Tattoos... advice from those so adorned

[Tundra Tiger]

I am 58. I am considering getting my first tattoo(s). Frankly, I think it's a done deal but for the decision making.

Probably this won't happen until early summer. I have a surgery to go through first, and any tattooing would have to happen in Anchorage, so I actually have to travel to get it done.

My bestest hunting buddy has a bunch, and has been trying to talk me into it for years. My recently divorced ex was not a fan so I held off. Now? I think I am ready to take the plunge.

I do plan for whatever I get to be in locations I can cover - these are being done for me, not for a general viewing public. I have nothing against ones that can be seen; that's just not me.

I have ideas: my college mascot with a "Class of" attached to it... a number of hunting related ones, many tied to Africa and my hunting life in Alaska. And maybe a Bible verse and a possible quote. I want whatever I put on me to have meaning to me. For example, my college? I have been a proud Tiger for 35+ years and I will go to my grave a proud Tiger.

Those of you who have tattoos... can you relate to me your experiences? Things you like? Things you'd do different? Advice to a late-in-life first timer?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Tubby’s Canteen]

Do you research on who’s going to be doing them and then trust their recommendations for aftercare. I’ve done the same as you mine are easily covered by a t-shirt. My first was my family coat of arms and the rest have been nautical I’ve always worked on commercial fishing boat either building them or fishing on em.

 

[Wade J VanGinkel]

I give my artist a list of ideas I think I'd like to incorporate then have him draw it up and see what fits.
Others might not be impressed but all have special meaning to me

 

[Red Leg]

Sounds like the "perfect" thing to do at this point in your life. After all, that nearly sixty year old, taught healthy skin really shows them off. Also, at our age, our resistance to infection isn't quite what it once was. I would strongly recommend a really good scotch instead.

How Can You Tell if a Tattoo Is Infected?

A tattoo can easily become infected if it is not properly cared for. Review the signs and symptoms of infected tattoos and find out how to treat them.

www.verywellhealth.com

 

[Flipper Dude]

I can’t understand the fascination and desire to have a freaking tattoo, but it seems that apparently I am in the minority.

It would appear that there are things in this life I’m not supposed to understand.

 

[Deleted member 99613]

I have one, the idea was more fun than the tattoo. I consider it a waste of money, at best.

 

[BJH65]

I got a couple tattoos when I was a young Marine oh about 40 years ago! One on each upper arm. If it really makes you happy, go for it! Pay close attention to aftercare. I consider myself pretty fit for 59.5 but gotta admit like the general said, not a good look anymore on the old man muscles. I would put it towards your gun money or ammo instead!

 

[baxterb]

I have 'almost' gotten tattoos, but ultimately didn't. The hard part was trying to find something I'd never regret. The only two designs I could say that about were the seal of my tribe, and another that is a stylized spider from one of our stories.

 

[Tubby’s Canteen]

That’s the real challenge, deciding what you’ll wear proudly the rest of your life.

 

[revturbo9967]

I have a sleeve done. It was during my heavy Harley days. I don’t regret anything. Make sure you go to a well known place with a ton of positive feedback. A bad tattoo is worse than a bad women, it’s a lot more work to get rid of it.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

Never thought I would agree with Red Leg on anything. The pirate look never made much sense to me. When I look in the mirror after a shower it's sad enough without seeing a bunch of sagging body art that's fast becoming an unidentified blob.

 

[DillonG]

I am 58. I am considering getting my first tattoo(s). Frankly, I think it's a done deal but for the decision making.

Probably this won't happen until early summer. I have a surgery to go through first, and any tattooing would have to happen in Anchorage, so I actually have to travel to get it done.

My bestest hunting buddy has a bunch, and has been trying to talk me into it for years. My recently divorced ex was not a fan so I held off. Now? I think I am ready to take the plunge.

I do plan for whatever I get to be in locations I can cover - these are being done for me, not for a general viewing public. I have nothing against ones that can be seen; that's just not me.

I have ideas: my college mascot with a "Class of" attached to it... a number of hunting related ones, many tied to Africa and my hunting life in Alaska. And maybe a Bible verse and a possible quote. I want whatever I put on me to have meaning to me. For example, my college? I have been a proud Tiger for 35+ years and I will go to my grave a proud Tiger.

Those of you who have tattoos... can you relate to me your experiences? Things you like? Things you'd do different? Advice to a late-in-life first timer?

Thanks in advance.

Pay extra money and get your tattoo from someone very talented. Shoulders upper arms and chest are the best locations for less pain. You will want something a little larger than you think. It’s due to the artist needing the extra space for fine detail.

I don’t judge people on their ideas for tattoos. If it means enough to you, then get it.

 

[Luminous Ham]

As usual in these threads it seems people are responding with answers that has nothing to do with your question, you are not asking if it a good idea or not or if people like it, you are asking about experiences. I had my first when 57, own design on my arm that everybody agrees is beautiful, a Rolling Stone tongue in New Orleans last year (saw them playing), and later last year two on my shin when in Kyiv. Not very painful, healed nicely, was trying to get an Oryx in Namibia also but failed. Great experiences on my end, no worries. All fairly small. Some types of colours have been banned in the EU.

 

[steve white]

If you're going to get one, don't go cheap art. Especially ladies, NEVER, NEVER cover God's crowning creation with cheap art!

 

[Datchew]

I came soooo close so many times after different schools in the military but always managed to avoid it. Fins, dive knife, sere knife, wings, some guys got the whole playset!

I have no issues with them but they just kinda weren't my thing. I find them VERY unattractive on women excepting small, elegant, tasteful ones.

I get the impression some people use them for memories or dedications to things they feel strongly about. Kinda like medals, campaign or squadron patches in a shadow box or photos of friends you lost.

My old Tennessee "hic" metallurgist buddy always called tattoos a lasting impression of a temporary feeling.

Take your time and shop around and ask like you're doing. I've been around a bunch of guys with high end to homemade and they all had "I I could do it again" stories.

 

[Trophyhunter01]

I told my buddy, about your age, “Don’t get anything with barbed wire, your fence will start to sag and all the cows will get out”.

 

[PARA45]

I was the exception to the rule in the military, and never got a tattoo. My son and daughter have them, and pissed me off to no end. But at the end of the day, they were adults and paid for them. I can’t give you an advice good or bad, but if you are set in getting one, make sure he is a great artist, and look at his work first. Good luck

 

[R eight]

Sounds like the "perfect" thing to do at this point in your life. After all, that nearly sixty year old, taught healthy skin really shows them off. Also, at our age, our resistance to infection isn't quite what it once was. I would strongly recommend a really good scotch instead.

How Can You Tell if a Tattoo Is Infected?

A tattoo can easily become infected if it is not properly cared for. Review the signs and symptoms of infected tattoos and find out how to treat them.

www.verywellhealth.com

I reckon we should give you Australian citizenship. And yeah, that’s meant as a compliment.

My only concern with your advice is “scotch “ . I recommend rum.

Cheers mate.

 

[Milo]

Got this last spring from my guy in Anchorage. Two sessions about 5 hours total.

 

[gbflyer]

Friend of mine has a badass bluefin tuna on his calf. We’re almost as old as you Tundra. Lol.