Tatoo
 

Hey everybody!! My birthday is March 10th and I think I am going to get a tatoo. My question is...has anybody seen any good tatoo sites online. I'd like to start looking at artwork now...this will be on my body for the rest of my life!!

Thanks http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

Okay, this may sound a little strange, but...

Try looking up sites that sell rubber stamps for crafts and card making. There's a ton of them out there. The two that just popped into my head are www.embossingarts.com and www.heroarts.com. They have tons of designs with different scenes, animals, some cartoons, etc. It might help. Of course, if you want one of the tattoos that could never be mistaken for anything but a tattoo design, you won't find one on those sites. But if you want something relatively cute, then this is a good idea. The first tattoo I got came from a stamp catalog. The really cool thing was that I could cut the image out, stick some tape to it, and try to decide where exactly on my body I thought it looked best. Now I know that sounds wierd! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif But trust me, it worked very well.

OK, this is just a suggestion, but why don't you think long and hard about this. Your birthday is in five days. That is a really short time to consider what to have permanently inked into your skin. I also have a tattoo, and it is very special to me. I research symbols and symbolisms for quite a long time before I finalized my choice. Then, on my 18th birthday, I had a lotus flower tattood onto my lower back. The lotus is a symbol enlightenment, or reaching a goal, or coming into your own (so to speak), and it meant a lot to me to have that done. I decided on that long before I actually got it done. So think carefully about something that will have meaning to you, not just something that looks cool on the wall. Like you said, this is going to be on your body for the rest of your life.

Also, beware of those "Chinese" type tattoos - sometimes they don't mean what you think they mean. And try to get something that is classy. I know that sounds odd about tattoos, but think of something that will be cool in ten years, or twenty. It is the trendy things that are going to really piss you off in your later years.

I also recommend getting done on someplace that you can easily hide. And if you want ever maybe possibly want to have children, avoid the belly area.

I cannont emphasize ow important it is to really love what you are getting. I can't tell you how many people I know that got Micky Mouse, or a butterfly, or "Chinese," or a rock-n-rol band's symbol tattoos and they now totally regret it. Make it meaningful!!!

And good luck. The pain really isn't that bad. Nowhere near as bad as a tongue ring. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/wink.gif

Allie http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/tongue.gif

I actually saw my friend get her tongue pierced...and it was CRAZY! I would never have the guts to get that done.

Erin http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

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Rise and shine and become a Kappa Gamma!

About the Asian-style tattoos. I have "Love"
& "Mom" tattooed at the nape of my neck in Japanese Kanji characters because I love my mom, and it's something that I'll feel for the rest of my life. I also wanted to get something culturally symbolic, and being part Japanese myself, I thought Kanji letters were appropriate. I had brought a book with the characters I wanted, and the guy made a copy of it.

What annoys me a lot is when people get cultural letters/characters when they don't even know the significance of it. I remember a girl in my old dorm who got a tattoo. Her "Western" name is JENNIFER, and she thought that it'd be cute to get her "Hawaiian-ized" name, KINIPELA, tattooed in Old English on her lower back. What she didn't know was that KINI=flesh, and PELA=rotting, decomposing...therefore her "Hawaiian-ized" name means "rotting flesh". If you walk down Waikiki, many booths have things that tell you what your Western names mean in Hawaiian. However, what they fail to tell you is that they simply take your letters and give them a Hawaiian equivalent (there are only 12 letters in the Hawaiian alphabet). Usually these letters spell words that are nothing close to the figurative meaning of your given name.

This girl did not believe me until I showed her the words and their meanings in my Hawaiian dictionary. Needless to say, she was in tears that "rotting flesh" was tattooed on her body for life. Last I heard she spent $$$ to get that tattoo removed when she got back to Wisconsin. Still, she was the talk of the dorm for the whole semester.

I can only reiterate what has already been said on this board...do your research on what you really want, make sure it's meaningful...and try to get an idea of what the tattoo parlor's reputation is like. Good luck on your soon to be tattoo!

