Thinking of a tattoo...

[moremoremore]

Yeah, not sure I'd get a tramp stamp with my kid's name...a little...ewww...somewhere else I think is fine...

I have one in the rear area that can't be seen...I don't love it anymore but really don't care about it one way or the other and plan on getting it changed into my cat eventually...

 

[Hera]

I have a tramp stamp and actually don''t regret it. I got it when I was 18 and I don''t mind it as I don''t see it unless i look in the mirror. If I were going to get another tattoo I would get it with that new kind of ink that can be removed by a laser (I heard it''s just coming out). Also, i would really consider a different location for the tattoo if I were you (as others have said).

 

[surfgirl]

Date: 5/30/2008 5:12:00 PM
Author:LitigatorChick
I had a dream about a week ago about getting a tattoo on my lower back (just above my a$$) of my son''s name. I haven''t been able to shake this dream, and I am starting to like the idea.

What do you think???

What I always think is this: What do you think it will look like on your 50/60/70 year old body? If it''s not going to be a pretty site then, dont do it now...

 

[lyra]

Date: 6/1/2008 9:00:14 AM
Author: surfgirl

What I always think is this: What do you think it will look like on your 50/60/70 year old body? If it''s not going to be a pretty site then, dont do it now...

LOL! That''s why I waited until I was 45 to get one. I really don''t think I''ll care much either way in 20 years.

LC, do what you want. If you''d just gone out and done it and posted pics, people would be saying how much they liked it probably. I do think an image would be better than a name, and don''t think placement is anyone''s business really. Nor do I see certain areas as sexual and inappropriate. It''s for you to decide what is appropriate for you. No one other than family is ever going to see it, and even then, only when you decide. Although I have a tattoo on my ankle, no one sees it but family 90% of the time. No one stares at it either, it''s very subtle in design and feminine.

As for laser removal, it can be done with any ink. Unfortunately they only do one square inch at a time, at a cost of around $500 a session.

 

[MonkeyPie]

I have an older friend with a portrait of his daughter as a baby on his arm, and now that she is older, she LOVES it. She is super touched that he loved her enough to do such a thing. Unless you run around showing this tattoo to all your sons friends when he hits 16, I doubt he will care as much as everyone seems to think.

I plan to get my kids names tattoo''d on me, because I feel like you do - my husband could leave me, but my kids are mine forever.

 

[Hera]

Here''s the link to the new ink that can be removed in one laser treatment. This is what I would do if I wanted another tattoo:

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,271575,00.html

 

[violet02]

I unfortunately got a ''tramp stamp'' luckily it''s just a small crown so it''s not too over the top. The key thing is anything on your back you''re not really going to see so even though I don''t really like that tattoo I NEVER see it so it''s almost like it''s not there to me.

Personally I don''t think I would get my kid''s name above my rear end... it does thave a stigma of being a sexual area and it would seem weird to have a name there. On that note I wouldn''t ever advise names or initials tattoo''ed on them UNLESS it was their kids names, then I think it''s probably ok. There are other nicer areas to get a name tattoo''ed then on your lower back, and low rider jeans and shirts that ride up in the back always inevitabley wind up showing those tattoos off. They''re not totally hidden.

Laser tattoo removal has improved leaps and bounds over the years from when I got my first tattoo. Not all tattoos are fully removable though. It depends on different factors, such as how deep into your skin layers is the ink? If you were tattoo''ed once it will all be in the same layer so easier to remove, people that get touch ups, cover ups etc have multiple skin layers of ink which makes it very difficult to remove. Also different colors are harder to get out and lastly if you scar easily or at all, lasers will scar you! If you got tattoos that were done with heavy outlines, where you can feel the outline still in your skin, that''s like a scar as well. Remove the tattoo and you have that scar to contend with. I have a friend that''s had four tattoos removed. You can still see some of the leftover ink in some of the areas where they just couldn''t get it all out.

