Graeme

I don't have a problem with tattoos meaning things, I just hate the way how most people who want "meaningful" tattoos can only think of meaning in the most heavy-handed and literal way. For example, I have a swallow that I got on my birthday a couple of years ago because I was feeling pretty bummed because it was my birthday and I was feeling sorry for myself about aging or whatever. My wife got the same flash from a different artist a couple of weeks later around her birthday. When I think about that tattoo I remember having a super fun time getting it, I remember how my wife got hers done on a miserable snowy day and how we went out for poutine afterwards, etc., and the same goes for all my tattoos (albeit I don't have a lot of tattoos and I haven't been getting them for so long so maybe the details and memories of getting those tattoos is going to become less distinct over time). So those tattoos have a huge amount of meaning and significance for us, exactly none of which has to do with swallows.

I'm sorry to hear it @TrixieFaux. That picture of Anthea's tea party is precious.

How bad is this season? I was planning on watching it just for the untertainment value and then I looked at the show's website and saw the tattoos these clowns are doing (with the exception of dudes like Jime Litwak) and I just can't bring myself to do it. Shit bums me out.

Great idea for a thread! I'm sure I'll think of many things to add to this thread but the first one that comes to mind is how this plainskinned girl at work was asking about my tattoos and she was super complimentary about them, really appreciated that they're nice, well made tattoos and then she commented that I clearly cared a lot about my tattoos "unlike those other people who get them on dares". Other than the fact that it seems most people who have a tattoo or two put way too much thought and meaning into their tattoos, I am kind of offended by the comment because I would get a tattoo on a dare.

@cltattooing The Raven Steals The Light was a big part of the inspiration there. One of the references I gave him was Bill Reid's drawing on the cover of his book retelling that and other Haida stories, but I wanted it in his style rather than in the formline one. I am absolutely thrilled with how it turned out...it far surpassed my expectations for the tattoo. @SStu I gave him an idea and references, but the credit here is all his in taking my references and figuring out what I wanted from them and how to turn them in a beautiful, powerful, and coherent tattoo.

According to my work's dress code I'm not supposed to have visible tattoos, long hair, or a beard, and I think going shirtless all the time would probably raise too many questions about the other stuff...so shirts are kind of practical at this point in my life.

Ah what, the hell, I'll give this a try this month. This was done by Thomas Hooper in five sessions between October 2012 and June 2013, mostly at Saved but with one session at the Rochester Convention:

I'm guessing you're talking about Dan Sinnes? Yeah, his stuff is amazing but if it isn't your style, it isn't your style. What are you looking for specifically?

Welcome, what tattoos do you have?

Welcome Samuel, any questions you have can be put in your intro thread.

The best "creative person" in this case is a tattoo artist. Find somebody who does tattoos that you really love and ask them to draw and tattoo what you've been thinking about. Welcome.

There are also a few older threads about this, so search the forum.

Y'all need to get over your personal tastes. A good tattoo is a good tattoo whether or not it's what you'd choose. Welcome to LST, Rob!

I'm going to second this. I used to have ideas of how things were going to go together, and I still kind of have rough ideas and plans, but mostly when it comes down to picking a design and placement I'm all about spur of the moment decisions. I figure that it's all going to end up as one tattoo more or less anyway so I don't stress out about it.

Welcome, let's see your tattoos.

Really nice tattoos and welcome. That portrait of your dad is especially cool.

Great plague doctor and welcome!

She needs to talk to a tattoo artist in person, that is the only person who can give her an answer.

That thing where your partner ends up getting the tattoos she never thought she'd get...like dragons, an anchor, and quite possibly tebori next!

Great looking tattoos and welcome aboard!

Also when the t-shirt inevitably sticks to your new tattoo, don't pull it off, but jump into the shower with the shirt on and when it's wet it will come away without pulling on the tattoo.

Try to sleep however is comfortable for you, and don't stress out too much about it because some rubbing is inevitable with that spot. Inside of the bicep, if you're anything like me, is a shitty spot and you'll have an uncomfortable next couple of days. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

That tiger is one of my favorite ever tattoos. Just saying.