Getting a tattoo in the future a good or bad thing?

I'm thinking about getting a traditional Japanese tattoo on my back, then slowly over time, add on to my arms (up to my elbows) then on to my chest and stomach area, then up to my knee. I have a couple of years to decide on whether getting this tattoo is really worth it or not. I don't want it to effect my job, so I'll probably be getting one easy to conceal when I do wear a shirt and shorts. I've always wanted to get a traditional Japanese full body tattoo after seeing that one of my friends brother and father had one. Especially since the father had basically his life story written in tot the tattoo and it's he's still getting it added on to today! It looked pretty neat, and since nobody in my family has tattoos I kind of want to rebel out of it, even though I probably wouldn't tell them until they actually see it haha.

And I just have a question for those who have visible tattoos, does it affect your chances of getting a job? Will most employers turn you down because of it? Do you face any discrimination?

I personally have not had any issues with y tattoos. I have a full sleeve and a half sleeve. I think that in today's world tattoos are much more excepted and not look led down upon.

I also noticed that people will always ask to see the rest of my tattoo and ask about it.

I personally have not had any issues with y tattoos. I have a full sleeve and a half sleeve. I think that in today's world tattoos are much more excepted and not look led down upon.

I also noticed that people will always ask to see the rest of my tattoo and ask about it.

Please don't get Japanese/Chinese or any other language with multiple dialects tatooed on your body. It might mean one thing in one place in the country and something COMPLETELY different in another.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by mackynz

Please don't get Japanese/Chinese or any other language with multiple dialects tatooed on your body. It might mean one thing in one place in the country and something COMPLETELY different in another.

---

I agree with you and I won't. I'm actually going to Japan to get the tattoo, my friend recommended me a place. I won't get anything done without asking my friend's dad if it's appropriate or not. Don't want to end up with a tattoo that means something else and that's disrespectful.

I don't have a problem with tattoos my wife and I both have them. I work in a professional environment so I don't get anything that is visible. I think tattoos can still hurt you in the work force. I think as soon as they see you with them they make a split second decision about you whether that be good or bad.

Just my thoughts.

I love tattoos, love that people get them, I have them. Most are visible and on my arms (sleeves in the making)
But it does still hurt me when trying to find a job. It doesn't really bother me so much because I don't mind the unconventional job choice.
But it's something to consider.

People seriously need to get over it, if people have visible tattoos and they are publicly appropriate then I see no issue.

My artwork on my arms makes me no less of a good worker, parent, or person for that matter. My tattoos don't make me any less trustworthy, or a worse person of moral value.

It'll only get less of a taboo as our generation of younger people are getting older lol

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

people willalways look down on tats as most people associate them with gangs or crime. If your worried about the workplace just get tats in places you can easily cover i personally love them but could never really pick what i awnted on my body for the rest of my life. i know have something i wont mind having on my the rest of my life. the picture of mary from my moms prayer card as well as her last name tatted across my chest. I couldnt be more proud of the way she raised me an tats are supposed to have a meaning to you an these mean the world to me. now its time to suck it up an getttem done already

Oh and I forgot to say in my post, tats are cool! I still don't regret mine :)

not a tattoo guy but if u want it simply go for it :)

I have 9 and A LOT more planned. I want a sleeve eventually. I do have one tattoo that is visible ( and of course its the ugliest thing in the world :( ) and I haven't noticed it stopping me from anything.

If there is a job that won't hire me because of a tattoo, I don't want that job anyway.

I have a tattoo and plan to get more but I have some things for you to consider.
1. Keep in mind that tattoos are permanent. Things you think are cool might not be so cool on 20 yrs. so choose wisely.
2. Your body changes with age and those changed with effect the look of your tattoos.
3. Tattoos are expensive and can be painful. Be prepared.
4. Do some research before choosing the tattoo artist. There is a big difference in the quality of tattoos available. You will have it forever so spend a few extra bucks for quality.

I don't have any tats, but I would love to get some ink in the future. I probably won't, but I can dream can't I :P?

My parents don't really like tattoos. They always tell me that if I were to get one, I would need to get it somewhere that isn't visible. The reason they gave me is that it DOES make it difficult to get a job.