I got my first tattoo when I was 17, 2nd when I was 19, both TERRIBLE, both have been covered up since then. I got my cover ups and the ones I have now in 1999, I don''t regret most of them, some i''m eh on and I wish I would have not done the two on my forearms, but oh well. I don''t realy plan on getting anymore but I do love what I have. I have probably 14 separate pieces but I have a half sleeve as well of clouds. I had considered once upon a time getting a couple removed but it''s a real pain and what I did instead was to get some newer stuff around them to make them look nicer. Overall I don''t regret and I''m very PRO tattoos. As long as you go to a GOOD artist!

If you''re worried about flab areas get one on your ankle, your shoulder, your upper arm... personally i''d never get one around my waist or stomach area, particularly since I plan on having kids one day. I''d also suggest what other posters have, get something symbolic or if you get the name get it as part of another piece.

Some people are very pro tattoo and some don''t get it at all, it''s just a personal preference really. For folks considering getting their FIRST tattoo, that''s something you should definitely take your time thinking about. I don''t know if anyone suggested this but maybe you should have someone do a mock up of your son''s name above your butt with a marker and walk around like that for a day and see if that looks odd to you or not.

In re: to the removable ink.... it''s still not going to be a simple zap and it''s gone. Lasers are a controlled ''burn''. They point it at you and burn the crap out of you, it''s painful and not pleasant, even if it only takes one session to remove the tattoo. I also wonder what the quality of removable ink is going to be like. I have ink that stiill looks fresh after almost 10 years. If they make ink that breaks down easier whats going to happen in 10 years when you don''t want to get rid of it but it starts to fall apart? The other thing about tattoos is you''re not supposed to keep getting them tattto''ed repeatedly. Ink bleeds in your skin so the more ink you put in there the more its going to bleed out into the rest of your skin over time, and that definitely won''t look pretty when you''re an old woman!

Sorry for the long ramble, tattoos are a big part of me and a lot of the folks I know... and wow lack of sleep and it''s early!

 

[lauralu]

Wow ALOT of varying opinions on this subject. I am all for tattoos. I have always loved the lower back tattoos and I someday will get one of my own. I had never heard anyone refer to them as a tramp stamp until the first thread on tats that was done here. I think people need to get their minds outta the gutter. Sexual place or not. I have seen more beautiful flowers, vines, sun shapes, butterfly''s ect in that area and not thought sex or tramp stamp. Compared to sexual pictures of women tattooed on mens arms backs ect that were overtly sexual.

That being said. Because of society''s view on that kind of tat placement. I would have to,as a mother, succumb and stay away from putting my kids name in that area. How about an Ankle, in between your shoulders, arm, wrist even. I have often thought about getting the birth flower of each of my daughters tattooed on me somewhere.

I have to comment on the ..."what will it look like when your 70 or 80"? I say, Who the heck cares? You will have enjoyed it for years before that time comes. Just for kicks heres a little story. A few weeks agao a 70plus year old women came into our store. She was sporting a beautiful tat on the side of her leg below her knee. She had just gotten it a few weeks prior. She just loved it and was so proud of herself. Said it was something she always wanted to do but because of society''s views she never did. Now she said. she does not care who doesn''t like it. She loves it!

In the end........Only you will know whats right for you ......

 

[gailrmv]

I wouldn't do it personally. I am not a big fan of tattoos. Plus, I am almost positive I'd regret any tattoo in the future, but that's just me. How about a diamond necklace with your son's initial - that would be my preference!

ETA If I ever did get a tattoo, that's the place I'd get it -I don't care about the nickname, it's my favorite spot for a tattoo. But like I said, it's not for me!

 

[LitigatorChick]

Wow, lots of activity on this thread!!! Thanks for all the input.

DH is opposed to the idea, and not that that determines anything, it is an important factor for me. Quite honestly, the idea is losing a bit of appeal.

I would like a better "monument" to my son. I have my "push present" (my asscher 3 stone), but I would like something more permanent.

 

[mercoledi]

I hope this doesn''t come across as totally corny, but if you have a house, why not plant a tree in honor of your son? My DH''s parents did this and as a little kid he liked that is was his tree. It could never be mis-construed and adds to the property value!

