Reasons to Get a Tattoo (and Reasons Not To)

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:

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.

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

… awesome blog entry…

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…

I have to disagree about getting a design simply because you like it. for the same reasons already mentioned in previous comments.

I also happen to think that getting tattoos of anyone other than your children’s name is complete idiocy whether you are serious about your relationship or not. That’s on par with getting a tattoo when you are drunk in my book.

i completely disagree with the suggestion that you should avoid getting a tattoo that you “just really like the design” of. Tattoos are art that put on your body, and are meant to make you look more interesting or more beautiful. if there is an anbstract design that you think will do that, go for it. art doesn’t always have to mean something other than being visually appealing, although it’s great if it does. I’ve seen so many beautiful abstract tattoos that mean absolutely nothing. Unfortunatley but true, what it looks like is often more important than what it represents.

You should get a tattoo that means something special to you. Of course i wouldnt randomly get one because you do have to live with it for the rest of your life. Just make sure you really put thought into getting tattoed and where to get tattooed, a place that can be hidden might be the best choice. I dont have a tattoo yet but i want one. Before i do though i have to really think about it, because tattoos are permanent and irreversable! REMEBER THAT. Does anyone know the best place to get a tattoo???

Do you have a source for that statistic ( “dating relationships have a 99.9% failure rate”) or are you just pulling that out of your ass?

I don’t think you people are getting his point of tats for no reason. If you get it for the appreciation of the art, that is fine. it’s when you walk into a mainstream studio with dozens of pre-made designs with no idea of what you want and pick out something that you receive the same day. There is nothing original or artistically pleasing about a tat that dozens, if not hundreds, of other people just as dumb as you already have. Just take the time to think it over and look around for something better before you jump balls first into a commitment you aren’t ready for.

Who is the author of this article? I’m doing an essay on tattoos and I want to give the person credit.

I agree on most of what in this article, but I’m very happy I didn’t tattoo my wife’s name anywhere. I too thought it was going to last forever, but now I’m going through a divorce (thank God!)

I have the names of my 2 children on the inside of both lower arms and a graffiti spray can on my shoulder to remind myself of my youth as a (graffiti) writer.

people should get tattoos somewhere that is not seen to everyone i believe that best place to get a tattoo is the back or side of rib cage, it hurts alot but its all worth the pain if you really wanted the tat.

-Sue

I have to concur with Sue. I recommend Lower back body Tattoos for two reasons:
1. They’re Pretty private (Only You and Your Lover/s can see them)
2. The Lower Back doesn’t dramatically change as you age in terms of sagging and stretched skin.
You do have to keep in mind that this area is very sensitive and so more painful to tattoo.

what’s wrong with tribals??? Tattoos are great body art and if the tribal looks good i say go the f for it man!!!!!! i have my tattoos and peircing for ME, noone else. I enjoy the way i look with them (and so do others). didn’t body art originate many many years ago with tribal influences???????
Go GET ‘EM!!!!!!!!!!! they feel great

Another reason not to get a tatoo:

To offend your parents who dislike them and consider them a badge of criminals, drug addicts and social misfits generally.

One very important reason not to get a lower back tattoo:

If you’re female and you plan on having children, you may reconsider that large tattoo on your lower back. When the time comes to have that baby, you might be surprised to learn that your doctor will not allow you to receive an epidural for fear of introducing ink to the spinal fluid. And you thought getting the tattoo hurt like hell.

[...] the realm of productivity, as evidenced by his insightful and entertaining posts about parenting, posts about tattos and posts about drinking [...]

Kinda disagree with the bad reasons for getting a tattoo…

There is a pretty fine line between “vice” and “passion”. Just because you think its stupid makes it a vice?

Also if someone likes the design, does not denote lack of meaning. I think some of the best tattoos out there have no other reason than the fact that it looks good on thier body.

Dont be so close minded about reasons behind art!

Whats wrong with getting a tattoo because you like the design? Design has many aspects to it, it could be something you designed yourself, a piece of art you're into and so on. Maybe you should change that to people who choose Flash or get tattooed on the spur of the moment.

I would completely agree with you on the bad reasons. I know a few of the guy-with-tribal-band and they are trying to convince me not to get a tattoo. I'm going to get meow on me. I also think it's important where you get it done. I'm getting mine in a place that isn't going to be seen by many. I might also get a picture over the word that someone drew, the meow will also be in their handwriting.

tattoos are for drunk people not for posh people like I.

I think the “Just because you liked the design” comment is directed toward those who end up going into a tattoo parlor, pointing at one of the designs on the wall, and going “ooh, that's pretty, put that on my skin forever.” Something you designed yourself or got after consideration that you liked simply because it looks good (again, after consideration) is a different idea altogether.

I don't like tattoos much, but my husband loves it a lot, in fact he has his arms tattooed, he just loves them.

Emma

I think the defining difference between “vice” and “passion” is a vice is generally a fault, sin, or detrimental habit, whilst a passion is hobby/sport/art form that you care about.

Just liking a tattoo for aesthetic appeal does not denote lack of meaning since tattoos are about basically altering your aesthetic appeal but it shows less significance. A twenty year old may love the look of a tribal band, but in just 5 years, attitudes, emotions, and interests can greatly change. If you choose something to symbolize a memory, even if you dislike it in the future, you can look back at the past and say “Wow, that was a great time in my life,” or “that actually taught me something.”

the last reason you stated is completely wrong in my opinion. I have seven tattoos, mostly on my right leg, and I have never got one for ANY reason. I love my tattoos because they decorate my body. I have tattoos because I am fascinated by the art of it, and the pleasure of having an artists work on my body plain and simple.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zad1TB2-tmM

You should carefully plan the design for your first or next tattoo. The best tattoos would take years to plan and to lay out.

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