercings he's had over the years, we dug in our heels at the tattoo, and made him wait until he was of age to do it.  Many places won't do tattoos on those under 18 for lots of reasons, but no one will do it without a parent's consent.  My objections were many at the time, not the least of which was I thought he was perfect the way he was and didn't want him to do anything permanent to "mark" his body.

When he was 18, the first thing he did was get a tattoo -- literally the first thing on his 18th birthday.  It was a small, yin/yang symbol on his ankle.  His dad and I didn't even notice it for 3 weeks!  When I did notice, I was surprised how much I actually liked it -- it was very well done. 

Since then, he has proceeded to have his entire lower leg covered in a "sock", with a design that took him six months to finalize with the artist and almost a year of work to finish.  I thought I would hate it, but I think it's beautiful.

I think the poster who mentioned that if you are worried about what others think you shouldn't get the tattoo is absolutely right.  My son loves and respects both his father and me, but he has his own ideas about who he is and how he wants to express himself.  He's now a practicing RN, and his tattoo is often hidden underneath his scrubs for work, but he certainly doesn't go out of his way to hide it.

My daughter, on the other hand, wouldn't dream of getting a tattoo -- she's his polar opposite -- nothing pierced except her ears; a little on the conservative side in her taste.  Go figure -- two kids, same parents, same upbringing.  Just goes to show you that you are who you are no matter what.

If you want the tattoo -- get it.  If you're unsure at all, wait until you're sure.

Well I dont care of what people would think, also where I want it isnt in a place not easly hidden.  What I are the letters " L D R S H I P"  Tattooed going down from the side of my shoulder down my bicep.  

  Now that i just look at the letters in that form it looks like it says "leadership" lol but what it actually is , is the army core values  Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless service, Honor, Integrity, Personal courage.  When I get it done the lettters will actually be like this
       &nb sp;               &nb sp;               

            L

            D 

            R

            S

            H

            I

            P

       &nb sp;                And will be on both sides of my body.   Im enlisted Just incase you where wondering why Id get that tattoo

Thanks freedomfrom.  I had a feeling that may be the case.  What I want is rather simple (an infinity sign that appears as though something is embedded in the skin rather than looks its a tattoo), so I bet most artists would be able to do it, but I didn't want to offend anyone by asking them to draw it.

I have several tattoos and whether I've gained or lost pounds, they grow or shrink based on the elasticity of my skin but since I have lost it at a really steady pace, they are not affected.  I work with the public and the only thing I will say is it's retarded how some people judge you just because you have ink.  I am not a criminal or a bad person but some people (mostly older, i think) seem to think it automatically makes me so.  I don't care because it's my body and I'm treating it that way because I respect my freedom to express myself.  I have more people tell me they are beautiful than are afraid but I did notice that it affects me on the job market.  Many jobs will not call me back if I wear clothing that reveals my ink, but if I wear long sleeves during interviews and stuff, i get callbacks.  But to me that feels dishonest so I mostly just wear something whether my tats show or not.  Just extra info in case you want it.

I luv tattoos! I want to have both arms "sleeved" and then I'm gonna start on the chest! Whether its on guys or gals I think good tattoos look cool if they are carefully chosen and look good at what ever age you get to>

As someone with tattoos (I have a piece on my back and a full chest piece), I strongly suggest the following:

1) make it unique.  Yes, Yes, YES...please talk with a qualified tattoo artist and work with them to design it yourself.  if you are going to add a tattoo to your body, it should be a lifelong accessory, so make sure you get exactly what you want and make it your own.  A tattoo is a visual expression of yourself. 

2) do research on a good tattoo artist.  be willing to travel a few miles from home to find someone that you like and set up a meeting with them to talk about your ideas.  You need to make sure you "click" with the artist because you won't be fully happy if you don't.  Also ask questions...how long have you been an artist, how did you get started, etc.

3) ask to see their workspace and supplies.  make sure everything is covered, wrapped, and unexposed until the time it hits your body. 

4) talk to friends and family...get recommendations and ask to see their art.  there is no better way to pick an artist than to see what they have done on someone you trust.

5) make sure the spot you choose is one you are okay with.  if you have a job or career that has a tattoo policy, make sure it is easy to cover.  also, since this is a weight loss site, make sure you choose a spot that will not change a lot with large amounts of weight loss and gain.  Your artwork WILL BE RUINED if you choose spots like your stomach, upper arms, etc.  Talk with your artist and they can help suggest some less affected areas.

6) my last point is some advise given to me by a great tattoo artist: "Know the W's of your decision - WHO will do the tattoo (consult them about your work); WHAT do you want (have a specific design); WHERE do you want the tatoo on your body; WHY are you getting this tattoo (what is the story behind it or the reason you want a lifelong mark).  Once you know these four things, keep them for one full year.  After one year, if none of the above has changed, you should be fully prepared for the tattoo you have always wanted."

I have used his advise every time I go to get inked and I couldn't be happier with my decisions.

My Two Cents (LOL).  I have one leg tattooed... from my ankle to my hip (except my knee ouch ouch and the back of my thigh).  I have started on the other thigh now.  It is my intent to do the whole leg as well... creating pants.  :-)

I am a professional woman and just wear pants.  :-)  But, not only am I heavily tattooed, my very good friend is a very talented tattoo artist.  So, make sure you communicate well with your artist and dont be intimidated.  If you ask for him/her to draw a design, dont be afraid to ask for changes or tweeks if you dont like it.  Remember, its your body, you will wear this forever so make sure its what you want.  And if the artist seems offended or upset that you want changes or voice an opinion, walk out... and go somewhere else.  Its your body and your design.  Sometimes, people have unrealistic ideas and the artist should gently explain why it wont work (ie... a white tattoo or something LOL).  Just dont be afraid to express your ideas and opinions.

I got tattooed when I was much bigger.  I've lost 113 pounds and they are all holding up great.  My artist told me that as I lose weight, the designs will just get tigher... as opposed to me gaining it back (they will get looser or spaced). LOL. I dont know if that makes sense.  I have a ton of bright colors so I keep sunblock on mine when I am out in the sun or the tanning bed.

As for working out, just remember to not knock it or rub it or gouge into it.  Yes, I too accidently gouged into one a long time ago and it took a little color out of it.  (I had it touched up later).  AND... be remember, no whirlpools or hot tubs or anything like that after you are tattooed for a little while it case you do that after working out. 

Wow... too much information?  LOL