You are here: Home » Real Life, Real Talk » Are Tattoos Sexy or Tacky? (How I Got My First & Only Tat)

Are Tattoos Sexy or Tacky? (How I Got My First & Only Tat)

Posted by NWSO • December 23, 2010 • Printer-friendly

First and foremost, thanx to all those who came out last night to celebrate my born day (12/26), new gig and life in general. I had a blast (I'm sure) and looking forward to a great birthday weekend.

While in the shower yesterday I realized that come Sunday I would have had the tattoo on my right bicep for exactly 10 years. It’s my first and only tat, which I got for my 24th birthday. I had just broken up with my girlfriend of three years and I wanted to do something different. She was only my second girlfriend but it was a serious relationship and a hard breakup. After three years on lock and suddenly "cute," I wanted to commemorate my “freedom” in some special way.

The thought of a tattoo had crossed my mind from time to time but I never wanted to get something stupid that I'd regret two years later or would just look stupid at 60. As much as I wanted one I wouldn't do it until I had the right idea.

In the months leading up to my birthday I'd think on what to get should I actually go through with getting a tattoo. My name seemed corny and extremely vain. The letter A was an option for a long time, but, still, it felt lame. I may have still been rapping back then, but that dream was fading and I had a feeling that having "Graze KUL" (pronounced Grey Skull) anywhere on my body would result in immediate regret and ridicule.

I'm not sure when or how, but finally it hit me—a phrase and image that would capture who I was now, then and always.

"I Write Therefore I Am..."

It was a play on Descartes' ancient philosophy on existence, "I Think Therefore I Am." It made perfect sense because at that point I was already two years into my career as a writer and no matter if I evolved into another field I knew that I would always write—even if it was a check. I'd written music in high school, poetry and short stories in college and now I was publishing/editing articles in the No. 1 music magazine at the time.
I was sold.

I just had to figure out the presentation. The more I thought on it the more the idea started to formulate in my mind. I wanted the words scribbled on an ancient parchment and written with one of those old feather quills.

Sick!

But I didn't know the first thing about tattoos so I went to my boy Mecca, who already had several, for advice and suggestions of a good spot. Before my birthday festivities took place that night he took me down to West 8th St. in the city to this spot he used to go to. We went upstairs and met the tattoo artist and I told him what I wanted. We picked out a font and he freehanded a sketch of what the feather and parchment would look like.

He nailed it.

Exactly what I had envisioned was what was on that paper. After we figured out the right size and specific placement on my arm (oh, and the price) I went to the back room and he got started.

Mecca and this girl he knew stood just outside the room talking to me while the tattooist set up. Everything was cool until that first series of needle marks pierced my virgin skin.

"Why-is-he-writing-on-me," I winced.

It felt like a hot pen being pressed against my skin and carving me up like a Jack-o’-lantern. I just wasn't prepared for the pain.

"Because he's giving you a tattoo," Mecca laughed. "Just keep talking to keep your mind off of it."

That's exactly what I did and it worked. As we cracked jokes and I flirted with Mecca's homegirl (hey, I was single and it was my birthday) the buzzing of the tattooist’s needle faded into the background. The only time I was reminded that he was actually puncturing my skin was when he got to the shading and talking was not an option. I closed my eyes, grit my teeth and bared it.

Mecca got a kick out of my discomfort, cackling, "Son, why are you making fuck faces?"

"What? Why are you thinking about my fuck faces? Sorry, I don't swing that way."

"Good one, Ans."

Whether or not I was making fuck me faces was beside the point, though, I just couldn't wait to get it over with. I'm not sure how long it took to complete but it couldn't have been soon enough.

When the piece was done I looked in the mirror at the finished product and I knew two things immediately. 1) I had a tat I could be proud of 2) I was never going to get another one. Sorry, but the rumors of tattoos being addictive were false in my case as one was more than enough for me.

After that we went to meet the rest of my boys at Bar Code, which was this overpriced bar/arcade that used to be in Times Square. Once we got bored there we headed to our official celebratory spot for any special occasion (i.e birthdays, paydays, bored days, Wednesdays…)—Bar Passion (R.I.P.). This was a hole in the wall strip club on 8th and 30-something but it was a great place to blow a few bills, especially when your boys are paying for the lap dances.

No need for all the grimy details but let’s just say I had a great birthday. The only problem was a few days later when I went to my mother's house and showed her my ink work.

