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Mandy Z: I have the words KNIT and PURL tattooed on my knuckles, because I am a hardcore knitter and I want the world to know it.
I also love toys and comic books, and I wear these loves on my sleeve — quite literally. I have the most fabulous, and lovingly-detailed tattoo on my arm of Uncle Gabby and Mr. Crow — from Tony Millionaire’s Sock Monkey comic.
And none of this wonderful ink would be possible if not for the outstanding talent of Tyler, from Skeleton Crew Tattoo, in Columbus, IN.
Tami M: “I designed this cross and chose to put it on my back to show that my ‘faith was behind me’ – guiding and pushing me.”
Marc L: “It is a pixelated clover… My 5 month old daughter is named Clover, and it is a throwback to old video games…”
Walter G: “It is a ‘Cheeseburger In Paradise’!!!!! A tribute to Jimmy Buffett… I also have a parrot on my leg. On my head would have hurt.”
Kat: “This is my phoenix tattoo. I got it to represent the fact that I got through an abusive relationship, survived and was ‘reborn’ (so to speak).”
Comments (110)
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Tattoos are gross. Just think what many of these will look like when these people get older. Plus a lot of the designs are fad type items. Like getting a Cabbage Patch stuck to your body at some point they lose their appeal.
A tenant in one of my apartments was a tatoo artist. He ended up going to jail for hacking at his girlfriend with an ax.
posted by Dan on 4-28-2009 at 3:45 pm
Yes, clearly that means that all tattoo artists are psychotic murderers.
posted by Robin on 4-28-2009 at 3:52 pm
Kudos to the person who got the harry potter tattoo!
posted by Josh on 4-28-2009 at 3:53 pm
That phoenix tattoo on AveryW is really freakin’ awesome!
I love hearing the stories behind the tats, very cool.
posted by Margie on 4-28-2009 at 4:02 pm
I can’t believe I waited over seven weeks to see this tattoo gallery, and my submissions weren’t included!
:(
posted by Mandy Z on 4-28-2009 at 4:06 pm
First the dogs now the tats. I don’t know how I miss the call to action for all these. Can there be a part two? I’ll send mine!
and Dan, whith the inks today, if you get them from a good place, IN a good place, and take good care of them, they don’t look terrible as you get older. I’d rather have a wrinkly tattoo than a closed mind.
posted by Caitlin on 4-28-2009 at 4:08 pm
My mom got her tat when she turned 40. I was 15 then and I knew that I wanted one too. It took me nine years to decide what I wanted and to make sure I wouldn’t get something just because it was a “fad”.
I have the American Sign Language sign for “I Love You” on my left foot. It is a tribute to my mother and my grandmother who taught me the sign before I could talk.
Oh, and the mustache tat is brilliant!
posted by jenna on 4-28-2009 at 4:08 pm
I kind of agree with Dan in the sense that the fad tattoos are not very smart. I think you should only get a tattoo if it means something to you.
I do love some of these tattoo, though. The one of the grandmother’s face made me tear up a bit.
posted by Zri on 4-28-2009 at 4:09 pm
Even though mine is my favorite I love Avery’s Phoenix. That is gorgeous work!
@Dan – If I live to be old, the last thing I’m sure I will be concerned about is the state of my tattoo. I love having my own personal piece of art that will take on new dimensions as I get older. Besides, today’s inks are not all vegetable based as they were in the “old days” so they don’t bleed and fade as much.
And man, I can’t wait until the kids get over that whole Mark Twain fad. I mean, really!
posted by nikki on 4-28-2009 at 4:10 pm
Oops! I meant that I love Kat’s Phoenix. Your phoenix is awesome too, though, Avery!
recaptcha: pinheads one
That sums it up!
posted by nikki on 4-28-2009 at 4:16 pm
In this day and age, isn’t more distinctive NOT to have a tattoo?
posted by Mick on 4-28-2009 at 4:23 pm
I think it’s all rather silly. This is your body – the only one you get, and the one you’ll have for the rest of your life.
posted by Anneke on 4-28-2009 at 4:34 pm
@Jon, isn’t an ambigram supposed to contain two words and not just be the same word upside down and backwards? Like in Angels and Demons?
@Elizabeth. Love the tat. “Remember, remember the 5th of November…” Caught a little of V last night on TV (I have it on DVD too).
I have never known what I wanted to get, probably a Bob Dylan on the deltoid, but your V just shot up the charts for me.
posted by Jonny on 4-28-2009 at 4:40 pm
All of the kids in our family have Irish tattoos- I have a claddagh/shamrocks, my brother a tribal with a shamrock, and my sister a shamrock with a celtic note design. They’re meaningful to us, a part of our heritage.
posted by erinbrianne on 4-28-2009 at 4:45 pm
I think that tattoos are beautiful and that people should get symbols and designs that mean something particular to them. What better way to express how important something is to you than to put it on your body.
@Dan, here’s a quote you should think about. “Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention to arrive safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming: Wow!! What a ride!”
