Why get a tattoo?

[milkbone]

I got mine mostly of things that were milestones in my life, had my nipples pierced too. It's just a personal choice I guess, none can be seen under formal business attire if I were to go back white collar. I think facial and even neck ones are a statement that says I don't have a job, and don't want one. Unless one owns their own business, that it's a statement of let my work speak for itself or I do not want to deal with stick in the ass clients that care more about looks than results. What's funny is that I always was on the fence about getting more after the first. Then I went to a televised Spring Break show when I was at Seaside for a weekend. At that time one nip and 1 tattoo. Myself and another friend of mine in our crew were picked out of the crowd to be in the background audience by a producer. We were being ourselves, camera got into my face I was flexing and flicking my nip. Later she approached me and asked if I would stay the rest of the summer, on their dime, just to be on that show. Asked her why, and the response was my look was unique (at the time, way way before that stupid show based in that town). That my outgoing attitude would increase ratings. Didn't do it regrettably because of my career job I had to return too. Later that night in some bar nightclub whatever I met Jimmy Snuka the wrestler, hung out with him a bit, then wound up leaving with his girl. Obviously the look, she was buying drinks, not me lol. She also asked me to stay the season, again, turned her down regrettably. I guess some people just look good tatted up as I've gotten more and have had similar reactions since. So OP, basically no reason but if women respond positively I figured I was doing something right besides lifting. Not for everyone of course, but for me? Yep.

 

[Catfish]

My wife and I got each other's names tattooed on each other after our five year anniversary.

Never thought I'd be one of "those people" (that's what I called them before I did it ).

So far, the decision's aging well.

 

[IronJohnDoe]

My left arm is fully sleeved - all in a realism style. For me, the most important thing was finding a skilled artist and not cheaping out, since it’s on you for life.

Back in the day, I was really into graffiti - did a lot of pieces around the city, even on trains - so art has always been part of me. That’s what pushed me toward getting tattoos myself.

Some people attach deep meaning to their ink - family, life philosophy, motivation. Others just do it for fun or aesthetics.

Funny thing though - I realized over time that I actually don’t like tattoos on women at all. No idea why, but it’s almost a turn-off for me.

Interestingly, while I am have quite a few tattoos on me, I thought I never liked inked ladies. Then I met my mrs that has a tat on her ribs, and it grew on me.
I still don't find attractive tattooed ladies but on her I don't mind a few small ones.

 

[IronJohnDoe]

I got mine mostly of things that were milestones in my life, had my nipples pierced too. It's just a personal choice I guess, none can be seen under formal business attire if I were to go back white collar. I think facial and even neck ones are a statement that says I don't have a job, and don't want one. Unless one owns their own business, that it's a statement of let my work speak for itself or I do not want to deal with stick in the ass clients that care more about looks than results. What's funny is that I always was on the fence about getting more after the first. Then I went to a televised Spring Break show when I was at Seaside for a weekend. At that time one nip and 1 tattoo. Myself and another friend of mine in our crew were picked out of the crowd to be in the background audience by a producer. We were being ourselves, camera got into my face I was flexing and flicking my nip. Later she approached me and asked if I would stay the rest of the summer, on their dime, just to be on that show. Asked her why, and the response was my look was unique (at the time, way way before that stupid show based in that town). That my outgoing attitude would increase ratings. Didn't do it regrettably because of my career job I had to return too. Later that night in some bar nightclub whatever I met Jimmy Snuka the wrestler, hung out with him a bit, then wound up leaving with his girl. Obviously the look, she was buying drinks, not me lol. She also asked me to stay the season, again, turned her down regrettably. I guess some people just look good tatted up as I've gotten more and have had similar reactions since. So OP, basically no reason but if women respond positively I figured I was doing something right besides lifting. Not for everyone of course, but for me? Yep.

To be fair that is nothing more than a stereotype.

I have both my hands covered and both sides of my neck too (big pieces you can't cover them with a shirt as they come out clearly)

Everyone thought I wanted to be a Starbucks barista after that (nothing wrong with that eh, just the popular opinion)

Instead, guess what, I am a manager that runs 2 departments for a big pharma corporation and often meet clients face to face. (Oil and gas, energy sector, government sector and such clients)

I simply dress extremely professional, then my 20 years experience in business comes out as soon as any meeting starts.

