Poll re. good tattoo artist career for a Christian woman

[farouk]

You're right, it's a sort of benign addiction. Not like drugs, where you need more NOW! Do you?

I have not gotten a tattoo since my butterfly, but I honestly think all of my friends have tattoos (never realized that!) so I'm sure I'll be able to find someone good. I found a picture of my butterfly (it's reeeeally hard to take a good picture of the back of your own neck!). This wasnt long after I got it so it's a little red.

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Oh it's lovely @Kaileymarie and you mean to say this was once a skull? You never would have known. Anyway it's not only a good cover up (whoever thought of calling cover ups Watergate tattoos? ) it's kind of a good design in its own right, really, isn't it; reminds me a bit of the colors like you see on a Tiffany stained glass lamp design. (Can you also imagine a faith based adaptation, like with the ref. Ephesians 4.23 & 24 about new life in Him?)

Re. 'I don't know anyone who has gotten a tattoo and not wanted more.' You're quite right, getting the first one for so many people proves to be only the start of a tattoo journey; the parlor visit at 18 that so many people do is usually the first of subsequent parlor trips and I happen to think the faith based motivation for doing it is particularly strong. No, it doesn't suprise me that all of your friends happen to have done it; personal recommendation of a good parlor is often the way to go.

Blessings.

@questdriven :

It doesn't surprise me that your outlook has developed ; I guess I was thinking particularly of the design aspect of tattoos, as being a subject of interest, isn't it? (and not necessarily any firm faith based tattoo plans). Blessings.

 

[farouk]

I think it also needs to be borne in mind, when considering the tattooist career, that going to the parlor is often a family thing and it’s a service that lots of parents of teens approaching 18 actively want to participate in introducing young people to. Kind of, rather than risk them doing something unwise, have an active and moderating input into it.
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FYI, I found some quotes from parents who basically see it as something positive, and I’ve also highlighted some references to faith related designs that parents are pleased that young people want:
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I gave two of my three kids tattoos as a graduation present. It worked! So far, I have two out of three graduates, my third is only fifteen. He knows the deal, and is looking forward to his!!

They are tasteful, too!!

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You would not believe all the people who are getting tats. Might surprise you. ..This is what I did with my two boys who are now 19. At 16 they were asking for tats. I told them that when they turn 18 I will take them down to get their first one and pay, IF they waited. ..

My husband and I both have tats. (not a lot) My husband has a very good job in the business world working with lots of people from all different walks of life

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I actually designed the one tattoo for my son and it has to do with family...a celtic knot and birthdays of he and his brothers with mine in the center. It meant a lot because I raised them and it was nice he made it a permanent part of himself.

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Our 17 year old daughter wants a tattoo. ..We can't say she can't get one since both my husband and I have tattoos. Mind you, they aren't the first thing you notice on us and wouldn't notice them unless we pointed them out to you. Placement of the tat is very important as well. I was working for a very conservative, upscale law firm when I got mine. ..it's very tasteful. Also with tattoos, they can be addicting .. I do believe that if you're going to get one it should be something meaningful. As a matter of fact, I plan on getting another one soon.. Placement and size are key factors when making the decision to get a tattoo. As for the pain? I've gone through childbirth twice and I'm ecstatic with how that turned out.

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I have a 17yr old and she wants a tattoo and has wanted one for years, I would like one for myself as well, but I tell her I am taking my time and thinking about, but she needs to wait until she is 18

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I, myself, have 3 tatoos. My husband also has tatoos. I have a 15 year old daughter who I have talked to about tatoos as well. I don't have a problem with tatoos and I would rather support my daughter than not. ..I will be there with her when she gets it. I want to help her choose a reputable place to go and get her through the process. .. My career is in law enforcement and my tatoos have not hindered me being successful in any way.

source: circleofmoms.com<O:p</O:p


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[farouk]

(Cont.)

