J says:
Sat, 20th Jun 200910:16 am 

I have two tattoos of my own, yet when I see others with tattoos I usually find it trashy or cheap. I think the key to tattoos is a great, well thought design with sentiment and originality, and location. Both of my tattoos were personally drawn for me by a good friend. They have meaning. I also stuck with black and white, I think it is important to keep some sort of theme or else your skin looks messy. I think being able to hide your tattoos is important too. It is ok to love and show off your ink, but the ability to hide those pieces during certain occasions is valuable.

Just remember to think it through long and hard before you get it done. Once it is there, it is there FOREVER.

Little J says:
Sat, 20th Jun 200910:19 am 

I got a tattoo last year and I still love it just as much as I did the day I got it. To me, my tattoo (the Hebrew word for "strength") is a daily reminder of the obstacles I have overcome throughout my life, and of the strength I have within me to deal with whatever life may choose to throw at me. However, it was definitely something I spent a long time thinking about beforehand. I did research on the best tattoo parlors in my area, went for consultations with the artist beforehand, and made sure that she talked me through every step of the process. I also made sure that I picked a small tattoo in a discreet location; it is there to show to the people who I want to show it to, and is easily hidden under clothing the rest of the time. I am very much of the idea that if you find something you love and you truly believe you want to have it on your body forever, you should go for it. Good luck!

Christine says:
Sat, 20th Jun 200910:20 am 

As a 18 year old with two tattoos, I have to say I find articles like this as kind of offense. I can understand someone wanting to make a pro/con list before they get a tattoo themselves, but posting it online seems a little judgmental to me. Each person has a different reason for getting a tattoo, so the "bad" on this list may be a "good" for someone else.

Lisa says:
Sat, 20th Jun 200912:36 pm 

My counter points to your 'bad' points – when you're old and wrinkly…that old and wrinkly area isn't gonna be attractive without the tattoo anyways. Sooo…yeah. To the point with the dolphins/random girly tattoos on 'lower back'/visible areas…I don't count these girls as having real tattoos. I'm sorry, I know I'm going to offend people by saying that but those are what we call 'bandwagon' people who do it cause they think it's sexy. All the more power to 'em, but thats a legit bad point. They're being referred to as skank stamps. Do you REALLY want that? And of course not all tattoo artists are on the same level. You get what you pay for. Find out about the reputation first. Then that's not a problem. Or see some of their work. All tattoo parlors I've been in have had binders of their work. Anyways. I'm a big yay sayer for tattoos, but only if it means something to you. I think that tattoos without meaning are the ones that end up getting regretted. And if you can't decide…DON'T DO IT!!!

Kay says:
Sat, 20th Jun 200912:53 pm 

I thought this was a good list! I have been thinking about maybe getting a tatoo, and you voiced a lot of the stuff I had been getting hung up on. And I don't really think it's judgmental… I mean, yeah, people get tatoos for different reasons, but if the person doing it effs it up, it's still messed up! Cool list tho.

haphazardcollective says:
Sat, 20th Jun 200912:57 pm 

Saying that the Bad point is that tattoed girls want people to look at them, and saying that the 'good' point is that guys will think you're cool? Aren't they the same thing?

I have 16 tattoos, a lot of them are quite noticeable and colourful and completely different to each other. Some are done really well, some not so much. I love it when someone compliments on them, like it's nice when someone comments on your outfit. But I didn't get them to generate attention, or so guys would think I was cool. I got them for important reasons, such as my grandad, graduating university and for making a positive change in my attitude to life.

I feel like even your good points assumed that 'overall' a tattoo is still a negative thing, or for 'other' people.

Go ahead man, get your tattoo!

Caitlin-University o says:
Sat, 20th Jun 200912:59 pm 

I have two tattoos, one on my lower back and one on my foot. The one on my back I got with my mom and is really meaningful to me because we always do fun and crazy things together. The one on my foot is pink cherry blossoms in remembrance of my friend that passed away. I love my tattoos and plan on getting another. Yeah, they generate attention. I always get the, "Do you have a tramp stamp?" But I really don't care. It's something meaningful to me, and other people have no business commenting on what I put on my body.

