Devious6

@Gingerninja That is gorgeous!!

Welcome to the forum!

Welcome back!!!

When I began looking for my first - have had it about 4 months now - I searched for images that appealed to me and reflected my personality. As it turned out, the one I chose had some tribal lines along with the wolf head. I had not idea that tribal was "out" and, honestly, even when someone commented on it when I first posted a picture in a tattoo forum, I don't care if others find it outdated. I'm not trying to please anyone else - I selected it and got it for me. So, from my perspective, what is trendy or fashionable is unimportant to me. If you like it - go for it.

I love it @oboogie!

@marley mission - that is sweet!!

I enjoy showing mine - just one so far - because people tend to be surprised by it. As a retired senior Army officer and now a college president, I enjoy breaking the stereotype. If people push for tolerance, acceptance and inclusion then they also need to overcome their pre-conceived ideas of people who have tattoos.

I guess I may be the oldest here at 61. It took me until 4 months ago to get my first. I'm planning my second for September of this year only because I enjoy swimming and don't want to miss any pool time this summer. At my age, I'm not sure what, if anything, I'll do after this next one. I came back to edit this after re-reading because my last sentence seemed to indicate age was driving my thoughts - it isn't. Honestly, getting my first tattoo has actually energized me in some ways. It came in conjunction with losing 25lbs (so far) to get me down to my weight when I was in the Army. I'm wearing tank shirts and sleeveless shirts - something I really never did before - to show my ink. I really enjoy looking at the work others are having done. And I find myself really wanting to get my next one done now...not wait. But, it's just more practical to wait until fall. I am blessed...or cursed...with a good amount of body hair so that drives space availability issues. My upper arms and shoulders are pretty clear so they are perfect spots. The rest, not so much and I don't want to spend my retirement shaving my body. So, for me, inside and on my biceps and inside my forearms are possible. I've approached my first and next tattoos by looking for designs that speak to me - that relate to who I am and how I want to be remembered. Perhaps that's a reflection of my starting at this point in my life. Certainly, though, my experience on 9/11 in the Pentagon caused me to look at life differently. Any time you find yourself part of a Smithsonian exhibition and you're still alive to see it, you need to reflect a bit on what you want to do with the rest of your life. So, in answer to the OP's question, for me it isn't about a specific time or number. It is about an emotional tie to a design that drives my desire to get that next piece of art.

Sent an email off to Chuck a few weeks ago but didn't get a response. I found something that was similar in the flash archives at Lucky's - close but not it, I think.

Welcome back!!

@Dan Get it done, man! I waited until I was 57 for many of the same reasons and had a grandmother who died from colon cancer. My wife and I finally decided to have them done. She was clear and I had a pre-cancerous polyp which was removed during the procedure. I just had my 3 year follow up colonoscopy last fall and was clear. The procedure itself is so easy I was amazed. Even the prep isn't as bad as people say it is. In fact, the prep was the worst part and that wasn't bad at all. odds are you are fine and having that piece of mind will be priceless. And, even if something is found, treatment today is much better the even a few years ago with good outcomes. You do have amazing tattoos! But I'd prefer to have you around to guide us through our own journeys. You need to have that piece of mind to truly enjoy those trips to Hawaii....and I want to see those beach pics for years to come. Now, listen to the Colonel and get your ass in there, literally, and get the procedure done. Anyone who says they aren't scared in your situation is lying. I know I was. But, believe me, not knowing really is worse.

Took my mom for an oncologist follow-up this morning - confirmed lung cancer. Her health already puts her in a risky category for even a biopsy and chemo/radiation would probably cause more damage than it would cure. She opted for no treatment - anywhere from 6 months to 3 years prognosis. Lost my Dad back in '97. I knew this was coming but still......

My artist recommended 2 to 3 weeks before immersing mine after the first as well as the final work.

It was hot and humid here yesterday. After worl, Lynn and I went out and finished putting up the fencing around her flower garden - just short of 300 yards of fencing - then went out and crewed for a hot air balloon flight. We got home about 8:45 and went down and jumped in the pool to cool off - water temp was 82 deg. Aaaaahhhhh. I love this weather.

I guess I'm just not observant enough - it took until I knes exactly where to look before I saw the difference in the handle. I also think it looks great!

That is one beautiful eagle @Graeme! I love the detail. I, too, am having major jealousy - my next is definitely going to be an eagle!

Ugh. I hope it lightens up over time!! Still looks awesome, though!

Welcome!!! Of course, no one would EVER just post mindless drivel to get his post count up!!! Oh. Well. Never mind.

Welcome to the forum!

Welcome, @kitti! I look forward to seeing your next piece of art!

Once you've found an artist you are comfortable with, he/she will help you solidify your ideas. I think that finding the right artist is critical if you think you want your first to ultimately be part of a sleeve. Starting with something that will thematically fit into a larger piece - or not, if you opt not to go further - seems smart. Even the memorial could be part of a larger piece - something along the lines of a WWII tribute, etc. You will find lots of discussion material about pain and pain management techniques here and around the internet. There are certainly parts of the body that are generally more sensitive than others...but everyone senses pain differently. I will let those with much more experience guide you here but in my case my first is a fairly large piece on my upper arm/shoulder - which is noted as one of the least painful areas. For me, I felt nothing I would call pain - more like scratching and irritation. But again, we all have different pain tolerance levels. I loved your reference to M1 Garands. My dad was a Marine who enlisted at the end of WWI and later served in Korea. I have a great picture of him at Parris Island holding his Garand. I collect and shoot military surplus weapons - have a small collection - and have two Garands. Here's a picture of me shooting on my range. You can see the last shell casing ejecting to the upper front and the 8 round en bloc ejecting to the rear just in front of my head. The infamous M1 Garand "ping!" Good luck in your quest!!

Welcome to the forum! I am a newbie both to the forum and tattoos - just got my first about 3 months ago. Tons of great advice, support and fellowship here.

Wow! Excellent work on both - the line work IS amazing!

It looks great! Get more!!

Personally, I don't go back and read an entire thread when I respond to a post. Oboogie wasn't singling you out, she responded to your comment. If you see that as being singled out, that's your issue. In reality, it's just a response to a statement.