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I have lots of tattoos. Something like 30 at last count, if memory serves. As tattoos have grown in popularity and social acceptance, it’s very likely that your average 20-something has one or more tattoos. And while I’m certainly not an expert on the art of tattooing, I’ve got a good deal of experience with tattoos (mostly because I get lots of people who want to show theirs to me) and can enumerate fairly confidently what are good reasons for getting a tattoo. I can also tell you what are not good reasons 
People’s tastes in tattoo design has always fascinated me. Everything from beautifully ornate recreations of their mother’s High School yearbook photo to a cup of coffee and a donut (seriously, I’ve seen it). Far be it from me to tell somebody I think their tattoo is dumb (to their face, at least), but I think there are some pretty hard-and-fast rules about choosing a design for your next tattoo.
First, what I consider to be good reasons for getting a tattoo.
Memories
Of all the tattoos I’ve seen, this is probably one of the most common categories of inspiration. Whether it be a small “R.I.P.” piece on your arm for a cousin that died before his time or the name of the Company in which you served while in the Military, these are the kinds of things that are begging to be the basis of a tattoo design. From my personal “collection”, I have a tattoo on my right shin for my father who died in 1999 (at age 53).
But another facet of the “memories” idea that is often overlooked would be things that you really loved at one point in life. I feel these are just as viable as tattoo design ideas as departed loved ones, personally. It always makes me smile when I hear somebody talk about how they’re not sure they want a certain tattoo because “well, it’s going to be there forever so I’d better love it forever”. While there is some credence to that, I actually disagree. If you spent your formative years playing chess with your father but haven’t executed an en passant since the Carter Administration, then a chess tattoo would be perfect (if you ask me). Because it’s a memory, something that helped define who you are (even though it may not have manifested itself in immediately apparent ways).
Tributes
While these may look and smell very similar to Memories, there’s an important distinction: tributes are the kinds of things you’d get tattoos for that haven’t yet “ceased”. For example, I have tattoos for both of my children and my wife (kids tattoos pictured below), none of which are dead (a fact I’m pretty happy about). I love my family more than anything, so I really couldn’t wait to get them.
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I suppose now is a good a time as any to bring up the whole “tattoos for your mate” thing. First, let me just say that I have my wife’s name tattooed in huge block letters across my lower back, and I’m all too happy to show it to anybody who asks (and even people who don’t) - much to my wife’s chagrin. So, clearly I fall on the “yes, do it” side of the argument. But - and that’s a huge ‘but’ - it’s something that shouldn’t be entered into lightly. There’s always the possibility that your relationship could end (one way or another), so you need to weigh that before taking the “I (heart) Wanda” plunge. But if you’re pretty sure the relationship is going to go the distance (which I am, for the record), then I say go for it. You’re only going to get one pass at this “life” thing, after all.
Passions
I love computers and technology. They’ve been my hobby and profession for many years now and will continue to be for many years to come. So it shouldn’t shock anybody that I have several “geeky” tattoos. Here are a few, and the geeks reading will probably be able to identify most of them:
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If you’ve been going to see some sports team play for years and years and it’s something you’re truly passionate about, then go ahead and get that team logo tattoo you’ve been secretly dreaming of. If anybody voices disagreement with your design, you could kindly retort with something about their mother and how it was a good thing they didn’t get that particular tattoo.
Personal passions are fairly few and far between, in my experience. If there’s something you truly love, then a tattoo is a great way to show off how you feel. And if you’re not quite so into that thing a few years down the road, then you can count it as a memory!
Bad Reasons for Getting a Tattoo
As much as it may seem like I pretty much green-lighted every tattoo idea ever in the previous paragraphs, I do think there are several tattoos that are simply bad ideas. I’ll toss these in list form so you can scan them quickly:
- Your Boyfriend/Girlfriend - Unless you’re married (or in some other committed relationship), don’t go getting Mary Beth’s name on your shoulder. Dating relationships have a 99.9% failure rate, so you’re against some pretty hefty odds. So, wait until there are rings on fingers before you start getting the tattoos, please.
- Your Favorite ‘Vice’ - This has got to be one of the dumbest tattoos ever conceived. I’m talking about the guys with the logo of their favorite beer or (worse yet) a big ass pot leaf or something. Getting a tattoo of these types of things will make you look like a dumbass. And if you actually get something like this, you probably are a dumbass.
- “I just really like the design” (a.k.a., No Reason at All) - Even if your tattoo is in reference to something stupid, at least it’s in reference to something. Tattoos that have absolutely no meaning whatsoever (I’m looking at you, guy-with-tribal-band) are, to say the least, not recommended.
In closing, I’ll say this: if you really want a tattoo, get it. Ultimately, you’re the only one who’s going to have to deal with it as you wander through life. If it means something and you like it, go for it! Don’t pay any mind to your negative friends and coworkers who try to convince you that “man, bacon and eggs? seriously?”. At least you’re taking life by the horns and doing something. Tattoos are wonderful, go get yours.