Oh--Allie and Kappa Girl, getting my tattoo was more painful that getting my tongue ring. I guess it just depends on where you get it--because I felt like I was being assaulted by rubber bands on that one spot. Maintaining that tongue ring during that first week was the most painful. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/frown.gif

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*I'm an Alpha Gam...Yes I am, Yes I am!*

[This message has been edited by OohTeenyWahine (edited March 05, 2001).]

I went a day in advance to the tatoo parlor to look at their work. I knew what I wanted but I just wanted to make sure there wasn't something else. That's my only recommendation!
Good Luck and let us know what you got!
Sisterly Love,
Hootie

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What do you get when you cross and Alpha Omicron Pi and a Sigma Phi Epsilon? A beautiful Chi Omega!!!

I have 2 tattoos...a butterfly (I love them) and the symbol for Libra (not the scales, but the other one...I forgot what it's called). I also have my tongue pierced http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/tongue.gif and the tattoos were definitely more painful than the tongue piercing. Although, my tongue was in quite a bit of pain after I got it. I just sucked on ice and ate oatmeal for a week (instant diet http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/tongue.gif). I agree what everyone has said. Just make sure you think about what kind of tattoo you want before you get it. You don't wanna be 50 yrs old and totally regretting what you got. Make sure it's something you can live w/ for life. Have you ever thought about getting your sorority letters or something symbolizing your sorority? That's something to consider since you'll be a member for life.


[This message has been edited by ZChi4Life (edited March 06, 2001).]

Thanks for the suggestions http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

Just to let some of you know...I am 25, I have already graduated, and I am married. I have been thinking about getting a tatoo since I was 18 and I would really like to finally do it!! I didn't want people to think that I was just rushing into things!

Have a nice day! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

Speaking of tatoos, why did you all get yours and what does it mean to you?

Mine is a little lady bug located on my lower back to the right.
I got it because
A) I LOVE lady bugs
B) They're Good Luck
and
C) While I was a Senior in High School my Grandpa got really sick and went into the Hospital the night before my scholarship auditions at a college. I am really close to my grandpa and so I was more concerned about him and his health than the stupid auditions.
So my mom realized this and went out and bought me the lady bug beanie baby for Good Luck the next day. Her name is LUCKY and my mom told me to think about Grandpa while I was auditioning, and to remember that he'd want me to give it my all (tears rolling down my cheek)....sigh. Thankfully he's still alive and ticking http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif
But I wanted a constant reminder of him so I chose my LUCKY lady bug to be with me for the rest of my life. And I was rather spontanious about getting it too!
Hootie


[This message has been edited by Hootie (edited March 07, 2001).]

I have 1 tattoo on my right shoulder, It is the comedy and tragedy dramatic masks...( some people choose to call it laugh now, cry later, but that ain't what it means to me). I am a thespian http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/tongue.gif and I chose something that represented my love for the dramatic arts.

Alright! there's another actor on this board http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

Ah, yes....

Are you allowed to get sorority symbols tatooed? For some reason I thought that it was a no-no.
Allie-how did you do your research? I try finding symbolism like that on the 'net, but never find it.
Heidi

Hootie: That is such a sweet story - brought a couple of tears to my eyes http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif.

I don't think I could ever get a tatoo because I am always changing my mind about what I like, etc. I guess if I ever did I would probably use my zodiac sign (gemini), or some symbol from my sorority. As far as body piercing goes I think I'll stick to my ears, eventhough I have been dappling with the idea of a bellybutton ring.

AOX81: hope you find a design you like http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/tongue.gif

When I first joined Chi Omega that was one of the things we were told we could NOT do, along with drinking with letters on. I think it's a pretty good rule because you never know how tactfully people would permanently wear their letters http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif.
I do know of girls that have done it anyway. I was even wondering if it was okay to get our mascot tatooed? I wouldn't think it would be a problem, but you never know!