My daughter just turned 17 and that is what she has asked us to get her for her birthday. ..I do not critize her at all for getting it. Myself and my husband both have several tatoos. My which are not visible when I am at work. She knew that she wanted this exact tatoo for several years. It is very easily hidden to not affect her chosen profession. I would rather her go with my husband and myself that to look for just anyone who would do it. I trust my artist very much and they guarantee their work for a lifetime. If you place it in the right spot you do not need to worry about weight gain, sun damage and so forth.

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I myself have 2 and I plan on getting at least 2 more at some point.. My husband has one and is wanting another.. My stepson who is 26 has sleeves... Our 15 year old daughter is wanting a tat.. I told her all the risk and told her to pick out a design that she would like and that if by time her 16th birthday came around and she still wanted that design we would let her get it... We would take her to a good, clean artist.. One who gives you, your needle they use so you will always have your needle and not have to worry about getting someone elses. We also told her the importance of seeing them open the needle for peace of mind knowing it's new and it's clean..

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I personally don't mind tatoos as long as they are responsible with what is put on their body. My husband and I both have tatoos and are taking our 15 year old son for his first one this weekend. We have talked about this many times before. I felt he is old enough for one and we would have to approve whatever he got since we have to sign our consent. ..My opinion is that they are fine as long as it isn't full of sex related stuff. An armband or something simple would do. That is what my son is getting.

I have 2 teenage sons, one will be 18 and the other 19 next month, my oldest has 2 tattoos, one he got a few weeks after turning 18 and the other I took him my self to get about 5 months ago, even got one myself when we went. My youngest son can not wait to get his tattoo next month after he turns 18. I don't see what the big deal is, as long as they go to a clean place to have it done and place where they can cover it up, for work, school, ect...

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Well, at age 17, my son wanted a tattoo....being that I have "ONE"..I sat my son down and we talked....I got my first tattoo when I was 46..I along with my father who at the time was 71 and my three sisters all got our first tattoo together...we all got a family tattoo. And just this past year, ..my 71 year old mother got one .. I told him that if he did get a tattoo, that I would not only go along with him, but I would also pay for it under one condition...that I had to approve of the tattoo...his design was a cross with a banner on it ..How could I not approve?

<O:psource: circleofmoms.com

 

[farouk]

(Cont.)

My son got his (first) tattoo last October at the age of 16 from my cousin. A very reputable artist in our area. We waited for 3 years to get it. ..It's a gorgeous tattoo. A cross with rough hewn edges.. and beautiful rays of light coming from it and massive detail work. It's an amazing piece of artwork and wouldn't want for anything less for him. it took 6 hours (including drafting time) and he was a champ through the whole thing!

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My 17 year old daughter has one and I went with her to get it done it is a nice one . I did not think I would ever get one but I did and its rather nice.

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I have tattoos and so does my husband.. I feel like its a way of expressing yourself like art. .. i have told my son on his 18th bday that we will take him to get at tattoo if he wanted. Now i would be picky on what he wanted to put on but if it was his last name or .. he thought about for a while where to put and what. .. i cant wait for the day that we as a family go and get tattoos. Every tattoo that my husband and i have gotten since we have been married has been together and its a memorable experience everytime. ..I understand it .. will be on <ST1:p</ST1:pbody forever but i believe its beautiful ..

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i have tatoos so. my oldest when she got hers i found out to late. i was shocked! well i learned alot. the next daughter came to me and wanted to get a tatoo... we had a really good talk. she really wanted one so we had a conversation, o.k. she was really wanted a tatoo. .. i would pay for the tatoo but i would have input on where it was and what it was. she has her first tatoo. it was a vine .. that says wwjd. - what would jesus do. it really worked out for both of us. we both were happy.

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source: circleofmoms.com
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It does need to be acknowledged that among some Fundamentalists especially in the past the idea of young people having tattoos were supposedly relegated to expressions of youthful rebellion, etc. (They are perfectly entitled to their views, too.) But there is now ample evidence that far from being mere expressions of youthful revolt against parents, the tattoo experience is often something that moms and dads, often with tattoos of their own, are glad to nurture and participate in with their young people as they approach 18.

