4 Fundamental Reasons to Get a Tattoo

This was a post from another artist but I thought it spoke volumes. Please see the link below for the original context.

Over the past 10 years, as the professional tattoo artist, JD Hatred; I've done a lot of tattoos. I like to maintain a certain level of honesty to the customer in their quest for the new tattoo. I never decide what

tattoo they will get without them making some kind of decision on what the idea, theme, or intention is for themselves. I have been asked thousands of times, "What do you think would be a cool tattoo?" but what they should be asking is "What would make a good tattoo?"

It's this expectation that for all my years, I should know a good tattoo idea off the top of my head. That's the problem: I know far too many of them. To ask me what a cool tattoo would be is the equivalent of asking someone on a beach to locate the nicest grain of sand. I could certainly do it, but I won't have a stopping point, nor can I conclusively settle on one in any reasonable amount of time.

In an effort to help you have a place to start, these are my 4 fundamental starting points to come up with a brilliant tattoo idea while lowering the chances that you won't like it later. These are not the only valid reasons, but they are the least disappointing. You may find tattoo ideas that fit into more that one category. I call that a good tattoo.

The Eternal Consistency

An 'eternal consistency' is something that will never change. Some examples are your birthday, astrological sign, the birth of your children, and so on. No matter where you are or how your views may change over time; these are the details that will always stay the same. I think of this at the 'safest' idea. Even if the design grows tired, it will still be relevant to you.

The Life Marker

Through out your life, there will likely be a few points you will personally want to make a note of. Examples of this would be marriage, death, or the achievement of a goal. Personally, this is one of my more favorable reasons for getting a tattoo.

Having a tattoo that you can personally see has its own advantage. Having something to look at regarding an event in your life subconsciously reminds you of that event. Memories get hazy over time, but a tattoo could help to seal some of those memories in your mind and improve their clarity.

 

The Personal Meaning

There comes a time where you have made a person decision in your life on how you think, or you have found your choices are being driven by a core belief. This is where personal meanings have not just been formed, but have found a solid form unto itself. Bible scriptures and philosophies would be an example of this. Something you believe has finally proven to be true.

The Characterization

Among the four choices, this one has the most risk. If "personal meaning" is your nature, then this one is your demeanor. A love for motorcycling, a long time favorite comic book character, or maybe an icon that is "so you" fits into this category. The risk here is that it might be something you get tired of. Always think about how you would feel about something in 5 years.

Final Advice

If you don't know what it is you want, then it is likely not a good idea to get a tattoo. Remember, this is permanent. Don't let the high pressure sales tactics and sense of authority the tattooist possesses push you into something.

 

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/6019750/4_fundamental_reasons_to_get_a_tattoo.html?cat=2