AXOX81
Hey, it's March 11 and I just saw your post!! Did you get a tattoo?????

Usually my research just came from random sites. Look on religious web sites, or cultural sites. For instance, the lotus it typically a Buddhist symbol, and while I'm not Buddhist, I loved the symbolism. I know a guy who got a biohazard symbol, because he specializes in infectious diseases - so your symbolism can be something like that. I knew as soon as I saw it that I wanted the lotus - it symbolized exactly what I was feeling at the time and it still means so much to me.

Yeah - did you get one????

Allie

No, I haven't gotten it yet. I went to a tatoo parlor last Thursday to check out some designs while my friend got her belly button pierced. I saw a few that I liked...a dove, a butterfly, a rose...you know, girly stuff.

I was thinking about getting something sorority related but I haven't decided yet. Our symbol is the butterfly so I was thinking about getting that possibly with our letters underneath it.

Still looking...I want to find just the right one before I have it etched into my body!! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

Howdy! Last Friday, I went and got a tattoo. I'm the founding member of Sigma Alpha at Texas A&M. Call me crazy, but it was just spur of the moment. I got REALLY lucky, I like mine. I think you're doing the right thing by finding something you like. Best of luck! And let us know what you got!

Well I finally did it!!! Me and two of my friends got matching butterfly tatoos. It is really cool. It is bright blue on the outside with purple on the inside http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

Cool AOX!

You know what we should do? Take pictures of our tattoos and scan em so we can paste them up here. LOL.



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"Stress is toxic. It's a poison that makes me wanna throw up."--Me, on the aftermath of the UHPA Professors' strike

Visit Alpha Gamma Delta-Delta Sigma chapter and help some sisters out!

Ok, I have mine online already. I have a photo album thing online. It's kinda blurry, but you can basically tell what it is. It's a heart with tribal thorns coming from each side.

http://content.communities.msn.com/i...ID_Message=348

OH MY GOD I THOUGHT MIKKI WAS ABOUT TO CYBER MOON ALL OF US!

I hadnt reads the thread and just scrolled down to the bottom and saw that. Imagaine the noise I made thinking one of us finally had the courage to moon some of the fools we get on here!

Nice tatt MK.

I want one, but have been trying to decide for 10 years now what to get.... And to think someone once called me indecisive. Huh...

Nice tattoo, Mikki!

Lifesaver, I thought the same thing too!! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif


When I went to get my tattoo, I thought that it was going to be just something small, about the size of the bottom of a can...
Well, because I wanted a Celtic sun with intricate knotwork done, they had to expand the size... now the sun covers the middle portion of my back with the rays shooting of in all directions. It much much bigger than I had intended for my first tattoo, but I love it and am forver getting compliments.


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Faced with the Divine, I was asked; "What one gift do you seek?"
I answered ever so meekly; "I seek Honor, Truth, Integrity, and Wisdom, yet those are four. How am I to choose?"
The answer came as a pounding whisper; "The four you seek are but one. I grant thee Compassion; for without it the four make none."
Author - me

So - people with tattoo - are they worth it?

I want one
I've known exactly what I wanted for about 3 years, I'm just too big of a B!+(# to go get it.

If I did - It would be a griffin
for those of you who do not know what that is. It's bascially a a mythical animal typically having the head, forepart, and wings of an eagle and the body, hind legs, and tail of a lion. It sort of represents strength, by combining the best parts of two different animals.

It's not an egotistical thing - I just enjoy the figure, and it could inspire me, I think

nevertheless - should I get it?




[This message has been edited by SigmaChiCard (edited May 17, 2001).]

I have one of a butterfly on my WAY lower back... that way my parents will never see it. If they did, they would kill me.

I say just go for it! You only live once, the pain goes away, and you'll have a beautiful piece on your body. Tattoos make great statements.. just make sure that your's says what you want it to.

Let me know how it works out.


