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Who Doesn’t Have a Tattoo?
As an artist, I’ve always loved tattoos. The fact that I could get something I illustrated etched on my skin or that I could see artwork that I’ve done permanently inscribed on other people has always fascinated me. So as soon as I could get one, I did. The frat’s signature Greek letter and a nice quote around it. Hot at the moment, but the tat I recently got and the one I’m designing in dedication to my mother far outshine it. However, it has it’s place. As most things in my life. When I first got it, some members of my family looked at it in disdain. Even my girlfriend at the time was apprehensive about it. But now when folks see my relatively new one and talk about the next, folks are more receptive. It could be because it’s becoming the norm. I mean, is it just me or does it seem like everyone has a tattoo?
Dudes have always exhibited tattoos. Whether it was the tribal bands, script, the Chinese character era or just a jail tat, it’s been relatively OK for guys. One may get a side eye or two before, but now it seems like everyone is cool with it. They almost expect it. Even on dudes like myself, who have legal jobs and aren’t rappers and/or ballers. Full on sleeves, murals across the shoulders, script on the forearms, may still take folks off guard, but seems like folks almost expect someone to have a little artwork. After all, it’s all game as long as the dress shirt can cover it up.
However, women have always had to hide their tats only to be revealed during a trip to the beach or to the Sealy. The most innocent looking women in your office probably have a flower, Chinese character or tribal design hidden somewhere behind her bra strap, panties or socks. Then there are the obvious tramp stamps and the scripted names often seen on arms and the tops of breasts. You also might see someone who caught the outbreak of stars on wrists, feet and necks. Which is actually pretty cute on certain ladies. But lately, I’ve been seeing a much sexier and alluring trend. Women getting blatantly getting ink on their shoulders, forearms, side and/or back. And no. I’m not talking about a panther clawing at their skin, I’m talking about full on artwork.
Exhibit A:
I love artwork of all kinds, so I’m a big fan of women joining the party. And I have to admit, I find women with nice work extremely sexy. Rihanna, sexy. Megan Fox, sexy. Kat Von D, on the right day maybe. The other day I saw a young woman in Target with a quote broken into three lines on the inside of her forearm. Yahtzee! She went from about a 6 to a 7 instantly. Same thing when I saw a young lady with a half sleeve on her shoulder and bicep. Good God. I don’t know if it was the fact that they had the tat or the fact that they just were confident enough to display it without remorse. After all, folks still look down upon women with big tattoos.
But I often wonder if they’ll be a point where society’s thought about tattoos will completely flip. Where it’ll be weird if you don’t have some kind of marking on you. Where the number of people, particularly men, with clear skin will be as sparse as guys with tats once was. And is that for the better? I know I like women with well designed work on them, but I don’t know if I want every woman I see to have ink on them. Even if it is in the most discrete of areas. In 10 years, who knows what that work will look like. Plus, is there something to just keeping your skin as it clear as it was from when you came out the womb?
Seattle – Well, That Will Give Me Something to Aim For – Washington
40 Responses to “Who Doesn’t Have a Tattoo?”
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This may come off as… conceited, but I have really nice skin. It’s a pretty color (all colors of us are pretty, but I’ve been told it looks like a perfectly made pancake), it’s clear (I have actually never had acne), and it’s all soft and cuddly. I have contemplated getting inked before but I always back out. Mainly because I love my skin. It’s so even and clear. LOL
So I’ll be that girl who has no ink. I’m starting to feel unique because of it.
I’m more into piercings.
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Reecie Reply:
June 2nd, 2009 at 9:19 am
me too. I feel unique because I don’t have any. in the past I wanted maybe 5 or so, but I never got around to doing them. I’m kinda glad, everyone I know that has tattoos they got back in high school kinda feel indifferent about them now. I may get one, but I feel like I waited all these years, why even do it? and I’m kinda chicken! LOL
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I like a little ink on a man, but it has to be meaningful. I don’t like tribal bands and Chinese characters. I have two tatts that only friends and family know I have. One is on my thigh skirts can’t be above your knee in the corporate world and the other is on my upper Arm. Can’t wear sleeveless shirts at work. If you see me on a warm weekend you’ll see my tatts.