 

[HollyS]

If I were to contemplate a tatoo . . . and that''s a big IF . . . I would not be contemplating a ''tramp stamp''.

If something is meaningful to you, if it speaks to who you are (and will always be), fine. Put it in ink and wear it with pride. If it is something you may one day regret, for any reason, just don''t do it.

 

[Ninama]

I like a baby''s footprint tattoo... very cute.... but not over the butt crack! If you''re not totally jazzed about a tattoo, absolutely don''t get one right now. You can continue to ponder it, though. It took me 3 years to get up the juice to get one!

I like ''em BIG.

 

[Ninama]

Aaaaaawwwww!


ETA: I just read somethingshiny's post... those things hadn't occurred to me.

One idea that did come to mind is a charm bracelet tattoo that you could add to. But.... tattoos in that area are very visible and not for everyone.

 

[FrekeChild]

Wow Ninama that is amazing! What a beautiful work of art!! I''ve thought about getting a tiny dragon on the top of my foot since I was 18-that''s 8 years that I''ve been considering it. I''ve told myself to think about it for a year, if I still have to have it after a year, get it. So far, I''ve still been thinking about it, but I still haven''t gotten it. Think about it this way, you can always get it later.

I''ve always been a piercee-mostly on my ears, but tongue and belly button have also been pierced, and my reasoning for piercings over tattoos is that when I decide I don''t want it anymore, I can take it out and have a tiny scar that isn''t noticeable. So...I''ve had 15 areas pierced, my tongue getting pierced 3 times, and I would do it again...tattoos are a whole other thing.

I like the charm bracelet thing-you could cover it up with a cuff bracelet or something. And the footprint idea is very cute too.

 

[TravelingGal]

Date: 6/2/2008 4:16:28 PM
Author: mercoledi
I hope this doesn''t come across as totally corny, but if you have a house, why not plant a tree in honor of your son? My DH''s parents did this and as a little kid he liked that is was his tree. It could never be mis-construed and adds to the property value!

I like the tree idea. If no one chops it down, it could outlast any tattoo, person, or parameters for trampiness.

Have your son help plant it. Take photos of the event. Watch the tree grow with your son. That would be pretty cool. My ex boyfriend''s parents planted one when he was a kid and the tree is still there...long after they''ve moved to another home.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 6/2/2008 6:57:39 PM
Author: TravelingGal

Date: 6/2/2008 4:16:28 PM
Author: mercoledi
I hope this doesn''t come across as totally corny, but if you have a house, why not plant a tree in honor of your son? My DH''s parents did this and as a little kid he liked that is was his tree. It could never be mis-construed and adds to the property value!

I like the tree idea. If no one chops it down, it could outlast any tattoo, person, or parameters for trampiness.

Have your son help plant it. Take photos of the event. Watch the tree grow with your son. That would be pretty cool. My ex boyfriend''s parents planted one when he was a kid and the tree is still there...long after they''ve moved to another home.

If you plant it somewhere that you can always visit, you can go back and take pictures of your son beside it every year to show how he and his tree have grown.

 

[flutterby]

I have a "tramp stamp" and I dont regret it. I got it when I was 20, and its a butterfly. But I actually put time and thought into it and I''m glad I got it. However, I wouldnt put a tattoo there for my son. I just wouldnt.

My DH wanted to get Ian''s name tattooed on his bicep, but now is thinking his birthdate in roman numerals on his wrist...you could do something like that on your ankle? just an idea.

I think the tree idea is nice. we did that when my brother died, I remember being a child and planting it. We moved a few years later, but always drove by, till they cut it down a few years ago...we still have the picture though.

 

[vespergirl]

I have a tattoo that I got at 18, and now I''m 31 and I still like it - it''s a rose on my stomach. I think that tattoos are beautiful. I would get another one but my husband doesn''t really care for them. I think that you''re pretty safe going with your son''s name. I also think you picked a good placement. Nobody sees mine unless I''m wearing a bikini, so it never affected my professional life or how I was perceived by strangers, etc. I would think about it for a few more weeks & discuss with your husband before going for it, but if you still want it, it could be really cool to have his name on you forever.