-Karnazes
I have a design that is especially meaningful to me that I drew myself. I’m just waiting for a good time. It includes my motto: Aude Supere. Dare to know.
posted by Kieran on 4-28-2009 at 4:50 pm
The Harry Potter one actually made me pretty sad. I just can’t imagine having something to do with a bunch of trite books on my body for the rest of my life.
posted by May on 4-28-2009 at 5:14 pm
People get the tattoos that they deserve. It’s karma. I’ll be the tattooed snob and say it; if you don’t like tattoos, don’t get them. But just be silent. You don’t really deserve a lifetime of art. In fact, we don’t want you to have tattoos. We might just hack you up like the first post said. Oh yeah, we did this to ourselves just to hear what ignorance comes out of people’s mouths. By the way, I got mine because they look cool. No story, no heritage, no hidden meaning of life in general, just because I can!
posted by Peter on 4-28-2009 at 5:43 pm
I’m all for a well designed tattoo, executed well, in a good place on the body and extra credit if there is real meaning behind it. But some of these have to leave you wondering, “What were they thinking?”
And Peter, just putting them out there puts them in a place to be judged, so umm..no, you don’t have to be silent. And I love how someone is saying that if you oppose tattoos you have a closed mind. Blanket statements work both ways.
I am guessing that you are all still happy with these tattoos or you wouldn’t have sent them in, but I know a growing number of people that are regretting their choices. I say you do a gallery of tattoos that people had done and wish they hadn’t. And some of the ones here will qualify in a few years.
On the other hand, some of these are great!
posted by karen on 4-28-2009 at 6:12 pm
I agree with Peter. If you don’t like tattoos then don’t get one. This was supposed to be a fun blog about tattoos and then the first comment is from someone who doesn’t even like them. Kudos to all of you who shared their pictures! I have two and have not regretted it at all. And even if they don’t mean something to someone else, they mean something to you.
I also love the grandma portrait. My grandmother just passed away this January and it reminded my how great my grandma was. There a positive thought on tattoos!
posted by Colene on 4-28-2009 at 6:12 pm
Oh, why have such fits about getting tattoos? If you like ‘em, great. I personally don’t see why anyone should have a conniption. If you don’t like them, don’t get them, and don’t get all up in arms just because you see someone with one. Seriously, a tattoo may be meaningful to somebody, and even if it isn’t, well, it’s not as if it’s on YOU, so don’t worry about it.
Granted, I’m all for getting one for the heck of it, too, as long as it’s carefully thought about and you won’t regret it later. ;3
My personal favorite’s the Weasley one. Just gotta hand it to the braver of us book nerds.
posted by Syl on 4-28-2009 at 6:31 pm
Avery, your phoenix is beautiful! That’s exactly how I want mine to look when I get it… who knows when that will be though. I’ve been thinking of getting a phoenix on my left shoulder to go with the dragon on my right shoulder but so far I haven’t done it.
posted by Sara on 4-28-2009 at 6:55 pm
I love tattoos I find it interesting to see what people choose to get inked permanently on their bodies. My personal favorite is the quote from A Midsummer’s Night Dream! I am always so envious because I would love to get a tattoo but I can’t decide between about ten ideas I have!
@Dan – It’s a pretty harsh generalization to compare people with tattoos to your axe murderer neighbor.
posted by Kimberlee on 4-28-2009 at 6:58 pm
My personal favorite is the one from A Midsummer’s Night Dream. I LOVE literary tattoos. :)
@Dan -It’s a pretty harsh generalization to compare people with tattoos to your axe murderer neighbor! (Hint: it had nothing to do with his tattoos…)
@Peter – YOU’RE AWESOME.
posted by Kimberlee on 4-28-2009 at 7:01 pm
“Tattoos are gross.” – Dan.
As long as we’re talking in blanket statements, Dan: No, they’re not.
If art is beautiful, and bodies are beautiful, why would combining the two be something to hate?
I really enjoyed the red phoenix one – it’s well designed and looks just as fiery as a phoenix should.
posted by Aemi on 4-28-2009 at 7:17 pm
Yay!! Mine got used! This made my day!
I love the Harry Potter one!
posted by Sarah P on 4-28-2009 at 7:19 pm
To paraphrase something that I once heard a comedian say: “I’m looking to marry a girl with a tattoo; that way I know that she’s okay with making decisions she’ll probably regret later.”
posted by Admiral Byrd on 4-28-2009 at 7:41 pm
I was 36 when I got my tattoo. That way I knew it was something I could live with for the rest of my life.
I don’t mind ink (obviously) but I don’t get people that get something because it looks cool or cute. To me, if I’m putting something on my body that’s going to be there forever, I want it to mean something.
I also don’t understand the tribal thing. I just see too many young kids with tribal on their bodies and I have to resist the urge to ask them to which “tribe” they belong. To me it just seems disrespectful to people with to whom that symbol is part of their actual heritage.
posted by bzzyb on 4-28-2009 at 7:47 pm
Haha, the “Weasley” one is a win.
There was a period of time where I was (facetiously) threatening to get a tattoo of Garrison Keillor on my inner thigh. Of course, I’d have to wait a year until I’m eighteen… but I don’t think I’d ever get a tattoo, anyway. They’re too creepy and unnatural.
Has anyone ever seen that SNL “commercial” for the tattoo removal? Very funny.
posted by Allison on 4-28-2009 at 8:00 pm
Thanks for putting the pics of me and my husband with our claddagh tattoos! I was so happy to see them there (my doggie didn’t make the cut for either of the quizzes).