Sidenote- I like that they are conversation starters and tell a lot about a person
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I have to be one of the 7 people left in NY who do not have a tat… I just have not been interested in inking myself up… lol
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Cheekie Reply:
June 2nd, 2009 at 8:39 am
“I just have not been interested in inking myself up… lol”
Same here. Whenever anyone asks me if I have one or am interested in getting one and I say no, the response is always:
1. Why not?
2. You scared?
3. WHY NOOOTTTT?!!
4. It don’t hurt that bad. Depends on where you get it.
Naw, it’s just not my thing. I don’t knock folks that get ‘em…in fact, I complement a lot of tattoos, it’s just not me. Ninjas be acting like I told them I don’t breathe air. lol
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Yeah I’m basically the one with the tattoo “behind her bra strap, panties or socks” (particularly on my inner ankle and my shoulder). My tats are small and easy on the eye. You wouldn’t know I had a tat unless I told you, you spotted it, or it was summertime and I dressed accordingly and that’s what I love about them. I like the element of surprise I guess.
I’m not sure whether society’s thoughts about tattoos will flip, although when some of my male friends find out I have tats and they don’t, they always go “Damn, I’m late. I need to get tatted up”. Like dudes gotta get tats before girls….whatever. Some family members are shocked when they found out I got tattoos. As innocent as my tats are, you would’ve thought I had some random dude’s name tatted on my breast, the way they react to the word “tattoo”. The thing that will never change is how society views women with tats. A man with a full sleeve? SEXY. A woman with a full sleeve? SL-TTY.
Its like Keyshia Cole, or Mary J. Blige tatted up…wearing ball gowns. Some people think its weird, its like they want to look elegant but you can’t see past the tats. Like the chick in the photo “Exhibit A”, picture her on her wedding day. The first thing you’ll look at is her arm. But then again tats are a form of expression, so whether it’s a full sleeve or a tat that’s low key – its your way of expression.
I think tats are great, when they are displayed in the right light, but to each his/her own.
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I have two tats and two brands. They are all high on my arm. THe tats are covered by all shirts and the brands by most short sleeved shirts too.
I think ALL people should spend money in getting their tats. THis is something that you definitely get what you pay for.
I usually dont like tats on chicks unless its either small and dainty or big elaborate. Everything in the middle fails
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Damn yall early birds. lol
I have two tats as well. I love them both. I love when people ask about them, but I also love when no one notices. Means I got it in the right spot. I am of the school of thought though that some tats outshine a formal gown or really classy look. Depends on the size and place really. Like home girl in the pic above, might look a little crazy in a ball gown with all that work, but she looks great in the pic, or just walkin down the street in the summer time.
Seattle, if you wanna see tats that look lame and poorly done on chicks, come to my city. These broads will go from 6′s to 5′s and 4′s with the quickness.
How do yall feel about neck tats?
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Vanessa aka Miss V Reply:
June 2nd, 2009 at 9:18 am
“How do yall feel about neck tats?”
i think they are cool, though i’m not a fan of big ones on the side of the neck, or tats of kisses. i have one on the back of my neck (it’s a cross), but it’s easily covered by my work shirts. it also looks great when i wear tanks and tube tops.
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Reecie Reply:
June 2nd, 2009 at 9:23 am
one of my girls has one behind her neck too, and her hair covers it. I actually like that all her tats are really small and feminine–she has another behind her ear. I typically think large lower side neck tats are hood though–on males or females.
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olivya23 Reply:
June 2nd, 2009 at 11:17 am
“How do yall feel about neck tats?”
NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! Never!! The first thing I thought of when I read this was Kenyon Martin. Why in the world does he 18 million tats on his neck?!? (ok just 3 but that’s a lot) It’s not attractive.
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I have a tattoo but I will not reveal it at church or work… I was even apprehensive of showing it when I met my man’s parents this past weekend. I have a stigma that once someone sees it, my nice girl image will fly out the window, although it’s getting hard to hide in the summer months. It’s at the very top center of my back. Hopefully society’s image thoughts will change- but I can’t help but wonder, is there a stigma any more or are we just paraonid.
There are some that even make me raise a brow:
1. Red lips (anywhere on your body).
2. Effe the world (I dated a guy with this on his forearm, instead it was a middle finger on a globe)
3. Lower back tattoos for the women. lol
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I am late to this party. I have wanted to tat since I was in High School. But Catholic School stopped me from getting one, than I got to college and I was broke, than I just came up with more excuses, like weight gain.
I’m kinda glad that I didn’t get one, because the previous ideas I had for tats were quite retarded and I would have been making a huge mistake. But recently I have this one concept that I think will still look cool when I’m forty (anybody see Rich Boy’s chest?).
I have never thought poorly of a girl just b/c she got a tat. I just get mad that someone beat me to the punch. You just don’t want to look trending with it and getting one after your people got one makes you look like a follower.
Tats do completely mess up formal wear on females and neck tats look bad in a tux. But other than that, I tend to lean more to being turned on. However, I disagree with Seatle pics. A women’s skin (ie JG and Cheekie, what up e-boo) is beautiful just the way it is. Its so smooth and enduring. You could get lost just looking at a bare back. Why would you want to cover ALL of it?
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i love tattoos! i actually have six right now (two on my back, one on my neck, one on the hip, one above the ankle, and one on my foot), and will get my seventh this summer (doing over the one of my foot). dudes are always surprised when they find out that i have tattoos, and six of them to boot. my tats are small/medium though, and they can be hidden when needed. i want a really big one, but i know it doesn’t work for the professional/corporate world. plus, i’m hesitant about the way a big one would look 20yrs from now… yikes!
because i have a bunch, i’m more attracted to dudes that have them as well. it’s funny, when a guy without any finds out about mine, he’s always like, “yeah i’m going to get a really big one one of these days.” lol yeah right!
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I have 4..the last of which I got in Toronto back in ’01……not really big but very unique to my person and spirit……..I was thinking about two more but the ones I have feel complete, and are SO strategically placed…
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I don’t have any tats or piercings (not even my ears), and I don’t plan on ever getting any. Yes, I am a crybaby about pain but mostly, I just don’t feel the inclination. I can’t think of any symbol or quote I wouldn’t mind seeing on my skin for the rest of my life, and I’ve never been a big jewelry wearer so I didn’t feel the need for piercings.
Tattoos and earrings on men can be sexy on the right person. But there’s something about being able to look at a man with his shirt off and nothing but beautiful brown skin across a rippling expanse of muscles…um, yeah. I’m gonna stop there!
P.S. From far away, Rihanna’s star tats look like a skin rash. For real.
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Nicki Sunshine Reply:
June 2nd, 2009 at 10:27 am
“P.S. From far away, Rihanna’s star tats look like a skin rash. For real.”
I have seen hella stars since Rihanna popped up with hers..
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Welp…I have 5 tattoos and counting. I knew from the day my older brother got one I was going to be inking myself up sometime in the future. My mom forbade it, but the minute I turned 18 and joined the military, I gifted myself with some ink and haven’t looked back since. I’m from Florida, and EVERYONE here is inked up. Old, young, black, white and everything in between.
