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Got my first just a little over a month ago - but at 61, retired Army officer and current college president I'm not in the usual group of folks most people think of getting a tattoo. Mine is not visible unless I'm wearing a sleeveless shirt. As people have learned about my first foray, they've been very positive. I get some of the "why would you do that?" One colleague asked if I was going to start drinking shots of whiskey again/ My response? I never stopped.

@LizBee no one asked you to lift up an other part of your shirt for a better view?

How about all those people asking 'should I get this tattoo?' If youre asking someone else or even strangers on the internet, you probably shouldn't

Here is a pet peeve: Just got my first visible tattoo. And I really hate all the comments that suggest it is my first one. "Wow, going big for first tattoo!" "Wow, when did you decide you wanted a tattoo?" "Bold choice for your first tattoo!"

Another one (I'm sure a few more will come to me); I find it semi-annoying when someone really wants to know what the tattoos you have "symbolize" or what meaning they have. I guess the old saying is applicable... "I liked the look of this (insert tattoo type), so I got it tattooed". That's usually responded to with "do you think you'll regret that when you're older?" Holy geez. I'm in my 30s, I am a big boy now and my mom told me that I can do anything that I want. She also tells me I'm handsome and special. But all kidding aside, I've done many other things along the way that I'll regret forever and FAR more than being an inked up grandpa. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I'll take your tiny bee and raise you my well settled in micro Baphomet.

I don't like small tattoos. I don't like tattoos that are self-consciously tasteful. Tattoos should be large, bold, and at least somewhat obnoxious.

Hello All! I've been reading this site for some time to get information, and it has been really valuable in that way, so I decided to join and share. I'm a 60 something married male, an architect by profession, who got a very small, very hidden tattoo in the early 1970s, added a little to it several years later...and then stopped. However I became totally enamored with the art of tattooing, but couldn't bring myself to get what I really wanted until only the last few years. So, I'm about to embark on a full Japanese back piece, extending to my upper thighs, and quarter or half sleeves, extending partially onto my chest. How I got to this point is a long story, wrought with the angst of doubt, fear, and perhaps way too much self-analysis. But I love to write (even though I am a bit long-winded), so I started a blog. You can read my tattoo story here. This is a huge step for me. I exist in a world where I have no tattooed friends or colleagues – Zero (Well, actually one friend, a lady with two tiny tattoos on her wrists). But basically no one around me except my wife has any interest in tattoos, and generally everyone around me views tattooing negatively. I feel pretty alone in this interest. I'm hoping that here I can find a community, support, and some "tattoo friends" with whom I can share my love of the art. I view tattooing with great reverence. I think that the ability to transform your skin into a work of art that will be part of you forever is a pretty powerful concept. I could never say that to my friends without them thinking I'm insane, but I hope there are people here who feel similarly. Looking forward to communing with you all!

Hello, I've been reading these boards for a while now and finally decided it was time to join. My name is Nick, I'm, from Long Island and have a few tattoos including a half sleeve and full sleeve in progress. I recently just started the full sleeve with Mike Rubendall from Kings Ave. Needless to say I'm extremely excited and glad to be on here finally.

Thanks. You can't go wrong with American traditional! I love it.

That would make WAY more sense!

I guess it is because tattoos are so much in the public consciousness, but I don't understand why people feel so comfortable coming up and touching my tattoos, and asking personal questions, completely out of nowhere. This is similar to when I have been pregnant and strangers feel quite comfortable coming up and putting their hand upon my belly. EXCUSE me? I have been stopped in public by strangers and asked to raise the sleeve of my shirt so a better view can be achieved. ????? How is this different than if you had a really nice piece of jewelry or outfit on, and I just walked up to you and touched the collar of your jacket or fingered your watch/necklace, asked you where you got it, how much it cost, etc.? How about if you had a nasty scar on your arm and I couldn't quite see the entire thing, and I asked you, a stranger, to raise your shirt sleeve a bit so I could see it all. It would not be acceptable behavior. I realize that people assume you have tattoos because you want them to be seen, maybe, and you want to share them with the world, but not necessarily!