To those individuals who “object” to tattoos . . . I am happy to live in a world and in an era where I can choose to do what I want with my body. I was almost 31 when I got my tattoo and I searched for years to find something that was meaningful. The fact that my husband and I share the same tattoo is beautiful to me. It was a memorable moment we shared and the claddagh design was something we both agreed upon (a rare occasion in many marriages!). The symbolism behind this is important to me and will continue to be for many years to come. Choosing to get a tattoo was not a whimisical phase or something I did to “go with the crowd.” The design is not a “fad.” I am going to be a proud tattooed grandma some day. My 13-year-old son, who is represented in the claddagh by the green heart, thinks it is cool that his mom has a tattoo. I can live with that ;)
posted by Lori on 4-28-2009 at 8:09 pm
Mannn I missed the call for photos as well. I got the same stache as Spencer, after seeing the same news segment. I also have the Banksy painting of the little girl reaching for the heart shaped balloon on my shoulder, along with “let me forget about today until tomorrow”, written in times new roman and accompanied by a forget-me-not on my hip, as well as a few others. My big thing is that I don’t like tattoos that look like tattoos. I don’t like scripty writing or tribal or those neon colors. I like them to look like little pieces of art.
posted by Kelly on 4-28-2009 at 9:11 pm
Mine got in! That’s awesome, should have got a shot with my other friend who has the same tattoo.
This post makes me want to go get another one.
Recaptcha: Horned Pirates. I like it.
posted by Mark N on 4-28-2009 at 9:33 pm
@ Jonny
No ambigrams do not have to be two words. Didn’t you read Angels and Demons too? “Angels and Demons” was the only ambigram in there with more than one word, the other 4 I think were not.
posted by Billy on 4-28-2009 at 9:39 pm
Most of these are extremely lame. Them mustache is at least funny. All phoenix tattoos are awful, I don’t care what it symbolizes.
I love how everyone has to justify why they got the tattoo, because they know it looks lame without an explanation.
The Cotton one is awful and in the worst spot possible, but at least that means something real.
I have no problem with the dog tat or the grandma.
posted by Qman on 4-28-2009 at 11:04 pm
I waited till I was almost 50 to get my first tat because I wanted it to be something very meaningful to me. (It is a cross surrounded by a Star of David.) Since then, I have gotten three more and will never regret any one of them because each was very well thought out. And to those who don’t like tattoos: to each his own.
posted by cmk on 4-29-2009 at 12:02 am
My two favorites have to be the two that I would get if I had the guts; the knitting one and the HP one. I was bitten by the knitting bug about a year ago, and I love HP. They’re both wonderful tats. I only have one right now, but I’m itching to get more. Now I have some ideas!
And while I obviously disagree with the person or people who don’t like/understand tattoos, everyone is entitled to their own opinions, and if we expect people to respect our decisions and opinions, we should to respect theirs.
posted by Erika on 4-29-2009 at 2:32 am
I’m sad my squid tattoo didn’t make it on the list. :-(
posted by Kate on 4-29-2009 at 5:38 am
These tattoos are not “art”
They look like a combination of bad 70’s album covers and the side of a stoner’s van.
stupid choice
posted by bally-mcGee on 4-29-2009 at 8:40 am
“this blue smear on my ass is some tribal thing that I saw on the intra-webs one time. In my mind, it represents truth and passion, but in reality it represents my belonging to a group known as ‘white trash’ and also my future employment as a stripper”
\
o
OO
I
/\
posted by mrcastanza on 4-29-2009 at 8:48 am
Besides getting a tattoo, i have also decided that I will wear the same shirt everyday for the rest of my life. I just know that I will feel the same way about this Molly hatchet shirt at the age of 55 as I do at the age of 19!
Molly hatchet rules!
posted by locky on 4-29-2009 at 8:51 am
Thanks for including my tattoo!
posted by Kat on 4-29-2009 at 8:59 am
Some tats can be interesting.
But, there’s nothing worse than a very pretty girl with some gigantic ugly-ass stupid tattoo.
Last week I saw a very pretty 20 something on a plane. She was wearing a tank top and her right arm had a huge image of the aqua-teen hunger force on it.
what a shame… She’ll be carrying around that stupid thing for life.
And, despite how attractive she looked from afar, as soon as I saw that abortion on her body, I was repulsed.
there should be a 5-day waiting law on a tattoo. You should also need a signed letter from your grandmom, a clergy member, and a member of the business community rating the likelihood of you getting hired with that tribal shit on your arm
posted by mother russia on 4-29-2009 at 9:00 am
Tattos WERE cool when my uncles, who fought in the Pacific during WW2, got them from exotic locales. Now days everyone has them – including teeny-bopper girls – so therefore, I’m “outta there” so to speak regarding tattoos.
Too common.
Too conformist.
Pointless.
posted by Spuchy on 4-29-2009 at 9:26 am
I had always thought that Mental Floss readers were fairly open minded so I was more than a little disappointed to see so many negative and shallow comments to do with the tattoo art. If you are not a fan of tattoos “stupid” or to imply that the people getting them are idiots is simply not called for.
Didn’t your mothers tell you, “If you don’t have something nice to say……”
Recaptcha: “Noted Dukes”
posted by Colin on 4-29-2009 at 10:28 am
Gah, i would be creeped out if I ever dated someone with a face tattoo. Even hooking up with someone and having Grandma or the family dog looking at you from their skin! EEEEW!
posted by Meg on 4-29-2009 at 10:48 am
Mandy Z’s tattoos are amazing! I think someone needs to E-mail her and let her know there were multiple pages of images and that her’s were on it.
I have no tattoos, but I really appreciate original and beautiful tattoos that express people’s individuality. Not so much the tramp stamps, Asian symbols, barb wire tattoos that are so common (and quite lame).