Disappointed that I would mark up my body like that, she looked on with disapproval before speaking: "What does that say? 'I Write Therefore JAM?'”

"What?"

I nearly had a heart attack and ran upstairs to the nearest mirror to make sure I hadn't overlooked a major typo. To my relief I hadn't but the script I choice had a unique way of writing the letter "I” that kinda sorta looked like a “J.” Since I decided to follow Nas' album artwork and make the "a" in "am" lowercase that led my mother to misread the last two words on my arm as one word—JAM.

When I told my boys it became a running joke that to this day I still get ribbed for. Man, you gotta love mama. Ohhhhh, Jam.

Do you have a tattoo? If so, how did you come up with the idea for your first one? Is it something you love or actually regret now? Do you have a funny story about getting your first tattoo or watching a friend get one? Do you agree with the belief that tattoos are addictive? Do you think that tattoos on women's forearms are too masculine? If you don't have a tattoo why have you chosen not to? Scared, don't have a good idea or just not into them? Do you find tattoos sexy?

Speak your piece...

PS

Thanx again for coming out to the birthday party. I'll be treating myself to the gift of time off from blogging and to finally stop procrastinating get started on this book(s). So I just want to wish everyone a happy holiday (whichever you celebrate or don't) and a safe New Year. You can catch me on Twitter @NakedWithSocks but if not I’ll see y'all in 2011.

Tagged as: birthday, breakup, sexy, strip club, tattoo

carmool

I have a zillion tattoos, yes they are addictive, the very 1st one I got at 15 that takes up a reasonable amount of my thigh is super whacktastic now however I love the rest of my tatts. No forearm tatts for me but some women pull it off flawlessly (some don't)
LaChatNoir83

I only have two at the moment, but I plan to get more. I only got tattoos that meant something to me. I believe that when I'm old and wrinkled I will still love what they represent, even if they look nasty lol
DaINKtellectual

Ditto and A-aaaa-men!
I have a symbol for loyalty in my left wrist, loyalty to myself & my savior & my family and on my left shoulder I have "Carpe Diem" to remind me to "seize the day" if I ever glance back to dwell on my past.
http://thecandyshoppe.wordpress.com Ronnie6676

I have several tats...all strategically placed for ummm discovery. I got my first when I was about 16 and the rest all before 20. Each one holds special meaning...I'm sure I will get another for my son, just waiting for the perfect inspiration. As for you and the fuck faces lmoa...you wuss.
Kemz

I love tatts. I see them as art and I think they can be sexy. Just, not on me. I prefer to admire them on others. There is no appeal for me in getting one. Not because of the fear of pain but just because 1) I have no desire to mar my skin (I'm a fan of my even-toned-ness), 2) I'm chocolatey as all get out so you prob gonna have to bust out a microscope to see it (or keep getting it retouched like my lil sister has too) and 3) there is nothing I have thought of to this day that i'd want to get permanently inked without having to second guess it.

Forearm tatts on women? No bueno...but some can pull it off

With all that said, I love tatts.
JC

I am a lover of tats on myself and on others. My first tat is of the date my mom passed away. I have 5 in total. I will get my 6th in Feb. Each tat has a special meaning to me. They are addictive. When I got my first I didn't really think I would get more but things happened in my life and I wanted something to express what I felt like.
The first one is near my wrist and wraps around(date of my mom passing) I wanted it on my wrist but the artist didn't feel comfortable doing it there because I have thin wrist.
The second one is on my left bicep and it is a mask of a woman's face that is broken, pieces missing...totally explains how I felt after my mom died.
My third is on my right forearm (inner part) and it is of an ink bottle, quill and parchment paper (wink to Ans) I'm a writer.
My fourth is on my right calf and it is of the flowers representing me, my dad, my sister and mom's birthdays and a faint chain linking them. It symbolizes the strength of family.
My fifth is on my right bicep and it is of a pair of lips with an eyeball that has a question mark as the pupil. I'm a nosy girl... I love to ask question...always seeking and asking.

I get the most compliments and questions about the mask and the one on my forearm.

Number six is of angel vs. devil that will go on my left calf. And I will not be stopping there I have plans for a back of the neck/shoulder area of a phoenix rising.

