So you want a Tattoo .....

MaxG states:

A prime example is tribal art. In reality very few tribal designs will have some type of "meaning" to the collector. Most of the time tribal designs are more for "cosmetic" effect like jewelry. But are they art work that the collector can appreciate for a life time? I would say so.

I'll mention:
The prime thing is it needs to express something of value in my humble opinion. I was just discussing this with a person at a very older age, got a tat of his Mon never had one before. It really means something like the one I have of the USMC.

Gary
 
I really dont like tribal tats. Tattoos should have a meaning to you when you get them, they are more than just a piece of ink on you. Granted, if you find a tribal tat, or draw one, that shows something about you, then go for it.
 
I have been drawing various peices of tribal for years, and many of them have a lot of meaning. I've done numerous custom peices for people including a large tribal/knotwork cross that a friend of mine had tattood on his back (full back peice) and an iron cross a friend got tattood on his shoulder. I also have don a few wedding peices where I would draw up a tribal peice that worked in both parties zodiac signs into a design. One I did for a friend who gave the peice to someone she knows, and another peice I did for my ex's sisters wedding present.
 
Here is an example of my work:



All of my peices are generally unique, creative and intricate. I put a lot of effort into a completed peice, which is why I'm getting all flustered about ya'lls comments about tribal art.

Some of them have meaning. I just love this one because it's badass. If I were to ever get a tattoo, it would be this. People said it looked like a tiger when I finished with it.

P.S. click the image to see the whole thing.
 
Tribal is also good and usful for covering up bad ink - which to my relief I discovered
 
Sure. It means something to you and it's a great design. But if someone else puts that on themselves I can guarantee it's not gonna mean the same thing to them. I'd guarantee if you put that in a tattoo shop and someone chose that design it would be because it looks good. Not because it means something to them.

And you yourself even state that you like it because it's "badass" i.e. looks good. i.e. for esthetic reasons.
 
But it's just the same as any other type of body art. I could draw a badass picture of a rocket ship because I'm an astronaut and get it tattoo'd on my butt, but if I put it in a tattoo shop and someone else picked it, it would be for purely aesthetic reasons.

So I guess what I'm saying is: tribal art is no different from any other type of body art in that regard.
 
I thought it was a good informative article, good reading for someone just thinking of getting a tat.

I've got a bunch...

The first just got done a few weeks ago, little to no scabbing and the color has stayed solid which is nice, the second is 10+ years old and is in need of a touch up, but each one I get has a specific meaning to me, something of some type of significance so I'm not ashamed of having it years after...
 
I had Death Before Dishonor on my arm, but I had it covered with Run Before Injury
 
Your new one is very pretty What does that one mean to you? Don't worry if it's too personal. I'm just curious
 
It's related to my love for my style, being a Shaolin derivitave, and the old tradition of Shaolin Warrior Monks branding the Tiger/Dragon on their arms.
I could have had them seperated and had one on each arm but I liked the look of them together and so kept it as is.
 
the intial article posted sums it the best. i have 13 and thet's the advice i give to anybody who asks me about getting one. one thing i would add is that you should consider where you get the tat. depending on your employment there still is a negative stereotyoe about tat's so be sure the placement fits into your lifestlye. all of mine a easily hide by a short sleeve t-shirt not because i'm ashamed but because i got them for myself and with a sleevless shirt i can show them off.
 
Very good advice.

Luckily I work for myself, and don't see myself firing myself anytime soon because I have very visable tattoos...
 
unless you get REALLY annoyed at yourself for some sloppy work

I'm glad you all read and liked my article, im getting the itch to write one for piercings now....
 
like isaid there are still people who judge you on apperance ,not me, just because i hide mine , i don't judge people on their apperance i treat peolpe the way they treat me period. some of the friendliest and most helping people are the ones some people think just the opposite of. the saying don't judge a book by it's cover is a little corny but o so true. i am self employed also so i cover mine up to show a proffesional apperance but that's just who i am. does'nt mean it is right but that's how i approach it.
 
I completely understand, I'm a Carpenter/Contractor and so depending on what type of job I'm doing, I might cover them up while dealing with a customer if it's a remodel/finish job, but if it's a framing deal then it doesn't really matter much and so I could care less if they show or if my guys have any showing.

I would also agree with what you said about people and judging a book by it's cover, some of the most reasonable, friendly people are people with tat's/piercings...
 
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