Question:
I'm thinking about getting a tattoo, and I was wondering how you viewed them.
Do you think they are trashy in Dc? or what? I personally think they are
interesting and a way to express oneself. Your views would be appreciated.
Answer:
- I happen to like them and (currently) have four. My one major word of
advice would be to get something that has real meaning to you. I went the
floral route to play it safe and wish I had done otherwise. I have a flower
on my ankle that I'm seriously considering have redone into something
spooky, which would be MUCH more appropriate for me
- But IMO they should be fairly discreet, easy to cover if the occasion
requires it (say, a job interview) and meaningful to the wearer. I don't see
the point to get one 'just because it's fashionable' and to walk into a
tattoo parlour and pick a random design 'because it's pretty'. There was a
story on the papers here a while ago, about some lad who wanted some
Oriental symbols on his shoulder, so he went to the tattooist and just
picked a sign he liked. it was supposed to be Chinese for 'peace' or
something. At his local Chinese takeaway, the Chinese lady told him he had
in fact tattooed 'ugly' onto himself!
Personally, I have three tattoos. I have designed them all myself. It took
me over 5 years to be certain I wanted the first one done. All three mean
something important to me, and will always be, even when I'm seventy and
wrinkly ;-) Which I think it's something to bear in mind... you may really
like, say, Bugs Bunny now, and would love to have a great big tattoo of it
on your back, but are you sure you'll still be happy with it in 30 years'
time?!