IMO, it really depends on what kind of job you're looking for. It might make it difficult to get a job where you deal directly with customers. Perhaps if you're trying to work at Macy's or JCPenny, you might have a difficult time. I work at a game developer, and there are lots of people here with tats. Heck, one of the producers has tats that go upto his neck! Think about what you want to do. Think about the people you might work with in the future. Who do you think would care?

Ultimately, the decision is yours, and if that's what you want, you should get it. Tattoos are LEGAL, and they don't change who you are inside, but some folks will see tats and think "oh god he was in prison".... Or something along those lines :P

I have a full backpiece, full sleeve, hands ect... The only real problem i've ever seen is the looks for having my hand tattoos. I'm lucky though in the fact that I have worked for the same company for 19 years and have a good job. Honestly more people are bothered by my 1 1/4 inch stretched earlobes

I love Japanese art as well and plan for a lot of them on my body almost a horimono but only half sleeves or less and nothing on my stomach. I'm going to school to be a registered nurse so I don't really want to be flashing my tattoos all the time in that environment. Can you pm me the place you plan on going because I think it would be an amazing experience getting work done over there. I really feel I was Japanese in my past life.

I still have time to think, I'm only 17 haha. I've been interested in the Japanese culture for quite a while now, and I have some Japanese friends I've known for a long time, so it's almost like they're family. The best thing I can do now is save money for it, seeing as it's pretty expensive.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by darthsamurai

I have a full backpiece, full sleeve, hands ect... The only real problem i've ever seen is the looks for having my hand tattoos. I'm lucky though in the fact that I have worked for the same company for 19 years and have a good job. Honestly more people are bothered by my 1 1/4 inch stretched earlobes

---

How much did the back cost? I don't know how much a full body tattoo would cost seeing as I've seen tattoo's of sakura branches that are about six inches long go for about $500. I just want to get a rough estimate of how much it would cost. Thanks!

I have quite a few tats I started when I was 16. Just be aware of how some people will react to you with out even knowing you. It sucks but they do. I'm aware of it, and where clothes to hide them in certain situations, ie going out to a nice place for dinner. Something I get a lot of is people saying I'm not "approachable" I'm a fairy muscular guy with tattoos, people tend to think I'm a tough guy A hole. When that couldn't be farther from the truth. So again when getting tattoos, something to think about is how you will be perceived without saying a word.

Here is the straight-up run-down of the offices I have worked in:

Neck tattoos are frowned upon and will affect your ability to get a job. Hand tattoos and lower arm tattoos will also cause you to not be taken as seriously.

I work in an office myself and several of my co-workers have upper-body tattoos. However, even though they are visible, they are not dominant to their appearence. Wearing a short sleeved shirt, you can still only see a small portion. It's when the tattoos start to dominant your 'first impression' that can cause problems with people. First impressions are, and forever will be, a huge part of social interaction. How you meet someone for the first time will subconsciously be imprinted into your brain for as long as you know this person. Sometimes this judgement is on purpose, and othertimes it's just a comfort zone thing. Most people haven't grown up around others with vast amounts of tattoos, so they've never had a chance to be comfortable with them and look past them. Just like someone growing up who has never been around dogs before. That might make them unsure of how to behave around a dog in the future. It's not bad, but the person just hasn't been exposed to it. Same as I don't like children, but that's because I just don't know them.

So, yes, having visible tattoos will affect your job in some fields. Especially professional fields or places where clients have to go off of a first impression. I don't think it's fair to tell people that they need to 'just get over it'. People come from all different experiences in life. No, we shouldn't give up what we want because of other people, but if we want respect, then we need to respect their comfort levels too. If that makes sense.

I have a back piece myself. You can't see it when I'm wearing a normal shirt. If I'm wearing a thin-strapped shirt, you can see the very top on my shoulder and near my neck. Most people ask me if they can see more. That's great, and I'll be happy to show them. But I work as a receptionist for a big company, so I'm not wanting to do anything to my arms anytime soon (although I'm tempted, haha).

