I’d like to say that many cultures would be tolerant in the US about a lot of things. I think as a psychologist I could probably get away with a partially visible tattoo (upper arm maybe, I live in NZ). My partner is a psychologist and has a nape piercing. He wears shirts though so it is covered, and his supervisor had him take an ear piercing out – which really bugged me.

I personally am not a tattoo aficionado (I’ve never found something which I want permanently applied to my body) I agree with Anonymous #16 in that the right tat on the right person can be exceptional but have no real objections to tats on others (other than poor and excessive work is usually not attractive). If you’re getting it done for your own consumption, more power to you but it doesn’t mean I’m going to appreciate your taste.

Disclaimer: yes, I do believe tattoo overdose is this decade’s mullet.

Tats aren’t rebellious anymore, they are passe and just say that you are one of the herd.

Huh. I’m seeing Roy Orbison and Scott Bakula.

Except for the last two, none of the examples shown above fit that definition (although they are quite wonderful).

It’s a happy mutant thang, dog. :)

“Why would I want forever on my body artwork I wouldn’t have hanging on my wall?”

Ostracize me from the “tribe” if you must, but I’ve seen some really trashy books in some spectacular bindings.

I’m genuinely curious about something – this is not a troll. Are “professional” cultures outside the US more tolerant of visible tattoos? Because as much as I’d love to get something like the first picture, I’d never be able to find a white-collar job in the US again. Hell, I’ve been hesitant to get an upper arm tattoo just in case it peeks out my shirt sleeves on a warm day.
Anonymous @19, I can only speak with regards to Brussels, but the most I’ve seen in the way of tattoos have been s butterfly’s and roses done on a woman’s ankle or waist area. Having moved from t

Anyway… when I moved here from the US West coast the first thing I noticed was the complete lack of tattoos and piercings on people. It felt very strange. I’m rather surprised that Belgium would be some sort of forefront in the tattoo world. If people have them, they’re certainly hidden.

These days, every second person has some ugly rubbish branded onto their flesh. When criminals and bikers start to look like models of fashionable restraint in comparison you know that something is deeply wrong.

Don’t get me wrong, the right tattoo on the right person can be striking. However, much like clothing, some designs will flatter and some will mock, unlike clothing, they must look good for many long years (unless you like expanses of scarred flesh better).

Angelina Jolie. Any more questions?

I’m not saying that the above designs AREN’T meaningful – i’m sure some of them are – but if you show that you are serious about having indelible art scarred on you and are serious and passionate about what it is that you’re getting, your artist will take honest care in rendering your tattoo. i’ve yet to meet a tattoo artist who was materialistic and did not understand personal value. you tell them you want something because it’s, “totally cute,” or, “way bad ass,” and I can guarantee you that they’ll put about as much effort into stabbing it in you as you did into thinking it up.

you get the tattoo you deserve.

At $130, that’s about the only way I’ll be able to afford it.

-S

I feel “Because it looks cool” is a perfectly good reason to get body art done. Not every tattoo has to be in memory of one’s dead dad/sister/dolphin. (though those are perfectly valid reasons as well!)

I’ve tattooed plenty of people with ‘bad ass’ and ‘cute’ designs. We’ve both been psyched to do the work and see the outcome.

Keep aspiring Anonymous #40… and don’t forget to lighten up.

Sure, not everybody is going to appreciate it (hey there BB trollsters!), but if you’re getting tattooed for the right reason, yourself, then it hardly matters.

The practice of increasing the complexity of patterns using the aid of computer software combined with a keen eye and a steady hand really pushes the envelope of what tattooing can be.

I for one am psyched to see an entire book devoted to blackwork.

(Little Swastika from Germany, and Yann Traville (France/Canada) are a couple great ones to google if you’re a fan of this style!)

Thanks for the heads up Xeni.