I have tats on both feet (well foot and ankle), a tramp stamp, one on my upper thigh and one on the front of my shoulder (collar bone/bra strap area)…I’m not done by far. Its an expression and ode to my youth. Who cares what they look like in a wedding gown, prom dress, tank top, wet suit, whatever…I loved the questions, the second glances and the ultra sexy way men look surprised when I move a certain way and they catch a glimpse (BTW…all my tats are covered if I wear a regula short sleeved top, jeans and ballet flats, which is typically what I wear unless I REALLY want to show them off)
Oh and tatted up guys (Tyson Beckford, Tyrese, 50 Cent, Maino, etc) are my WEAKNESS! Since I’ve been inked I’ve never dated a guy with zero tattooes…call it a standard…but Lil Wayne? Overkill…not cute…period.
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I’ve been told by so many people when they see my tattoos that I don’t seem like a tattoo kind of girl WTF?
I love tattoos, on men AND women!
you can see a few of my tats here
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I have a birthmark on my arm, that’s enough lol.
For real though… sometimes I want one sometimes i don’t. I feel as if I’m now getting to old for one, don’t know exactly what I’d get or where to put it. I’ll let my personality and style express my artistic side.
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Reecie Reply:
June 2nd, 2009 at 11:04 am
I feel the same way.
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Everyone wrinkles at some point in his/her life.
Tattoos on tight skin (pause?): sexay.
Tattoos on wrinkly skin: not so much.
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Everyone compliments on my complexion, how clear and smooth it is. So for myself I take more pride in that, and keeping it that way. Although I have thought about getting tattoos, and have even designed them, ultimately I go against it because I dont want to ruin my skin, and how I look. I’m a fan of other people’s tattoos, especially on the opposite sex. There’s something so sexy about a nice big tattoo on a muscular arm and nice chiseled chest. **Beware tattoos make me h—y** LOL
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JG* Reply:
June 2nd, 2009 at 12:23 pm
Hello self. LOL
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I have one very small tattoo and it’s not the most unique thing in the world at all. It’s on my shoulder. I’ve thought about getting another, but I’m hesitant of what and where it would be. Tats on women can be iffy. I like the lower back tats and hip area jawns. Gee, I wonder why?
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Chelz 'Southern, West Indian, and Inked Up w/no Remorse, Thank Yew!' the Trouble Maker Reply:
June 2nd, 2009 at 11:00 am
Hmmm…I’ve learned that the places on which my tattoos are placed have become increasingly sensitive to touch…most of my friends have said the same thing. Just an FYI Slim…
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Vanessa aka Miss V Reply:
June 2nd, 2009 at 11:11 am
whats wrong with hip and lower back tattoos?? ::rolls eyes::
i think mine are cute… nothing trampy about them.
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CHeeKZ McObvious Reply:
June 2nd, 2009 at 11:19 am
Slim likes to add his own personal touch to tatoos. He is a bit of an artist himself.
NO HOMO,this is all from second hand knowledge.
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i got my first tat last summer. i’ll probably get another one in a couple more weeks. i think all in all i want 3-4 total. i wanted wings across my back but i already have a brand on my back so that won’t work.
for all those who say they have clean and clear complexions, i don’t get the train of thought that tats will mess that up. unless you go crazy like lil wayne. shit i have a great complexion too and clear skin as well. i have 4 brands and that still hasn’t changed. oh well.
oh yeah and i love megan fox’s tats. sexy.
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LoudPen Reply:
June 2nd, 2009 at 12:09 pm
I agree. What’s with assertion that if you get tatts your skin will somehow be messed up or thrown off. I have two tattoos and I absolutely love them. I also have clear skin and a beautiful complextion and neither of my tattoos has interfered with that.
Both of my tattoos are on my back and one is my initials and the other is a black panther on my back. I’m going to get another panther on the other side of my back. Then, in the middle of the panthers will be the symbol for black feminism plus the intials of my parents, grandparents, and other black ppl. that I look up to. I look at tattoos as body art. The body is beautiful and yes, a plain no tattoo body is nice but, one that is decorated with beautiful, meaningful tattoos can be absolutely breathtaking.
And yes, tattoos may change as you age but, I look at that as a sign of getting older. The tattoo may morph and change with your body but to me this is part of the excitement. You wonder if your tattoo will change or stretch with your body or if it will stay the same.
