March 06, 2017

Should You Get a Tattoo? The Great Tattoo Experiment


By Crabby McSlacker

You don't generally "experiment" with getting a tattoo. That's what makes getting one such a badass thing to do. Whether you're rational and level-headed when that needle hits your arm, or whether you're insensibly infatuated with a new romantic partner, drunk off your ass, bitter about some undeserved setback, or just feeling full of life and tired of being so "sensible" all the time, it doesn't matter: you just signed up for a lifelong commitment. (Or an expensive and painful removal process).

Holy crap, right? That's why I've always admired the courage of people with tattoos. Like the fabulously unapologetic Mizfit Carla!

Is it true that I also sometimes feel a little worried for some of those tattooed folks, depending on their particular choices and my level of optimism that day?

You betcha.

I consider myself a rational, even cautious sort of person, yet I've been tempted to get a tattoo for quite a while now. The urge has been growing even stronger in these fraught times, when self-expression feels so vital.

So, what did I recently run out and do?

Yep, there is now ink on my arms.

Not sure why the image is so blurry, it was fine on the camera.
Curse you, OneDrive or Blogger, whichever one of you stole my resolution.

But, at this point, the ink is temporary and painless and non-toxic. It's wash-it-off-when-you-get-tired-of-it ink. These babies last me about 5 days, cost $2.50 each, and I ordered a whole bunch of different ones on a whim and I'm finding them way fun to play with. (FYI: They are perfect for marches and protests).

This isn't a sponsored post, so no giveaway, sorry--I just got seduced by a Facebook ad for Conscious Ink. They've got dozens and dozens of designs, many of them with themes of peace, compassion, love, empowerment, and determination. So I figured what the hell.

I've decided my right arm is for "strength and resistance" type themes, because it's my feisty side, the one that would happily get physical and duke it out to fight for justice, if only it wasn't ruled by a rational middle-aged brain that knows hand-to-hand combat rarely solves anything and might necessitate costly emergency room visits.



My left arm is way more mellow, and is more likely to sport messages of peace, loving kindness, compassion, joy, and oneness-with-the-world. It also happens to be the arm that would be way too uncoordinated to be of any assistance should I find myself in a brawl.




I may well get a "real" tattoo someday, perhaps not in the not too distant future. But in the meantime I'm getting a real kick out of having messages written on my body. While also totally appreciating the ability to not have them on there every day for the rest of my life.

Considering a Tattoo? Things to Think About



When I see a young person with a lot of ink, I'm afraid my old fuddy duddy brain can't help but silently ponder: Will those words, those designs, those sentiments continue to inspire you and resonate as decade after decade goes by?  If you are 25 years old now, how well do you think you know your 50-year-old self? Your 75-year-old self?  Your 90-year-old self? Young people don't always believe in these creatures, but they are not entirely imaginary. One day, if you are lucky, their concerns will become painfully relevant. You may not want to totally piss them off.

(This is the point at which if I were not concerned with getting sued for copyright infringement, or if creative commons had more choices, I'd include a bunch of funny images of regrettable tattoos).

I just know that I am an entirely different person at 56 than I was at 26 or, God forbid, 16. I am SO glad I don't have to live with any choices I might have made back then.

And seriously, I have no idea on earth who the fuck I'll be at 86.  It's not that I think that an 86 year-old Crabby won't want a tattoo, she probably will! I'm all for seniors with tattoos and I hope one day to be one.

I just don't know whether 86 year old Crabby would want the tattoo that 56 year old Crabby might choose. Thus my hesitations.

But then I am a poor candidate for a tattoo. (Even though I may get one anyway). So what, in my opinion, makes you a good or poor candidate for permanent ink?

So glad I can pretend you asked!

A Good Candidate for a Tattoo:


Someone who:
  • Is relatively consistent throughout life in terms of values, priorities, enthusiasms, and aesthetics; or
  • Is really good at rationalization, flexible thinking, letting things go, or outright denial if their choice turns out to have been totally bone-headed; or
  • Is totally fine with a really small design in an inconspicuous location; or
  • Has a close relationship with a skilled tattoo-removal professional.
Notice that in this list there is nothing about "confidence," "passion," or "excitement." Because in my experience, the amount of enthusiasm and commitment one has when making a major life decision is often a really shitty indicator of how well things are going to work out years down the line. They sure seem like they should be related, right? But not so much. That's why there's such a thing as "divorce."


