AwakenTD

Got this compass & rose a few days ago by Avi Nassi at Psycho Tattoo in Tel Aviv, Israel. Will add colors in the next session. Sorry for the crappy pic...

My parents were definitely not enthusiastic about me getting tattooed at first and would slip an "advice" on how it might negatively affect my life here and there, but they were never harsh about it and kept cool I guess. They don't have to like it but I always thought I owe it to them to explain why I do it and how I feel about the effects it may or may not have on my life. I make it a point to always tell them before getting tattooed and occasionally talk about tattoos or about my future tattoo plans so that even if they won't like it, at least they'll get used to it. But as time went by (and not a long time at all tbh) they've become much more positive about it and both told me that they now see tattoos in a very different way and realize that even "good guys" get tattooed. My dad even told me that he's happy that I "know what I like and have the confidence to pursue it no matter what people think". I can't say the same about my aunts/uncles and grandparents, but everyone is treating me positively as always so far, so I guess I can't complain...:)

I don't really get the "meaning" question a lot, maybe partly because those TV shows aren't very popular around here.. I do however get the "how much did it cost" one and people always seem surprised to find out just how much ("what?! my guy can do your whole back for that price!") Don't get annoyed really, but then again I haven't been tattooed for very long..

@Graeme no worries man, glad I got some discussion going. Avi Vanunu is indeed working there and I believe he is the owner.

Thx! all my work so far was done by Avi Nassi. he works out of Psycho Bodyart in Tel Aviv

It's very easy to get tattooed in the major cities, especially in Tel Aviv as there are shops all around, and it's becoming more popular and acceptable in recent years, just like in the rest of the world I guess. That being said, it is pretty rare to see heavily tattooed people. I feel only the older generations and strict religious people hold stigmas about tattoos. I personally have a pretty big and visible arm tattoo and I've gotten some stares but no negative comments so far :)

My name is Elad and I'm from Israel :) I'm 24 y/o and I started getting tattooed about a year ago. I have 3 pieces by now (which I'll upload to my profile shortly) and plan on getting many more over time. I'm currently interested in Traditional style tattoos and I'm working on filling up my left arm. I've been browsing this website extensively over the last two weeks and watched many of the interviews and already feel that I've learned a lot. I feel blessed to have found this site and look forward to participate!