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Faced with the Divine, I was asked; "What one gift do you seek?"
I answered ever so meekly; "I seek Honor, Truth, Integrity, and Wisdom, yet those are four. How am I to choose?"
The answer came as a pounding whisper; "The four you seek are but one. I grant thee Compassion; for without it the four make none."
Author - me

Mine really didn't hurt at all. It did hurt a little bit while he was doing the outline, but nothing unbearable. Of course, mine is kinda almost on my butt, so there's a little more padding there than in other places...

OKay, I know this is a really old topic, but I JUST GOT A TATTOO and I wanted to share!!!

Mine is a turtle (the Delta Zeta mascot) on the top of my foot. I know that it is kind of an odd placement, but I didn't want it high on my ankle, and when the artist suggested it and drew it, it looked great!!!
It's kind of a cartoon looking turtle, with the green feet and head, but the shell is a daisy, and it's in a profile.
I have been thinking about getting one forever, and when I finally decided to do it, I knew I wanted a turtle, because it means so much to me. I have had a really hard year, a violent relationship that took me forever to get out of, and other set-backs, and during all of this, my big (actually grandbig- the story is in greeklife under My Big Sister) gave me a framed turtle print with our motto, "Behold the turtle; She only makes progress when she sticks her neck out." on it, to remind me that I just had to have courage.
Now I not only have that picture, but everytime I look down I am reminded of how much courage I have and that I can make it through anything!!

In the Flame,
Missy

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"To the world I promise temperance and insight and courage...."

No worries, worriedsenior... I have come across a few people that are very ANTI-TATTOO. I've even had to have the unfortunate (and often awkward) *cough* "after date" conversation of "oh, you have a tattoo!?!" http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/redface.gif (it's on my back, so I sometimes forget its even there)

To each their own, right?


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Faced with the Divine, I was asked; "What one gift do you seek?"
I answered ever so meekly; "I seek Honor, Truth, Integrity, and Wisdom, yet those are four. How am I to choose?"
The answer came as a pounding whisper; "The four you seek are but one. I grant thee Compassion; for without it the four make none."
Author - me

[This message has been edited by dc1 (edited July 16, 2001).]

I got mine a couple of months ago and I'm already wishing I hadn't. It was kind of an impulse thing when I went with a sister to get hers. It's small and it is usually hidden, but still I'm afraid that I might have a boyfriend one day that doesn't like it. Plus, I have to be really careful that my parents don't find out about it. It's more trouble than it's worth!

The way I see it, if a guy can't let go of the fact that you have a small tattoo, he's not worth it. Even though it's a part of you, the fact that you have a tattoo doesn't define you. Also, you're over 18 now right? What's the worst that could happen if your parents found out? Maybe I just grew up in a very free household. My grandma would get mad, but the worst my parents would do is call me stupid, make fun of me, and let it go http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif


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Steve Corbin
Lambda Chi Alpha
Theta Kappa Chapter
Rose-Hulman Inst. of Tech.

Ok, it's kind of hard to explain exactly where it is. If I am wearing flip-flops, it shows like, right above the two straps. KillarneyRose, I am emailing you because I have a question. Is that all right?

Also, it is very important to check and make sure the artist is doing everything right, to avoid all kinds of diseases, as well as infection. I took someone with me and asked them to watch how he opened the packages, sterilized everything, etc., because I knew I would be too nervous. It might be an idea.

In the flame,
Missy

Ok, it's kind of hard to explain exactly where it is. If I am wearing flip-flops, it shows like, right above the two straps. KillarneyRose, I am emailing you because I have a question. Is that all right?

Also, it is very important to check and make sure the artist is doing everything right, to avoid all kinds of diseases, as well as infection. I took someone with me and asked them to watch how he opened the packages, sterilized everything, etc., because I knew I would be too nervous. It might be an idea.

In the flame,
Missy

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"To the world I promise temperance and insight and courage...."

