Tattoos

I have one and no regrets. I have a tattoo of a little devil on my shoulder that I got after my first marriage was finally over. I had always wanted one but had been warned of dire consequences if I got one while married so was always too scared. Then, I got some guts and ended the marriage and the first thing I did to celebrate was get my tattoo. I would like another one but cost has prohibited me so far, maybe after the wedding is done and paid for I'll have the cash to finally get my new one done - it's been designed so just a matter of getting it now.

I don't think it's addictive exactly, at least not for everyone - but I watch my daughter use tattooing to block other stuff out - for her, it's almost a form of self-harm and some of hers have been disastrous. I think that if its done for the right reasons, then why not but if it's being used the way my daughter does, then it may one day be something she will regret, especially some of the more visible ones.

So far, my total cost on tattoos is £35 lol and it gets no attention whatsoever unless I wear a strappy top, which doesn't happen often and I had mine for purely personal reasons so it wasn't to fit in or stand out. I don't think I'd change a single thing about it mainly because of the association it has for me - freedom and courage!

I have one, it's small and the design isn't particularly personal to me, but I got it because as a teenager I self harmed, a lot, and I have quite a lot of scars from it. My tattoo was done after I got into a better headspace, and is about a mark that I put into my skin for a positive reason rather than a negative one.

I have 5 and all but one mean something. Well, that one meant something at the time but doesn't now.

My first was when I was 17. It was a symbol of growing up / freedom to me when my parents were going through a split. I still love it now.

My second was the one I don't really love anymore. Chinese writing on my hip. I was 20. They apparently say Love and Friendship. Which are important to me.

The third was my wrist tattoo, which represents my family in a few different ways.

Fourth is the words from our first dance on my ribs. Obv means something!

BT - The fifth is my most meaningful. I have 3 birds on my back to represent my lost babies.

None of them were done for attention. People only ever see 2 of them anyway! The wrist one and the bird get a lot of 'oh that's so pretty' and I agree. They are pretty.

All in all I think they've cost me around £175. I think my first was £60 and the second was about £25. Wrist one was about £60 again. The last 2 cost me £30 all in (I know the tattooist!)

Hmm, tough questions. Here is my essay in response:

Why - I think I started cos I liked metal, all the metal musicians had them, it looked cool. But as it went on, they started to represent more - they reflect aspects of my personality, and I saw them as a way to regain autonomy over my own body after stuff like having a lot of surgery on my hip that didn't work out as promised and being sexually assaulted. As I became more aware of feminist issues, the male gaze and so on, I started to feel like having bigger, bolder tattoos was an act of rebellion - men tend to find them unattractive (yes this is a generalisation, but I saw a survey just the other day bearing out that notion) and as a generally very femme person (I wear nail varnish, makeup, dresses, long hair etc) I liked the idea of subverting the notion of typically feminine. I do realise that this is a very simplistic idea and femininity is complex, but like I say, it's all about my own autonomy.

Regrets - no. If I had my time again I would not get my first five, partly cos I didn't know any better and went to a rubbish artist, partly cos they are from flash and don't really represent me (a chinese symbol? Really?) and are just kind of derivative. I've had one of them covered over and I'm considering asking about having a couple of the others done. But regrets, nah, that's a waste of time.

Attention - I think I did it partly for that at first, but not anymore. Yes, they bring me lots of attention. The other day I wasn't wearing tights and I saw a man at the tram stop staring at the ones on my legs with actual disgust on his face - like the face you would make when sniffing milk that had gone off. Today I saw him again, and this time after giving my legs his look of derision he actually looked up to my face, and I stared him down. Yeah, felt pretty good. But I'm used to it.

Did I do it to fit in or stand out - no, not really. At the time I started (just under 20yrs ago) they were much less common than they are now, but I've always moved in 'alternative' circles so they never stood out that much. Getting a tattoo to fit in would be preposterous.

If I could start again - yeah, I wouldn't have the first few. I also think if I had an extra limb to start afresh with I'd get a full sleeve design, rather than a lot of bits and bobs like I have. But meh.

How much I've spent - you know, I dread to think. The Russian doll on my leg alone was almost £800, so it would be many thousands. But I never worry about it. Good art isn't cheap!

Is it addictive - definitely!