And when their young people choose faith related designs, often this is a special source of thrill to the moms and dads.

(Some further two cents' )

Blessings.<O:p</O:p</O:p<O:p</O:p

 

[Kaileymarie]

Yep, parents are passing down the tradition. One day everyone will be all tatted up! ;)

I got the heart with the peace sign when I was 16, my mom took me only because she approved of the tattoo. My brother on the other hand who is two years younger than me had to wait until he was 18. I'm not sure why. He always told my parents if they made him wait he was going to go crazy with them. He did, he has both sleeves, some hand work, some back and chest and some legs. I think he would have gone crazy with them anyway though!

I can see myself getting many more tattoos! Maybe my brother will start practicing more because I can't justify spending money on a tattoo with three little ones to take care of!

It seems like maybe you've been looking into these faith based tattoos quite a bit lately. Seen any you wish to share?

 

[farouk]

Yep, parents are passing down the tradition. One day everyone will be all tatted up! ;)

I got the heart with the peace sign when I was 16, my mom took me only because she approved of the tattoo. My brother on the other hand who is two years younger than me had to wait until he was 18. I'm not sure why. He always told my parents if they made him wait he was going to go crazy with them. He did, he has both sleeves, some hand work, some back and chest and some legs. I think he would have gone crazy with them anyway though!

I can see myself getting many more tattoos! Maybe my brother will start practicing more because I can't justify spending money on a tattoo with three little ones to take care of!

It seems like maybe you've been looking into these faith based tattoos quite a bit lately. Seen any you wish to share?

Kaileymarie:

Interesting that your mom took you for your first at 16. Some states insist the person be 18, other states allow it younger with parental permission which your mom obviously thought you were mature enough to have, right?

I like the idea of Scripture ref.s in ornate letters. 'John 3.16', etc., which can be talking points with people. You listed some good verses also in a previous post, didn't you?

Blessings.

 

[farouk]

PS: from back a bit

I do not believe that a woman who gets a tattoo is any less of a lady.

[MENTION=90009]elizabethbraddock[/MENTION] :

You're right; and it's clear also from the various quotes from parents, a few posts above, that receiving one is often by way of a loving gift of an enhancement to young people on the verge of adulthood; which, when integrated with a faith based design can be especially poignant for moms and dads and sons and daughters.

(If this makes sense?)

Blessings.

 

[Free Christian]

Basically agree with Jethro Bodine on this one. And I have numerous tatts on both of my arms which I got years ago. I don't think its a good choice for anyone. If I had my time again and was a Christian back then I would not have got them done. Not the ones that I have nor a faith based one. We should not mark the bodies we were given and should treat them just as we are told, like a temple. You wouldn't write anything on the wall of a temple, no matter how nice the message was. 1 Corinthians 3 v 16-17 1 Corinthians 6 v 19

 

[farouk]

Basically agree with Jethro Bodine on this one. And I have numerous tatts on both of my arms which I got years ago. I don't think its a good choice for anyone. If I had my time again and was a Christian back then I would not have got them done. Not the ones that I have nor a faith based one. We should not mark the bodies we were given and should treat them just as we are told, like a temple. You wouldn't write anything on the wall of a temple, no matter how nice the message was. 1 Corinthians 3 v 16-17 1 Corinthians 6 v 19

Free Christian:

Thanks for your comments. Just to say that those verses don't speak directly about the contemporary practice of tattooing, although if in your mind you have a private conviction about the matter using Scripture verses from which you deduce applications to which your conscience is inclined, then this is how the individual conscience works.

Romans 14 is another passage which may be said generally to apply: it's about exercising Christian liberty, which people will of course do in a variety of ways.

Personally my thing is not just, Go get a tattoo.

Not at all.

But given the very widespread existence of tattoos among men and women, and since many Christians have them, too, and they are often talking points, then maybe it's a good idea for Christians who are likely to get them to consider the effectiveness of faith based designs in striking up discussions with people (Bible ref.s, etc.).