Tracy and Missy, your tattoos sound sooo cute!!! In a few years, I think I'll summon up the nerve to get a tiny tattoo on my ankle http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif. I want a tiny rose, or maybe a moon and crescents, like your's, Tracy!! But I'm sure an ankle tattoo will hurt like %&^%!!! Anyone had one done?

[quote]Originally posted by Corbin Dallas:

Quote:

Originally posted by SSS1365: The way I see it, if a guy can't let go of the fact that you have a small tattoo, he's not worth it. Even though it's a part of you, the fact that you have a tattoo doesn't define you. Also, you're over 18 now right? What's the worst that could happen if your parents found out? Maybe I just grew up in a very free household. My grandma would get mad, but the worst my parents would do is call me stupid, make fun of me, and let it go http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

I totally agree. IMHO, one who judges a person only on the basis of tattoos is very close-minded...a tattoo, while permanent, is an accessory...I don't understand how a piece of art could cause someone to dump somebody!

Okay, I did not mean to post that twice..Why does it keep doing that!? http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/frown.gif

Anyways... Mine did not hurt half as bad as I had convinced myself it would. It took about thirty minutes before I would let the guy come close with the needle without me jerking my foot away. It felt kind of like being burned..more annoying than anything, but there must be a nerve or something in my foot because everytime he hit a certain spot I would jerk, like those reflex tests...

Newbie, I don't think getting one on your ankle would hurt that bad, because I expected my foot to be really tender and it wasn't. It's just like the huge sign in the tattoo parlor I went to....BE WISE!!

In the Flame,
Missy

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"To the world I promise temperance and insight and courage...."

"Don't you think that life would be awfully boring, if the good times were all that we had?" -Pat Green

Artistic talent aside, you should check out the hygiene and cleanliness practices of the place that you go to have this procdure done ....you don't want to get Hepatitis A, or worse, HIV... http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/frown.gif

Do they have an autoclave on their premises to sterilize their instruments and do they put on a new, un-used needle right in front of you?

Just looking out for you!

Missy, your turtle tattoo sounds SO CUTE!!! I got a tattoo on the inside of my ankle last summer and I had wanted to get a turtle but the one I liked had so much detail in it that the artist would have had to make it much bigger than I wanted. I have a little crescent moon and star and I love it! Absolutely no regrets http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

I am really interested in the placement of your tattoo; is it on the top of your foot where it meets your ankle? Did it hurt to have that done? I am considering a new tattoo and either want to have it put there or on my lower back.



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@~Tracy~@

By the light of the lamp, by the light of the lamp, by the bright shiny light, by the light of the lamp...if you are a DeeZee, you're the best that you can be, by the bright shiny light of the lamp!

One of the consequences of tatoos...you become addicted!! Once you find out that hey, it doesn't hurt all that much you crave to get another!
I got my first one at 18. It is a Native Dreamcatcher. No, I am not native, but when I went into the tatoo parlor I thought, man a dreamcatcher best describes me. I was going in to look at an arm band and the artist overheard me and showed me the tatoo. It went on my upper right arm. Did not hurt, but bled. I like it but as I prepare for SisterPlum's wedding, I realize that the arm might not have been my best choice. (Her mother wants it covered for the wedding day!)
My second tatoo came on my 20th b-day. I turned 20 right before the millenium and realized that my goal for the millenium was to find my true love (sappy, I know) AND that I am a peaceful person who cares for everyone (hence the sister name Lots-a-Heart!). One of my best friends and sisters is Chinese and I have learned a lot from her. So on the top of my foot is the chinese symbol for love. In retrospect, childbirth can't be as painful as that was!!
Some hints: Watch the artist tatoo someone else. Ask to see some of their work. Do they bother with aftercare? What are the laws in your province/state concerning tatoos? Are they approved by the health board?
And I am still waiting for Prince Charming...... http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/wink.gif

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Sarah
Sister Lots-a-Heart, #9
President, Iota Beta Chi Sorority
http://welcome.to/iotabetachi