I guess in Europe they are more accepted what can I say.

But hey, I always get one of those that when I met in t-shirt and jeans and they ask me what do I do for a living they react shocked that a guy with big visible tats speaks 4 languages and works at a high position in a big corporate.

It makes me smile if anything.

 

[Stealth500]

I always think of all the heavy hitter criminal types inked from head to toe who stand out like a sore thumb and wonder what was the logic in making themselves so easily identifiable (face, neck, hand tatts). Then again i suppose criminals are generally not well known for their decision making skills.

 

[milkbone]

To be fair that is nothing more than a stereotype.

I have both my hands covered and both sides of my neck too (big pieces you can't cover them with a shirt as they come out clearly)

Everyone thought I wanted to be a Starbucks barista after that (nothing wrong with that eh, just the popular opinion)

Instead, guess what, I am a manager that runs 2 departments for a big pharma corporation and often meet clients face to face. (Oil and gas, energy sector, government sector and such clients)

I simply dress extremely professional, then my 20 years experience in business comes out as soon as any meeting starts.

I guess in Europe they are more accepted what can I say.

But hey, I always get one of those that when I met in t-shirt and jeans and they ask me what do I do for a living they react shocked that a guy with big visible tats speaks 4 languages and works at a high position in a big corporate.

It makes me smile if anything.

Europe is very different. The US is so upright, especially now, that I've been sneaking coal into high ranking managers asses and getting 2 karat and better diamonds back.

 

[narta]

The only regret I have is not having one yet.

As for the stereotype of tattoos equals a lesser human in some old geezer eyes:



So yeah, fuck you too

 

[IronJohnDoe]

Europe is very different. The US is so upright, especially now, that I've been sneaking coal into high ranking managers asses and getting 2 karat and better diamonds back.

I honestly didn't consider that. Yes I was talking from Europe experience, sad that in the US are that uptight.
Now make more sense to me what you wrote.

 

[HKOX]

I've got 8, and all of them are symbolic. None of them are visible if I'm wearing a T-shirt.

Good tattoos make all the difference. Saw an older guy yesterday who was my height (6') with arms twice the size of mine, and a really well-done sleeve. If you're going to get inked, get really good tattoos, or don't bother.

I might get a few more at some point. I've been inked in 6 countries, and would like to add to that total, funds permitting.

 

[Benf15harp]

Is mom with heart and arrow still cool?

 

[milkbone]

I honestly didn't consider that. Yes I was talking from Europe experience, sad that in the US are that uptight.
Now make more sense to me what you wrote.

Thank you.

 

[HKOX]

Is mom with heart and arrow still cool?

Yes, that's considered old school, and some people really love that aesthetic. That big, bold style really holds up well over time too

 

[R005Ter]

I have never met an old person with tattoos that regretted them. I started last year and have gotten pretty covered probably about 30-35 sessions since beginning of 2024. I got them because I like them. It is fun to work with an artist and create something you enjoy. It sucks while you are doing it but right after you are ready for another one lol

 

[HeatherSwanson]

Just curious why folks that have'em got'em? Do you regret any of them?

Never had the desire or want for one myself...didnt, and still dont, see the attraction to them. Not judging or anything, just curious what the motivation was?

I'd get tattoos but I'm scared of needles

 

[Tbaz192]

Ever since middle/high school I’ve been into tattoos. Alt emo goth girls have always been my weakness. And then tan California beach blondes.

But mainly I think it’s the difference from normal society look. typically it means trauma/issues though. Until my girl now.
Every other girl I’ve dated who’s been tatted up or Alternative. Always had mental problems. Major red flags. Controlling. Jealous. Insane. etc.

Now fast forward to me being 27. I do tattoos and have tattoos all over me, it’s just a thing I’ve always wanted. Always felt different from the “average” person. But being into bodybuilding already did that.
Now I just have muscle and alot of tattoos including hand tattoos.

 

[Thrawn]

I have two and regret both. Women with tattoos are huge turn off. My wife will frequently point out a female and I will tell her no because of tattoos, she says I'm too picky.