The sharpies sound like a nice idea since they are useful and hard to find as you say. I would plan to cash tip on top though.....i have given a gift once but my standard large tip was also offered and accepted at the same time. My gift was maple syrup, since I live where it is made and cheaply available but costs a fortune where the tattoo was done.

c'mon what about smallest tattoos? LOL

I guess it is a cultural thing because every artist I know would much prefer a cash tip than a "gift," especially if you don't know them very well. *shrug*

First session on this ROA tattoo done by Grez at King's Ave in NYC, still red and swollen. More pics next month after it's finished.

gonna repost in this thread cause i'm super stoked on my latest n greatest Snake by Scott Rusnak / Lucky Strike Tattoo Edmonton 2016 body wraps onto the inside of the wrist. i'm really happy with the placement which was tricky because I didn't want to lose the dragonfly above. i'm stoked about the negative halo to keep it pop'd. the snake tongue is super legit. Dragonfly (aka Snakedoctor) by Shawn O'Connor / Ink Machine Tattoo Edmonton, AB 2014 considerably lower anxiety during the healing. it's 1 week old now and the snake had it's first shed. the tongue is really scabby but so far everything is holding. hands are a bitch to heal. so now both hands are done and sleeves dropped down all the way to the edge of the wrist. ink is leaking out of my long sleeve shirts yeeehaw

I noticed this weekend at the convention that people with tiny tattoos on their wrist or a small black tattoo outline on their ankle consider themselves tattoo experts. I know they are excited, and they feel part of a club, but dude. You are not an expert because you have an infinity symbol on your wrist or your kid's name written on your ankle. They know EVERYTHING because they have a five-minute $50 tattoo of their sorority name on their wrist or inside of their fingers. It was hilarious and also very weird. I like that they refer to people without tiny tattoos on their wrists as plainskins. Um, no. Just no. Also, as an aside, I hate the term "plainskins." I don't judge anyone for not having tattoos. They aren't plainskins. They are just people who don't have tattoos.

Hey, all, I'm Jen, and I'm new round here. I've read a lot of posts here, so I thought I'd join in the banter. I am a tattoo collector. 90% of mine are by Joshua Henderson at Brainstorm Tattoo in Fayetteville, Arkansas, who I think is crazy talented. I also have been tattooed by Richard Stell, and I'm getting another from him the Oklahoma Tattoo Convention at the end of this month. I'm a big admirer of Richard and Jennifer Stell, who are two of the coolest people I've had the chance to meet. I've been helping Jennifer with proofreading and updating the tattoo convention website. Good times! I guess I'll post a few of my tattoos in subsequent posts. Thanks for letting me join here, and I hope to become a regular! - - - Updated - - - - - - Updated - - -

I was just wondering today if they would be added! Thanks!! The site just keeps getting better!!

So, you have an option?

Congratulations and welcome. But, let me be the first to mention...................pictures are required!!!! lol

I keep coming back to look at your pieces. It gives me inspiration for my next - definitely going traditional.

We just started the process of booking our next trip to Antigua - probably in November. That means I need to schedule my right arm work in time to be healed so I can swim. Woo hoo!

Watch it now!!! I may be 61 but I am not old!!! Age is just a number...granted mine is a pretty big number. lol

Hey now! 50 is the new 30! Watch out you young whippersnapper. @rufio

Very nice collection, I'm new here as well.

@Intomyskin You're absolutely right to consider the feel you get from the artist. The artist, the experience you had while getting the tattoo are all in there with it. People maybe can't see it, but it's there. A back takes a long time, so you're going to be spending a lot of time with your artist so you want somebody you get along with and can relate to in some way. As well as the time spent on it, it's an intimate process, you're vulnerable and in pain in front of somebody you don't know that well so that personal connection is critical, and it's not something you can get from looking at a portfolio. Seems like you have a good handle on things. I'm excited for you.

I'm 30 and my family loves to remind me that I'm an old lady now, so your comment gave me a giggle. ;)

welcome @Intomyskin great intro, enjoyed your honest blog read. looks like you found the spot. good luck on taking the big plunge. your journey is just beginning.

Great story. I really wouldn't worry about what other people think. Just since having the linework of my sleeve done (only two weeks), I've had so many people confess to me their hidden tattoos or their wish that they could sleeve their arm - people you would never expect. Most people have hidden envy, wishing they had the freedom to do what you are doing. And while people your age may be less accepting, my experience is anyone under 35 doesn't care one bit about tattoos. They weren't alive when ink had any taboo at all. Seems like you picked a great artist. Her Instagram shows that she really does good traditional Japanese tattoos. But since you are committing to such a huge piece that will take a substantial amount of time and money -- make 100% sure she is the one. I ended up really happy (thrilled, even) with my artist... but until the design was painted onto my arm, second-guessing my artist choice was probably my biggest anxiety. Especially since there are so many fantastic Irezumi/Horimono specialists out there. Even though Cindy seems totally awesome, I would force yourself to look and look and look and make sure she is the one. Having that peace of mind and confidence in your choice will make the process much easier. Beyond that - get booked - we want photos!

I once was at a party and approached a local tattoo artist with the intention of asking if she was interested in doing my next piece. She asked to see my tattoo, which I was aware was lame as I was just starting out. When she saw it, she turned around and walked away without saying a word. I was pretty bummed. Later when she did my sleeve I mentioned to her what had happened years before and made the point that everyone has to start somewhere.

