Is it rude to ask people what their tattoos mean?
It all depends on how you word your question. Don't just blurt out, "Hey, what's your tattoo mean?" It makes it sound like you don't like it and you're wondering what possessed the person to get it. But, if you say something like, "Excuse me, I was just admiring your tattoo and I wanted to know it's meaning." Or, you could say, "Nice tattoo, what language is that, or is that American art or...What is the significance of the 'fill in the blank'?" That should cover all the bases, whether it be writing, an animal or unrecognizable art. Tattoos should be and most often are personal, so sometimes their meaning goes unnoticed by all except the person showcasing it or their closest friends. If the answer you get is something you find stupid or too strange to appreciate, just keep it to yourself and say something like, "Interesting" or "I've never seen anything like it before" Then excuse yourself or find another way to change the subject.
Do you find it annoying when people ask you about yor tattoos?
I get asked about them a ton, and yes it does annoy me sometimes. I knew it was going to come with the territory, just didn't realize to what degree. A lot of times people use them as conversation pieces though and I have met some really cool people that way. I have also met some real jerks, but you must take the good with the bad. I have meaning to 4 of my 6 tattoos. Four of those are visual representations of things anyway so if I don't feel like telling the meaning, I really don't have to. I do agree that tattoo shows have made people think that every tattoo must have meaning, and I think that it's good to have meaning to your first one, but I am far past the point of having meaning. I've had just under 40 hours worth of work and I ran out of "meaning" at about 25 hours. Now I get pieces of art from some great artists that will be with me forever!
Why do some people like pain ?( tattoo?)?
All tattoos and piercings are hurt, painful and annoying... but if you decide to get one job done you have to deal with all those things... some people when they get inked focused on the pain that's why some of the even passed out while their getting tattoos. Some artist try to talk to the client so they don't think about the pain, some client brings friend and makes some jokes to makes "the victim" feels lil bit relax... my opinion is whenever you getting ink just focus on the design and the finish product talk about that and makes you feel excited because after that you will wearing a million dollar skin that nobody has it in this universe...
Do you mind when people stare at your tattoos? Plus- BQ?
Do you ever have strangers stare at your tattoos? I have sleeves with a lot of color so this happens a lot...I notice it especially when I am in line somewhere like a store. People are bored and they just STARE at my ink! Some heavily tattooed people get annoyed by this but I find it amusing. If I don't want to be looked at, I put on a long sleeve shirt. I don't care. If people like the way I look let them look. To all modified/tattooed people: Do people stare at you? Do you like it? Do you hate it? Do you find it funny? Or do you not care? I find it funny. Bonus question: Has anyone ever said a rude comment about your ink? I have never had this happen, at least not to my face. BQ2: Have compliments ever come from unlikely people? This happens to me all the time...I have gotten compliments from old ladies, little kids and people in business suits. Does this happen to anyone else?
What is the most annoying thing to hear as a tattoo artist?
Indecisive and impatient people.I get somewhat annoyed when someone wants a tattoo but spends hours looking because they don’t know what they want… they just want one.This results in a tattoo they tolerate, versus a tattoo they really want because it actually means something to them. Every tattoo I have means something. EVERY LAST ONE. I don’t recommend getting a tattoo just because you “want one”. Tattoos to me, are like pictographs and/or hieroglyphics. They are the story that you tell of your life and things that mean the most to you. (Symbolism, triumphs, memories, inspirations, etc.)I also get a little agitated when someone says that I’ve miss something while I’m still working on it.Occasionally, I’ll stop and look at what I’m doing to make sure that I’m see the picture and not just lines. That’s usually when they point out what I’ve “missed”.When I am ready, I’ll stop and wash the area, make any adjustments then ask the client if they do see anything that I have missed, before I medicate it. However, I find it incredibly distracting if someone is constantly pointing to things that I either haven’t gotten to or am currently working on.Sometimes I’ll use what I call “guide lines” to help me focus on the bigger picture when doing a “cover up” and occasionally someone will point out “that line isn’t finnished” to which I reply “yeah, I haven't gotten there yet.”Every artist is different. Some start and finish in a fan motion going from right to left or left to right, others just jump around. I’m what they call a “professional scratcher” I taught myself and my techniques aren’t exactly by the book but I work with how I’m comfortable to ensure the piece comes out correctly. Some artists use free handed lines others use markers or stencils.It’s all about the artists’ preference and their interpretation of art that helps them make beautiful pieces. The only thing I ask, is be patient and know EXACTLY what you want before getting a tattoo.
I find it so annoying when strangers ask the meaning behind my tattoos and/or try to show me theirs. Does anyone else feel this way?
I sort of feel the same way.I love my tattoos. One is easily visible (armband on my bicep) when I wear short sleeve or sleeveless tops, the other is not so much (piece across my hips on my back. NOT a trampstamp!).I got both because I love tattoos and I love dragons. That’s it. There’s no great empowering story behind them. When people ask for the meaning and I say “I like dragons” they tend to look at me like I’m not living up to their expectations to entertain them.Screw that.Now I don’t mind when people say they like my tattoo or ask to look at it or ask what it is (if you are at the wrong angle, it is hard to tell). I don’t mind if they ask who did it or where did I get it. I don’t even really mind if they show me theirs if it somewhat ties into what mine is.But not every tattoo has a grand story behind it. Some tattoos are gotten because the person wearing them loves to decorate their body and loves the particular theme. And that’s it.
Do you love to hear people compliment your tattoos (you know maybe we are out numbering the haters after all)?
I don't mind it. I mean, that's what you get when you get tattoos in visable areas, but the number one reason i got them was for me. The admiration from the spectators is amusing, and i usually take that as a chance to recruit another person to the "dark side". My husband and i get it a lot when we go out because we are both heavily tattoo'd with brightly colored pieces in very visable areas so it kinda turns you into something that gets stared at. At times i find it annoying, but what kills me is when people try to touch them. I'm such a germaphobe with it comes to strangers, so when a random person just grabs your arm and begins turning it about to look at the ink it takes a lot to keep me from growling at it. It's call PERSONAL SPACE people!!! :) Lookies, but no touchies!
What is a polite way of asking a stranger about their tattoo, especially if it is only half visible or in a foreign language?
First and for most do not touch them! I hate it and have had it happen to me multiple times where people will ask to see one of mine and immediately grab me. If the person seems open to discussing it here is how to do that. The interactions I have had and not minded go something like this:Hi there I noticed you have a tattoo, can I ask you about it?Sure, which one? (I hold out my arms to show them but again not touch)That oneOh well that is a labyrinth that is also a compass… it means …I really like it thanks for taking the time to talk to me about it.If I am open about it then I will gladly show it off an explain it. I hate being called out in the middle of a group about it and then endless “but what does it mean” Some of mine have no meaning I just like how they look. Don’t ask me if it hurt, don't start touching it and don’t critique it.Negative experiences I have had:People grabbed it and pulled on my arm“did it hurt”- DuhI even had someone stop me on the street, say it looked like a devil symbol (it is not but even if it was mind your own business) and offer to pray for meAsk what I do for a living since i have tattoos- I am not a drug dealer, criminal or professional artist, I am in charge of teaching your child lol