K - GW says:
Sat, 20th Jun 20094:53 pm 

haha i am pretty sure i'm gonna do it, its just when. ive had the spot and design picked out for quite a while and the reason is very personal andddd i'm psyched about it.

Beth-ASU says:
Sat, 20th Jun 20096:56 pm 

i have one tattoo and another appointment for early August. I design my own tats but I give myself months to decide and go over my designs and I make sure each one has meaning that will last forever. I do think its trashy to get a tattoo just because you think its cute. If it means nothing to you but "i like stars" or "flowers are pretty" you're gonna regret it later. Not that you cant get stars or flowers but they need to mean SOMETHING. Also, if you're young and arent quite sure if you're gonna be working in the corporate world or not, get a tattoo you can hide. Start small. To avoid getting a beginner artist, request to have it done by the tattoo shop owner (or whoever has the most experience).

Lindz says:
Sat, 20th Jun 20097:16 pm 

I four and plan on getting more. They all have meaning and stories behind them. I have a tattoo on my lower back, my dad was there when I got it done and being the kind of man he is he told everyone what he tought. He said loudly "looks at my daughters tramp stamp" to say the least I was embarrassed and quite pissed. But I don't get my tatttoo's cuz I want attention cuz they are in places I don't show off, but rather to remember things.

for instance I have one on my lower hip that says papa… its for my grandfather who died. and then I have one on my side that is an elaborate design I drew that says battered and bruised to remind me of all the things I have been through. then i have one on my back that says stand strong fear nothing… to remind me of my best friend and that we have gotten through everything including me having cancer. The one I got on my lower back is to represent where I came from, I am irish and I am christian.

Becca- Clarion Unive says:
Sun, 21st Jun 20093:18 am 

I have 6 tattoos. People can find them trashy if they like, but each of my tattoos has a deep sentimental meaning to them. I have to say though, as far as getting them to look at, I don't really think that's why I have them. My lower back tattoo (affectionately referred to as a "tramp stamp") reminds me of my heritage, and how far i have come. Sure, if people want to look at them that's great, but I really just love them because they are a part of me. My body, and the artwork on it tells a story that no other body does. So if you can't quite commit I say, don't do it until you can. And be sure to look at TONS of parlors, and look at the books of the artists. That can give you a feel of their work and how much you trust them. Ask questions about health and sterilization, make sure the place is very clean, and be sure to follow ALL the rules, and then your tattoo, which may fade or warp, will be around in pristine condition for a long time.

Becca- Clarion Unive says:
Sun, 21st Jun 20093:22 am 

Also, to Lisa, My tramp stamp was the last tattoo I've gotten. And it's being worked into a full back piece. Would you say that's a real tattoo then? I also know a number of girls who have lower back tattoos, and belts. Mainly because that's one of the easier places to hide ink. If they get them for the wrong reasons, then I totally agree with you, but if there's a plan, or a story behind it, then I say it qualifies.

Jessica says:
Sun, 21st Jun 20093:58 am 

I think the most important thing with a tattoo is to get something that has some meaning for you whatever that meaning may be. Also, you do want to think hard about where to place it. If you work in an industry that is not tattoo friendly you may want to place it on your back versus open areas: neck, arms, etc. But in the end its up to you. I have three tattoos: my right shoulder, across my shoulder blades, and above my left hip. They all were well thought out and hold significance for me. Most people i've met are very interested in them and want to know what they mean. I'm currently planning a fourth one to celebrate graduating from medical school and who knows how many more i'll get. But if you decide to go ahead and get your tattoo I say kudos and good luck!

XF says:
Sun, 21st Jun 20092:45 pm 

I think the best thing you can do is figure out exactly what you want… and then wait 3 years to see if you still want it. I have been thinking about what tattoo I want since I was 17 years old. I was planning on getting it on my 18th birthday, but since I was still unsure about what I wanted and I knew that whatever I wanted, it was going to be a larger tattoo I just decided to wait. I got a couple piecings instead- It was still risky, and badass, but easily reversable! =)

I am now 20 years old, and I have known exactly what I wanted for 2 years, I plan on getting it on my 21st birthday this upcoming march.

