To tattoo or not a sly thing?

[socctty]

I have a tattoo and endorse having them. It's a Steinbeck-related tattoo on my chest. http://steinbeck.sjsu.edu/biography/pigasus.jsp

However, I would highly advise against the tribal arm band. It's so damn cliche... it's the equivalent of a girl getting a butterfly tramp stamp. Yawn! Get something that's unique to you. I like that you're designing your own tattoo, but don't go screwing it up with a band, at least a band like that. Of course if you were actually part of a tribe, or an immediate descendant of someone in a tribe, that's different. But I'm guessing you're not.

These of course are my own opinions, but I've also heard from several of the ladies that they just laugh at guys with tribal arm bands, just like they laugh at guys that get pedicures and drive BMW convertibles with techno music playing. It screams "trying to hard".

Think of it this way: every tattoo should have a story behind it. If your tattoo story is "I got it to impress chicks", then you need a different tattoo.

As far as the sly/tattoo combo, I second the notion that both are "outside of the norms of society". But both are also quickly becoming acceptable. I am 24 and I would say that most of the people in my age group have tattoos. I am in the military so it's a little more prevalent, but I wouldn't say it's unique or weird to have one, at least not as weird or unique as it is to be sly!

Although it's not unique to have a tattoo, make it unique to have your tattoo.

[Kratos]

I'm still in the process of getting one also, I think it goes great with having a shaved head.

[Mike]

I have been thinking about getting one ever since I turned 18. Now that I am nearing my 20th birthday I think I may get one on my birthday. I dont know what I want to get but I want to get one. I found a tattoo place in town that has a $20 tuesday special, I called and asked what the limits were and they said it cant be more than 3", I can even get a solid 3" square tattooed if I wanted. If I do get one it will be somewhere that can be covered up because I am friends with alot of people that dont approve of tattoos for various reasons. I found lots of information on tattoos like all the care and everything. Thats another reason I would want one that could be covered with a t-shirt because the sun wont bleach it.

[TheSlyBear]

I dont know what I want to get but I want to get one.

A recipe for disaster if you ask me. Wait until you know what you want. Then wait. If you still want it, then go get it.

[samoanseb8]

I dont know what I want to get but I want to get one.

A recipe for disaster if you ask me. Wait until you know what you want. Then wait. If you still want it, then go get it.

I second that...I waited about 3 years after deciding I wanted a tattoo to actually go through with it...and i refused to get it done by anyone other than the best, so I a great deal of time searching for the best Samoan Tattooist...and I finally found him, and the rest is history!

I'd also second the comments here saying that you should definitely make sure you get something that is personal to you, and not some run of the mill tribal tattoo...make sure it is of personal significance so it is a reminder of that, and not a trend or fad that you happened to like around the time of getting your tattoo.

[ooblie]

i think shaved heads and tattoos go hand and hand for sure!

[GASlick]

I have three and don't regret any of them.  I had the first two done before I was Sly, but they definitely compliment each other.

All three of mine have significant meaning to me.  I don't just have anything tatted on my body.  I don't care if anyone sees mine or not, they just happen to be on my arms and rt pec. 

Actually, narrowing down the art for my 4th.  Been working on it for over a year now making sure I get it just like I want it.

[Mikekoz13]

I'm going to see my artist in the next week or so about my next tattoo. I have two great ideas and I'm going to get at least another half sleeve.

[crazycoop]

if you want one that is you choise and yours alone. i have 6, started when i was 18 now 31 and would'nt change what i have. you realy do have to think about what you want cuz it is there for life. the prob is everyone i talk to says they feel uneven if they only get one on one side. i myself felt that way. so you can get hooked.

[aleutiancowboy]

Just don't mark up your sly dome with tats...keep it lookin' clean!

I hate it when guys do that. I don't mind tattoos that are done tastefully but I hate ones that just stand out and overpower somebodys features. Some of them just scream out hey look at me I'm a freak why would you wan't that? It's not only tats but they do it with body peircings now too. I think the whole sly and tattoo thing came about back in my days when most of the guys who shaved there heads were bikers and tattoos were also a part of being a biker. Now it is different.

[shaved]

I dont have any tats, but many ask me if i have as i have a shaved head and they think i must have a tat somewhere,
I think it is up to the individual if they want tats or not, and i think a tat should have some meaning to the person that gets it done.
 I think they are good on some people, but i never decided to have any done.

I went with my daughter to a tatooist as she wanted another one done , she has 5, And hair. Yes been out done by my youngest daugther, But she likes them and all have meanings to her.
And the tatoo guy straight away asked what tat i wanted done, and was surprised when i said i have none , He couldn`t believe it as he assumed i would have some as i had a shaved head, He tried to convince me to get one, But no way was i going to get one done.

But if you feel good about getting one go for it. And you can cover it with at shirt if you want to hide it for employment reasons etc

[Vash]

The one and only thing in this physical world that you will ever truly own 100% is your physical body. Any and all decisions to be made on the appearance of your body are yours and yours alone to make.

Other people, from strangers to coworkers, friends to family members are all entitled to their opinions. And if you so choose, to sharing those opinions with you. What you do with those opinions is up to you.

Ultimately, the only person who has to live in your skin is you. The only person who can make the final decision as to whether or not you want to wear ink, is you.

I got my first tattoo at 25. The tattoo's started before the head shaving, but they definitely compliment one another. Today, ten years later my arms are pretty well covered in ink, I'm looking at doing the back of my right hand and I have other pieces planned with my artist. I like me better this way. I listened carefully to my family and friends before getting the first one, and then about how far to go (staying above shirtsleeve level or not, I chose not) with my tattoos because I love and trust them. But the final choices are always mine. I am the one who has to live with the results of my choices regarding my appearance.

I personally find that I feel better and better with each one I get. It's not for everyone, but it is definitely for me.

I don't know if that helps at all. But remember the immortal words of William Shakespeare "This above all: to thine own self be true"

Best of luck.

[Tom McGarry.]

Without a doubt...go for it...but think about it...and I suggest if you're kinda not sure...livin' with a markered up version on your area you want might be a good way to have a trial run... then, do ya like what that likes like on your arm..

if yes...do it!

Just don't mark up your sly dome with tats...keep it lookin' clean!

Andre, what are you trying to say? Are you dissin my HeadBlade tattoo on the back of my SLY Dome??

[Mikekoz13]

The one and only thing in this physical world that you will ever truly own 100% is your physical body. Any and all decisions to be made on the appearance of your body are yours and yours alone to make.

Other people, from strangers to coworkers, friends to family members are all entitled to their opinions. And if you so choose, to sharing those opinions with you. What you do with those opinions is up to you.

Ultimately, the only person who has to live in your skin is you. The only person who can make the final decision as to whether or not you want to wear ink, is you.

I got my first tattoo at 25. The tattoo's started before the head shaving, but they definitely compliment one another. Today, ten years later my arms are pretty well covered in ink, I'm looking at doing the back of my right hand and I have other pieces planned with my artist. I like me better this way. I listened carefully to my family and friends before getting the first one, and then about how far to go (staying above shirtsleeve level or not, I chose not) with my tattoos because I love and trust them. But the final choices are always mine. I am the one who has to live with the results of my choices regarding my appearance.

I personally find that I feel better and better with each one I get. It's not for everyone, but it is definitely for me.

I don't know if that helps at all. But remember the immortal words of William Shakespeare "This above all: to thine own self be true"

Best of luck.

Our Friend Vash has nailed this one boys and girls! Very nice Vash.......

[Bolohead]

You could go this style.......