Thanks again for your comments.

 

[elizabethbraddock]

I agree with you as well. While I have no interest in ever getting a tattoo and do not personally like them, they can have significant meaning for someone else.

PS: from back a bit

I do not believe that a woman who gets a tattoo is any less of a lady.

[MENTION=90009]elizabethbraddock[/MENTION] :

You're right; and it's clear also from the various quotes from parents, a few posts above, that receiving one is often by way of a loving gift of an enhancement to young people on the verge of adulthood; which, when integrated with a faith based design can be especially poignant for moms and dads and sons and daughters.

(If this makes sense?)

Blessings.

 

[farouk]

from back a bit:

I haven't ever been in or seen a parlor except on tv so I have no basis for a judgement on all parlor, some may be Ok.
If one of my daughters were to decide to do tat's I would not want her in someone else's establishment where she did not have full control of the clientele and as I said before no men allowed..

[MENTION=93058]Deborah13[/MENTION] :

Maybe you've seen some of the shows such as LA Ink, Miami Ink and NY Ink, etc. Some of the artwork done in these parlors is really amazing.

Anyway, increasingly some parlors are more like highly sanitised spa salons and I guess where I'm coming from is the idea that many Christians see value in combining witness joy in faith based designs, with the amazing skill and artwork that is out there.

Yes, a service specifically for women would have a definite niche; I agree with you. (In any case, women have completely achieved tattoo equality, haven't you ladies?)

Blessings.

 

[Deborah13]

Maybe you've seen some of the shows such as LA Ink, Miami Ink and NY Ink, etc. Some of the artwork done in these parlors is really amazing.

No, I haven't, we just don't watch much TV.
Times have definitely been progressive, some good, some bad, and some just by ones point of view.
Clearly women have made some decisions we didn't see in the past.
I'm hoping Lexy will tell a story on your piercing thread about a friend of her's. It's a Praise the Lord!

 

[farouk]

Maybe you've seen some of the shows such as LA Ink, Miami Ink and NY Ink, etc. Some of the artwork done in these parlors is really amazing.

No, I haven't, we just don't watch much TV.
Times have definitely been progressive, some good, some bad, and some just by ones point of view.
Clearly women have made some decisions we didn't see in the past.
I'm hoping Lexy will tell a story on your piercing thread about a friend of her's. It's a Praise the Lord!

[MENTION=93058]Deborah13[/MENTION] :

Okay, fine. I guess I meant also, in response to your comment about a service doing women only, that in any case 60% of parlor clients in North America are women, apparently (parlors in some areas report 70% women), hence the reference to tattoo equality. (A positive thing, even, do you think? or at least one with potential for faith related witness designs, since I think proportionately more women than men love the Lord, or at least are more devoted to Him.)

Well, Lexy's story sounds like it might be interesting!

Blessings to you and yours.

 

[Deborah13]

(A positive thing, even, do you think? or at least one with potential for faith related witness designs, since I think proportionately more women than men love the Lord, or at least are more devoted to Him.)

lol. I think that it has the potential of reaching out to certain people and maybe making an opening for a chance to witness.

I am kind of old fashion in some ways I guess. I don't look down on women who get tattoos or judge them to be a certain way because of that. But....
I just don't like seeing them on women. Maybe I'm just too old. Guys get tattoos, girls wear nail polish. But that's just me.

 

[farouk]

lol. I think that it has the potential of reaching out to certain people and maybe making an opening for a chance to witness.

I am kind of old fashion in some ways I guess. I don't look down on women who get tattoos or judge them to be a certain way because of that. But....
I just don't like seeing them on women. Maybe I'm just too old. Guys get tattoos, girls wear nail polish. But that's just me.

