The meaning behind your tattoos?

giddybootz

Hi there,

Another birthday is approaching and I think I want to get my 1st tattoo now. I feel I am old enough for me to know that I really do want it.

I always thought I wanted 4 tiny paw prints up behind my ear to signify my love of creatures! I have started to read more about tattoos and those who have a lot of ink. I really like the idea that a tattoo should be meaningful….like it should represent a period of your life, or your passions etc. I just feel that the paw prints aren’t special enough and will look childish as I get older. How did you all decide on an image? Are there good tattoo artists who will help me make a design with the paws that means more to me?

And…more broadly…what do your pieces signify to you? Are they just an image you liked and thought would look awesome as a tattoo or do they have more meaning to you?

Cheers all

Will

just cos i like them, they don't mean much to me (apart from being awesome :pac: )

Dragonz_Rawr

The baby dragon on my hip comes from when I was 5 - in a kindergarten Christmas play. I was dressed up as a dragon, and had to roar like one for the play. All well and good, until I tripped on my tail and fell off the stage. Since then, I've always been called Baby Dragon by my family & friends. My coordination has not improved, 20-odd years later. :rolleyes:

Sappy? Absolutely. But it means a lot to me.

Having said that, I don't believe that tattoos have to have a meaning to be special.

zero19

I don't think a tattoo needs a miami ink style story behind it, that said it does make a chat about your tattoo interesting i guess...

Raze_them_all

No stories. I just like tattoos. Put that in yer pipe and smoke it kat von D and other gickers.

Dragonz_Rawr

Raze_them_all wrote: »

No stories. I just like tattoos. Put that in yer pipe and smoke it kat von D and other gickers.

That made me giggle. Great - now everyone in the office thinks I'm slightly mad.

At the risk of getting slated here, I do get a bit sick of some of the stories behind some tattoo's - it's almost as if people are afraid to have a tattoo that they just like the design of?? (Says she who just posted her story :rolleyes:). My next one will probably just be a design that I like...

Raze_them_all

Meh I have 5 at this stage none with any real stories, though people keep trying to tell me the stories behind them....I'm like wtf it's my tattoo stop trying to tell me a story behind it

Dragonz_Rawr

Good grief - some people are so damn rude!!!!! Tell em to jam it, toots!

Raze_them_all

Dragonz_Rawr wrote: »

Good grief - some people are so damn rude!!!!! Tell em to jam it, toots!

I know, My unfinished heart piece is the latest one!! One girl was giving out to me over it while trying to chat me up. How fecking odd

Dragonz_Rawr

Jealousy is a curse!!!! That's the only plausible reason I can think of for that!

WIZE

Mine kinda explains itself . It my Family shield

Sativa_soul

I don't think its a requirement for a tattoo to have a meaning - but its also a lot more likely that if it does have a meaning - that you wont be as sick of it in 2yrs than if it was just something that caught your eye - of course everyone is different - so just a theory!

I have 9 tattoos of my own - some mean something - others, I'll admit, I liked the look/design of - and 7years into having them on me, there isn't one that I regret. So perhaps not boosting my theory there with that one! lol

I think the best thing to do is to get exaples of what you like, or roughly sketch it out - and find tattoo studios and take it in and talk with the artists - that way you'll find someone you connect with and who will do what you want with it - that ultimately is the most important thing in getting a tattoo - having a good design and an even better artist to pull it off. Don't be disappoined if you don't find someone right away - It took me 3 months and over 20 studios before finally settling on one all the way down in Wicklow - but I've gone there for all 9 - so all are done by the same artist - which is also a good feeling to have!

So good luck - and personally, think your design sounds really good if you love creatures that much (As do I, 3 of mine are animals (2 cats & a monkey)) And let us know how you get on and don't forget to post pics!!

Good luck & Happy Tattooing!!

Star Lord

Raze_them_all wrote: »

I know, My unfinished heart piece is the latest one!!

I'd give out to you too, why is it unfinished? :pac:

My Phoenix is the only one with meaning behind it really, the whole rebirth/renewal thing has a personal meaning to it for me.