To me tats are art. I love all of them and regret none. I spend months thinking of the design. Three of my tat I thought of the design and had an artist draw up. The pain doesn't really bother me, but most aren't that big.

My dad is amused by them, although he isn't too thrilled with the money spent on them. People are surprised when they see the arm tats because I come off as one that wouldn't have any...and that I love, the element of surprise.
I'm lucky that even though I work in a conservative office I can get away with having the ones on my forearm being shown and not causing a big deal.
Preachthecomedian

I have a tribal cross on my inner left forearm
then I have a outline of Africa with the words Fulani,Mende,& Kru on the inside... Those are the people/tribes we descend from on my mothers side....
NOW my tatts get attention but my attention getters are my 2 huge fraternity brands....
I'm a member of Iota Phi Thera Fraternity Inc...on my left bicep is a "crooked" I (regional brand).. My right bicep is a symbol that has all Greek letters in ..the I , the Phi sign and the theta sign... Both are big and never fail to court attention
Nana Ataa

What I love most about my tattoo is the shock factor upon discovery: I am the last person you would ever think would have a tattoo! Fifteen years ago I got my first and only tattoo at Champion studio in the Bronx. I would like have at least 1 more tattoo, but my Mom, much like Ans' mother, was soooo hurt by it ("how could you defile the body I took 9 months to create?"), I decided against it - not while she's alive, at least. ) I have no regrets though...I took maybe 2 years to finally decide to get one (after breaking up with a boyfriend who said I didn't have the guts to get a tattoo), chose a tattoo salon that had a great reputation with my patients (none of my friends had any tattoos at the time), and felt comfortable with permanent body art that was culturally appropriate (some of my Ghanaian family have crude, homemade tattoos, and most have ritual scarification on their faces or arms). My tattoo is deeply symbolic to me, and a testament to my quiet strength and resilience and gracefulness.
http://www.whitetrain.com Rich G.

I think tats are great both sparingly and in excess. Its all about perception when you ink yourself. Do you want to make a statement? Commemorate a life event? How ever people do it, its all good. My issue with some folks with tats is when people get them as more of a fashion statement or its a style that's become popular (like tribal tats... what tribe do those folks belong to?) I have one tattoo right now and its of my unit patch when I served in the army. I told myself I would get one if I survived Iraq, thinking, if I could survive combat, I can do this.

I love tattoos, but some folks do go a bit far with them (like getting them on your face or private parts). I draw a line on that. You can cover most tats, but you cant hide your face. Shit like that makes it look like a cry for help (Mike Tyson I'm talking to you bud).
Alexis Goodrich

One tattoo, 10 years ago. Of course, on my lower back. I was 17 so something's deathly wrong with that. Let's just say I was lucky.
hellifiknow

I can remember when tattooing was only for jailbirds and sailors. It is, in my view, a prime example of the influence of hip-hop and media on my generation and the generations behind me. When I got my first, it was a rebellious act, a symbol of my individuality and camaraderie with the artistic community that I was a part of. I like all of my tatts, none of which I should add are on my neck, titty or face, but do not think I would have gotten any had I known how widespread they would become. The once symbol of rebelliousness has now become a symbol of conformity. I also live in a city that is ground zero for some of the most ghetto tatts ever created. Face, neck and forearm tatts are rampant and women here are the worst offenders. Women here are unladylike and graceless with their choices. My former lover, who is younger than me and is one of the few men of his age and background with NO tatts. I completely respected that about him. There are some tatts that are personal and beautiful, but they are few and far between.
G Normanii

I have 10 total. I got my first at 17 and I've been addicted ever since. I originally wanted "sleeves," but my wife and college professors talked enough sense into me to get them where I can cover them. I wear short-sleeved shirt to work and most of my coworkers don't believe I have one tat, much less 10.

All of my tats are meaningful to me, like the one of my daughter, my Marching 100 tattoo, my Phi Mu Alpha (Music Fraternity) tat and my wife's initials on my ring finger.

I don't like "fad" tattoos so I never got tribal or Chinese letters. I want my tattoos to be timeless so that I don't look stupid when I'm a grandfather. Instead, I'll be the cool old relative at the family reunion lol.

However, like Preach, it’s my brands that get the most attention. I have 4 Omega Psi Phi brands and they're always conversation starters.

