First tattoo thoughts.

[remember2004]

Alright so this is first post on here! I thought might as well do it in the OT section. I was looking to get a tattoo.. Haven't had one before but I was looking to get a lion.. I cant decide on my chest or shoulder blade. I don't want anything big and noticeable but medium sized. My question is where on my body and what place in Calgary I could go in and talk to them? Anyone have any experiences with a good place? I'm pretty set on the lion and then maybe adding my name in there or a quote, haven't decided.

[Minnie]

Originally Posted by remember2004

Alright so this is first post on here! I thought might as well do it in the OT section. I was looking to get a tattoo.. Haven't had one before but I was looking to get a lion.. I cant decide on my chest or shoulder blade. I don't want anything big and noticeable but medium sized. My question is where on my body and what place in Calgary I could go in and talk to them? Anyone have any experiences with a good place? I'm pretty set on the lion and then maybe adding my name in there or a quote, haven't decided.

This should be good.

Also, how is this 'your first post on here' when you have 5 other posts in various other threads on the board?

[Peanut]

Maybe he meant first thread that he's started.

All the other stuff I have no idea, I have no tattoos. But I'm thinking about getting one as well so I'm interested to see the responses..

[remember2004]

Originally Posted by Peanut

Maybe he meant first thread that he's started.

All the other stuff I have no idea, I have no tattoos. But I'm thinking about getting one as well so I'm interested to see the responses..

Haha thats what I mean, First thread I started :P I'm honestly not worried so much about the pain but just the design.

[Alberta_Beef]

I like to think I am somewhat of an expert in this field as I am "tatted up" as them young folk would say.

First things first, decide on what you want and I mean more than just deciding you want a lion. I mean what style, realistic? drawing? cartoony? tribal?... etc.

Once you decide what style you would like, then start your search for a tattooist. Look for someone with both a good reputation and alot of experience with the style you want. For example I go to a guy right now because the sleeve he is doing is an abstract piece and that (along with comics) are his specialty, but if I wanted a portrait I would go to someone else. Most artists have certain styles they excel in.

At this point if you can speak to the tattooist about designing one for you. This step may cost extra as you can go in with your own design, but I would highly recommend having the artist design the piece because then they are working with their own piece not their interpretation of someone else's art. They will also understand the amount of detail that can be used in pieces of different sizes and from my own experience I can say this is extremely important.

Your placement, will also affect the size you will get it as obviously not all body parts are the same size. But it is also important to consult the tattooist because the contours of the body can make some designs more difficult if they are placed there.

[Hugh Jahrmes]

I'm one of those "a tattoo should mean something to you personally" guys over just looking sweet. (It should also look sweet)

[strombad]

Quick notes:

- Bushido is great, I've had the majority of my work done there. I hear very good things about Immaculate Concept as well.

- Research your artist and know what you want. Pick an artist who excels at a style you enjoy and give them reign. Don't plop down a stencil and say "this is what it has to be". Bring the idea, let them handle the art. It is however crucial you pick a GOOD artist.

- Don't get your own name tattooed on your body. Well, do whatever you want of course, but that seems like an awful idea.

- Get it wherever you would take the most enjoyment from it. Just keep in mind that if you get it on your back, you'll forget its even there more often than not.

- Regarding size: Stick to somewhere around the size of your fist or bigger for a lion. It'll lend itself better to detailing.

You can book a consultation with any artist at any shop, but do your research first.

Out of pure curiosity though, if you don't want a noticeable tattoo, and you might get it on your back (where even you wouldn't see it) then why are you getting a tattoo? Tattoos are either for yourself or for decoration. If its for yourself, you should be able to admire it. If its for decoration, others should be able to admire it.

All just my opinion of course.

[remember2004]

Originally Posted by strombad

Quick notes:

- Bushido is great, I've had the majority of my work done there. I hear very good things about Immaculate Concept as well.

- Research your artist and know what you want. Pick an artist who excels at a style you enjoy and give them reign. Don't plop down a stencil and say "this is what it has to be". Bring the idea, let them handle the art. It is however crucial you pick a GOOD artist.

- Don't get your own name tattooed on your body. Well, do whatever you want of course, but that seems like an awful idea.

- Get it wherever you would take the most enjoyment from it. Just keep in mind that if you get it on your back, you'll forget its even there more often than not.

- Regarding size: Stick to somewhere around the size of your fist or bigger for a lion. It'll lend itself better to detailing.

You can book a consultation with any artist at any shop, but do your research first.

Out of pure curiosity though, if you don't want a noticeable tattoo, and you might get it on your back (where even you wouldn't see it) then why are you getting a tattoo? Tattoos are either for yourself or for decoration. If its for yourself, you should be able to admire it. If its for decoration, others should be able to admire it.

All just my opinion of course.