The dragon is because I think dragons rock (^5 Dragonz_Rawr!) and my bio-mech heart is because I'm a geek and thought it'd look cool.

Raze_them_all

It's unfinished as I've script to add to it.

Yes Damo/sofaspud/Will it shall be your/yore ma's names.

hot2def

I don't really like the emphasis put on literal meaning in tattoos lately. everyone has a lengthy string of symbolism for their tattoo and tells you how long they were thinking about it - and then reveals stars/cherry blossoms/a koi. Which is fine, but you clearly got it because you liked the look of it, how else could you have picked the same design as everyone else?

its ok to get it because you like the look of it.

tread_softly

the only reasons behind my tattoos are my love for manga/japan/games.



no really.



i've been given strange looks before because i've told people my back piece is from a video game or that the one on my ankle is from a manga (THAT'S NOT THE SAME THING AS A COMIC BOOK!!) but if they think that makes me childish, then so be it.

Toots

There's a story behind two of mine, the third I got just because I thought it was pretty. I've another one planned that there's a meaning behind, and one or two others in the pipeline (when the precious precious money becomes available) that have no meaning at all, I just think they'd look cool. It's not a prerequisite for a tattoo to have a heart rending, tear jerking story to validate your decision to get it. It's your body, whatever reason you want is good enough, and if anyone else disagrees with your choice you could politely suggest that they shove it

Edgedinblue

mine seem to be a birthday occurance. but thats the only time i ever have money haha! apart from that none of mine have any meaning i just like the pretty pictures

stochen_gesicht

I dont dig the whole sappy thing where people need a life changing experience as an explanation for their ink! I've got 5 tattoos and I've got my 6th booked for just over a week away- none of mine mean anything in particular to me except for this 6th one! I get tattoos coz they're kick ass art, I think people forget that that's what they are! You know what people are like though, they need an excuse for everything!

mollzer

Seems more posters on here want to post about NOT having a story behind getting a tattoo than posters telling the meaning of their tattoos.
If ya dont have a meaning why are ya posting in this thread?

In reply to the OP.......
I got my tattoo as a mark of a life changing experience in my life, and its there to remind me of that event/year. Its of my birth sign, and when I was looking to get a tattoo this particular design just stood out (for its 'kick ass art').
I'd like to think that when I'm old and grey, no matter what, I will always have this reminder (hopefully I'll remember why I got it lol ).

Crumble Froo

my first was one meant something to me, it's not in any way obvious to anyone but myself, it is, actually, as hot2def sorta referenced, one that means a lot to me, i had planned on for about 6 years, but is just stars. next one is kinda symbolic of a large aspect of my personality that seems to bring all the most dramatic bits in my life. next is one which sorta sums up the things that brought me to emigrate (that was a crazy bit of life) and the fourth one is one that's my 'holy **** im emigrating' one. next one is gonna be based on my family/roots/home.

rannerap

mine do mean something to me i suppose,they were mostly gotten a key points in my life,you wouldnt know by looking at them though,i partially just got them cause i thought they were pretty:D

vangoz

Yeah i'd be on the "if its kick ass art" kinda band wagon, but when i think of it, the main tatoo i got would signify my love for Sci-Fi,horror,music and general techi stuff.

heyjay14

Im planning on getting my one before I head into 6th year, as a sign that now life is gonna start for real. Its a sign to me to enjoy the highs and fight through the lows......

Jeege

Well I had my 7th tat done this year and it's meaningful because it was designed by my boyfriend and incorporates 2 parts of us into one that looks like a simple sword, it's class. I have another one that is significent to us, but the rest were just aesthetically pleasing (Although one of them will have to go eventually)
They are all strategically placed so that they dont always have to be on display although my last one is on my wrist, which can obviously be seen at times, but sure what about it!:rolleyes:
Actually I got my last one done in Kilkenny, there's a newish place beside Matt the Millers, Dark Raptor Tattoo, and your man (Robert) is brilliant!!
He is Romanian but is quick to point out that he is a real romanian (i.e not a gypsy!!) and he works there alone, with his gorlfriend manning the desk.