Now that I'm 30, married and a father of 2, I'm just about finished with tattoos. I have my entire back tatted and I just can't take the pain like I could when I was 17. I'm going to get a tattoo of my son and that will probably be my last tattoo.
http://spinsterscompass.wordpress.com Spinster

The tribal cross & outline of Africa sound cool as hell. Great to know your ancestry.
Preachthecomedian

I got 2 more imma get and I'm done...for some reason I've been wanting a cross tatt on my finger for the longest..then a nautical star with angel wings with a G in the middle ..reps my mom
I got a masters so I'm proof we can't judge people by thier ink...dude I graduated with from NC A&T had the most hood tatts..neck arm face hand..and he still graduated and got a good job
http://wwwinmycomfortzone.blogspot.com/ Southern Poise

I have 1 tat. The guy I was with at the time had a cousin who had passed away tragically. I had gone with him to get a tat in remembrance of his cousin. And while there, I decided to get one in remembrance of my mother, who had passed away as well. It was the most God awful thing I could have ever imaged, worse than childbirth, that is, which was easy for me. But, it’s of my mother's name with a heart, on my back, on the left side. I thought about where I was going to place it, and I thought the same side as my heart would make it more special. I don’t regret it. If fact, I had planned to go back to add to it. But have not mustered the nerve to do it.
http://spinsterscompass.wordpress.com Spinster

No tattoos on me. Thought about getting one (and still do), on & off, for most of my life. I feel as if I'm too old to get one now, but if I ever did, it'd be one with some sort of special meaning (something like Preachthecomedian's tribal tattoos or my late grandparents' names or etc.).
http://wwwinmycomfortzone.blogspot.com/ Southern Poise

By the way Ans, HAPPY EARLY BIRTHDAY!! My Bday is Dec 27. Cappies, gotta love us.
Preachthecomedian

The brands are great conversation starters though...I swear I can explain my Africa tatt and what I went thru to know my linage..but the min they see my brands that's the topic of conversation..tatts are easy...now brands..that's a commitment

I'm Spr.04 Zeta chapter/ NC A&T
what about u fam?
Preachthecomedian

Took the test for for my moms side..may do it for my dads... Since I'm lightskin people just assume I wouldn't know ..lol
http://spinsterscompass.wordpress.com Spinster

Preach..... Sigh. Hot ass mess.
mslenaj

One tattoo not quite 5 years old. I had three tattoos in mind that I wanted to get over time, but after watching a friend get hers, I decided I only wanted to do this once. In addition, my personal taste is to not have tattoos all over my body. . .thinking of the future. Anyway, the three I wanted were my sorority letters (I'm a Zeta), an awnk, and a depiction of a black woman (in all her beautiful Afrocentric glory). So my idea was to combine them into one stunning tatt, that I drew myself. I used my greek letters and instead of a line down the center of the "phi" I used the awnk and in the center of the awnk the woman. It turned out beautifully and the tattoo artist did a phenomenal job bringing my idea to light with his own flare. I'm proud of my choice, no regrets here, but my mom too was disappointed about me marking my body. But, it is what it is.

I think tatts are an expression of a person's personality, and I am not one to judge about the quantity and position. It's just my personal preference to not have one anywhere that would diminish the look of an evening gown,etc. But, if you don't mind, then hey, do you. Choose wisely family, consider the future, consider the location, consider the message and make sure you love it.

Blessings & Love
Preachthecomedian

You'd be surprised
StoryofaWoman

Hey everyone! I have no tattoos for a couple of reasons. First and fore mosr, I am so terrified of needles (and yes I did have a baby but using needles was a necessity). I also havent really found something that I would like to have on my body forever and ever. I thought about my daughter's name, but I think its obvious that everyone knows that I love her. The only thing I would and have thought about getting is the breast cancer ribbon since my mother was diagnosed with it 3 years ago(and is well and going strong at the moment).
I think that people need to use more judgment with deciding which tats to get and where. There are certain fields that will not allow visible tattoos. I also dont like the trend of young girls feeling the need to encrypt their boyfriend's name on their bodies (ie the tramp stamp). I also think that people need to be careful on where you get your tattoo, I keep hearing about these "tattoo parties...."
Tats are an art form like any other, but need to be used at discretion. If you are gonna get one, please dont follow fads, I have a lot of ignorant ish out there (like for instance, a huge Baby Phat symbol on a girl's back lol
http://spinsterscompass.wordpress.com Spinster

