The compass rose looks great. They all look nice, but I think I like that one the best so far.

Cool beans.

I love them both.  The nautical star has a great rockabilly feel.  I guess because they are more classic designs.  The compass rose came out fabulous too. 

Whine~I want another tattoo. 

Kelly,

Yes, Toni is the same.  While she really likes all of the work I've had done, she really digs the compass rose.  He did such a superb job on lifting an otherwise plain tattoo.  Happy is da man!

Sancho,

Thanks mate. 

Amy,

Yes, they're very old school indeed.  I know lots of rockers and punks who have these stars as tattoos, which is part of the reason I got one.  It is a symbolic acknowledgement of my rock and punk roots.  Apparently, the compass rose is an old school idea too but I haven't seen many inked folk with one.  I think mine, in particular, is one of a kind.  I love it.

What would you get done?

It looks like ouch, for the record. What does it feel like to get a tattoo, anyway?

Sancho,

Well, I'm not going to say they don't hurt but it is kind of a good hurt, if you know what I mean (and not in a masochistic way either).  I think the best way to describe it is if you think of a cat meticulously scratching you.  I've heard some say it is like having hot needles dragged over your skin but it doesn't feel like this to me.

Pain, and way it affects each of us, is so subjective anyway, I'm not sure whether my description does it any justification.  But you have a good imagination, so hopefully you've got an idea of what it feels like.  Personally, it doesn't bother me too much, which is why I keep going back.

I've always wanted one (a small, eight-spoked wheel on my wrist, that fits right under a watch band) but I doubt I'll ever get one.

I think I've got a decent idea of what it feels like now, though.

Hmm, I like the idea except you wouldn't be able to wear a watch over it until it healed.  I could say something about you only live once and go on, do it, but I know tattoos are not for everyone.  In fact, it has only recently, I saw a example of ignorant prejudice because of my tattoos.  I won't say anything more, but a lot of people think tattoos mean one of two things: either I'm a violent troublemaker or I've been in prison.

Well, I hope so.  As I said, pain and the way we perceive it is subjective anyway.  Heck, for all I know, you might enjoy it or you might not be able to stand even 5 minutes under the needle. 

I figured not, but once I'm an old professor, I could always keep it to myself - while it would (I think) always be meaningful to me, I don't know if I want my students seeing their stuffy old prof. with a tat.



And that's, deep down, the thing that keeps me from getting one. People automatically make judgment calls like that. While ridiculous, it's a prevalent part of our culture.

At any rate, I think yours are cool. It fits you. I'm excited to see how they turn out when it's all done.

I have been leaning towards a octopus.  I really love the sailor jerry tattoo designs.  I love the sparrows but then sometimes think I want to be more original.  I've also thought about the whole punk rock girl, skull with a bow. Oh and how can I forget maybe a dia de los muertos calavera or a sacred heart.  Maybe a Frida angel, that would be a more original one.  I have also thought about doing a memorial tatt for my dad.  I can't decide.  Now I just paint myself and they wash off.  It's not the same. 

I think you might find the last thing the kids would think of you would be old and stuffy, particularly if you had a tat.  But I take your point.

I know...  It is one of the traits of modern society I get riled up about.  All hasty judgements do is highlight an individual's ignorance and narrowmindedness.

Thanks mate.  But I bet you're no where near as excited as I am.

I think deciding what you would have is the hardest thing about getting a tattoo.  I've heard stories about people walking into a tattoist, picking something off the flash sheets and getting it done.  The same people usually end up walking in a few months later wanting a cover up or, worse still, blaming the tattoist for letting them get it done.  What is it they say about a fool and his money?

I really like old school tattoos, Sailor Jerry, cheesecake girls, stars, sparrows etc.  But my tattoos are very personal and I find that, given there are so many people with old school tats these days, I really want my to be something outside this while perhaps incorporating some bits and pieces of old school imagery.  My left arm is going to be dedicated to my love of animals.  I'm planning a sleeve that will incorporate lizards, snakes, birds, insects and a feline of some sort.  I'm not quite sure exactly how this is going to be achieved yet but I know it is what I want.

I have a lizard on my foot.  That is my only tatt so far.  I have a friend who did a series on his arm that is like the fish evolving into a bird.  I don't know if that really describes it well.  I wish I had a pic.  He has a fish and a pelican eating a fish.  I can't remember what came in between. 

OOOh, me likey!  I like the galaxy idea!