He refuses to do a tattoo if he doesnt think it looks good or if he thinks it will fade or spread, and is great at free hand, cover ups and shaded tattoos.
If anyone is thinking about new ink, they should check him out. He has a website too, if you google dark raptor tattoo you will find it. Gets a thumbs up from me anyway!!!!:D

Melion

Why does every tattoo have to have a meaning behind it?

vangoz

If you bother to read any previous posts you'd see thats not the case!!

stochen_gesicht

I think everyone has an entitlement to get what they want tattooed, I dont think anybody needs to explain themselves to anyone. If someone wants to go and get a tattoo with absolutely no significance at all but likes how it looks then go for it! I think people post on boards to talk about tattoos because everything about the process interested them. I love finding somethin, finding an artist, talking through it, getting it applied, taking care of it, the whole friggin lot! I love em! Whether I get tattoos for sh!ts and giggles or not, doesnt mean I cant come on this board and talk! Right?

Anywho, plenty of people get tattoos when somethin significant happens in their life, it doesnt have to be a direct interpretation of whats happening! For example, when yer emigratin ya dont necessarily have to get a map of the place you're movin to I'm sure Crumble Froo will agree! Just something to represent that point in your life is good enough

Melion

vangoz wrote: »

If you bother to read any previous posts you'd see thats not the case!!

I was replying to the OP more than any of the other posts.

Melion

Oh and out of my 5 tattoos only one of them has any meaning to me and thats only because its my daughters footprint. My other 4 are just random (Liverpool, A song, Thundercats and Transformers)

arybvtcw0eolkf

Raze_them_all wrote: »

No stories. I just like tattoos. Put that in yer pipe and smoke it kat von D and other gickers.

lol..

I was getting mine today (the Judo tattoo) and the guy was like "do you fight", "what level do you fight" "Do you know Andy R...." etc - and I was thinking to myself 'like STFU I'm in agony, they don't do agony on Miami Ink'..

But to answer the OP's question.

Most of mine don't mean a thing to me, but todays one does.

Without a huge story my Judo has got me through the depths of depression & some of the hardest times in my life. I'm good now, happy as a pig in poo poo in fact.

I took my daughter with me too, the guys in Stigmata couldn't have been more friendly and accepting to having her sit with me too!... (Thanks Cathal).

.

QOTSA90

I only have one, tried putting a meaning behind it but cant be arsed really:o

Basically, I like wings, I like the design, and Iv ALWAYS loved the placement (they're on me belly :P )

Currently broke as, but the next piece I get will be nothing more than a kickass, original art work.. and Im not sayin what it is cos one of you fookers will steal it :cool:

Fantasy_Suicide

I actually had a semi- alcohol related epiphany last night in relation to tattoos last night. As of late, all my tattoos pretty mean nothing to me. I love them, they're awesome but that was as far as it goes!

I used to hate how the Sacred Heart was really overused by people as a symbol and never really got why people had them done. However that's all changed now. Basically my Da's been in hospital for the last six weeks, and at one point we were told that that was it, game over. So naturally as a family we all turned to religion and we spent hours praying Novena prayers to the Sacred Heart. He made a miraculous recovery and is on the road to getting better. The doctors are actually hailing it as a miracle. The virus my Da had has a very high mortality rate and there are only ever six cases of it in Ireland/UK a year.

Anyways, back to my point! I really wanted to get something to mark the occassion when it hit me, again sitting in a church! (Not the pub!) I will be getting a Sacred Heart, but made look Like a stained glass window on my forearm just above all the hearts on my arm. Really think they'll connect well and it'll always remind me of how lucky I am to still have my Da around.

FTA69

That f*cking Miami Ink has a lot to answer for, I'm sick to death of watching some eejit blubbing away on the telly and telling us all how getting a butterfly on her arse-cheek symbolises her dead grandfather or some other bullsh*t. I have large coverage on my left arm of Celtic zoomorphic designs, the entire inside of my forearm and one covering my deltoid and bicep. I got them because 1) I like zoomorphs and wildlife in general and 2) I like Celtic art and feel it an expression of my heritage. I'm fed up of people demanding some sort of deep "meaning" behind my tattoos or some some soppy, warbling tale á la Miami Ink.

dearg lady

i have a kind of love hate relationship with Miami Ink, I know its awful, but can't help watching it!! One of my guilty pleasures. I find particularly hilarious the recurring reason for getting a tat which is so and so dies and then suddenly this bird/animal/whatever appeared in our garden every day so it's clearly the dead persons spirit, now I'll get it tattooed on myself, how random!