I've usually given a cash tip. Only one artist I've seen more than once I gave a gift. To which I've given him 2 tattoo machines, custom made business cards with his info on it and a personalized zippo on different occasions. With regards to to gifts, how bout a bottle of alcohol or business cards custom made with his info on it?

not bad for 56 ?!?!?!?!!?!? and she says thanks :)

New site looks awesome ! Thank you to all who manage this site in the background. Still getting accustomed to the navigation and flow. So far so good. Can't seem to get the emoticons working yet...like bro I need to post the :cool: sunglasses happy face at the end of all my posts haha

You find experts in anything you do. People generally get excited about what they like and want to appear very knowledgeable. And with tattoos they also want to appear tough - "like I sat for 10hrs straight", I hear this brag statement so often for the most unsubstantial tattoos it is nauseating. I'm like, good for you that must have hurt! But when it's obvious they got grey lined, then lined, then re-lined again and then delicately grey shaded I'm like suuuure bud that must. have. hurt (your pocket) ! But whatever, I know what's up with my tattoos and my tattooists and what it really takes to go the distance, so good for them. I guess my peeve is people asking about your tattoos. They don't sincerely ask about your tattoos. Nobody gives a shit about your tattoos. Maybe I'm being a little melodramatic...but 90% of the time being asked about your tattoos is simply the unsolicited invitation for people to just talk and show off their own. It is a penis-measuring contest. People love to talk. And love hearing themselves talk. And perhaps I'm no different. I mean really I post here at LST often because this is one of the very few outlets I have (aside from the tattoo shop) where I can wax about tattoos and my experience with honesty (and feel like I have an audience haha). So peace to the LST cats for reading my words, whether you reply or care. Or you can just scroll past, who cares! There is a lot of ego and attitude in the tattoo scene. So perhaps the lesson for me here is to ask people about their tattoos (in person) more often when i do see something cool or fresh. Everybody has their own story to tell. It's all good though. Just keep getting tattooed because you enjoy it. Enjoy it for yourself. The people who truly are ass-deep (literally) into tattoos no what's up and will keep the culture thriving, pet peeves or not.

Oni on my right foot. It'll be my 3rd tattoo by Stewart, he's awesome!

no real pet peeves i think - i really dont care what other people do with regards to their tattoos maybe people expecting their tattoos to be perfect and obsessing about minor imperfections oh - and people who constantly talk about getting tattooed but never do guess i do have pet peeves :)

I've never seen a tattoo artist decline a tip. Ever. Give him a tip. He has to pay his bills.

Socks. Always cool socks. :) @Kurgana

I think that's a great point and I wholly agree.

Just finished Jack and i couldn't be happier with it! So excited! Done by Zaed from Radical Ink in Bucharest.

Sorry it's been a while since I've been here. Looking at other people's tattoos makes me want more, and my wallet can't afford it. I recently changed jobs, and to celebrate I got this. This was done by the same tattooer that did my other pieces (Papa Joe in Boise, ID). My back is nearly complete. This is a pic of the fresh tattoo.

Enjoy. http://tattoopoo.tumblr.com/ Not everything posted is bad but sweet baby beans, there are some trainwrecks!

I'm new, too. This is a fun place. Also? This thread title made me giggle. :-)

Cindy is awesome, my friend just got a painting from her and it's great

Finished my full back piece last Friday. I plan to write something about the experience but need time to collect and organize all my thoughts. by Mike Rubendall at Kings Ave:

Currently thinking about Cindy Maxwell at Dark Age Tattoo in Seattle. Anyone have any experience with her?

True enough. I hate when people say "but tattoo artists HATE it!!" about something. Here's something: Some tattooers are douchebags. Them being a tattooer, even a GOOD tattooer, doesn't make them right or profound. It makes them another asshole with an opinion and there's nothing special or unique about having one of those. If you think you're a collector, you probably are. It's a way to describe what you do- collect tattoos from people you dig. I collect toys. I collect dvds. I have a lot of passion when it comes to my collections; I think about which swatches to buy, know when some obscure film is going to be released on dvd, read articles about toy production. I guess if you looked at it like that, I collect tattoos too. I find myself interested in the whole culture of it, not just "gettin' a new tat'. Verdict: It's not bad to be called a collector/call yourself a collector. It's not bad to not WANT to be called a collector/call yourself a collector.

When Grez told me I had a nice collection started, I was like "hell ya!" I never gave much thought to the term, but the fact that he liked the tattoos I was getting I figured I must be doing something right. It's nice to have great tattooers appreciate your involvement in the culture. I think being called a "collector" kind of brings us more into the fold.