Some of those pictured were awesome and if the people that got them are happy and think they will continue to be happy, good for them!
posted by Chris on 4-29-2009 at 10:56 am
Guess what? I guarantee you that very pretty 20 something on the plane is just fine with someone so judgmental not liking her tattoos.
If you’re repulsed by my tattoos, it just saves me the time I might have spent getting to know someone who is ultimately going to find something wrong with me anyway.
Self-Righteousness is much more repulsive than any tattoo I’ve ever seen, and I’ve seen some bad tattoos.
posted by christie on 4-29-2009 at 11:34 am
Here are my personal rules about my getting tattos:
1) No going half assed. I am not going to go half way on something I will keep forever
2) Make it mean something
3) Make sure that it is easily coverable. I have two and am getting a third soon all three are on my torso/back so that with a simple short sleeved shirt I am covered. I am going to be a teacher so that is a must, and I work in an office now. Anyone who sees me in a tank top or shirtless sees my ink, but if I do not want people to see them they are easy to hide.
posted by Lucas on 4-29-2009 at 11:35 am
I am with Colin on this one. This was a friendly opportunity for others to share some inner feelings with the world, and the fact that some people are trampling all over their emotions is a little disappointing. I have a tattoo which I designed myself to represent something about ME, and I’ll be damned if someone’s going to tell me it’s stupid (and it’s not, so that helps.).
posted by Kristen on 4-29-2009 at 11:41 am
Yeah, I don’t see why some people have to be so negative about other people’s choices that really have NO effect on them. I mean, I don’t understand people’s infatuation with hot rods and muscle cars and have no interest in it myself, but frankly I don’t give a flying frick. It’s their life, it makes them happy, and it ain’t hurting me, so fly right at it! People with tattoos don’t have to succumb to YOUR personal interpretation of beauty.
I mean, when you move into a house you renovate it and paint the walls to match YOUR specific tastes, and no one seems to have a problem with that.
And as an aside, to slightly modify an argument:
Music WAS cool when my grandfather, who fought in Europe during WW2, heard Elvis and the Beatles performing on Ed Sullivan. Now days everyone has a band – including teeny-bopper girls – so therefore, I’m “outta there” so to speak regarding music.
Too common.
Too conformist.
Pointless.
posted by Bert on 4-29-2009 at 12:58 pm
The moment you could get tattoos at a suburban strip mall is the moment they became stoopid and lame.
At least I could grow out my super cool mohawk from 1984. You’re stuck with that stupid and ugly destruction of your body until you die.
I agree with the “bad” art comments as well. They really do look like the rejected covers from Jefferson Airplanes come back LP of 1977.
posted by ee the c on 4-29-2009 at 12:59 pm
too bad they couldn’t tattoo over those back pimples with that irish tattoo
posted by rocknbowl on 4-29-2009 at 1:01 pm
If you are dumb enough to permanently destroy your skin with a childish image of some passing pop culture meme, then don’t be surprised when people point out how stupid and ugly that thing is.
The human form is beautiful. It doesn’t need some graffiti on it to make it better. Especially the stupid crap you all have.
I wish we could bookmark this thread and have everyone comment in 10,20, and 30 years about their great harry potter tattoos. They’ll be as relevent as my uncles “keep on truckin’” tat from 1975
posted by drinky on 4-29-2009 at 1:07 pm
I, for one, really appreciate tattoos.
1. they instantly tell me who not to hire
2. they tell me which women likely have an STD and can be avoided
3. they let me know who will never succeed beyond delivering pizza
4. They let me know who is guilty without bothering to sit through and entire court case
5. they tell me who is a gullible poser willing to mutilate themselves for a passing fad
They are a tremendous time saver and should be eligible for a tax refund
posted by csimemphis on 4-29-2009 at 1:15 pm
So with everyone who hates tattoos on here posting their opinions I will assume it is also safe for me to say the same of people who don’t have one:
A)They tell me which people are dull and boring
B)They tell me which people are STD free
because it is a known fact that all women with tattoos are infected in some way or another
C)They let me know that they are in a management position
D)They tell me that the person who doesn’t have one are innocent of their accused crime
E)They tell me who is a conformist who looks at others that do not agree with their beliefs as “beneath” them.
Look, we all have the right to act like some people on here with their “you’re a poopy face” mentality. The whole point of this was to show the people who actually LIKE body art. I tell you what, I promise not to post negative remarks at pictures of your “Star Trek coin collection” when your turn comes around if you promise not to posts negative remarks about things that I happen to like. Deal?
posted by Cheezy on 4-29-2009 at 1:44 pm
Wow. I didn’t expect this post to bring out the hate so much. Seriously, I didn’t. Would those of you who posted here just to tear down our body art like to post pictures of something you’re proud of so everyone else can make sweeping generalizations about your intelligence and STD status?
posted by Stella on 4-29-2009 at 1:51 pm
Stella 1 – Neg. Posts 0
Stella FTW
posted by Cheezy a.k.a. "Poopy Face McGee" on 4-29-2009 at 1:56 pm
My fiance made a comment recently, that the longer message boards have been around, the more hate-filled they are. Being a loyal fan of MF for some time, I am very sad to see such hateful, narrow minded people on here.
