YAT(attoo)T: cost and placement?

paulxcook

Diamond Member
May 1, 2005
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The tattoo I'm getting is approximately the size of a CD, only black ink needed. I've got my artist picked out, he comes highly recommended.

I'm trying to decide where to have it placed. This will be my first tattoo, not my last though.

My original idea was to have it placed on my back, centered right below my neck so it isn't easily visible if I'm wearing a shirt with a collar (like when I"m at work).

However, back tattoos aren't always the best. I'll want to look at it, but I'll have to go find a mirror and a place where it's appropriate to take my shirt off. Whereas an arm tattoo is easily visible (both to me and to others).

There's always the calf, but... I dunno. Is that kinda dumb?

Also, given that it's black ink only, the size of a CD, and fairly intricate, anyone have an estimate on what this might cost? The guy does quality work but isn't a famous artist yet, so I expect his prices to be "average".

This is all highly subjective material to comment on, so opinions are appreciated, and I understand it's difficult to really say for sure on the price.

EDIT: Feel free to not like tattoos and if you must feel free to post that you don't like tattoos, but I do like them in certain circumstances and I'm not going to change my mind.
 

hanoverphist

Diamond Member
Dec 7, 2006
9,867
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ya, id say 200 to 300 range, the intricacy is more important than the size for most artists. one of my arm tats cost me 170, its colored and pretty intricate, but i got a good deal with about 50% off due to it being a friend. and i dont much like back tats, i want to see them...
 

paulxcook

Diamond Member
May 1, 2005
4,277
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Originally posted by: Desslok
pics?

I'll post some once I get it done, sure.

Well actually, here's a pic: Text

BTW, we aren't getting matching tattoos, we're just both getting one that we've wanted for a little while.
 

SVT Cobra

Lifer
Mar 29, 2005
13,264
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Since you said opinions are appreciated, in all seriousness bud, do something else, tattoos are low class and ugly, no matter where they are.
 

paulxcook

Diamond Member
May 1, 2005
4,277
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Originally posted by: SVT Cobra
Since you said opinions are appreciated, in all seriousness bud, do something else, tattoos are low class and ugly, no matter where they are.

I'll clarify the original post, thanks :D.
 

ViviTheMage

Lifer
Dec 12, 2002
36,189
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madgenius.com
yeah, I said 200 because it is just black and now looking at it, i would say 200-250 for sure. with those edges and such.

may I ask why you are getting that CD cover tattooed ?
Originally posted by: SVT Cobra
Since you said opinions are appreciated, in all seriousness bud, do something else, tattoos are low class and ugly, no matter where they are.


not to get off track of the OP but what makes them low class and ugly?
 

paulxcook

Diamond Member
May 1, 2005
4,277
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Originally posted by: JeffreyLebowski
Just so you are aware, Tats do fade over time. Oh, and pics of the wifes lower back tattoo when she gets it.

Heh, I think she's actually avoiding the tramp stamp.

I've done some research, I know mine will eventually start to look green or blue or whatever color they use to make the "black" ink. I'm ok with it, I'm not ever getting full sleeves or anything over the top like that. Over the top for me, anyway.
 

blackdogdeek

Lifer
Mar 14, 2003
14,453
10
81
though i can't see your pic from work, your description makes me think the $200-$300 is accurate.

i have an arm band all in black ink that cost me $250.
 

jhayx7

Platinum Member
Oct 1, 2005
2,226
0
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IMO I do not like tat's on the back unless it is a big piece. I would go for calf before the back if it is the size of a CD. Yes, it will fade but be sure to keep sunscreen on it when you go outdoors to stop the fading. You can go back in about 10 years and have it touched up so it will look good as new.

I am getting a tattoo for my birthday, my wife is paying for it :) I am getting a half sleeve on my left arm. Be sure to post pics after you get it.

Oh yeah, it hurts like hell :p
 

moshquerade

No Lifer
Nov 1, 2001
61,504
12
56
Originally posted by: SVT Cobra
Since you said opinions are appreciated, in all seriousness bud, do something else, tattoos are low class and ugly, no matter where they are.
don't be such a stick in the mud. :p
 

paulxcook

Diamond Member
May 1, 2005
4,277
1
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Originally posted by: jhayx7
IMO I do not like tat's on the back unless it is a big piece. I would go for calf before the back if it is the size of a CD. Yes, it will fade but be sure to keep sunscreen on it when you go outdoors to stop the fading. You can go back in about 10 years and have it touched up so it will look good as new.