For your designs, here is something I did for mine (although I waited 10 years):

Find a design you want to start with. Or, one remotely close to it. Same 'vibe', if you will. Make dozens of copies of it. Make it the background on your phone, your computer. Tape it to your mirror in the bathroom, to the visor in your car. Look at it at least a dozen times a day.

If you can do this for a year and not get tired of the tattoo design, then chances are you won't get tired of it later or have any regrets. During this time, you can also focus on the things you like and the things you'd like to tweak about the design.

A year sounds like a long time, but so is 70+ years down the road, haha.

This technique worked for me to the point that my first and only tattoo is a back piece. I knew exactly what I wanted, where I wanted it, had time to find my artist, discuss with him and make sure it was tweaked how I wanted it. The only thing I'm looking to get touched up are the whites, but it's been 6 years, so that's not bad at all.

And take your time researching your artist. Go with your gut feeling. If you like a person's work, but feel really nervous about them working on you... Maybe keep looking. Your gut will tell you what's going to be right for you and what's not.

IMO if you want a tat get it. As long as you like it who cares, even if it was something ridiculous (and what you want is not) its your body.

Now personally I wouldn't get any that I couldn't cover because I don't want anything to make me less employable or give someone any reason not to want to hire me, although as previously stated its getting more and more acceptable, I've even seen cops with neck tats.

I love tats and do plan to get quite a few, mainly haven't yet because I have more important things to spend the money on (like snakes.)
I plan to get a full back piece and at least one side piece and then I want my entire front from mid-chest to pelvis done in the invisible UV ink. That way I can have my whole front done without taking away from the way my body looks or marring my features but under a black light it will glow and show the pattern. The only tat I have so far is a UV ink one of a little fox (I consider that my spirit animal) in the center of my rib cage so that I can build off of it and do whatever pattern I chose around it. I wanted something really simple.
No, I am not worried that the ink will cause cancer and I only get the Skin Candy ink kind as its been used the longest and recognized as safe.
Right after it was done:
http://img.tapatalk.com/47234eac-ce04-3b45.jpg
Under a black light:http://img.tapatalk.com/47234eac-cef5-3513.jpg
I do need to get it touched up once, with that ink it usually takes a couple sessions to get good, clean lines cuz its a bit harder to work with.

Sent from my PG86100 using Tapatalk 2

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by theReptileGuy

How much did the back cost? I don't know how much a full body tattoo would cost seeing as I've seen tattoo's of sakura branches that are about six inches long go for about $500. I just want to get a rough estimate of how much it would cost. Thanks!

---

It was around $3000. Took around 6 sittings at 4-5 hours a piece

Yes employers will discriminate against you if you have visible tattoos. If you have something you really want though, i say go for it. You can cover up like 90% of your body for an interview and for a job even. (Unless its a really physical job, then you may not wanna be forced to wear so much clothing). The only areas i would try to avoid are hands, neck, and face/head. Almost everywhere else can be covered. I do believe the workplace is becoming more and more accepting of tattoos also. Which is of course a good thing!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by mues155

My artwork on my arms makes me no less of a good worker, parent, or person for that matter.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

---

You have children?!

I have three visible tattoos (4 if you count my upper back in certain shirts) which includes an upper arm tribal, a full sleeve in progress, and a wrist tattoo and I haven't had any issues with them. I got two of those visible ones when I was already working for a place and asked them beforehand if I was allowed to have them as they would be visible (obviously they didn't mind). My current job doesn't care about them as they aren't offensive and they don't take away from me doing my job. I say if you want a tattoo, get it: it seems like most places care more about if they're offensive in nature or not and in very visible places that cannot be covered with a long sleeve shirt. Just find an artist you're happy with and think long and hard before taking the leap if you want a big visible tattoo.

I wouldn't get a tattoo in a place you can't easily cover for an interview. Once you're hired, your employer can't discriminate against you for having a tattoo (its part of your appearance) unless it shows something obscene. My tattoo is on my upper shin, so while its pretty easily visible under a knee length skirt or summer dress/cardigan combo, when I've gone for interviews I just wear black slack pants and it's all covered over.