(this has nothing to do with MF itself, just some sad people with very closed minds, including some who can’t seem to express themselves without including insults)
For those who think all tats are stupid or mean someone is a criminal or has an STD, take a look at these Contrariwise, the link in my name . The real mental_floss crowd will appreciate those.
posted by Kate on 4-29-2009 at 2:12 pm
Oh, and Lori C., I think your claddaghs are beautiful.
posted by Kate on 4-29-2009 at 2:15 pm
Folks, everyone’s cranky because of the economy, the late-coming spring, the war, and the flu. Just bear with ‘em.
If you submitted a tattoo and it wasn’t included in this batch, don’t be upset. If you’ve been on these boards for any amount of time, you know that we often do “Part 2″ posts. With so many good entries, it’s sometimes worthwhile to mix them up a bit.
And for those who hate tattoos – please consider saving your hate for something worth hating. There are plenty of options out there.
FWIW, I don’t have a tattoo, but I was in the Navy.
posted by Sandy Wood on 4-29-2009 at 4:04 pm
wow. there’s some awesome art. much respect to those willing to do that. i’m too indecisive and/or a mega wuss to get one. personally, if you want a tattoo, more power to you. if it’s not for you, just re-watch bambi.
posted by why the hate, bro? on 4-29-2009 at 5:02 pm
Just have to say a couple more things:
First, rocknbowl, it is a shame I have back pimples :(
Thanks so very much for calling attention to this fact. I also have chin hair, for the record.
Second, not only have I never delivered pizzas, I have a master’s degree in social work and have been steadily employed my entire adult life. I actually work in a prison, so I also have not ever been convicted of a crime.
I also have no STDs.
Thanks, Kate, for the compliment :)
I respect the beliefs and opinions of others. In my own daily life, I try to promote the idea of not being a sheep in this herd-of-a-life. Fortunately for me, I do not have the same expectations for others.
posted by Lori on 4-29-2009 at 6:05 pm
I am a 30something stay-at-home mom, with many stay-at-home mom friends out here in the suburbs, and I am the only one without a tattoo. I’ve been inspired by them, and for my upcoming birthday I am having some script, in my mother’s handwriting, done around my wrist.
I hate to sound ageist, but our generation is much more open about body art than the previous one, and I hope my kids see these well done, meaningful tattoos as inspiration to make thoughtful choices about our bodies, not rash ‘go agsinst mom!’ decisions. Hell, maybe my kids will think tattos are for old ladies.
posted by ivory on 4-29-2009 at 11:40 pm
I have to say I’m not big on the hate either. I have one, with plans to get more. I’m about to get a dual BS, with plans to go on to peruse my master’s. I work with kids on a daily basis. None of them have said anything negative, and I’ve found it useful in talking with them even. I used to be a cutter, and when I’d stopped for a year I got an omega over the first place I ever cut. If kids notice it, I tell them I got it after I went through some things, and got better. The kids I work with are a psychiatric population, and they get it. I suppose my question is simply that if it can help me connect with a 10 year old girl with severe psychological problems, why couldn’t it help me connect with you?
posted by Sarah on 4-30-2009 at 10:20 pm
if something connects with psychotic 10 year olds, do you really have to wonder why healthy adults may not find it charming?
posted by bally-mcGee on 5-1-2009 at 8:38 am
I found it pretty interesting that the people that are against tattoos and are making broad generalizations regarding our morals, childhoods, work status, education status, mental status, etc., seem to be so angry and degrading that it borders on being indicative of Antisocial Personality Disorder.
I feel privileged to be part of the accepting, intelligent, gentle people who have decided to adorn their bodies with personal art. After coming through some rough times, I made the decision to get my piece done. The flower’s symbolism is obvious – it reminds me that the way out is through and to pay attention to the lessons so that when I do finally get beyond those difficulties, life is more beautiful for it all. The water reminds me that nothing is permanent and all is washed away in time – including my tattoo. We all return to the Earth. We just take different paths to our endpoint.
Not to mention that a dear friend drew it all up and put it on my body. Whenever I look at it or get compliments on it (which happens very frequently; thankfully the people that are so vehement in tearing us down via blog comments are too afraid to say anything to our faces – after all, we can endure hours (4 hours for me) of needles :))I get to think of how awesome Paul is and what a wonderful person he is and the joy he’s brought to my life.
Oh – and I’m fully employed, college & self educated, and well respected amongst my peers and colleagues. There are also no axes in my home.
posted by nikki on 5-1-2009 at 1:34 pm
Crap! I knew I forgot something! I was going to send in my tat! Oh well :P
All of these tattoos are beautiful, and the meanings behind them make them that much more special.
I can understand why some people don’t like tattoos, it’s a personal decision that you’re left with for the rest of your life, and a lot of the people getting them are treating it like a fad or trend, which is a huge mistake; but generalizing people who get tattoos as lacking in judgment is even worse.
When I got mine, my mom told me to really think about what I wanted and to ask myself whether it’s something I’d want to show my grandchildren. Mine means a lot to me and so will the next one I’m going to get.
posted by heather on 5-1-2009 at 5:04 pm
Mental Floss reader does not equal intelligent and/or open minded. Having a tattoo or not does not equate to how successful you are. I know folks with and without that are not living up to their potential. I know folks with and without that are extremely successful in their lives. People are very surprised to find out my husband has a tattoo. But, frankly, it’s none of their business. It’s not who he is. It’s just something he wanted.
posted by Hyacinth on 5-2-2009 at 1:27 pm
Thanks for posting mine!
posted by AveryW on 5-2-2009 at 1:36 pm
Wow…. it blows my mind on how much hate in this little blog. Hope my kids don’t read this one it will just show them how closed the world is… I lov all the tats they show how… a book is not the same we all have differing depths.
posted by maxy on 5-3-2009 at 4:51 am
Wow, I’m surprised at all the negative people that have posted here. If you don’t like tattoos, why would you even check out this blog post?