I don't think you should let the fact that bodies change as they age stop you from getting a tattoo. Mine will be down one side of my back, completely visible in a regular bikini. Will I still be wearing a bikini when I'm 60? probably not! So I don't thing that it doesn't really matter that its there and faded.

I think that as a woman one thing you should take into consideration is placement. The lower back is a "tramp stamp" and those who have these tattoos don't have the best reputation (I know I prejudge these woman and I'm sure plenty of men do the same!) And anywhere near the uterus is just stupid- whether you plan on having kids or not, if you do get pregnant your stuck with a mess of a tattoo for the rest of your life.

I hope you don't let these trivial details stop you, tattoos can be fun and meaningful. Just think about it before you do it. I'm sure you've been doing plenty of that already.

Best of luck!

Sam says:
Sun, 21st Jun 20093:03 pm 

I think labeling lower back tats as tramp stamps is pretty lame. I have one, as well as in other places. I just didn't want a tattoo in a place I couldn't cover up when in a professional setting or just in general; it does not reflect my character at all.

Some people like tattoos, others don't. If you don't like them, then don't get one..

vanessa says:
Sun, 21st Jun 20096:59 pm 

i feel like this list is really biased, because you put mostly cons in the pros… it makes no sense

this website is getting worse and worse for me.

Ace says:
Mon, 22nd Jun 200910:49 am 

I have two tattoos and I love them both. They commemorate important moments in my life. I have aces on my ankle, which was my first tattoo. Ace was my middle and high school nickname and I got the tattoo the week I graduated. The tattoo itself isn’t unique but it’s meaning to me is and it’s always a great conversation starter. I also have the words “Fortune Favors the Bold” tattooed around my wrist. I got it when I moved to Boston to start a new career. I had been through some really tough times and it was to remind me that no matter how bad things were I would survive. It was also important to me to have it in a visible place because I was switching from a career in english to music and it was a promise to myself that I would be in a career that excepted me, ink and all. I think if you know what you want and are prepared to accept the consequences then tattoos are an amazing form of self expression.

JT says:
Mon, 22nd Jun 200911:42 am 

Apparently there have been studies on "Tramp Stamps" http://tramp-stamp.urbanup.com/1823302

Anyone know more details about this?

S says:
Mon, 22nd Jun 200912:31 pm 

eh, well-made and well-hought out tattoos are interesting if they fit the overral image of an individual (if it's a musician for example). but if your life doesn't revolve around the arts, it might look a bit strange. for example, a woman in a suit with a tattoo. i really liked tattoos/piercings when i was younger but even then i couldn't imagine taking someone with a lot of body modification seriously… again, it goes back to taste. but generally, i don't think it's really worth it. i've had a design i wanted to get for a few years but now i'm too keen on the idea.

AmandaISU says:
Mon, 22nd Jun 20091:27 pm 

i got my tattoo when i was 19. i still love it. i have wanted it since i was a young teen, so i've given it lots of thought. i think getting a tattoo needs lots of thought!

also..author of the story needs to edit and spellcheck. i saw an "afterball". what's that?

ajd says:
Mon, 22nd Jun 20094:45 pm 

i have two tattoos. one on my lower back, which i guess you'd classify as a tramp stamp (of which i am NOT), and another on my hip, and i chose them because they remind me a lot of my life. i think it's very rude when people ask to see your NON-VISIBLE tattoo and then says "that's stupid" or "that's ugly". i CHOOSE not to share my reasons for my tattoos because they are deeply personal. keep that in mind when you ask questions about someone's body art.

it's not tattooed on your body and you don't even have to look at it unless i'm in a bikini so why even make such a rude comment? as long as it's not visible when someone is fully clothed, you really shouldn't care.

beth says:
Mon, 22nd Jun 20095:38 pm 

I myself have two tattoos- one on my lower backside/hip or maybe it's my upper cheek?? not sure, haha, but it's a cherry blossom, and it's one I picked off a flash board in a tattoo parlor on a whim… I'll admit it, but it was with my best friend for 10 years and we got them together- so it's the memory that counts, not the tattoo…

my second tattoo is in between my shoulder blades, and it's the script letters "M.B." For my little brother who passed away unexpectedly last August.