I love all of my tattoos because they all mean something to me or were done at a certain stage in my life. If I thought my Mum wouldn't kill me, I'd have a half sleeve coming down from my shoulder.

I think my grandparents had all passed when I started getting mine. My mum wasn't a fan at first, but now she's used to it and is quite defensive of tattooed people, which is funny.

I have a small swirly leafy pattern on my hip. I had always said I'd never get a tattoo. Went into the tattoo shop one day with my friend, who has several tattoos herself, just looking for inspiration for her next tattoo and I decided there and then to just do it. As it's on my hip, no one except for Mr J9 sees it unless I'm in a bikini. I don't regret getting it done, just maybe wish I'd got someone better to do it isn't the best. One day I'll get someone to go over it and freshen it up a bit.

I'd really like one on my foot but I've got quite big feet so can't help but think it wouldn't look very nice on me.

I have two - one I got as a 21st birthday present to myself. It's on my shoulder blade, I love it but forget it is there. It's this Charles Rennie Mackintosh design. I've only met one other person with a CRM tattoo, and likewise her with me. My mum hates tattoos and admits to really liking it. I've had a few people say that too.

The second is on the inside of my ankle, it's a big black celtic heart design. I don't really love it, but I like that sometimes it's on show and people express their disbelief that I have a tattoo! I got it when I was steaming drunk in Canada on holiday. If nothing else it's a good memory of a messy fabulous holiday, and a lesson to my future nieces and nephews to not do as I did! It could be worse though, It's not the Canadian flag or anything.

I want some more, but I'm worried about them not all 'linking up' I'd like song lyrics somewhere. perhaps on my foot? Thoughts Otters? Any ideas on placement for me. I have a list of possible options lyric options though!

I have one. A small cluster of stars just below my panty line, so no-one sees them except me and my OH (and maybe the doctor sometimes!)

Why - I wanted to try it, I wanted to see what the experience was about. I was at uni and it just felt like a good thing to experience at the time.

I love it, would never change it, would never have it covered or lasered off.

I would like more. But my parents dont approve of tats and even though I am a grown woman now I wouldnt want to disappoint them by getting ones that they could see.

only cost me £30

I have one currently, I don't regret it and want lots more- it's just the money aspect holding me back. I am going to try and book in next months when my debt is paid off as a treat for clearing off the obscene amount of money I have spent the last 8 years paying back.

I don't think they are done for attention, perhaps 20 years ago it was shocking to see women with tattoos but not now. The only ones for attention I think are things like the eyeball tattoos- seriously who does that because they think it looks nice?

I have 6, which I got on my birthdays between the ages of 18-24. I don't regret any of them, although there are ones which I wish were slightly more artistic - I have no art skills whatsoever, so had to rely on the skills of the tattoo artist to understand what I wanted. I started getting them because I really like them, and knew a few tattoo artists. It wasn't for attention, although the ones on show (on my arms) do get attention sometimes. Some are colour, some are black ink. They all mean something to me, and signify a particular time in my life, but I think I'm done now.

My h2b doesn't have any tattoos, but thankfully he likes mine!

I have one on my hip. It's completely hidden so only my OH can see it. I got it partly to celebrate turning 18 and partly as rebellion as my parents disapprove of tattoos (they still don't know I have it!).

I love my tattoo and would love another one, but the one I have really hurt me (to be honest the artist wasn't great) and that's put me off getting any more!

I would have SO many more if money was no object. I'd happily be in there every month. I have so many ideas that haven't yet come to fruition!

I don't regret any of mine, and each one has a meaning of sorts. They're all small and most people don't even notice them.

I think my lamest one is the stars I've got on my shoulder. The tattoo is nice - it's a row of stars - but the reason behind it is one star for every time Italy have won the World Cup ? It's a little reminder of my roots, whilst integrating my secret love of football. Lame, I know, but whenever anyone asks I just say "oh, it's just because I like stars" haha.

I don't have any but am considering getting one for my 30th. I'd like a small bow in black only (think Anya Hindmarch logo, but not that exactly because I'm not a fan!) I don't know where to put it though. I did think on the inside of my wrist but I'm worried i'll regret that aged 60.