My boss actually loves my tattoo now that she's seen it. Go figure. Get something tasteful and it can provide a great talking point!

I agree with everyone about making sure you can cover it up. You never know what you will be doing in the future and it might be an awesome job that doesn't allow vusable tattoos. The last thing you want is to loose a job over a tattoo. Telemarketing is about the only place that doesn't care, they still don't allow face tattoos though.

Sent from my Samsung Aviator

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Mike41793

You have children?!

---

Well ok I was talking in general with that one :p
Just stating if your a patent with tattoos that doesn't make a difference in your quality of parenting.


Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by mues155

Well ok I was talking in general with that one :p
Just stating if your a patent with tattoos that doesn't make a difference in your quality of parenting.


Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

---

Ohhh i was being serious lol. I thought you were talking literally and i was like whooaaa shes never mentioned any kids haha

I have a good sized tat on the sidw of my hip? other words the love handle lol but I have 1 full back piece drawn out and its gonna cost me $300 after that im getting another on on my other "love handle" I still have to find a job so once I get a job ill get visible ones

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by python_addict

I have a good sized tat on the sidw of my hip? other words the love handle lol but I have 1 full back piece drawn out and its gonna cost me $300 after that im getting another on on my other "love handle" I still have to find a job so once I get a job ill get visible ones

---

I think you forgot a 0 lol :P

Yup, I'm with Mike, haha. The cheapest I've heard a back tattoo from a reputable place is $2,000 dollars. After talking to my friend, he said I'll need around $20,000 minimum for a full body tattoo. (Excluding my arm down from my elbow, legs, neck, and any visible area.) Better start saving!

nope haha paid $50 for the piece bigger than my hand the guy has a thing for me lol mine are cheap

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by python_addict

nope haha paid $50 for the piece bigger than my hand the guy has a thing for me lol mine are cheap

---

Link to examples of the artist's work?

Does anyone know around how much something would cost like this?:
http://nvfblog.files.wordpress.com/2..._500.jpg?w=529

I know that it depends on the artist, but, just by size, any estimated?

I would like to get something similar to that, just modified a bit.

once the problem of me not being able to post feom my laptop gets fixed I will gladly show my ink and his albums

I have a forearm tattoo and wear short sleeve uniform shirts. The way I see it, is that we are part of a generation that is very accepting of tattoos.

I work in law enforcement and to me it shows that I can represent the community and that I can relate to the general public. Most organizations and employers are starting to realize this as well. Visible tattoos in my mind include; hand, face, neck etc. everything else you can hide if you have to.

Cheers,
Chris

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Bellatrix_LeSnake

Once you're hired, your employer can't discriminate against you for having a tattoo (its part of your appearance) unless it shows something obscene.

---

Actually, this is not true. Having a tattoo does not put you into a protected class. Employers CAN and do discriminate on things that are not in a protected class (race, gender, national origin, etc.). For example, many states allow an employer to discriminate against smokers. You can be fired for smoking. It may not be right, but it is legal. If an employer during an interview does not know about your tattoos and later when you are employed sees them, they can terminate your employment, especially if you are in a highly visible job such as a receptionist.

As far as tattoos go, I would not get one that would limit your future employment. You may not want to be a professional now, but as you grow older, you may have different opportunities and see some benefit in working in an office or in a professional setting. That, to me, means no hands, face or neck tattoos. I'm starting a full sleeve at the end of this month. It will start high enough so that I can cover it when at work with a long sleeve shirt. Since I normally wear a long sleeve at work, it is invisible. Of course, people are going to see it when I go to the firm picnic and other events. However, I've worked at this company for 12 years and have established myself as a professional by experience and education. In other words, I've worked to overcome any bias that my current employers may have.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by theReptileGuy

Does anyone know around how much something would cost like this?:

I know that it depends on the artist, but, just by size, any estimated?

I would like to get something similar to that, just modified a bit.

---

Thousands. Thousands and thousands.

If we were focusing just on the back (not the arms, as seen in the photos), I would guess this would take at least 25 hours of work. My shoulder tattoo, well shaded, no color was done in a single 5 hour sitting.