 

[FrekeChild]

Ok so today on G4 network (Cable TV station) the hosts on AOTS (Attack of the Show!) were talking about "Moms with tramp stamps" and how tacky it is.

I saw that and thought of this thread. (I don''t mean any offense by posting this, I just wanted to let you guys know its out in the popular media...)

 

[somethingshiny]

Date: 6/3/2008 7:56:09 PM
Author: FrekeChild
Ok so today on G4 network (Cable TV station) the hosts on AOTS (Attack of the Show!) were talking about ''Moms with tramp stamps'' and how tacky it is.


I saw that and thought of this thread. (I don''t mean any offense by posting this, I just wanted to let you guys know its out in the popular media...)

I''ve been thinking about this for a couple days because it kind of annoyed me (not you directly Freke). How is expressing yourself in ink tacky? Okay, maybe having a tattoo on your face or some snake and skull thing crawling down your entire leg is tacky. But a decent looking, well-done, attractive tattoo should not be offensive or tacky to anyone.

I think it''s more tacky for moms to wear belly-exposing shirts (no offense intended) and for them to talk like sailors than to have ink. I think it''s tacky for people to express opinions that they can''t back up, it''s tacky to portray yourself slutily, it''s tacky to not wear shoes at a grocery store, it''s tacky to wear sandals with unpedicured feet. But, ink...ink is not tacky.

I can''t believe that people would waste television time talking about a stranger''s tattoos.


Rock your tats, ladies!

 

[mimzy]

somethingshiny,

i don''t think that they were referring to tattoos in general, but particularly to tramp stamps, that is, just tattoos in that location. they were probably commenting because getting a tattoo on your lower back is something that is very stereotypical or cliche of teenage girls that like people looking at their ass and/or that like to be seen as provocative (not my opinion, just general statement, hence name ''tramp stamp''). and quite frankly a lot of people DO see grown women with those tattoos as trying to channel the energy of said teenage girls, which is pretty tacky. that is NOT to say that LC''s tattoo would automatically be tacky, but a lot of people might see it that way, which might not be the case if the tattoo was in a different location.

 

[FrekeChild]

It was a really hard to explain segment. They were comparing videos (I think it was on the "Around the Net" segment) and they would get a "Moms with Tramp Stamps" like the 1-5 stars-but instead of stars it was the "Moms with Tramp Stamps". So the emphasis of it was on the videos. I don''t know. They''re never politically correct, so I don''t expect it from them (Olivia and Kevin), but I thought it was random that the segment was on right after this thread came up. There weren''t any particular people being shown or made fun of.

And I don''t take offense, don''t worry. Just reporting that it was out there...

 

[somethingshiny]

Date: 6/5/2008 11:40:58 PM
Author: mimzy
somethingshiny,


i don''t think that they were referring to tattoos in general, but particularly to tramp stamps, that is, just tattoos in that location. they were probably commenting because getting a tattoo on your lower back is something that is very stereotypical or cliche of teenage girls that like people looking at their ass and/or that like to be seen as provocative (not my opinion, just general statement, hence name ''tramp stamp''). and quite frankly a lot of people DO see grown women with those tattoos as trying to channel the energy of said teenage girls, which is pretty tacky. that is NOT to say that LC''s tattoo would automatically be tacky, but a lot of people might see it that way, which might not be the case if the tattoo was in a different location.

I don''t mean to cause offense, and I get what you''re saying. But, my "tramp stamp" took 9 hours of needles and $$$, not exactly a teenage girl''s dream.

 

[diamondfan]

I think some things are subjective. I think we all can agree on certain things being tacky or not pretty, but a tattoo and how it looks is very personal. I frankly do not care for them, but would not simply judge someone was tacky or slutty or ignorant because of a tattoo. Other factors would go into my view, which still might be wrong. But an older woman deciding to get one, if she is trying to be cool or hip, is a touch sad. I never wanted one and will never get one, but I would think it weird if someone my age suddenly decided to do it. It would make me wonder if they are seeing it as a way to stay young. (which I get, being 42!!!)