Thanks for the advice! Everything you said makes sense. On my back would most likely just be on one of my shoulder blades. I'm set on the lion and most likely looking at putting on my chest and like you said size of a fist and MAYBE adding a quote OR adding strength,courage and pride in Chinese letters somehow in it. Before anyone says anything about the lettering I am of asian decent so it will make sense for me haha. I know for this kind of stuff you pay for what you get and I for sure ain't going to skimp out and try to find the cheapest way by going to billy bob tattoo artist. Best thing is go in to a shop and tell them what I want? I'm looking at a realistic drawing actually.

[manwiches]

Originally Posted by strombad

Quick notes:

- Bushido is great, I've had the majority of my work done there. I hear very good things about Immaculate Concept as well.

- Research your artist and know what you want. Pick an artist who excels at a style you enjoy and give them reign. Don't plop down a stencil and say "this is what it has to be". Bring the idea, let them handle the art. It is however crucial you pick a GOOD artist.

- Don't get your own name tattooed on your body. Well, do whatever you want of course, but that seems like an awful idea.

- Get it wherever you would take the most enjoyment from it. Just keep in mind that if you get it on your back, you'll forget its even there more often than not.

- Regarding size: Stick to somewhere around the size of your fist or bigger for a lion. It'll lend itself better to detailing.

You can book a consultation with any artist at any shop, but do your research first.

Out of pure curiosity though, if you don't want a noticeable tattoo, and you might get it on your back (where even you wouldn't see it) then why are you getting a tattoo? Tattoos are either for yourself or for decoration. If its for yourself, you should be able to admire it. If its for decoration, others should be able to admire it.

All just my opinion of course.

I agree with this post partially. I think that tattoos should be for yourself, and not for anybody else. I have tattoos, but they are in places that nobody would be able to see them unless I was on the beach. My reasons are personal for my tattoos, and I could care less if anybody else saw them, or judged for that matter. They are a constant reminder to me about where I come from, and what I have to appreciate in life.

Again, to each their own, but that's my reasoning for my tattoos

Contributing to the OPs post though, I would agree with the poster who said do your research on the tattoo artist. The last thing you want is a scratch artist that destroys something that's going to be permanent.

[Northendzone]

to me you should never get chinese symbols unless you are chinese or living by the teaching of some chinese philospher guy. don't get chinese symbols because you order ginger beef once a month.

oh yeah, get it on your lower back?

[nixon45]

He is Asian

[Mister Yamoto]

You can't go wrong with unicorns.

But seriously, don't get one. I have two tattoos that I thought were really cool 20 years ago. Now I hate them. The cost of removal is very high.

At least start out with something that can be covered by a short sleeve T shirt.

Just my $.02.

[SHOGUN]

If you're getting something Asian related, I would suggest you go to Japan and get your tattoo there... might as well invest something that will be on your body for the rest of your life.

[troutman]

Just because your tattoo has Chinese characters in it doesn't make you
spiritual. It's right above the crack of your ass. And it translates to "beef with
broccoli." The last time you did anything spiritual, you were praying to God you
weren't pregnant. You're not spiritual. You're just high. - Bill Maher

[strombad]

Originally Posted by SHOGUN

If you're getting something Asian related, I would suggest you go to Japan and get your tattoo there... might as well invest something that will be on your body for the rest of your life.

I agree with that actually. Same with tribal. I think tribal is fine, but get it done legitimately or don't bother.

I'd LOVE to get a Yantra tattoo. Traditional tattooing is really appealing.

[Righteous1]

Get an ice cream cone tatted on your face..

Spoiler!

[Lanny_McDonald]

Best advice; don't get one. In 20 years you'll be wondering wtf you were thinking.

[Mister Yamoto]

Bump.

Looking for some advice. I decided that I'm not going through another summer where I feel embarrassed when I wear a short sleeve shirt. I'm getting rid of my tattoos.

If anyone has any advice about tattoo removal that would be greatly appreciated. I'm gonna shop around today and get a few estimates. A few years ago a shop told me that they charge 75$ per square inch. That would be about 1200$.

Also, remember2004, how did it turn out?

[northcrunk]

Originally Posted by Mister Yamoto

Bump.

Looking for some advice. I decided that I'm not going through another summer where I feel embarrassed when I wear a short sleeve shirt. I'm getting rid of my tattoos.

If anyone has any advice about tattoo removal that would be greatly appreciated. I'm gonna shop around today and get a few estimates. A few years ago a shop told me that they charge 75$ per square inch. That would be about 1200$.

Also, remember2004, how did it turn out?

Let me know if you find a good place, I have a friend who is looking

[steveo]

Originally Posted by New Era

Best advice; don't get one. In 20 years you'll be wondering wtf you were thinking.

Spoiler!