BTW - enjoy your birthday weekend Anslem. Gonna be home for the holidays the day before and will likely be jetlagged, so have a couple shots for me.
http://spinsterscompass.wordpress.com Spinster

Nope, not one bit.
Preachthecomedian

I'd love to see the ink ...anywhere I could check it out...it sounds hot
Preachthecomedian

I say get all the tatts or body art u want
maybe I watched Fight Club too many tines but one day your gonna die..be dead gone becoming dust again...I'm a christian and I'm o the belief God wants u to enjoy life ...theres this heavily tattes pro wrestler I follow (CM Punk) and he did an interview about his many tatts that I think is very honest..he said quite simply he got then because he wanted to...it's a simple yet real very philosophy ...everything doesn't have to uber deep and complex..if I die tomorrow I hardly think people would be concerned about my ink
mslenaj

Everybody, to correct myself. . . the word is spelled "ankh" Don't know what the heck I was thinking. And to Preach, I'll see what I can do to make that pic happen.
Preachthecomedian

Well if ur on Fb
names l boggie
mslenaj

I'm not sure If I'm able to post it here, do you now how. I'm willing to share.
Rastaman

No tats, actually about 20 years ago I drove around several shops in NJ trying to estimate which shop I would allow to permanently inscribe my upper arm. I never got around to getting it done in the end primarily because I was not fully invested on what I wanted to see on me indefinitely.
I am so glad I did not get one. It is one of the best things I never did. In those days, tats were most popular with sailors, bikers and folks primarily on the edge...now its everybody and their cousin...I have to say I don't mind not being everybody and their cousin.

Well-done, meaningful tats are attractive but not everyone has been that lucky. Some of you, you know who you are...need to cover that sht up. That neck and face tat sht is not attractive, it may work for them entertainers but you with the 9-5 it is not a move for career advancement. Not too many people are going to be comfortable doing business with "NBK" on your cheek or even want to hire you. A bit of a hyperbole but you can see where I am coming from here.

Ladies, a little advice, place your tats on a place where if you choose not to ever exercise or cut back it won't be saggy and stretched out unintelligible mess. To quote NWSO, "Not a Good Look". So if that tit is going to end up at your waist in a few years it may not be the best place for tattoo, no matter how cute it looks now. Plus no matter what you put on your tailbone we still going to think it’s a "tramp stamp" and it means more than you ever intended.
http://spinsterscompass.wordpress.com Spinster

Off-topic:

What are we gonna do without your posts Anslem?!?!?!?

(just joking)

Here's an idea: maybe some folks can make Wet Wednesdays become a reality. Tis the season!

Back to tattoos.....
Rastaman

Ans it was great seeing you last night man. I hope all your hopes for 2011 come to fruition, you a good dude and keep doing the damn thing!!
Preachthecomedian

Not sure how...that's I offered my fb in case u got it there...I'm not sure u could post a pic here
YEYO

6 tats.. first 1 hurt like hell but the rest kinda felt good... NAH RIGHT is the last tat I got and probably the last but probably not..lol
mslenaj

I am. just "I boogie"? ATL? Wanna make sure I have the right person.
Preachthecomedian

No no
l boggie

not l boogie

Charlotte nc
http://primarythoughts.net Melanie

Happy Birthday Ans Enjoy your time away...
mslenaj

I'll tell you what, I'll put it on my page as my profile pick. (lena jones)
JC

It really does depend on the placement and the size and what the tat is of.

I got the date of my mom's passing near my wrist so I could always look down on that date and remember her life and the happiness I had with her but how it was cut so short.
When I got the one on my bicep a friend said "what are you going to do when you get married and want to wear a strapless dress?"
Nothing...show the damn thing off. I am extremely proud of all my tats and hate having to cover them. They are a part of me.