A Bad Candidate for a Tattoo:


Someone who:


  • Shifts or evolves significantly over time in terms of values, priorities, enthusiasms or aesthetics; or,
  • Has a history of impulsive choices with unfortunate results;
  • Is a bit of a perfectionist; or
  • Is prone to re-thinking decisions that have already been made, and suffering regret; or
  • Easily falls prey to doubt or self-consciousness when encountering judgement and criticism (real or imagined) from others; or
  • Is totally creeped out by needles.

I know plenty of people who got tattoos decades ago, and for them it was a great decision! They do not have regrets.

I also know people who have some major regrets. I will not speak for them, their reasons vary. But they are bummed they didn't take a little more time making their decision.

The people whom I haven't met yet? The ones who say, in middle or old age: "Damn, I wish I'd gotten a tattoo decades ago!"

Because the people who are now open to getting tattoos who felt too cautious before? They just go get them now, when they have a better sense of themselves and their worlds, and it's twice as cool!


photo: randal schwarz (and maddog)

(And, because they make me smile, here are some more photos of tattooed seniors.)

Do you guys have tattoos? If so, are you still pretty happy with 'em? If you don't, would you ever consider it? Do you think I should go ahead and take the plunge? Or stick to the temporary kind?

35 comments:

  1. I've been experimenting with Inkbox tattoos (https://getinkbox.com/) - they are pretty awesome and last about 2 weeks! Temp tattoos are totally the way to go... For now... Until I find what/where I want, and can get over the fear of pain. ;) I'll have to check out the Conscious Ink ones... I also found one that last only a couple days, but comes in color, but haven't tried yet: Momentary Ink (https://www.momentaryink.com/). So many choices!

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    1. Veronica, thank you!!! These look like great resources, really appreciate it, because I am not done playing around with these yet. Wheee!

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  2. I can't even paint my fingernails - having color on them is too distracting for me; I can only imagine how distracted I'd be with a tattoo on my body, LOL. Definitely a bad candidate for a tattoo. I love those temporary tattoos and how you define which arm gets which type, that is awesome! I'd totally take an empowering one for a race. OOH. I should do that!!!

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    1. I think a race is a perfect occasion for a temporary tattoo Shelley, I think you should go for it!!!!!

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  3. No tattoo, although i'm not against them for people who really want one, but because i don't want to have to explain one to any grandchildren i might have someday.

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    1. But messymimi, I think the BEST grandparent stories are ones that show an uncharacteristic side, and you are such a gifted storyteller! I suspect you could tell a great tale about your tattoo should you ever get a wild hair and decide to get inked. :)

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  4. I have one that's 13 years old now. No regrets! It's become part of me and honestly I don't have much time for folks who just dislike tattoos on principle. I've had some of that from older generation relatives too. It's quite cool to be made to feel like some sort of rebel by their pursed-lip disapproval.And I turn 50 this year so go on then call me middle aged.

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    1. So glad yours turned out to be such a great decision Rach! And I agree, I think the purse-lipped disapproval of elders is ridiculous, but also kinda fun. Tattoos have gotten so common I think the young kids may end up missing out on that aspect.

      Gosh I'm getting more and more tempted...

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  5. This post made me chuckle! My tattoo is 34 years old and I hardly remember it is there. It was not well thought out, but is not visible when I am dressed so not too many people have actually seen it.

    I love tattoos on other people and the idea of impermanent tattoos seems fun. I think you should take the plunge and get the real ink!

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    1. This is all very encouraging, even hearing about the "not well thought out" choices. Thanks Heather!

      I am a little tempted by the notion of a crab on my ankle... not just because I am Crabby with a capital C, but because I live on the beach now and see all sorts of crabs and admire both their tenacious approach to things (not me, but an aspiration) as well as the fact they often approach things sideways, not directly (VERY me).