I am getting a tattoo for my birthday, my wife is paying for it :) I am getting a half sleeve on my left arm. Be sure to post pics after you get it.

Oh yeah, it hurts like hell :p

When I was a few years younger I thought I'd get a full left arm sleeve, back when I thought my band might go somewhere (ha). I could probably get away with a half sleeve at work, but they money just isn't there right now. Thanks for the sunscreen tip :D.

Edit: Vivi, I'm just a really, really big fan of this band's music, I've seen them live at least 6 times, maybe more, I have all their albums, several shirts, etc.
 

TallBill

Lifer
Apr 29, 2001
46,017
62
91
I'd guess about $200. Calf will hurt like hell. Shoulder or back not so much. Trying to decide on my next one.
 

ViviTheMage

Lifer
Dec 12, 2002
36,189
87
91
madgenius.com
as long as there is some reason paul :thumbsup:


I actually got this tatoo'd on my wrist :

vivi
^_^


been my nick for everything, ever since FF9 came out.

friends call me it all of the time, well my gaming friends at least.
 

Gooberlx2

Lifer
May 4, 2001
15,381
6
91
Originally posted by: TallBill
I'd guess about $200. Calf will hurt like hell. Shoulder or back not so much. Trying to decide on my next one.

I would think a calf tattoo would be only as painful, or less painful that one on the shoulder since it's all thick flesh. Then again, my first tattoo covers the top of my foot, so I think my perspective of what makes a painful tattoo is warped....THAT was agony.

Anyway, I'd also guess between $200-$300. I think calf tattoos are cool, and would be a good place for a tattoo that size...I plan on getting one on my left calf at some point.
 

lokiju

Lifer
May 29, 2003
18,526
5
0
I'd say the shoulder above the sleeve line, thats where I got mine at least.

I can easily pull my sleeve up to show it to someone if I want but can easily hide it while at work and I can see it myself easily.

Artist charge by the hour. For me I found most places charged about $100 to $150 per hour depending on the artist, place, etc..

Mine took 2.5 hours and cost $250.

FWIW I think the calf is a bad spot.
 

Alone

Diamond Member
Nov 19, 2006
7,490
0
0
Originally posted by: SVT Cobra
Since you said opinions are appreciated, in all seriousness bud, do something else, tattoos are low class and ugly, no matter where they are.

Leave. :roll:
 

krunchykrome

Lifer
Dec 28, 2003
13,413
1
0
Originally posted by: SVT Cobra
Since you said opinions are appreciated, in all seriousness bud, do something else, tattoos are low class and ugly, no matter where they are.

It amazes me how people will take their own opinions and make such bold ridiculous statements out of them.

PS......the same could be argued about Mustangs.

 

JulesMaximus

No Lifer
Jul 3, 2003
74,586
986
126
How about you both get a matching L tatoo on your forehead?

We hired a guy here at work a few months ago who always wears polo shirts with a long sleeve white shirt underneath. At first I thought he just had zero fashion sense and liked looking like a dork but then I saw him one day with his arms bare and he has tatoos up and down both arms. He was wearing the long sleeve shirts to cover his tats.
 

Gooberlx2

Lifer
May 4, 2001
15,381
6
91
Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
How about you both get a matching L tatoo on your forehead?

We hired a guy here at work a few months ago who always wears polo shirts with a long sleeve white shirt underneath. At first I thought he just had zero fashion sense and liked looking like a dork but then I saw him one day with his arms bare and he has tatoos up and down both arms. He was wearing the long sleeve shirts to cover his tats.

.....Oh! Because people with tattoos are losers! I get it.....how clever!

It certainly must apply to people like your co-worker, who has to cover up his arms, because he knows people like you will go and have a gossipy tea party about it. :roll:
 

Rage187

Lifer
Dec 30, 2000
14,276
4
81
if you haven't gotten a tattoo, don't.

If you have, feel free to keep going. I have a few and wish I didn't have any but now that I have some I wouldn't mind more.

All mine can be hidden by a short sleeve shirt. When I'm in a pissy mood I wear a short sleeve shirt that I know rides up my arm to show my tats. IM BAD ASS