The two things putting me off were cost, I always thought they were very expensive but reading this thread it seems not as much as I thought, and the worry I'll end up with a rubbish one. I don't know people in my area who can recommend places. Having said that Kochanski are you in Leeds too? Where do you recommend?

I had my first one at 17 and it was the white stripes peppermind logo with a "3" inside it, thought it'd be my only one then kept adding on, Always loved the rock music and tattoo scene and I love how they look.

Don't regret any the only thing is I want a couple done over to improve the colours. Didn't do it for attention, see so many people now with tattoos that I don't think many people look twice or think anything of them (unless like me have a good look to be nosey and see what they are.)

The only attention mines have brought me is the odd person commenting how they love them or a particular one. And on one occasion 3 old ladies shaking their head at me saying "those tattoos on girls are disgusting" which I just laughed at. My grans 90 this year and loves all our families tattoos including my brothers full sleeves, get with the times old dears haha.

I would have the same designs starting again and I've probably spent about £600-£700 on mine so not much considering, some in my family have spent thousands, and yes..i do think it's addictive. I didn't think it would be but I love the smell when you go in to a spotless studio, the spray they put on you, the feeling of being tattood and although it's painful it's a good pain if that makes sense!

I wouldn't recommend inner wrist as your first tattoo - that can be quite painful. Or mine were anyway! The cost depends on how long it takes - a tattoo with a lot of solid black filling in will be more expensive than one that's just outlines. But remember, this will be on your body for the rest of your life - don't look to cut costs! If you want to journey up to Manchester I would happily recommend my guy. Otherwise, try to find someone with tattoos from the artist in question so you can see the work close up. Or try searching for some artists on instagram, so you can follow them for a while and see a variety of their work. I would have totally recommended Cassandra Frances but she just moved from Leeds to London!

I haven't got any yet but will probably get one in the future.

I would love one but I'm not currently brave enough.

I have the one and I hate it. I got it when I was 21 in a place which advertised 'Temptoos'. Supposedly it was supposed to be less deep and wear off after 3-5 years. 16 years on it's still there. Unfortunately I got it on my chest so I could show it off in the short time I was expecting to have it.

I wouldn't rule out getting more but I'd choose more wisely. I want one for my daughters and one to remember my brother, but I haven't decided on a design. Perhaps something starting on my foot and winding up my ankle.

I don't have one yet but l often think of getting one. I am thinking of a bee, in an old fashioned botanical type style. Not sure where to have it on my body.

I have a half sleeve, the begging of a half sleeve, 2 little ones on my back/shoulder, and 1 on the back of my neck.

I had my first at 16, paid for by my Mum. We went and had Mother and Daughter tattoos. It's a heart on a cross, and I love it. 2 years later, I had my sons name put under it.

My half sleeve is still a work in progress (all line work done, just needs more colour added), and has so far cost £320, and will cost another £120 to get it finished, which I think is cheap, considering how good my tattoo artist is. It is made up of things I like.

My other arm, has a memorial vine, with hearts representing relatives who have passed.

BT

I have a tattoo for the baby I lost. It is the date, but in a design, rather then numbers.

The tattoo on my neck, is a pair of eyes. I just thought it was cool.

I never got them for attention, and I don't regret them.

My half sleeve gets me a lot of attention, mainly off little girls. "Mummy, that lady has Hello Kitty tattoos. Can I have one?" Which results at the parent glaring at me.

I am planning loads more, next is an Avengers back piece.

my H loves tattooed women, so is more than happy to pay

I have one. It's coming up to 8 years since I got it and no regrets whatsoever. It's in a place not many people can see, I often even forget it's there but it symbolises coming through a tough time in my life.

I've contemplated getting another but that one is so personal I doubt anything else I get will match it in terms of how I feel about it.

Yes, I have 16 tattoos all of which I didn't think about what I was having and where I was having them, I regret them and hate them all bar 1 which is the last one I had done. If I could turn back time I wouldn't have any of them and am getting them covered airbrushed/tattoo makeup for the wedding as I really don't want them in the photographs. If I could afford to have them all removed, I would, in a heartbeat.

My sister has a few tattoos but she really thought about what she was having, and are absolutely stunning.

I'm not against tattoos and people who have them, my OH has tattoos and I quite like his, its just mine that I hate.