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  6. Crabby, now you have to do it ;) Maybe the devil cupcake? Remember: 'NO REGERTS'

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    1. that's a good one too Hanro! Though I wonder if it might lead to even more excessive cupcake consumption? I am QUITE suggestible!

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  7. I got my first tattoo when I was 16... My friend visited me from boarding school for Thanksgiving (back in CT)... And we thought we would be BADASSES and go to NYC and get tattoos. Yep. We went. And we stopped in the first tattoo parlor and said, TAT ME UP BABY! I got a barcode on my ankle. I was warned LATER that the lines would blur together as I got older. Thankfully, they haven't blurred TOO badly... But, if laser wasn't as painful and expensive as I have heard, I would probably get it removed, LOL! However, my other tattoo - LOVE IT!!!!! Got it 1.5 years ago, it's a sexy G on the back of my neck!!

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    1. So glad you love your second one Gigi, it sounds like a great design and excellent placement!

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  8. I have never really liked tattoos - by which I mean that I have never cared for the look, it's not a disapproval thing. So, no, I've never considered getting one.

    And I have often wondered how people can commit to something so permanent. That's usually my answer when people ask: it's too big of a commitment!

    That said, I can understand people who get them to commemorate something like a huge life event, maybe to remember a lost loved one, or something like that. I still don't find the tattoos particularly attractive, but I get it.

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    1. Thanks JavaChick, sounds like you've got every reason to give 'em a miss yourself, but I love that you're the disapproving sort!

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  9. My first tattoo was done by me, on myself, with a pin and acrylic ink, about 40 years ago. It was about the size of a nickel and was done on the back of my right wrist cuz I am left handed.

    My second tattoo was done at a tattoo shop, about 38 years ago and covered the one I had done to myself. It is a butterfly, about the size of a quarter.

    About 35 years ago I tried to remove that tattoo by rubbing salt in it until it bled and leached the ink out. I didn't quite manage to remove the tattoo.

    I now have a butterfly tattoo with a small blank spot where I got some of the ink out. When I buy watches, I buy ones that cover that tattoo. Being I am left handed, I wear watches on my right wrist....and because it covers that tattoo.

    Told you I was a crazy lady. (Emphasis on WAS) Now I am a crazy old broad. :D

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    1. Wow Sherri, you're really the DIY type, I've never heard of anyone attempting not only to tattoo themselves but to then remove it without professional help! You're way braver than I am, all that sounds very painful. But the watch trick sounds like the perfect solution.

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  10. I considered getting a tattoo when I got divorced at age 25. I didn't end up doing it, and while I'd have lived with it if I did, I'm glad I didn't follow through. I have never come up with anything I'd want to have for the long haul, which is why even to this day I haven't gotten one. Nothing seems to resonate with me that much that I think I'll want to see it on me when I'm 80.

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    1. Yep, sounds like we're in similar places OTF! ... or at least we were til I started getting tempted recently. But I need to have a few more conversations with my octogenarian self before doing anything too radical. Don't want to accidentally make her life more miserable.

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  11. I got my first tattoo at 19. It is very much the product of the 90s and being a younger female (pretty little butterfly) but I have no regrets about it. I am 44 now. I have different plans for later tattoos. Mostly around my dogs.

    Henna is my power decorative option. I highly recommend. It gives you another temporary option. :)

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    1. Sounds like you have a pretty good track record if you've got no regrets over 20 years later QD! I suspect you won't regret the second round either. Have fun with it!

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  12. I love tattoos. They can be such a fraught topic—I’ve been surprised by how many people fervently hate them. I understand if people find them unattractive and just don’t like them—but some people are really judgmental, which is interesting because tattoos have become so much more common and span every walk of life.

    I have several tattoos, and they’re easy to cover for work. My oldest tattoo is about 15 years old. Although there are a couple I wouldn’t exactly get again, I don’t dislike them or regret them, probably because all mark an important event or a challenge—they’re kind of testaments.

    Also, before I get one, I think about it for a long time and draw my own designs. I love to see the artist embellish, improve, and add to them; it’s my concept, and they enhance it. I have a couple more in mind to do, and I enjoy the process of thinking about them. I think it’s one reason I don’t regret them; I think about them for a long time.

