Tattoos. Every person out there has an opinion about them. There are three types of people out there. You either love tattoos, hate them, or don’t ever want one but are indifferent of others who have them.
Some consider it a form of art, others consider it a form of rebellion. Most people that have a tattoo will tell you that theirs is just meaningful for them. Maybe you were going through a hard time and getting your tattoo was some how spiritual or therapeutic for you. Maybe you are a girl that just turned 18 years old, and has parents who have tattoos and you just knew that you always wanted one and always knew exactly what you were going to get. You have your dad draw it, because you don’t really have anything in common with him, except this appreciation for body art. He is a very talented drawer, and you feel so special that he created a design just for you. Maybe you add two hearts in memory of your Grandpa Carl and Grandma Jerry because they were the two most important people in your life that you lost too soon.
Maybe that 18 year old girl was me. Yes, I have a tattoo.
On August 17th, 2001 (my 18th birthday) just a few days after I started my freshmen year of college, I met my parents at Ink Wizards in McDonough Georgia to see my dad’s tattoo friend for my first tattoo. It was my birthday present from my parents that year. I remember taking the sketch that my dad created and asking Jeremy if he thought it looked good. He asked me where I wanted it, I told him my upper right shoulder blade, and that was it. A few hours later I emerged from the studio, feeling like such a damn bad ass for being able to deal with the needles long enough to get inked. You have no clue how big of a baby I am with needles and pain. I can’t tell you how freeing the experience was for me.
I love my tattoo, and there has never been a day that has gone by that I regretted getting it. I can’t remember who, but someone once asked me if I was going to cover it up for my wedding. Why would I do that? My tattoo is me. It means so much to me, and I got it knowing that if I wore anything barring my shoulders, it would surely show. I was almost insulted being asked that question.
You don’t have to like tattoos. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I just feel like you should never judge a person because they have one. I was the “goody goody” in high school. Never one to get in trouble or bring attention to myself. I am more of a shy, reserved person. When people find out I have one, they almost always say “I never thought you would be the type of person to have a tattoo.” What does that even mean? Is there a type?
(Sorry for the horrible quality of this picture, it is incredibly hard to take a picture of your own shoulder blade with an iPhone.)
Truth be told, I really want another one. I have always wanted more than one before I even had my first one. I want one on my inner wrist. I have been working on what to get there for years. I have three ideas, and I think I have finally figured out what “the one” is! Now I just need to track down Jeremy. You see, he has gotten quite popular since I met him back in 2001. He has been on TV shows, won all kinds of national awards, and now has two shops. Karmic Tattoo in his original starting point….McDonough, GA and now one in FL as well.
Do you have, or would you ever get a tattoo?
19 Comments
love this! I was insulted when someone asked me if I was going to wear my hair down for the wedding, because my tattoo is on the back of my neck. I said ‘well what am I supposed to do with the one on my wrist?’ lol. Its on my inner wrist as well! I was gonna do a post about tattoos but didn’t get round to it. My cousin was a tattoo artist, I knew I wanted one, but when I knew I could get them for free I was like yes! I got one at 18 and the next at 19 and then he moved to the other side of the country, lol. But I want another one. I am not sure where I would get a 3rd though
I am on the I don’t have one but I don’t care if you do side. I’m indecisive and I hate pain and I can’t think of a thing that I will want to look at the rest of my life that would be worth putting on my body permanently. Andrew has one (he got it after his mom died) and it didn’t sway me either way on if I liked him or not. I think that there is no longer a “type” of person who has a tattoo or two. I think a sleeve connotes a certain type of lifestyle (musician/artist/works from home [or at least somewhere very liberal]) but doesn’t say anything about a person’s character.
at the end of the day the tattoo is for you and you don’t have to explain it to anyone else. (even though they will ask ‘what it stands for’
I love them – I love learning the meaning behind them, the stories they capture. I’ve always wanted another one, but I married a man who hates them. Womp. I am completely happy with just one, the one on my inner wrist, but I love dreaming of other tattoos. Can’t wait to see what you do!
I have two, both in places that don’t interfere with my ability to get a job. I got one when I was 19 and one when I was 23.
I don’t like or dislike people because they have tattoos. That’s silly. LOL
I have 3 technically 4.. I have two swallows on my arm, my son’s name above that, a butterfly on my lower back, and a chinese symbol on my upper back. I want to add my youngest sons name and get a side piece.
I love the meaning behind your’s! this is awesome! I have always wanted one but my tatted friends told me to want what I want for a year and if I still want it then get it. I change my mind at least once a week haha!
🙂
I have 8 tattoos.
And they all have meaning.. but, it does give people a certain IMAGE of me.
I love the story behind this, and if you want another one… get one. I know you’ll draw or imagine something that will be perfect for you.. and will have equally great meaning.
I remember each tattoo sitting, why I got it, and what we talked about during the sitting… It’s a memory… It’s a part of me. You know what I mean?
i actually have 5 tats 🙂 my back, mostly and one on my hip. yours is adorable! i want more and i want to add to the one on my back that represents kayla and my dad.
I don’t have any tattoos, they just aren’t for me. John has them though, I like his. He wants to do a full sleeve, I still need to get on board with that. It’s his choice obviously, but I just can’t picture it!
I don’t have any because A.) I am a baby B.) I don’t like anything enough to get it on my body forever. I don’t think anyone should be judged for having them.
LOVE the placement of your tattoo and the pictures captured it beautifully!
I absolutely love that you went with your parents! I had to hide my belly button ring from mine hahahaha. I am not opposed to one at all just haven’t had that one thing that I wanted yet….so glad I never got one of those dreaded tramp stamp ones!
what a great story about yours. I am in the category of wont’ get one but can see the significance. rock on girl!
I absolutely hate when people tell me that “I don’t look like the type of person who would have a tattoo.” Seriously, what does that mean?! I have two and I love them both! I also have a third in the works now! I love the story behind your tattoo. So sweet!
I have 4 tattoos and I can’t wait to get another one, each of them represent a different phase/time of my life and while I wouldn’t necessarily choose the same thing now I don’t regret what I have either.
Loves this post and your tattoo. I’m totally coming with you when you get your new one!!
I have a tattoo and I want another one but I just can’t think of where! I don’t understand why you would cover up your tattoo for your wedding either… it’s your WEDDING not a weird job requirement for crying out loud! hahaha
love the reasoning for your tattoo! i love when people get a tattoo that is meaningful to them and that is all that should matter.