I don't know where you live, but in my world society is fine with them
G Normanii

Fall 05 Deuce Dog Pi Iota Grad Chapter Tampa, FL
Jamelle

I got my first when I was 18. I got my name and freehand paisley like designs on my back. The second tatt that I got is a playboy bunny. I was in college going through a phase. I don't regret it @ all. I do however believe that a woman who gets a tatt on her arms or anywhere that is visible, doesn't kno her self worth. I'm saying that to say its all about being tasteful and tactful. U don't wanna look like ur nasty. Ok something small ok, but a big ole cross wit rip big homie. Lol, I don't think so. However, I'm getting my third one in a few months. None of my tatts are visible. No I'm not ashamed of them, I jus kno how much society isn't ready for that yet. I will keep u posted.
G Normanii

True that. I have an MBA and I'm a deacon at my church but the Grim Reaper that takes up the left side of my back or the Ankh that takes up the right would never tell you that.
http://robyninrealtime.tumblr.com rw

i was 18, away from home, first year of college, so i got an asian symbol for the word artist on my stomach

followed by a "vj" (capricorn) on my back, which now has flowers all around it
and an asian symbol for power, in the small of my back (tramp stamp)

grey skull #goodstuff hahahha
bogart4017

No i don't have a tattoo and i don't really find them all that sexy. In fact its so commonplace these days sexy is NOT having one. I was never much into which is a good thing because i have a mild form of eczema so its probably not a good idea.
Preachthecomedian

Tatts are easy...get a BRAND
I promise my tatts are looked at as "oh that's nice" but it's like my brands make people wanna touch, ask questions,hell it gets females attention VERY quick when I'm out...it's crazy
Tes

One tattoo and another one the way, then I'm off the stuff for good. The one I have is the bass clef on my lower right hip. If my jeans don't sag, you'd never know I had one, which is why I love it so. That and the fact that every girl in my choir section that year got one exactly like mine, but in different places. The other is going to be an ankh on a beaded chain between my shoulder blades, like a backwards necklace.
Tattoos without meaning and everywhere are not sexy. The sleeves (and shirts and pants and socks) tattoos seem highly overdone to me. I like tasteful meaningful things. I once met a girl with a charm bracelet tattoo around her ankle; any time something amazing happened to her, she'd get a symbol of it added to the bracelet. That was dope. Things like that get my goat.
S

LOVE tattoos! except on dark dark skin, I mean, what's the point? You can barely see it.

I don't have any but I love watching the tattoo shows.
bmo6

I love tats, but I only got 3. I designed all my own and even some of my boys. I actually plan on getting more but with my detail drawings, they stay out of price range and we're talking about the lining alone. Women with tats strategically place are sexy, others overkill it and look like ya average hood rat or heaux. But all in all, tats are and should inspire and be view as a art medium. Except the trashy ones, ya'll know who they are. Probably hanging or watching them right now, lol. HAPPY B DAY
Preachthecomedian

LADIES
please remember
your level of sexiness determines how many tatts u get
a woman at my old job had a face tatt
the women thought it was ugly
the men didn't notice it for 2 weeks because of phat her booty was...
http://pitchinpennies.blogspot.com ndygo sunshyne

I have 2 tats. When I went off to school there must've been a sale on them 'cuz chicks were returning to campus with them daily. Scared of waking up w/some permanent BS on my body, I held out til I was 24. I got an Adinkra symbol, Nsoroma, which means child of God. My 2nd tat I gave to myself on my 30th birthday. For 6 years I took a pair of fertility doll earrings around to different artists til someone got the size & shading & dimensions right. My name means life. Fertility=life. A slick way of honoring my name. & I want more but don't wanna be that chick.
carmool

I have Adinkra symbols too GYE NYAME & FUNTUNFUNEFU
DENKYEMFUNEFU
AD

That's why to this day my uncle STAYS wearing sleeveless shirt cuz every woman wants to touch his Sigma brand. It's funny!
AD

Spinster....maybe you and Preachthecomedian can post about how ya'll first date went.....wink..wink!
http://nwso.net/ NWSO

Happy bday to you too, love. Enjoy it.
http://nwso.net/ NWSO

Thanx but no shots for me. Had enough wine and always reminded of why I cut back on drinking #NoTacoMeat
http://nwso.net/ NWSO

Thanx sis.
http://nwso.net/ NWSO

Thanx sir. Always a pleasure build in person. See you at the next event. Looking forward to the next guest post. **hint hint, nudge nudge** LOL
http://nwso.net/ NWSO

Lol I know right. DaThRONe and Shay, Part Deux.
da ThRONe

I had no issues with the pain. I barely felt either one and it was over before I really got uncomfrontable.

Being meaning to go back for number 3 for some years now. Something New Orleans inspired since I dont live there anymore.
CarteBlanche

Can u post a pic?
Nana Ataa

Really good point. I carefully considered where to place my tattoo before I got one - specifically in a place that doesn't stretch and doesn't say "peek-a-boo" when I bend over.