FTA69

My personal favorite is when this fella came in wanting to get "Mangler" tattooed on his chest in memory of his pitbull, and then cried like a baby; gas stuff.

arybvtcw0eolkf

FTA69 wrote: »

That f*cking Miami Ink has a lot to answer for, I'm sick to death of watching some eejit blubbing away on the telly and telling us all how getting a butterfly on her arse-cheek symbolises her dead grandfather or some other bullsh*t. I have large coverage on my left arm of Celtic zoomorphic designs, the entire inside of my forearm and one covering my deltoid and bicep. I got them because 1) I like zoomorphs and wildlife in general and 2) I like Celtic art and feel it an expression of my heritage. I'm fed up of people demanding some sort of deep "meaning" behind my tattoos or some some soppy, warbling tale á la Miami Ink.

Its LA Ink for you so my son.

:P

.

Yenwod

.......

EthanWM

Dum Spiro, Spero

lil-evil

One on my lower right arm is my daughters name in Japanese ( why jap i don't know ) and yes i checked it out loads before getting it done to make sure it was right


One on back and 2 shoulders are meaningless.


I am planning one for Jan/Feb , my G/F is pregnant and im planning on getting his/her baby feet and name on my left abdomen

tread_softly

lil-evil wrote: »

why jap i don't know

eh, cuz it's infinitely better than chinese!

not to offend anyone, but i really do prefer japanese to chinese; i know japanese incorporates kanji too, but the hiragana and katakana look so lovely! also, because kanji are so popular for tattoos, a bit of the japanese alphabet is something different.

Jew Jitsu

I have 2 tattoo's and both have a meaning behind them..I have a new york tattoo with the Twin Towers and the Hudson river in it which I got in New York during my honeymoon,in 1996..It is on my ribs(and yes it was very painfull)The date and our names are under it and I am very proud of this tattoo because it reminds me of the love I have for my wife and it always will..The second tattoo is simply ' Justin, 2000 - Eternity' in memory of my son who passed away 2 hours after he was born.It is placed on my chest where my heart is so that he can always feel the love I have for him..Meaning or no meaning it is personal choice what tattoo's you like

rachelgreen

Dragonz_Rawr wrote: »

The baby dragon on my hip comes from when I was 5 - in a kindergarten Christmas play. I was dressed up as a dragon, and had to roar like one for the play. All well and good, until I tripped on my tail and fell off the stage. Since then, I've always been called Baby Dragon by my family & friends. My coordination has not improved, 20-odd years later. :rolleyes:

Sappy? Absolutely. But it means a lot to me.

Having said that, I don't believe that tattoos have to have a meaning to be special.

I love baby dragon. can you show it to us?

supermouse

I have three tattoos and each of them mean a lot to me.
The first I got when I was 17 just after a dear school friend passed away. It’s of a butterfly on a rose, signifying the butterfly that landed on the rose I put on her coffin.
The second is the celtic trinity I got when I was 20 indicating my most important family members, my dad my mam and my nana, me being the circle that binds them.
My third is an arrangement of three big stars with lots of little stars and stardust on my foot. I got it to represent my friends, my family and loved ones who have passed away. I travel quite a bit and may not be with them all the time, but they are taking every step of my journey with me.

I think its nice to have meaning behind tattoos but likewise I think if someone loves a design, why not? It doesn’t have to have great significance to everybody, just to wearer

Liquidtip

Em,

Only one of my tattoos means anything really. I have my right forearm done in a music scale that winds around from my wrist to my elbow. Ive a treble cleff and random notes ( as didnt wanna put a song on that i wouldn't like in the future). I also have two snare drums in it as i play drums and them dotted around are a few nautical stars. I love music. Em my others are cartoons. Just really like cartoons i guess.

So yup thats me

Liquid