    I like those temporary tattoos too—very cool.

    All in all, I love art, and I love art pretty much anywhere, including the body.

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    1. Mare I'm with you in not quite understanding the level of hostility in some of the anti tattoo folks. I can understand not wanting one yourself, but yeah, so many people have them now, wouldn't it be kind of exhausting to go around feeling somehow aggrieved by them?

      Love that you've had such a positive experience and have been so creative about doing your own designs! And I wish the comment section allowed for a little show and tell!

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  13. I'm fascinated by the list of good and bad candidate characteristics. I don't think any of them apply to me. Does that make me a non-candidate?
    I've never wanted a tattoo. I've never wanted anything permanent, I guess. I've liked some designs on my friends, although I don't see much good art, but I just purely hate the way the ink fades.
    I say go for the crab.

    Mary Anne in Kentucky

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    1. Interesting that the criteria don't resonate Mary Anne, I would have sworn you were smack in the "good candidate" category--both in terms of having a pretty solid sense of yourself and also in going with the flow when things turn out differnently than expected.

      I get the feeling inks have gotten longer lasting now than the earlier fadey kind, but I could be wrong about that... I still haven't even done preliminary research. But might be giving more serious thought to it this summer.

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  14. A definite yes to having tattoos :-)
    Used to absolutely hate them, now I really love them. Mine are relatively recent, with the first done about five years ago - when I was an ageing fat lass, in my mid-fifties.
    This first venture was one of a matching pair of alligators, positioned at the base of my spine (very stylised, with one of them being inked on me, the other on my lovely hubby). They were chosen to celebrate life, in fact to mark coming out at the far side into the light again, at the end of a period of significant health problems for my man.
    Why alligators? Ah, we were married in Louisiana (and loved it), even though we are Brits.
    The second came after losing my darling, much-missed Mum. She always used to tell me 'count your blessings'. Missing her so much after she was gone, I chose to carry her wise words with me always.
    I adore them. They both mean so much to me that I'll never regret them, and toy with having another but haven't succumbed...yet!

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    1. Deniz I love this! I can almost picture those Louisiana 'gators, and what a great way to remember your beloved Mum and her inspiring words. I bet if you decide to get another one it will also be another great choice. I'm loving these stories and finding this all encouraging, as it seems to be reinforcing the idea that regrets are few and mostly come from more youthful choices. Thanks so much for stopping by!

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  15. I am not one to get a permanent tattoo, though that may change, but a temporary tat might be fun.

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  16. Great post! I've been toying with the idea for two years now. My Wife recently got one, just a small one on her foot. I think this year could be the year! I'm thinking about a cross on my back and / or some numbers (my two kids birthdays) running down one side of my body. Apparently it hurts (a lot) so wish me luck, haha!

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  17. Great post! I'm covered in tattoos. Some I still like, some I don't. My advice to someone thinking about it would be to pick something that's meaningful and I'd go for black and grey depending on the design as some of colour ones look really dated now.

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  18. I have four Russian dolls on my foot which represent my family - that and I've always had a thing for Russian dolls, ever since being a little kid.

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  19. This is a great article. Personally I'm tattoo free but it's something I've thought about getting for around 30 years! Maybe one day x

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  20. I got my first tattoo a couple of years ago and I'll be going for my fifth next month! I've found them to be so addictive. It wasn't for the money, I'd be covered I think.

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  21. Okay. I am about to get my first tattoos....eyebrows. Yes, eyebrows. Collateral damage from chemotherapy means I no longer have full eyebrows, just a few scraggly hairs. I am getting tired of painting on eyebrows every day, so I'm going to have them inked on. Yes, I am a tad bit nervous, thinking about how perfect eyebrows will look on my someday 90-year old face, but the professional assures me that a) the ink will be light colored; and b)it isn't PERMANENT like a tatoo you get on your arm. The eyebrows will fade gently along with the rest of my face.

    That said...I really would like to have a real tattoo. I'm just not settled on what I'd like to have inked onto my arm.

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