And you should be NWSO's guest blogger again. Soon.
hazel

I have six tattoos, love em all and can't wait till i get number 7. Even after the pain of the one on my foot and my lower back, which I got in the same day. My first tat I fell asleep it was quit relaxing until he got to the T. I have Hazelnut on my shoulder.
http://spinsterscompass.wordpress.com Spinster

AD and NWSO don't know the meaning of "behavior". Lawd hammercy.
http://spinsterscompass.wordpress.com Spinster

Taco Meat AND you used to rap?????

*DEAD AND GOOOONE, DEEEEAD AND GOOOONE*
QuoteMan

My only tatt, which I had 4yrs ago, is on my left forearm. It's a praying hand with the epitaph on the tombstone of my uncle who passed away on the spring of '06.

When I was much younger, I had a bunch of silly ideas on the tatts I wanted, as is often the case, the longer I waited the faster it paled into insignificance. Among them were the Jordan logo, the music symbol, a basketball, a picture of Bob Marley "getting super nice", the Brooklyn bridge (this one is somewhat very much alive) cuz of my passion for architecture & Brooklyn being the borough of all boroughs lol.

When it comes to tatts, I think we are always best served when we chew on the idea for about a year or so, and if it still has the same meaning then give it go. Cuz I know I've dodge the bullet on more than one occasion. Plus what your tatt looks like or says is just as important as where you place it and honestly, a chick with a tatt on her neck just screams ghetto to me. I could very well be misjudging, but it's such a turn off.

Today, I can't say I've much of an interest in getting another one, but occasionally, a day in the gym can make a dude second guess himself.
http://nwso.net/ NWSO

Well, you can make a pic your avatar image by clicking the link at the bottom of the comment box.

As for posting a pic in a comment, you'd have to have the pic posted somewhere online already and then putting the embed code in your comment. If any of that made sense to you, then the answer is yes. If it didn't make sense, then... no. LOL
da ThRONe

I am a firm believer in "Wait and think before you ink". I would be down half of my tats if I was earlier in my life even though I dont really regret either one.
MimiLumpkins

Do you have a tattoo? Why, yes, I do.
If so, how did you come up with the idea for your first one? The tattoo wasn't one that wasn't "thought-out".
Is it something you love or actually regret now? I don't love it or hate it, I like the tattoo and tolerate the piece. But ever since it is on my shoulder and I cannot see it, I am not tired of it.
Do you have a funny story about getting your first tattoo or watching a friend get one? The only funny thing about it is my mother's reactions to my tattoo. She was present, during the process and every time she heard the buzzing sound, I would hear her moan in agony.
Do you agree with the belief that tattoos are addictive? Yes and no, depends on the person.
Do you think that tattoos on women’s forearms are too masculine? Depends on the tattoo.
If you don’t have a tattoo why have you chosen not to? I have one, so...
Do you find tattoos sexy? Yes.
jodibanks

Jailbirds & sailors? Try Native Americans, Indians, & my beloved African ancestors. & as far as MY generations influence, it did NOT come from hip hip. Smh, quit blaming everything on hip hop. Rock bands had tats waaaay before Black music artists did
jodibanks

Shoot since everybody is Greek banging lol, im a member Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated. Ooo-op!

Owtr3dgeous
Spring 10
Tre Clu3
Preachthecomedian

The first date went very well
Preachthecomedian

Ready 2 DIE
#2
I.S. The Unforgiven
Zulu Zeta Chapter
Spr. 04
Older & Wiser

No tats for me, but I was very flattered when a guy I dated had my name tattooed on his chest, ).
cozett

Preach, did you get any of your tats in Charlotte or do you know of a reputable place?
Preachthecomedian

Yeah
Tattooing U in University and
queen city tattoos on albermarle near old eastland mall

What were u trying to get
TheLeoGrl

Would never get a tat. As Kim Kardashian said (hangs head in shame that I'm actually quoting Kim Kardashian.....but in this case...) "Would You Put A Bumper Sticker On A Bentley?!"
cozett

Nothing for myself. My daughter has wanted a tattoo for the longest time but I wouldn't let her. I told her when she turned 18 she could tat her whole body up if she so desired. Her 18th bday is the 28th and I'm going to spring for it if she still wants one, so I wanted recommendations of a good place(s) to go to.
Distinguished Gentlewoman

Have one tat on the upper left side of my back. My brother designed it on his closet door a few years ago, and I thought it was cool and copied it. I regret getting it now. But what I regret even more is the belly button ring I got in my early 20s. I had accompanied my friend to get his penis pierced and thought it would have been a cool idea to get my belly button done. It looked really cool at the time, and NO ONE that I knew had one. I got bored with it a few years ago and decided to remove it for good. Now I have a second belly button.