Both tattoos have meaning, and both are in places that people only see if I expressly wish them to.

I don't really like the whole tramp stamp thing, mainly because it's way overdone, and it does remind me of a target…

robsgurl says:
Tue, 23rd Jun 20092:49 am 

I have 4 tattoo..each one means something to me. my first I think if I got the chance I may get it covered by another one, but it was done with a friend so not sure about it..=) The others I have a lower back tattoo I got done with my mom on mothers day..I bought her one for mothers day, I have a tribal arm band and I got that with my sister and dad and I have 1 on the back of my neck I got alone. I only have 1 of the 4 I would change if I could go back..it is cute..I got a trophy for it…=) I got 2 trophy for my lower back tattoo as well in a tattoo contest…it was a big surprise for me…lol

Casey says:
Tue, 23rd Jun 200910:15 am 

I dont have any tattoos. I think the pure naked body is more attractive to a man than a girl with tattoos plus i dont handle pain well

M says:
Tue, 23rd Jun 200912:09 pm 

Trashy :S

Little Ron says:
Tue, 23rd Jun 200912:42 pm 

Tattoos are sexy!!! Just like herpes… it is all about the memories associated with sharing that special moment way back when.

In all honesty, if you had the talent to not only draw, but also tattoo yourself, tramp stamps included, I would be much more impressed.

IKnowItAll says:
Tue, 23rd Jun 20092:27 pm 

"Nothing screams “I am spontaneous and interesting” like a well-positioned, unique and understated tattoo. "

Say it together, people, "I am unique!"

Just like every other gal the with the tramp stamp or "Shh" on her index finger or angels' wings on the shoulder blades or a star behind her ear or on her ankle or hipbone. All SO original.

ROFLMAO.

Eileen Yover says:
Tue, 23rd Jun 20095:02 pm 

I just got a tattoo last Friday in Vegas, its my third one. I am 34 with two kids and have yet to regret one of mine-the first one being with a guitar string and a motor at age 14. I live in a nice neighborhood and am a successful writer. It's all about self expression and life experiences. It is for some people, and definitely not for others. I like that you wrote it is the oldest artform in human history. It is so true!

My advice to everyone that I told my cousin who wanted to get one with me but didn't know where or what-is if you don't know what you want, don't get it! Picking something off the wall at the tattoo parlor without previous thought will most likely turn out a mistake. I planned mine for three years and I am very proud of it! Some friends and family don't understand why I love tattoos, but its really not thier business to judge….unless I get 56 star on my face and lie about it!!

Nikki N says:
Wed, 24th Jun 20092:35 pm 

I be honest I don't know any college aged women who think tattoos in general are trashy. It mostly depends on a type of tattoo that they get that is either trashy or cute. A guys/your name? Trashy. Tribal armbands? Trashy. Pictures or quotes of things you love? Cute.

criolle johnny says:
Thu, 25th Jun 20096:40 pm 

A beautiful woman is a work of fine art. Putting a tattoo on a fine woman is like spray-painting gang sign on the Sistine Chapel.

Pardon me for being Old School. Women are beautiful. Defacing something beautiful is disgraceful.

criolle

Meg says:
Tue, 30th Jun 20095:51 am 

Tattoos on the lower back= no drugs when you are birthing your baby just so you know.

numbernine says:
Sat, 5th Dec 200912:38 am 

@ criolle johnny: I get that some people don't like tattoos, but comparing Michelangelo's work to a "gang sign" is just plain mean… Jokes aside, isn't the best part of the Sistine Chapel the massive piece of artwork painted on the ceiling…kind of like a tattoo?

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Thu, 23rd Feb 20126:47 pm 

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