For that back piece, you are looking at numerous sittings. Outlines would be done first, with perhaps some initial shading. Then you'd leave and it would have to heal. Then come back and get more shading done. Again, depends on how fast the artist can work and how cleanly. You don't want to rush an artist, and most can't do more than a few hours at time, depending on how busy they are. And how much you can take. Shading and coloring are equally time-consuming. Both require finnese for larger, softer shaded pieces like the one you are showing. You can't rush it, you have to build it up. You can use larger needles, but it's still a 'building' process.

If we were going at 25 hours at roughly $200 an hour, you're looking at $5,000.

Honestly, I'd say it could run higher, depending on your artist. For a back piece like that, you'll want to get the best you can possibly afford. Do not go by an artist's price. Artists in Quebec Canada charge less than those here in Alberta Canada. But, my artist (Quebec) has MUCH better work for a cheaper price than ones here. He charged me $800 for 5 hours of work. And it's phenominal work.

So plan, be prepared, shop around, and most importantly: Visit tattoo conventions!! Your BEST tool for finding what you want is seeing people's work in person. Talking to artists. Seeing multiple multiple portfolios. Asking questions. Seeing people tattoo. I went to two conventions before finding my artist. I ended up getting mine done during the convention a year later.

Best choice I've ever made for finding my artist. The more work you see, the more you realize what you like and what you don't like.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by theReptileGuy

Does anyone know around how much something would cost like this?:
http://nvfblog.files.wordpress.com/2..._500.jpg?w=529

I know that it depends on the artist, but, just by size, any estimated?

I would like to get something similar to that, just modified a bit.

---

Get a much much smaller and cheaper piece done before entering into that kind of commitment. Im not saying youre a wimp and wont be able to take the pain but thats ALOT of tattooing to do. I would hate for you to start something that huge, only to change your mind.

That's my plan Mike! Haha.

I plan on getting something like this:
http://www.besttattoosdesign.com/wp-...designs-10.jpg

or this

http://www.besttattoosdesign.com/wp-...designs-12.jpg

On my arm first before I get something that big.

I love the really vibrant Japanese style tats, love the Japanese koi ones especially.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by theReptileGuy

That's my plan Mike! Haha.

I plan on getting something like this:
http://www.besttattoosdesign.com/wp-...designs-10.jpg

or this

http://www.besttattoosdesign.com/wp-...designs-12.jpg

On my arm first before I get something that big.

---

I approve!
I have a Koi fish on my arm that i wanna have more added to eventually. Its not like either of those though really^.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Mike41793

I approve!
I have a Koi fish on my arm that i wanna have more added to eventually. Its not like either of those though really^.

---

Pics or it didn't happen!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Coleslaw007

Pics or it didn't happen!

---

lol i assure you it happened.
http://img.tapatalk.com/328ae97c-36c2-ef06.jpg

I wanna get the eyes touched up to have them more defined a bit. Id also like to get some shading added around it so its not all by itself on my arm.

EDIT: also i apologize if im hijacking your thread nature. I figure its still tattoo related stuff so its all good.

Love the koi tattoos. I told my other half that eventually I'd love to get a koi half sleeve, or partial back piece similar to these ones (arm and slightly going onto the back). I already have my dragon tattoo on the right shoulder, so I'm trying to figure out how to mesh the two so it doesn't look like two completely different styles just slapped on there, haha.

Absolutely digging those koi examples you have there. Simple, but beautiful. Exactly what you want in that style of tattoo!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Mike41793

lol i assure you it happened.
http://img.tapatalk.com/328ae97c-36c2-ef06.jpg

I wanna get the eyes touched up to have them more defined a bit. Id also like to get some shading added around it so its not all by itself on my arm.

EDIT: also i apologize if im hijacking your thread nature. I figure its still tattoo related stuff so its all good.

