spinwax

Actually he started to get them removed, but it was so painful he stopped. He decided that they were part of him now and he got them re tattooed again where he started the laser removal process.

jtwilson

OP,

I think you should get the tattoo if you want it. Don't be too swayed by the haters. I do agree with others though that you should let the artist draw up something custom for you, inspired by the image you selected. They will have to redraw it anyways. If it is a good artist, you will be surprised at how much cooler the custom design is. If not, stick to your guns and just have them trace it.

One piece of input I have that no one has mentioned - color selection. Keep in mind that the 'bright' lighter shades [lime, teal] will fade a lot faster than more bold colors - especially since the tattoo will be exposed to a lot of sun on your calf. I do think that some kind of shading with a blending of color would be better than one solid fill, though. I am a fan of black and gray tattoos, personally.

The general idea behind you getting a tattoo is solid - and it's not like you're some 18 year old getting a Misfits skull. I doubt you will regret it. I had a lot of anxiety when I got my first tattoo - but as soon as the ink was in there, I was just thrilled about it. Just keep thinking about it for a couple weeks and have an artist draw you up some things similar to that image.

And finally, the rider should face outward/forward [left].

GP

Buy a nice watch instead.

SharpStone30888

I chime in as another anti-tattoo person. The first word I think when I hear the word tattoo is 'regret'

jdon

Too much of anything can be a bad thing. Find an artist you like and let him/her run with your idea. You can always say no before the ink flows!

I never really had anything that inspired me enough to get it tattoo'd on until my brother and I sank a sailboat in a nasty storm. That inspired my compass rose that incorporates waves/ wind clouds and our family motto that translates to "Day of my Life". I don't do pics, sorry!

It covers my full shoulder but is high enough that it can't be seen in my ultra conservative line of work.

They are a personal choice and a personal taste and they are still viewed negatively by the conservative types. Do what is best for you.

hammy56

FWIW, needless to say tattoos are not for everyone. Obviously some people are into it, some are not. Just like everything else in life people's opinions mostly come from their exposure. It may surprise some people to know that more than 50% of my clients (yes Im a tattooer) are over 30 yrs old, women, and have what most would consider 'conservative' careers- many teachers, professors, lawyers, doctors, pastors, etc...people from all walks of life. Unfortunately, like anything else, its the ridiculous and/or negative aspects which a lot of people are exposed to.

dcbikeguy

It continues to surprise me that you would still think it may surprise people that most folks who get tattoos are more "normal" folks.

rob!

Tattoos should always face forward, or towards the front of your body.

hammy56

No worries friend. I try not to generalize, which is why i used the terms "some people" and "'may' be surprised", which was directed toward various posters on this thread. I do find it interesting how many people who dislike tattoos spend so much time on a thread on the subject.

dcbikeguy

I know, right?

By your logic every thread should be filled only with people who don't disagree. Sounds exciting.

hammy56

Incorrect.

mattm

Tell that to the millions of people with flaming dragons (or skulls) on their back!

botto 

don't forget tramp stamps, and the like.

wanders

definitely.

botto 

i hate getting tats from artists with broken fingers.

jonestr

using the term "tat" or "ink" automatically disqualifies you from talking about tatttoos

To the OP, if you like the tribalizied cyclist try getting it on your stem.

Real tattoos have skulls, roses, hearts, panthers, and ladies. Feel free to get any combination of those.

mattm

uh huh.

Oh and in additions to skulls & roses, you forgot dragons! Probably wizards too while we're at it.

jonestr

Go hit up Pete Stevens or the Dutchman in Vancouver and see what they say when you want to get "inked"

I remember being tattooed by a guy who tattooed Corey Hart, who had a picture in your link, who said "I wish I would have killed him when I had the chance."

Maybe that gives you an idea about how the vanguards of tattooing feel about the majority of tattoos and tattooist out there.

I purposely excluded dragons

Lucky07

You're not ambitious enough:

rangerdavid

nice SAW. Mmmmmm my favorite!!

clarkgriswold

ugliesttattoos.com

just sayin

At 48, and if the tat means something personal, go for it.