@Deborah13 :<O:p</O:p
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Yes, there is a lot of potential in witness, for faith based designs. Like you say, making an opening for witness. Re. not liking seeing them on women, well this is fine. I think you’ll find that these days there are many moms who are just glad to pass on a bit of advice, based on their personal experience of going under the tattooist’s needle, to their daughters. You may have seen a few quotes from earlier, some about moms who want their daughters to share in it: of which this one from Cathi is typical:
i have tatoos so. my oldest when she got hers i found out to late. i was shocked! well i learned alot. the next daughter came to me and wanted to get a tatoo... we had a really good talk. she really wanted one so we had a conversation, o.k. she was really wanted a tatoo. .. i would pay for the tatoo but i would have input on where it was and what it was. she has her first tatoo. it was a vine .. that says wwjd. - what would jesus do. it really worked out for both of us. we both were happy.
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<O:pRe. Cathi's comment, immediately above, it's kind of clear that she is simply thrilled by the idea of her daughter sharing in witness joy using this means.</O:p
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<O:pBut if you don't like them, it's not for everyone, is it?</O:p
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<O:pBlessings.

PS: Others in a similar vein (from circleofmoms.com ) :

Originally Posted by Nakia
I, myself, have 3 tatoos. My husband also has tatoos. I have a 15 year old daughter who I have talked to about tatoos as well. I don't have a problem with tatoos and I would rather support my daughter than not. ..I will be there with her when she gets it. I want to help her choose a reputable place to go and get her through the process. .. My career is in law enforcement and my tatoos have not hindered me being successful in any way.
..

Originally Posted by Cheraki
I myself have 2 and I plan on getting at least 2 more at some point.. My husband has one and is wanting another.. My stepson who is 26 has sleeves... Our 15 year old daughter is wanting a tat.. I told her all the risk and told her to pick out a design that she would like and that if by time her 16th birthday came around and she still wanted that design we would let her get it... We would take her to a good, clean artist.. One who gives you, your needle they use so you will always have your needle and not have to worry about getting someone elses. We also told her the importance of seeing them open the needle for peace of mind knowing it's new and it's clean..
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[farouk]

@Deborah13 :

PS: In some states 18 is the norm. In others, it's allowed with parental permission for teens under 18s. I guess I don't have a strong view on the age limit. (I suppose you do?)

Blessings.

 

[Abbiedobis]

I don't think it's a sin at all. I think what matters is placement. If your getting a naked girl, or a something on your boob that will draw attention to that area, well that is a different story. I've always wanted to get a cross. To open up conversations about God. Also, to understand WHY you want it is also something to think about.

 

[Free Christian]

I know those vs don't speak about tattoo's as neither do many other numerous Bible vs speak directly about many of our modern day situations. They do point too however, no in fact teach us, the fact that our bodies are not ours, but Gods. True?
Are our bodies ours, or Gods? Do those verses teach us directly that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit of God?

 

[farouk]

I know those vs don't speak about tattoo's as neither do many other numerous Bible vs speak directly about many of our modern day situations. They do point too however, no in fact teach us, the fact that our bodies are not ours, but Gods. True?
Are our bodies ours, or Gods? Do those verses teach us directly that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit of God?

Free Christian:

Yes, indeed. But what about also the idea of using it with the motive of honoring God in witness? @Abbiedobis 's post, immediately above, expresses it very clearly. Romans 14 also teaches Christian liberty and matters of personal conscience. For example, a pastor's wife or college student or grandmother with a Bible ref. on a wrist is presumably doing it with the motive of having a God honoring witness. As @Abbiedobis indicates, their effectiveness as conversation-starters is very well known.

Blessings.

 

[evenifigoalone]

I know those vs don't speak about tattoo's as neither do many other numerous Bible vs speak directly about many of our modern day situations. They do point too however, no in fact teach us, the fact that our bodies are not ours, but Gods. True?
Are our bodies ours, or Gods? Do those verses teach us directly that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit of God?

This would definitely mean that we shouldn't do anything on or with our bodies that would dishonor God.

Our body is God's temple, according to Scripture. Would writing on a temple wall be wrong, if the intent is to honor God? Should we perhaps examine OT practices to do with the temple in order to see what is and is not permissible to do with our bodies?