starscream

LMAO - who are you to judge what is uselss to some people and what isn't to others? Grow up, ever think so things YOU do seem useless/don't do anything?

yeah, but why use a copywritten image for an apparel company? I have ink myself, and have plans for alot more, but that's one of those things I can see under the category with cartoon characters and misc. logos. I mean you're basically getting a Famous Stars and Stripes logo..... ??? I don't see how it's personal to you in particular (trust me, I agree with what you said about having personal meaning) most tattoos nowadays aren't skulls anyway.... as for eyesores, tribal would probably rank right up there as a top 3 in terms of lack of creativity/eyesore ink - unless we're talking the polynesian stuff which is friggin' gnarly..

AlexisonFire, Bayside, Cartel, Armor For Sleep, Saosin

agreed with pretty much everything said here, with one exception - the job thing. I'm 25 and work in a professional environment all the time, and everyone knows I have a half sleeve. Hasn't affected me any. And I know that this is by no means the norm, BUT it is leaning towards becoming more socially acceptable in the workplace.

#1 - Tattoos becoming more mainstream is definitely a generational thing, for sure. Kids/Young adults these days are ALOT more open minded as a whole. Just look at the push for legalization of marijuana... I'm 25 now, and I guarantee by the time my generation is in power in Washington, there is going to be some reform. And by the time my sons generation is making the decisions, it will belegalized. Every generation gets a little more liberal and free-thinking. Hence the increase in tattoos you see. It's a lifestyle shift. (case in point, the last two replies - age: 33/45) #2 - The FAD you keep referring to is DEFINITELY the Kanji Characters/Barbed Wire/etc. Totally agree with that. 99% of tribal is/was/willforeverbe a fad. #3 - Not saying "more" is necessarily better. But 99% of the time, the people with half-sleeves, full-sleeves, back pieces, chest/rib pieces, etc have put A LOT of thought and consideration into the amount of ink they are getting, the design of the tattoo, and the affect that having such a large piece will have on their careers, social life, etc. Most people with a lot of coverage have put many hours into research on design, concept, type of artwork, finding an artist, actually GETTING the tattoo (s), among other things. So yes, there is a difference between those with larger (or more - for the most part) tattoos, and it's the fact that they've decided that they want a piece that is "x" big, or "x" many of pieces, and it's something that they are going to permanently put on their body, and they're ok with that. That's dedication right there. Way more than a simple "fad/trendy" flash design that you walk in, pick off the wall, and get done in about 20 minutes.... that crap isn't getting tattoed, it's more like being branded. There's a reason that most tattoo artists HATE doing flash work.

The current popularity is the fad. Sure they've been around for a long time but they have only been accepted on the fringes of civilized society until recently. Doesn't necessarily qualify all ink as a "fad". These little emo kids getting the same crap tattoed on them, the same flash designs, the little wannabe-punk rock stuff - yeah, that's a fad. Anyone can get the balls to get some little dinky piece of ink, but to get a large amount done, that's beyond being a "fad"...

For those that think tattoing is just a fad... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tattoo Anyway, my ink, and the fiances ink: Right Arm - Half Sleeve http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/2407/1000513nt4.jpg http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/6584/1000514rp3.jpg http://img240.imageshack.us/img240/6507/1000515up9.jpg Still yet to be completed, the artist is in Hawaii until August... The Wifey http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/3148/1000511wd3.jpg Same deal, artist in Hawaii until August "Lucky" Back Piece http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/3839/1000508oo7.jpg Just started 4.29.07, will update with color after next appointment I should have a rib piece done in about 4 weeks or so, can't fuckin' wait :D

People without ink will never understand... Nothing useful to say as for helping him with his question? THAN DON'T POST. Idiot. Good to hear. Usually, you'll have an idea for a concept or design that you are looking for, and the artist will help that image become a reality. They do it for a living, and most of them take themselves seriously so they want to put out the best possible design they can do, as well as make their client happy. YOu basically become a walking billboard for their artwork. Which is why 90% of reputable artists HATE doing flash-designs... they'd rather go full-blown custom.

Wish I still had pics of my PureFly/Generator combo... those things were sick :)