And to Qman who said “The Cotton one is awful and in the worst spot possible” I’ll have you know that everyone I have shown it to thinks it’s brilliant. Yours is the first negative comment I’ve gotten and I’ve had this tat for two years now. Even my dad, who is very much against tattoos, thinks it is awesome!
Thanks MF for posting my tattoo!
posted by JennaC on 5-3-2009 at 12:38 pm
bump all the arguing – you like ‘em or you don’t stop trying to push your views on other people
my fav is Felipe’s :)
posted by Bee on 5-4-2009 at 4:38 pm
Thanks MF for posting my pic! Reading what I put as my little story made me realize how tired I was when I sent that email =p
@Colene Thanks. Even though my grandma is still around, I smile whenever I look at my tattoo.
posted by Haily W on 5-6-2009 at 1:13 am
anyone explain why the three star tattoo is self-explanatory?
posted by ES on 5-7-2009 at 11:14 pm
Not being tattooed just means that you don’t love something enough to make it a permanent part of yourself.
I love my tats. I have a celtic cross celebrating the heritage that has shaped my life, and the words “L’essential est invisible” (the essential is invisible, relating to the emotion of love – that only the heart can see what is essential) that I got after reading The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery, a book that honestly changed the way that I live my life and the way that I relate to other people.
Tattoos aren’t something by which people can be judged, just like anyone else’s clothing choices, hair cut, and any other arbitrary piece of modern human existence that people exhibit quite willingly to the world.
Why should the body art that I designed and I love, that reminds me every day that my family has made me the person who I am, and that love is the most important thing that a human can feel – more important than anger, jealously, happiness, or any other emotion, cause you to make assumptions about me?
Come back to me when you can say that you recognize those things in life that have made you who you are, and that you recognize them enough to make them a permanent part of yourself, and then we can have this argument.
Until then, go ahead and drive around in your conformist vehicle and sit at your conformist desk, and read your conformist newspaper, while drinking your conformist cup of coffee — but don’t dare call me a conformist for my individual self-expression through unique pieces of beautiful art.
posted by Kristy on 5-19-2009 at 11:02 pm
You are all super dipshits for getting tattoos, sorry but its true. Specially the current theme stuff. Imagine if it was 1980 and you got a Moonraker tattoo cause James Bond is cool. Instead why dont you get a tattoo on your forehead that says “I make bad choices”. if you dont agree with me take a look at the shirt your wearing right now. You gonna look cool or hot or stylish or whatever in that same shirt 2, 5 , 10 , 40 years from now?
posted by B on 6-13-2009 at 8:03 pm
I don’t know what’s more interesting, the tattoos or the unimaginative scorn on this blog. It’s true, some people do regret their tattoos, especially fad tats. That’s why the smart people think about it, consider their decision, and chose something personally meaningful. It’s not about being cool or hot or stylish, it’s about self-expression and symbolism. It’s a personal decision, and while I may not like some of the tats shown here, I respect that the person who got it loves it and wanted it permanently on their body.
I thought about getting a tattoo for years, but wasn’t going to commit to anything unless/until I found something that was significant to me, as an individual. Lots of thought and consideration went to the placement and the artist as well as the design. I finally got it last year as a birthday present to myself, and I love it.
posted by Lisa on 6-23-2009 at 1:25 pm
@ Mother Russia:
It’s probably a good thing you were repulsed by the pretty girl with the “ugly” tattoo. If she’s comfortable enough with her own body and personality to have something like that etched into her skin forever, she’s obviously not looking for someone shallow enough to define a person solely based upon their first impression of her outward appearance. Grow up.
posted by Ryan on 6-25-2009 at 12:54 pm
I absolutely LOVE the Weasley tattoo!!!!!
And to the people who hate tattoos and think they are stupid/gross/abortions/whatever, it’s not on your body and I suspect since you hate them so much it’s not on your significant other’s body so why do you let it bother you so much? No need to put down people who don’t have the same opinions as you.
posted by Danielle on 6-25-2009 at 4:19 pm
Let’s all conform to non-conform!
posted by JDAT on 6-25-2009 at 6:06 pm
Great blog!… I think your definitions of “fads” are relative. What may be a fad to you may be a personal favorite to me for the rest of *MY* life. I don’t like every tattoo I have ever seen, but does my opinion of someone else’s choice matter?
No way!
And “B”:a shirt is not the same thing as a tattoo. You wear a shirt because you “thought it was cute”, or whatever. A tattoo is a personal choice that usually carries meaning, it doesn’t make anyone a “super dipshit” more so than you.
posted by Monica on 6-26-2009 at 9:24 pm
Mandy – yours are published. Keep looking on the next page!
posted by Amanda on 6-26-2009 at 11:11 pm
I find it very disappointing that there are so many haters. I beieve every person is entitled to an opinion, but why even waste the time to look at this post if you have such rigid ideas about tattoos?