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33 Responses to “Reasons to Get a Tattoo (and Reasons Not To)”
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I will have to send you a picture of mine. I have 3. All have meaning and significance.
Thanks for sharing yours.
another reason not to:
job interviews
well, at least to not get tats where you can’t cover them up for interviews
@eltejano
yeah, you should probably avoid hand/neck/head tattoos if you’re a white-collar type, but I have tattoos all over my forearms and legs (easily coverable by long sleeves/pants) - and all of my employers in the past have been cool about it. This is probably due to the fact that I don’t usually interface directly with clients/customers (except maybe over the phone), but I think that people are just generally more relaxed about tattoos in the workplace because they’ve become so pervasive.
nice post,
I agree with your notion of getting tattoo’s for memories. I have a few on my arms, all of which represent a certain time in my life, and while I’m not necessarily still in love with the images I chose, the memories they evoke still bring me joy everyday.
oh and I’m digging the geek tats.
Carlin on tattoos:
One reason not to get a tattoo is that a tattoo is positive identification. No one should ever do anything to help the police, especially when you may be the object of their interest.
I think a good reason to get a tattoo is inspiration. You should find something - a word or phrase that helps you and keeps you going.
Sometimes the best things are things that you aspire to, or want to become.
A tattoo is an amazing way to motivate yourself to do something. After all it is a permanent reminder of that point in time when you got it done.
Let’s not forget to bear in mind how your tattoo/you will look in oh, say 50 years. Especially if you’re a girl or only planning on a few. Some how that pisces sign entwined with your birth flower tends to lose something when it starts melting down your calf, no matter how special, meaningful or timeless.
Yes, everybody, that last comment was from my wife. I think that might be the first time she’s commented here
I have to say I agree with your reasons. Especially the last reason NOT to get a tattoo. It’s a pet peeve of mine, when people say they want a tattoo… but have no idea’s or reasons, they just want one for the sae of having a tattoo.
Meh.
Oh, and I’m quite happy having saggy wrinkly skin adorned with ink when I’m old. At least the wrinkly/saggyness will look more interesting than plain sag
I really like your reasons to and not. My son has been putting tattoos on friends since he made his first gun out the motor from a remote control truck when he was 13. ^_^
sometimes, getting a tattoo that has no deep personal meaning or sentiment attached to it is the best way to go. the tattoo remains static, but a person is prone to emotional growth. get images you like. forget the reasons behind it.
I truly believe one can posses a tattoo with no personal or underlying connotation, provided there is a true sense of artistic appreciation in the perspective of possessor.
Agreed totally right up until the “don’t get it just because you like the design” bit. I’ve wanted a simple black band “design” that I’ve “liked” since I was 14, and finally got it a few months ago (almost 20). People always ask the story behind it…there’s no story. I just always wanted it, and I haven’t regretted it for a fraction of a second. Not every tattoo has to be a deep spiritual journey. Some can just be an expression of taste.
I disagree about the tattoos for no reason. Of all my tattoo’s, including a right arm sleeve and rib panel, one has a meaning, and its my family crest. The best tattoos dont have meaning, and dont need meaning. Tattoos are aesthetic, and as long as they look good, theres no need for meaning. I mean shit, I’m american and most my tattoos are japanese style. I have zero connection with Japan or japanese people, I just like how Japanese tattoos look, so does that make my tattoos bad or pointless? No.
And also, with respect to old school tattoos, train hopping tattoos, and Sailor Jerry style tattoos, all of which are comprised of meaningless images or designs, you should not advocate that tattoos without meaning are bad ideas.
You say dating relationships have a 99.9% failure rate, so you shouldn’t get your girlfriend/boyfriend’s name tattooed. But you’re totally okay with having your wife’s name on you when there’s like a 50% chance of you two divorcing. Having your kids’ names tattooed is one thing, but getting someone name who you’re “in love with” is just stupid no matter if you’re dating or married or whatever. One of these days you won’t be in love with them and then you’ll have a fugly tattoo to remind you of how they ran off with your brother.
@FailFace
I think part of the reason 50% of marriages fail is because of the cavalier attitude with which people approach it. I’m not sure if people just aren’t paying attention when the rattle off those silly “vows”, but you’re swearing to stay together. And yet people are willing to just give up one day because their spouse doesn’t ring their bell the way they used to.
If you think that a dating relationship and marriage are similar/interchangeable (as many seem to), then I invite you to definitely not get a tattoo for the other person. From the post:
Another thing I find hilarious is the “1 in 2 chance of getting a divorce”, as though it depends on the flip of a coin. It dovetails nicely into describing the attitude of the modern divorcee - “Not my fault” or “Just didn’t work out”.
