Tattoos

[soistes]

I agree that some look good (to me) and some look bad (to me) and it's all a matter of personal taste. The key objection, and why I'd never do it, or encourage my kids to do so, is that tastes change dramatically over time, but tattoos can be fairly permanent. How many people wear the same clothes and hairstyles as they did 20 years ago (yes, I know you can see a few at the Amex any Saturday...)? Tastes change, and you can change most things about your appearance and lifestyle as they change -- you'd have to be pretty confident in still liking the same inky scribble under your skin, to want to sign up to it for a lifetime. That's quite apart from the fact that even a good tattoo is liable to spread and fade over time, and look less good.

But maybe it's just because I'm an economist that I can't understand the rationality of tattoos.

see

http://freakonomics.com/2010/05/19/tattoonomics-part-i/

http://stumblingandmumbling.typepad...2013/08/tattoos-options-cognitive-biases.html

 

[red star portslade]

Some can be quite tasteful.

 

[Lenny Rider]

Some can be quite tasteful

View attachment 47494

Loved him in Beverly Hills Cop

 

[JJ McClure]

My mate has got tattoos of a packet of tic-tacs and a jar of marmite on his calf. I don't get it. I simply don't get it.

 

[Billy the Fish]

Just like most things in life good ones are good and poor ones are not. I do not have any but my wife has most of her back done, tops of her arms and her foot; they look great on her. She put a lot of thought into hers. And I do think they look great on girls in general; Berlin is stuffed with inked ladies.

I have noticed an increase in neck and hand tattoos on the youth though. I do wonder if there will some regret when they're older but this is as far as any negativity towards tattoos goes.

Women tattoos do seem much better on the continent. I've seen some quality artwork in spain and eastern europe and it generally fits in with their style of haircut and clothing. Over here it's getting better now, with the trend of going for actual artwork rather than those dreadful tribal patterns at the base of their back or a shitty dolphin.

The "it'll look crap when you're old and wrinkly" argument doesn't wash for me. In 20 or 30 years time there will be so many old people with tattoos it'll just be normal. Also, body issues aren't important at that age anyway.

I don't have any tats BTW

 

[Deleted member 18477]

I'm not really a fan of tattoo's but have no problem whatsoever with anyone who does have them.

 

[robinsonsgrin]

my ex had one on each of his upper arms... I grew to like them eventually! sleeves or forearms really don't do it for me. I do recall asking liam bridcutt at the sponsor's dinner the other year why he is covered in tatts... it does seem to be a badge of honour in the footballing fraternity these days. but, each to their own.

 

[middletoenail]

Unfortunately, if you want to be taken seriously in the corporate world in senior positions then discreet tattoos are your only option.

 

[paul & shark]

BHA ones
England ones
1 for a bet
ex birds name covered up

all sorts of shit on my body

 

[fat old seagull]

I have a tattoo of Gus Poyet and have been considering having it altered by adding some facial hair to resemble Oscar. But feel that as it's on my arse it might not be fair I'll keep it as it is

 

[paul & shark]

you have a great username

 

[Herr Tubthumper]

Unfortunately, if you want to be taken seriously in the corporate world in senior positions then discreet tattoos are your only option.

Really? Not in contempory, creative industries or scientific fields. If you want to be taken seriously in these corporate worlds display a brilliant mind. The CEO of Bank of America has some good quotes about this.

 

[Twinkle Toes]

It's just a trend born from the desperate human urge for "individuality" and recognition.

It certainly can be very impressive and artistic, but the skin is a poor quality canvas that ages rapidly - if you were really into art, you would buy something to hang on your wall instead.

Since when has an appreciation of art been purely about buying a picture & hanging it on your wall?

You evidently haven't got a clue about the subject - let alone the myriad of reasons why people have been having tattoos for many centuries.

 

[Herr Tubthumper]

I agree that some look good (to me) and some look bad (to me) and it's all a matter of personal taste. The key objection, and why I'd never do it, or encourage my kids to do so, is that tastes change dramatically over time, but tattoos can be fairly permanent. How many people wear the same clothes and hairstyles as they did 20 years ago (yes, I know you can see a few at the Amex any Saturday...)? Tastes change, and you can change most things about your appearance and lifestyle as they change -- you'd have to be pretty confident in still liking the same inky scribble under your skin, to want to sign up to it for a lifetime. That's quite apart from the fact that even a good tattoo is liable to spread and fade over time, and look less good.But maybe it's just because I'm an economist that I can't understand the rationality of tattoos.

see

http://freakonomics.com/2010/05/19/tattoonomics-part-i/

http://stumblingandmumbling.typepad...2013/08/tattoos-options-cognitive-biases.html

That's life. I've spreaded, faded and look less good over time.

 

[marshy68]

seagull on my shoulder very tasteful me thinks.

 

[backson]

I have a tattoo of Gus Poyet and have been considering having it altered by adding some facial hair to resemble Oscar. But feel that as it's on my arse it might not be fair I'll keep it as it is

Can you not just grow some arse hair?

 

[Shropshire Seagull]

When I see anyone with tats I immediately feel sorry for them.
I have little appreciation for any art so see their display as nothing more than self imposed body mutilation.
Like a freak birth-mark or elephant-man type disability but that they chose to have.

My bad?

The other bit I don't get is people that have tats put where they can only see them with the aid of a mirror. e.g. anywhere on their back, bum, neck, etc. So its done, but not for you're own visual enjoyment That is perverse ....

 

[Herr Tubthumper]

The reason a vast majority of people get tattoos has absolutely nothing to do with art, they just do it because they think it looks good - because it is fashionable.

There are some who take it more seriously and consider it an actual art form, but it is just a pretense - they just like decorating themselves for aesthetic reasons. I personally wouldn't spoil my skin by being a canvas for a tattoo artist, but it's obvious why people do it.

Have you ever considered what the term 'art' means to different people? For some it is purely aesthetic. My favourite piece of art (Gerhard Richter's Dom Window) I like for what it stands for, what it tried to achieve, the design process, the technology and how it looks. To contrast, I really like some of Hirst's big spin paintings purely for no other reason than they they look good. If it looks good...it is to do with art. You do not need the backing of an academic thesis, it can be simple reasons.

 

[Twinkle Toes]

The reason a vast majority of people get tattoos has absolutely nothing to do with art, they just do it because they think it looks good - because it is fashionable.

There are some who take it more seriously and consider it an actual art form, but it is just a pretense - they just like decorating themselves for aesthetic reasons. I personally wouldn't spoil my skin by being a canvas for a tattoo artist, but it's obvious why people do it.

You evidently have some pretty strong opinions on the subject, although I would suggest that your misguided views are born out of ignorance & a lack of personal experience. I agree that the aesthetic element is important, but individual motivations for having any amount of tattoos is as far more varied than the designs; & infinitely more complex than the practical process. Perhaps you should summon up the courage to have a tattoo yourself & see if your point of view becomes less entrenched? You never know 'til you've tried it.

 

[dejavuatbtn]

They all look sh*t after a few years when the skin starts to stretch and wrinkle. Those with sleeves will find it all merging into a complete blur. Waste of money imo, although each to their own. Both my sons have them!