And for the record:
1. I have never contracted an STD
2. I am gainfully employed–and there is no pizza involved
3. I am college educated
4. I have never been a defendant in a court case, nor been incarcerated for any reason
5. I have 8 tattoos
Congratulations to all the people who submitted. There are many of us who thoroughly enjoyed the pictures and the story behind each tat.
Congratualtions to all the people who took the time to make sure they were impolite as possible about SOMEONE ELSE’S body.
posted by Mandy on 6-28-2009 at 8:12 am
I was thrilled to see my Sun Stone on Mental Floss!!! I’m equally thrilled whenever I see my comments posted!!! I have 9 tattoos, and have at 10 more currently planned. If you don’t like tattoos, be happy that they aren’t on you. All of my tattoos can be covered by clothing, not that I’m ashamed of any of them. I knew I wanted a tattoo when I was 10 or 11, and waited 9 years to get the one that I wanted then (a giant, black lizard that stretches from my left wrist all the way over my shoulder, and I get nothing but compliments about it!). And if you have such a problem with tattoos, why are you looking at photos of them, only too complain and spew venom? That’s like going to a concert just to boo the artist. Which is to say, nonsensical.
posted by RIchard Y on 6-29-2009 at 2:07 am
Oh yes, I almost forgot….My Sun Stone was done by The Madd Tatter in Wind Lake, Wisconsin. It took 10 hours total. Stop in if you’re in the area, he does good work, and has terrific artists working with him.
posted by RIchard Y on 6-29-2009 at 2:19 am
I’m planning on my first tattoo on my 50th, just for me and no one else…. I’ll be the only one to see it except for my husband and doctor. By the way, barbed wire tattoos are over, but that’s what my husband wants on him. We have a farm and he’s constantly getting cut with the stuff.. “it’s in his blood”.
posted by rabbit on 6-29-2009 at 3:36 pm
The only difference between tatooed people and non-tattooed people is that the tattooed people are cooler and can kick your ass.
posted by ernst on 6-30-2009 at 12:17 am
If you don’t feel a deep compulsion to justify the skin jazz then stab my eyes with it.
I do not host a tat but, clearly, people who do tend to be less motivated by social integration forces.
I’m a courage fan so if the apple-pied mainstream is being flipped the birdie I applaud this.
Those who voice their disapproval or criticism of people printing their body elicit short-term joy from me.
posted by Agile Cyborg on 7-1-2009 at 8:39 am
I got my first tatoo before I knew anyone that had one. When it became REALLY popular I stopped adding to my collection, but I got a new one in 2008 and it may be my last. I only have five and that is very few compared to some, but each piece is beautiful and I love them. I took my time picking them and placing them on my body because 1) it is art & 2) they’re permanent. My fave is the latest addition: Caligula’s Oderint dum Metuant…and yes my life is very real like that. Life is too short to hate anything really….You like them, good for you. You don’t, I’m sure you’ve filled your life with something I would think was as useless and stupid. Either way Vive la difference!
posted by Shawn on 7-1-2009 at 12:57 pm
Mandy Z’s tats are the best! I showed her pictures to my knitting group and everyone (From us college kids to our favorite 80 yr old knitting grammy) loved them.
posted by Emily on 7-1-2009 at 2:12 pm
Please people, no matter how proud you are of your ink, I don’t want to look at your nasty bubbly pimples.
posted by bbb on 7-2-2009 at 7:59 am
@Dan. Not necessarily; my 85-year-old grandfather still has his “Semper Fi” tattoo from WWII and it still looks good. A bit faded, yes, but still clear.
@csimemphis. Did you even LOOK at the pictures? Oh yeah, people who love knitting and remembering their heritage are obviously criminal masterminds. It couldn’t possibly have been because they wanted to remember something that’s meaningful to them. And here’s another tidbit: once a pizza delivery guy caught a glimpse of my dragon tattoo and commented that he’d like to get one but couldn’t because his job didn’t pay enough.
To everybody else: Those tattoos are great! I especially love the compassion flower and the mustache; tatoos that have personal meaning or that can make you laugh with your family over and over again are really special.
posted by Rory on 7-7-2009 at 10:52 am
I would say that %90 of tattoos are bad ideas. Even one person said that they got another tattoo to cover up an old one. No one ever puts enough thought into what they are going to get and if they do then they are part of the rare 10%. Also, just because you don’t like someone’s poor choice of art doesn’t make you are closed minded.
Mustache tattoo on your finger = bad idea
Anything on your lower back = bad idea
Harry Potter tattoo = even if your Jk Rowling, bad idea
What do all of you pro tattoo people think of the little girl who got 56 stars on her face and then blamed the tattoo artist for ruining her life? She later admitted that she asked for and liked the design, but when her father got mad she didn’t want to take responsibility for her actions.