So, in closing - if you’re serious about marriage, get the freaking tattoo. If you’re not, don’t.
Another good reason to get a tattoo is sort of covered in memories and commemorations, but not really. There are times when we have an experience or an event that happens in our life that fundamentally changes who we are. Changing religion, becoming a priest, gradutating from a school. While these could be considered memories, they’re really more something to commemorate. Having a tattoo that represents that life changing event can be very meaningful to some people.
great ideas!!! when people ask me my advise about a tatoo…as i was getting them when they were not main stream…i alway tell them to take care of them and make them mean something to you as they are permanent…which if they mean something, is a blessing!
Like your story, I have one tattoo and getting ready to get another one. Your explanations are sound but until the last point “I just really like the design”. A lot of tribal tattoos are purely artistic I find and I selected mine just because it is really cool looking and is not regretting it one bit.
I like your site, but I do disagree with one point. Tattoo’s are an art form. Tattooists are usually called tattoo ARTISTS so if there is a piece of ARTWORK that you appreciate and want to put on your body permanently that’s wonderful and is a perfectly good reason to get that tattoo….even if there is no memory, tribute, or passion connected to the particular piece of artwork.
Cant believe you carry the Scientology banner. Get rid of it man. Ripping families apart.
@ANON
Um… what?
I agree with Drew and Lyla on the tattoos with ‘no reason’. I’ve seen some gorgeous tattoos (including Tribal ones) that had no other meaning than the person wanted a tattoo. I’ve wanted another one but am waiting to see something I really like. It will be special to me because it’s something I chose to become a part of my body. No offense, but it’s a bit snobbish sounding to say that people should ONLY get a tattoo for certain reasons. While I agree with most of your blog entry, I wouldn’t thumb my nose at someone who loves the way a tattoo looks on a person and simply wants one personally. To that I would simply say don’t just get ANYTHING to get a tattoo. Look around and go for something you really like… not just the first thing within your price range.
What is the big deal if you get a tattoo because you like the design? Seems like a petty thing to be concerned with. Actually, the entire article seems pretty weak. Who gives a shit about other peoples tattoo’s? Oh! I have a great idea!! Lets get mad about tattoo’s!! I’ll write an awesome blog entry about how cool and meaningful my tattoo’s are and then get mad about dumb ones. I can only hope in the future you can find something with more depth to complain about.
P.S. I don’t have tattoo’s!!! Ink that DOUCHE BAG!!!!!
@Erik
Thanks!
Good points you have here. I have 12 tattoos, most of which of in memory of my sister, another one i got with my best friend. My last one was my mistake, my fiance’s name… of course we broke up. Its now covered up, and the artist did an amazing job thankfully, but i really wish i just didnt do it in the first place.
One more reason i would add, either for or against, is the fact that for most people tattoos can be addicting. Its something I tell all of my friends to think about before they get their first one, because after that they are bound to get more.
Really… its rare u find someone with only one tattoo….
This is awesome! There are many, many people who need to read this…
The weirdest tattoo I ever came across was an ex-boyfriend of mine, who had his stepdad’s last name tattooed on his chest because it was “the only tattoo he wouldn’t get in trouble for”…WTF?!? He even tried to get it removed later, but chickened out after two sessions. So now, this machismo-obsessed, homophobic fool looks like a gay man whenever he takes off his shirt (the last name is Marcus, a common first name…)
I however like to think my tattoos are nice. My favorite one is the symbol for “Cthulhu” from the necronomicon. People always ask what it is, and it’s a great chance to try and force another conversion to the Cthulhu Mythos!
Another good tattoo memory idea is a tattoo souvenir…obviously not something to be entered into lightly, but I have two myself, one from Belarus (a dragon) and one from Ecuador (Jormungander wrapped around the rune for protection). Neither have anything to do with either country, but every time I look at them its a reminder of my travels!
I’m not so sure about spousal tattoos….I have an ex-husband wandering around with my name tattooed on his chest. Best revenge on the planet.
I have four of my own - one for my two children and three with meaning to me. I don’t care what they will look like in 30 years. That’s not important. What’s important is that I know what they are, what they symbolize and the importance of them.
I have a “to hell with everyone else’s opinions” about my tats - and that’s how it should be.
Have to disagree with meaningless tats. Mine are simply decoration, just artwork.
you forgot the most common and worst reason for geting a tattoo:
drunkeness
i’m going to agree with gimp…drunk tattoos are never a good idea.
This article is alright, but I must say I won’t be coming back to a site that supports a dangerous cult like Scientology. Have a nice day.
I have a piece of one of M.C. Escher’s works… I just really like the design! I agree with lyla… Tattooing it’s an art… Tattoos are aesthetisc…
I also have penrose triangles on my wrists… I’ve always been fascinated with them, it’s a cool design…