---

So it did! Your fish kinda looks like it would eat the souls of lesser fish, little bit evil. It makes me miss the evil psycho looking betta fish I almost got once but the guy was a flake and shipping a fish from Thailand is crazy expensive.. I think it would look sickness if you outlined it in the UV ink but then again, as a raver, I think every tat would look better with some UV glow.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Vasiliki

Love the koi tattoos. I told my other half that eventually I'd love to get a koi half sleeve, or partial back piece similar to these ones (arm and slightly going onto the back). I already have my dragon tattoo on the right shoulder, so I'm trying to figure out how to mesh the two so it doesn't look like two completely different styles just slapped on there, haha.

Absolutely digging those koi examples you have there. Simple, but beautiful. Exactly what you want in that style of tattoo!

---

I would work out some sort of pattern or design around the fish and the dragon that wraps from one to the other or morphs into the pattern around the other if that makes sense.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Coleslaw007

I would work out some sort of pattern or design around the fish and the dragon that wraps from one to the other or morphs into the pattern around the other if that makes sense.

---

The way my other dragon is laid out and how it is done, it wouldn't be able to really 'mesh' unless I filled a lot of void space on my back first with that pattern. But it's alright! I'll get it all balanced out. I have an idea for some fantasy-style runes I want to get down the back of my neck, so that might help a bit.

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f3...agonTattoo.jpg

You can see how wide the gap is between my left shoulder and my right shoulder. So if I got a tattoo on the left the same size, there would still be a huge gap. Which, I like. I don't want my entire back covered.

So it's a balancing game.

That's why I find it ambitious when people like you guys want full back tattoos! It's impressive when it's done well, and something I can never do. So definitely keep this thread going, haha. I love hearing about everyone's plans and whatnot.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Vasiliki

You can see how wide the gap is between my left shoulder and my right shoulder. So if I got a tattoo on the left the same size, there would still be a huge gap. Which, I like. I don't want my entire back covered.

So it's a balancing game.

---

I know what you mean, I really want my whole front covered but at the same time I feel that a chick shouldn't have her entire front covered in ink, it wouldn't look right and would take away from the look of your body. That's why I love the UV ink, I just have to make sure anyone who works on my front has a light hand so it doesn't scar permanently and after its all completely healed it will be invisible in normal lighting.

I will probably get most of my back done in regular ink but not for sure a full back piece.

That dragon is adorable btw.


Sent from my PG86100 using Tapatalk 2

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Coleslaw007

I know what you mean, I really want my whole front covered but at the same time I feel that a chick shouldn't have her entire front covered in ink, it wouldn't look right and would take away from the look of your body. That's why I love the UV ink, I just have to make sure anyone who works on my front has a light hand so it doesn't scar permanently and after its all completely healed it will be invisible in normal lighting.

I will probably get most of my back done in regular ink but not for sure a full back piece.

That dragon is adorable btw.


Sent from my PG86100 using Tapatalk 2

---

Do tons and tons of research on the UV ink. It is not a stable ink, meaning it will fade and be 'destroyed' by your body faster than other inks that are visual. Most UV inks are also not invisible, and contain some tint to them. They are an amazing thing, and something I researched as well, but after talking to dozens of tattoo artists (ones heavily in the field, not just casual people), many would advise against the UV inks. They require so much ink to get a solid glow, and even then, it gets easily destroyed over time.

Tons and tons of research on that one. They might have made improvements over the years, but I wouldn't treat it as an 'invisible' tattoo just yet. Especially with your mention of scarring. On a chest or any delicate skin? There's a good chance of that happening :(

My advice is tats seem more accepted than say ear stretching or facial piercings these days so go for it. I am. I know I've been yelled at at work for having plugs in (1") because it's unprofessional. Kinda sucks because i love my stretched ears, but some things you have to suck up. At least a tattoo isn't as noticeable if you cover it. There isn't any covering my ears.

I need to get that sad face done on the back of my neck ASAP and have a memorial one with a fox that I am drawing but trying to tie in a hummingbird is proving rather difficult..

For a large piece I have an idea of a Koi Dragon on my ribs, but thats going to wait until I find the right artist for it, because me being an artist I am even more anal about what gets put on me and if I even half think I could draw it out better, sorry no go lol

I like the symbolism of the Koi Dragon, halfway between the transformation of the Koi fish to the Dragon,
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rtq6zcEho_...oo-Picture.jpg