I now regret getting both. And the only reason I would get another tat is to camouflage the second belly button.
MagiccLA

I really love tattoos but some can get to be a little much. Some can pull it off and some can't ... When I find the perfect pieces I want someone to elaborate on, I'd probably get a few more
Until now, my Arabic tattoo on my shoulder/collarbone is cute sexy and meaningful
Elle

I have two: one on the back of my neck which I got 10 years ago. Unfortunately, it's faded and I need to get a cover up (thinking about a stylized Phoenix).
The second one (wristband) is only a year old and I am in love with it: "Per aspera ad astra" which means "Through hardship to the stars" and is pretty much my mantra to get through whatever I need to get through.

I definitely will get more. Since the cover up requires some saving, I'll get the word "Faith" tatted on to the side of my left ringfinger.
R.e.D

I know I'm super late, but happy belated bday!!!!!!! I hope you had a great time this weekend. No pics from the party I guess, huh??
You have to get started on that book, opportunity is knocking, what are you doing about it?? (Don't answer me, this is rhetorical)

I have no tats, but I was going to get one ~7 yrs ago-an adinkra symbol that means'God with us." Long story short, my professor- can't even tell you how he knew I wanted a tat- said to me, wait for 6 months, if you still want one get it. Well, 6 mths later a tatoo seemed pointless, so I never got one.
I did go into the store and they wouldn't even pierce my belly button and a tongue ring wouldn't have worked b/c i was teaching at that time, and I couldn't be speaking all garbled in front of a class for 1 week. So no extra holes or markings.
I don't really discriminate, but when a man has too many tats I am concerned about his sense of self. ANd please, no extra piercings..
R.e.D

I completely missed this..well congrats guys! hope things turn out well.
TeeMa

Good Post... i got a tat for my 21st birthday four years ago, its on my boob...and its my name...lol but it doesn't look like it..when he put the needle down i jumped and now the t looks like a cursive f and the way the font is instead of tasha it looks like fasho lol...big regret lol
http://nwso.net/ NWSO

lol at Fasho. We're in the same boat. ha! Jaaam
AlwaystheLady

I'm not certain but I remember when I was young sailors and people who had been in jail were really the only people that I can recall having tats. Maybe it was because I didn't know any Native American Indians...but that is what I remember
http://www.humanintonation.com Verneda

No tats yet but I have it in mind that I will get my first (and probably only) in a couple years when I turn 30. I used to have a tongue ring and I want to have a good amount of time in between these two acts of rebellion. My tat will be a variation of the Ahkh.
Justme

Truly beauty is the eye of te beholder. I have ALOT of tats and as a black woman I have many pictures and I am still continuing my half sleeves and full chest pictorals. However, also as a professional I know to keep my tattoos discreetly hidden while in a professional environment. But to answer your question, my uncle once said to me "Who is going to want you with all those tattoos?" Well now I am in a long steady and fulfilling relationship, my soon to be husband has just as many tattoos as I do and he admitted, part of his attraction for me was my many tattoos. SO basically, again I say, beauty is truly in the eyes of the beholder.
http://liferequiresmorechocolate.com Tiffany

Why does it seem like all break ups end in some gettign a tattoo in the near future? I know I got mine after the end of a 10 year relationship. I love my Phoenix and I am so glad I got it.

Peace, Love and Chocolate
Tiffany
brockelle

i'm sure everyone at sometime in their life fantasizes about tattoos and getting one..even me. I had this idea to get a full body one starting at the top of neck to the top of my foot: my name, the letters being connected in vines. BUT then i started to think to the future, more like when i'm at the age of 55+ and how it will start to sag and look all kinds of ugly. so not only did i shake that idea i shook the whole idea of tattoos together...i guess it's not for me. HOWEVER i think some do it because it's a fad...celebs do it so monkey see monkey do.