I am not into extremes of tattoos, where one's entire body or close to it is covered. I also hate tons of piercings, but again respect someone's right to express themselves that way. One person's view or opinion of what constitutes tacky is variable. Poll 100 people and you can get varying answers.

 

[TravelingGal]

Date: 6/5/2008 11:30:42 PM
Author: somethingshiny

Date: 6/3/2008 7:56:09 PM
Author: FrekeChild
Ok so today on G4 network (Cable TV station) the hosts on AOTS (Attack of the Show!) were talking about ''Moms with tramp stamps'' and how tacky it is.


I saw that and thought of this thread. (I don''t mean any offense by posting this, I just wanted to let you guys know its out in the popular media...)

I''ve been thinking about this for a couple days because it kind of annoyed me (not you directly Freke). How is expressing yourself in ink tacky? Okay, maybe having a tattoo on your face or some snake and skull thing crawling down your entire leg is tacky. But a decent looking, well-done, attractive tattoo should not be offensive or tacky to anyone.

I think it''s more tacky for moms to wear belly-exposing shirts (no offense intended) and for them to talk like sailors than to have ink. I think it''s tacky for people to express opinions that they can''t back up, it''s tacky to portray yourself slutily, it''s tacky to not wear shoes at a grocery store, it''s tacky to wear sandals with unpedicured feet. But, ink...ink is not tacky.

I can''t believe that people would waste television time talking about a stranger''s tattoos.


Rock your tats, ladies!

Whether it "should not" or should be tacky is irrelevant. To many people it is. See...people have OPINIONS...as you "think" it''s tacky to wear sandals with unpedicured feet, but I can tell you now, as a new mom, I can barely find time to feed myself, much less paint my toes!

So I guess I never thought it was *tacky*. Some people just think ink is tacky, and ink on certain parts of the body even more so.

For the record, I don''t think ink is tacky...it''s just not for me.

 

[ahappygirl]

I like the tree idea.

This idea might sound a little silly, but I still think the sentiment is nice - What about naming/register a star for him? You could name it after him, combine your names, use a name that means something special just to the two of you, or whatever. I think you can pick one over your general geographical area and then when he''s older you can find it together. It seems whimsical and something that my little guy would probably get into.

 

[diamondfan]

I named a star for my mom, which is neat. I also think planting trees somewhere, or donating a lovely bench to his favorite park with a tiny commemorative plaque...

 

[LitigatorChick]

The tattoo think is losing its lustre for me. Oh well.

Maybe more bling. Seriously, Miller is addicted to bling (I know, I raised him well!). Every time we are at the mall, he walks straight into birks to check out the bling. What a kind baby!!!

 

[ksinger]

I''ll just weigh in here with a few thoughts. First, I don''t think all tattoos are bad, tacky or whatever. BUT...my gawd you should see my man''s face when he sees a woman with a tattoo. It''s not a pretty face. He thinks they are just about the most low-class thing he could imagine. Is it wrong for him to think that? Probably, but there it is. Does he understand intellectually that this is not the necessarily the case. Yeah, he''s a pretty sharp guy. But it''s a visceral reaction based on upbringing, etc. He knows it''s irrational, but can''t really help it. Needless to say I won''t be getting a tattoo. I guess I make the point here that you better be darn confident that you really don''t give a rat''s patootie what other people think, including your family. And as for a tattoo THERE, well the fact that is is univerally known as a "tramp stamp" pretty much says it all to me.
But I admit, being 45 and him 46, means we aren''t of the tattoo generation. I never ever knew anyone in college who had a tattoo...not a woman, and I really don''t think I even knew any guys who had one. Times have changed a bit...

On a more amusing note, a good friend of mine confessed that she had at one time, considered having a butterfly tattooed on her abdomen, but in retrospect, considering how much weight she had gained over the years, was glad she had not, because by now it would look like Mothra....