Is this a good Tattoo idea?

[KentMurker94]

I have Obsessive compulsive disorder aka the "doubting disease" and wanted to know if this tattoo is a stupid idea or a good one. Open for criticism , thanks.

[KentMurker94]

I don't have doubts about getting the tattoo its just that OCD makes me doubt much of what I do ex. Making sure doors r locked, checking over and over again to make sure things r just "right"

But oddly enough my OCD doesn't effect my tattoos at all

[marley mission]

I'll be direct here

Doubting yourself on this design is a good thing

Especially if you had ideas to use that exact script in the tattoo

On the positive - the idea of a getting a tattoo that symbolizes your struggle with OCD sounds like a cool one - but I think you should go with some imagery rather than text

And this next part is quite important - find a good artist

You've done the right thing coming here to ask some questions

Tattoos can be fun and impulsive things and work out just fine

But most of the time - it's better to slow it down and do some thinking and researching

It seems this is a case where you did have some doubt and it helped prevent you from making a bad decision - just my two cents - keep us updated

[KentMurker94]

@marley mission

So you don't think the quote by itself is a good idea? I could change the script also , and by imagery what did you have in mind?

[marley mission]

As for imagery that would be personal to you I don't think I could help you there

That part has gotta come from you I think

As for the script alone - plenty of people like script tattoos

So for me it's just my personal taste that I wouldn't want that standing alone

Now - if you do just go for the script

Make sure you find someone that does it well

And let them do the lettering design

And depending on the location of the tattoo you should listen to the artists advice on size

Don't be the guy with a little script tattoo floating in the middle of the forearm

Because then you've just killed some prime real estate should you want additional tattoos in the area

[KentMurker94]

But do you think the qoute in of itself is dumb or what? To me it would just be a little friendly reminder to not let OCD take control of my mind and to not doubt my own brain

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And what scripts would u recommend?

[marley mission]

I personally wouldn't use that quote - not because it's dumb or anything like that just personal preference

I'm more a fan of some imagery

but you are the wearer so whatever floats your boat

As for text style - again talk to a good artist - basically search shops around you and get on Instagram as so many artists - if not almost all - post their regular work

look for examples of their recent work

Cause here's the thing

If you get that text done by a poor artist

You could end up with a hot mess

Sitting all alone

On your forearm

You'll be second guessing that one for awhile

Lettering alone as a tattoo can be unforgiving

Especially in a prominent area

Shaky lines, uneven line weight, blown out lines, unreadable or unattractive lettering

This could all happen if you don't find the right artist

So choose wisely

[TrixieFaux]

I like the idea of imagery...but I also don't mind script. With script I'd say keep it simple. You could get an image that resonates with you with something like the word "trust" under it...as in, trust yourself, rather than the OCD thoughts... I almost said No Doubt, but that can't be used for obvious reasons haha. Since OCD is a struggle, two fighting animals could pertain... a knife through something (slaying OCD)... or maybe just a peaceful image of how you would feel having overcome it, like a flower. Any image that strikes a chord with you. You would know what it meant. If you get writing (or an image for that matter), like @marley mission mentioned, don't design it yourself, go to an artist who is amazing at what you want.

[AverageJer]

I like the idea of an image and, if you want, the word "Trust" in it. Trust feels like a more positive reminder than "don't doubt" An image that means wisdom or trust and then a banner with the simple word could be pretty cool. Owls, wizards, whatever.

The thing is, you can personally assign meaning to whatever you want. If you like seahorses (or whatever) than you can put a cool seahorse on your arm and assign it the meaning of not doubting yourself. It's not like you will forget why you got a sweet seahorse tattoo on your arm. Conversely, having those exact words tattooed won't help you remember not to doubt yourself if you just become complacent with it anyway. Ultimately, it will still be up to you to remember to trust yourself so you might as well get a sweet tattoo that you love and that looks really cool. In the end, get the tattoo you want but if you are seeking specific suggestions I recommend a colorful seahorse.

[marley mission]

at the risk of a little TMI

my most recent tattoo has to do with a degenerative retina disease that was recently diagnosed to me

[byzantine]

yep I agree with all the above.

"don't doubt" comes across as a double negative, when the text would be better flipped to a positive.