I like tattoo art but only if it is really well thought though and inked by a good artist.
posted by Dixie N on 7-10-2009 at 10:03 am
csimemphis…. you are just an ignorant ass. I have a t-shirt of tattoos, yes an entire t-shirt, I have my Bachelors in Business Administration, I work as a District Manager overseeing 15 stores in Arizona and making $125,000 per year before bonuses, I have never gone to court for anything other than minor traffic violations, I am happily married with a 2 year old son who loves those paste on tattoos, and I have never had an STD, nor will I ever….. blew a hole in your pointless theory didnt I??? if you want to think someone is less than worthy because they enjoy different types of art than you then you go ahead and have a failing business. I’m obviously doing something right in my life even with my tattoos… which you cant see under my suit anyways.
posted by Jerry in Phoenix on 7-12-2009 at 1:56 pm
I don’t like being generalized into a huge group of people that I have nothing in common with except for the fact that I am human and that I have decided to get a tattoo, any other similarites are coincidence. It would be very kind of you to stop, realize that I AM another human being – just like you, and treat me as such and not a stereo-type you have created of me. Thank You.
posted by Dazee on 7-23-2009 at 10:53 pm
I am not a fan of tats at all. But my husband (of 28 years) just came home from a trip with a medium-sized tat on his back. He didn’t ask my opinion or warn me. Should I care?
posted by Ann on 8-11-2009 at 10:54 pm
I love tattoos! I collect them! I work at a funeral home, and I remove them from the body before burial. They don’t seem to mind too much, and nobody ever knows anyway. I have over 300, and I have 5 large back tattoos that are framed on the walls of my hallway! I would never get one on my own body, but hey, why bother? I have plenty as it is! So thanks, and keep ‘em coming!
posted by Brady on 8-27-2009 at 3:35 pm
Ann, Honey,
According to csimemphis you have a lot more to worry about than the tattoo!
posted by Maui Mama on 8-27-2009 at 6:46 pm
wasn’t this photo post to be about sharing tats with others who liked tats? NOT debate if tats are a good idea or not? seriously…grow up and get back to your job people.
posted by Megan on 9-4-2009 at 1:49 pm
I find it interesting that all the people who don’t like tattoos are very rude but, those who do like tattoos are nice and polite.
On that note I plan on geting a tattoo at some point in my life.
I love the Weasley tattoo! I am a Potter nut as well.
posted by Anne on 9-7-2009 at 12:54 am
Why is it that people with closed minds are the most likely to open their mouths?
All of the tats are amazing.
Jerod – 4 Tattoos, 3 piercings, many high-profile jobs with all of the above, no STDs, no arrests, highly educated… Oh wait… I don’t have a job… I’m disabled… I don’t think that hits the 1/5, though.
posted by Jerod on 9-10-2009 at 3:28 pm
I really enjoyed the tattoo of the candy box that the woman’s grandfather drew for her. I have a tattoo of my Czech nickname that my grandfather used to call me, he has since passed, and I am very happy I got it.
posted by Jen on 9-25-2009 at 5:24 pm
My beef with tattoos.
i have seen lots of tattoos that are junk. Many that are clever and a few that are funny.
But, i have never seen a tattoo that makes a person look more attractive.
It’s like graffitti on the side of a beautiful home.
Shame on you for disfiguring your body
posted by Tattooey Joes on 9-28-2009 at 3:12 pm
To all those that are talking about tattoos being gross when you’re older… how many elderly people go around flashing lots of flesh anyways?
A tattoo, if well thought out, is a work of art and should be appreciated as such <3
posted by Rachel on 9-28-2009 at 11:51 pm
Wow, some people’s lives must be utterly fabulous if they have nothing better to whine about than tattoos on other people’s bodies. Health tip: If you think these photos are worth getting your panties in a twist about, don’t read a newspaper or you’ll probably have a heart attack!
posted by Susan on 9-30-2009 at 10:07 am
“I love tattoos! I collect them! I work at a funeral home, and I remove them from the body before burial. They don’t seem to mind too much, and nobody ever knows anyway. I have over 300, and I have 5 large back tattoos that are framed on the walls of my hallway! I would never get one on my own body, but hey, why bother? I have plenty as it is! So thanks, and keep ‘em coming!”
This made my day. I do not have tattoos. I do not care if others have tattoos. Takes all sorts to make a world. Including creepy funeral home workers.
posted by Cat on 10-23-2009 at 9:01 pm
That same quote made my day as well. kudos.
posted by Justine on 10-30-2009 at 12:01 am
Richard Y’s tattoo is my favorite.
I can’t believe the intricacy of the design…incredible.
I’m a wuss when it comes to needles, but if I were going to get one, I’d think about going the sun stone route.
I mean, I am a Spanish major (although sun stones are derived from the Aztecs)
posted by ceembee on 10-31-2009 at 1:03 am
Insane tattoos, I think they all look great. I love tattoos, in fact I plan on getting one as soon as possible. And it will be a Harry Potter tattoo, not because it’s a fad but because I grew up with the books and they helped me, not just because I “think it’s cool.” So I love the Weasley one. I plan on getting a snitch, somewhere. :)
Some tattoos are absolutely horrible, but most I’ve seen are great. I love the Cotton one by the way, original. Hahahaha. :D Most tattoos mean something, and that’s why they are beautiful. If you get them for fun, then I condem you, but not if they are special to you. ♥
posted by Kimberly on 11-16-2009 at 5:36 pm
Interesting set of tattoos. I like that many seem to have meaning, though a couple that make statements like “when I realized I needed a tattoo” seem to fuel the tattoo taboo.
Can’t understand ppl that say “imagine what they will look like when you get older” as if you might look at someone who is 70 and say “gee, if only they didn’t have that worn out tattoo they would have simply fabulous skin!”
posted by J on 11-17-2009 at 9:49 am
I’ve always thought a tattoo should make a statement. I have a friend that has “WHITE TRASH” tattooed across the tops of his toes. Now that’s a statement!As for me, I’ve had shoulder surgery and thought a small zipper along the scar would look cool, but my wife said no. Oh well, maybe if it was her idea, that would be different.
posted by WillieO on 11-18-2009 at 8:28 pm