STRONGLY considering a tattoo!

[casualmadness]

Just my two cents...

I have several tattoos. I got my first when I was around your age (I believe I was 32). I was in the miltiary and had just returned from my first tour in Iraq. I wanted an old school military piece. Something that looked like what the WWII era guys were getting. So I wandered into a shop with some cash and ideas and lost my tattoo virginity to a guy called Ted.
No regrets.
I went on to get more for different reasons. Some have very deep meanings and some are more about the art. Some peopel hate them, some people love them.
If you're worried about it being permanent, don't worry because while the tattoo is (though you can get is lasered off if you really hate it) life isn't permanent.
I have a very large piece on one of my legs. There's a small part fo the piece that I'm unhappy with and want to have re-worked. The artist who did it got in a hurry and made some mistakes. But a good artist will be able to fix it. I just have to get the extra cash. Currently I don't have it.
But even looking at the mistakes on that piece-it doesn't bother me. I know my reason for the piece and I'm happy to look at it. And I know that the only issue is just a slight cosmetic one. So it doesn't bother me. But I will have it fixed.
I don't think anyone can tellyou to get a tattoo or not to get a tattoo. That's your call. But you gotta keep in mind, a lot fo people have strong feelings about tattoos. So many will say "don't do it! You'll regret it! They make you look trashy!" Just as many other will encourage you to get one.
But ultimately you are the one who has to live with it if you get it.
No way to test drive it. If you get it and regret it, you can always get it lasered off.

 

[capnsandwich]

My first tattoo is a double bass clef, in a ying-yang formation, on my right wrist. I still like the tattoo but I wish I would have gotten some color added to it. Since then I've added several more including a half sleeve on my left arm. I'd get more if money permitted it. I've got lots of ideas.

As far as your tattoo is concerned, get something that is personal, something that's a part of who you are as a person or as a musician. Whatever you get, let it express your personality and/or where you came from. All my tattoos do this and people know right away that I'm a musician. I've even gotten a few recording gigs from the conversations my tattoos have started. They're great ice breakers and chick magnets.

 

[Eric Perry]

I have none. The only thing I ever strongly considered was Sgt. Floyd Pepper standing with his bass and amp on my upper arm. I love the Muppets, i really never did grow up, and i play bass. Perfect, right? I just never followed through though.

 

[1SHOT1HIT]

Just so we're all on the same page!

I am NOT hoping someone on the Internet is going to pop onto my screen and make this decision for me.
That was never my expectation when starting this thread.

Just wanted to hear others who may have had similar experiences, and what made them finally take the leap.
Maybe a horror story or two to give me a little more food for thought.
And to see of any cool ideas poked their face's out.

Having said that, thanks I think I've decided I'm definitely going to do it, just feel like I should put a little more thought into it before committing.
No sense rushing into it.
And I'm sure when the right idea comes, I'll know.
And if it never does, than that's my sign it just wasn't for me.

Either way, I'm aware that it's my decision to make.
I appreciate everyone's advice so far.

 

[Unrepresented]

Having said that, thanks I think I've decided I'm definitely going to do it, just feel like I should put a little more thought into it before committing.
No sense rushing into it.
And I'm sure when the right idea comes, I'll know.
And if it never does, than that's my sign it just wasn't for me.

Either way, I'm aware that it's my decision to make.
I appreciate everyone's advice so far.

That seems like a reasonable position. Make sure:

a) a tattoo is something you want
b) a tattoo is something you'll always want
c) the subject matter will be permanently meaningful to you (avoid brand names, lovers, catchphrases, and favorite cartoon characters)
d) make sure that the location is somewhere you'll always be comfortable covering --occupations change, as do dress codes.
e) make sure that you're choosing an artist who's able to achieve your vision for you safely, and aesthetically.

If you've got all that, you should be good.