Patrick

I work in the software industry as well. When I was at a start-up, it didn't matter at all that I was tattooed. Now that I am a more formal, publicly traded company, things are a bit different. I work in creative, but still get some hairy eyeballs from people in marketing or finance every now and then. My boss told me it should be fine for me to get my neck done, but I really feel that I would just be shooting myself in the foot.

I don't think that being tattooed should matter at all in the workplace, but that just is not the way of the world (yet). If you want to be tattooed, then you should just take for granted that (depending on your career) you may have to cover up at work.

As far as the playground goes...I know exactly what you mean. Recently, I have been taking my daughter to the playground every day (weather permitting). Most of the parents there tend to steer clear of me. There are a couple that are friendly and will return a hello, but for the most part I feel like I am surrounded by the Stepford Wives. It doesn't seem to matter that I am just there to play with my kiddo, like everyone else.

I think I have gotten more attention while traveling for having a big beard than I have for having tattoos. Haha.

My wife and I have tattoos with our anniversary date in them. Even if our marriage goes belly-up someday, that date will still signify something that was pretty major in my life. I can either look back on it fondly, or I can look back on it as a reminder of lessons learned. Either way, I don't think it will be a tattoo that I regret.

Here is Lord Sharkington III. He's a gentlemanly fire breathing shark coming out of some slimy fleshy rose petals...and there are some spider webs too. Why not?

He was tattooed by Orrin Hurley.

Click the thumbnail for a larger version.

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My name is Patrick and I'm a collector from New England. I have a good mix of pieces in my collection, with work from 18 (I think) tattooers so far. Since my daughter came along, I have slowed down quite a bit (with my wife making up for lost time due to the pregnancy, haha). I have a handful of small open areas left, and a couple of large ones. Hopefully I can get started on filling some of that space in the near future.

See you in the forums!

Cheers!