I think just text can work if it's so ornate it almost becomes an image in itself, or in a banner below an image.

personally I think an image to symbolise the OCD would be a far wiser choice! I assume that one day you want to overcome the OCD and looking down at an awesome artwork on your arm and thinking about how your are now more decisive, confident, have more conviction etc will be way better that looking at a line of text which tells you off and may no longer even be relevant. @AverageJer is right, you can assign meaning to anything so look at imagery (tattoos, books, art, wildlife, sculpture, whatever) and see what you are drawn to or keep coming back to and the meaning will fall into place.

[bongsau]

no, it is not a good tattoo idea.

if your OCD doesn't affect your tattoos at all...then why do you need a tattoo to remind yourself not to do something?

a tattoo with strong imagery can give you confidence and will be a reminder everytime you look at it not to doubt yourself or whatever. tattoo doesn't need to be so literal and obvious.

[The Tig]

yep I agree with all the above.

"don't doubt" comes across as a double negative, when the text would be better flipped to a positive.

I think just text can work if it's so ornate it almost becomes an image in itself, or in a banner below an image.

personally I think an image to symbolise the OCD would be a far wiser choice! I assume that one day you want to overcome the OCD and looking down at an awesome artwork on your arm and thinking about how your are now more decisive, confident, have more conviction etc will be way better that looking at a line of text which tells you off and may no longer even be relevant. @AverageJer is right, you can assign meaning to anything so look at imagery (tattoos, books, art, wildlife, sculpture, whatever) and see what you are drawn to or keep coming back to and the meaning will fall into place.

Perhaps "believe in yourself" would be more useful?

https://www.google.com/search?q=believe+in+yourself+tattoo&biw=1280&bih=897&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&sqi=2&ved=0ahUKEwik4eGUw_LJAhWGQCYKHWtCCzYQ_AUIBigB

[Graeme]

Tattoos aren't a reminder to the self, they are a statement to the world. Let that guide your decision.

[suburbanxcore]

Tattoos aren't a reminder to the self, they are a statement to the world. Let that guide your decision.

With the risk of derailing this thread, aren't tattoos often both?

[KentMurker94]

Well I can't think of any imagery to help me not doubt myself, but the phrase just seems to stick to me. And I agree with suburban Xcore. Your body is your body and no tattoo is off limits

[The Tig]

Well I can't think of any imagery to help me not doubt myself, but the phrase just seems to stick to me. And I agree with suburban Xcore. Your body is your body and no tattoo is off limits

The only thing I would stress at this point is for you to be sure of what you want (while considering the future) and to get what you like, not what others may like.

[KentMurker94]

@The Tig

I agree

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@The Tig

Can you recommend me a cool font to use for it?

[byzantine]

@The Tig

I agree

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@The Tig

Can you recommend me a cool font to use for it?

I don't think it's really about choosing a font, it's about choosing the right artist.

Script can be like an art form in itself- look at calligraphy for example. Look for an artist who specialises in script and has a decent amount in their portfolio.

[The Tig]

@The Tig

I agree

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@The Tig

Can you recommend me a cool font to use for it?

Nope, that is for you and your artist.

Besides, I have a twisted sense of humor and would point you to something fucked up like this:

:p

[marley mission]

Time to move on to where ya livin kent

Chances are someone can point you to a good artist

Who can sort out the rest for ya

[Fala]

What about something uber traditional like a ship on the sea, or an anchor, if you identify personally with the sea? What sorts of images do you identify with?

As far as script - you must go to someone who can do lettering/script well, and you must let them draw the script. Do not go in saying that you want x statement with "this font". It isn't a font, it is script (or lettering) wherein it is drawn/tattooed by hand and not a machine. It is meant to flow a certain way. There are threads here that discuss lettering and script tattoos, you might want to do a search and dig around.

[Graeme]

With the risk of derailing this thread, aren't tattoos often both?

In short, no. Look, we all have intentions when getting tattoos, but once the tattoo is there you've externalized whatever interior process made you want to get that tattoo and it's now out there in the world and it will ultimately surpass your intentions. I like what Robert Ryan said in his TAM interview:

"The client is now tattooed. He spent a moment of his life, in what many seem to be a very abstract setting, to leave with a permanent badge that will bring fourth conversation, insight, judgment, alignment, attraction and repulsion for the extent of their lives."

[blujax01]

What about something uber traditional like a ship on the sea, ...

What a wonderful idea! :p

[KentMurker94]

Is anyone an artist here who can recommend me a font that's cool