So for those of you w/o one, take a walk on the wild side and get one.
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JG* Reply:
June 2nd, 2009 at 12:25 pm
I never said my skin would be messed up or thrown off. Just less of it to see it it’s covered up. LOL
I just can’t decide on what/where/bleh. If I have to think that hard about it, it aint that serious. Like I said, I’m more of a piercing chick eitherway. In total I’ve had 10.
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I’m a fan of ink. I have three tattoos. Two smaller ones and one that’s a bit bigger (some people think it’s huge but I don’t think it’s all that big). They’re all on my back. All of them mean something different to me. I put a lot of thought into them and I have no regrets.
I also invested a good amount of money into them. I can’t say enough that tattoos are not the thing to bargain shop for. The artist I’ve worked with is amazing and definitely worth the extra $$$.
I like that I can hide my tats if I want. Since they’re on my back and I don’t see them but so often I sometimes forget they’re there. I haven’t decided if I’ll go for the full back piece yet… I kinda like the negative space I have going on.
I do know I want at least two more. I’m big on commemorating events with tattoos. I feel like I earned each one.
I like man w/ ink, but he’s gotta have potential to begin with. It enhances my attraction but that’s not where it starts.
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I have ink and know my next 7 tatts, however, I like the element of surprise when ppl notice my tatts. They are small and inconspicuous – only seen if I show them or they ‘peek’ out a la “Lady in the Streets…” mentality.
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I have no tats. I always wanted one but never got it, primarily because I want the tat to be unique and meaningful, and I havent found the one yet. Who knows, maybe one day.
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Hey Everyone!
No tats here..just not interested in getting one. I love looking at them tho…especially on a sexy male bicep..sizzle?
“tatted up” *shivers*..who is responsible 4 that song again?
I was watching this adult film once and one of the female stars had a tat around her yahhoooo..i think it was supposed to be a butterfly..i forget…I’m sure none of the fellas would object to stick a chick with a tat on the twat (say that twice)….or would they?
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Slim Jackson Reply:
June 2nd, 2009 at 4:44 pm
It was definitely a butterfly.
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i’m so late… tats are sexy when they have a meaning and when they are well thought out. Tats are not sexy when they are:
-Your name [are you gonna forget it one day?]
-That ugly band Lynn from girlfriends has
-Tramp Stamp/Bitch Badge = yuck, especially if it’s tribal
-On your neck
No lie, saw a dude complaining on the phone about how he couldn’t get a job, but the tattoo on his neck said “business b4 pleasure” (verbatim). I think women need to take into consideration that wearing a wedding dress/ball gown/business suit with tattoos similar to Danger aka She Smashed the Homie, is ugly. No matter how pretty you are. It’s tacky and ugh. A guy with tat’s is sexy.
But I want another one [first one on the calf], going down my hip.
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I got my first tattoo when I graduated from college – its a koi fish that spans from below my breast to my hip bone. I then got a lotus flower on my wrist, but that’s gone thanks to the magic of laser treatment. My next tat will probably be a crane, humming bird or sparrow that will join my koi into one piece. No one sees my tat unless I’m naked or in a bathing suit and I love all the comments I get for it.
Tattoos on the neck, lower back, breast (women), ankle (women) are not cute. A man with tattoos on his forearm can get it – straight up.
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I’m late….
I thought about getting a tat, but I want it to be meaningful. The only thing I thought of is a tattoo of Jamaica, with a little heart marking the city of Negril…(cause that’s where my heart is…lol)
My reason is cause I’ve been to Jamaica 4 times & luv Negril, but….uhhh, I’m not from Jamaica…and that’s the only Caribbean Island I’ve been to…
So maybe I’ll wait until I check out some more… I might like the D.R. or Puerto Rico better… then what????
Hot Tattoos on men are panty droppers… I’m just sayin!
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