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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To want a sleeve tattoo done on my arm?

310 replies

JellyDiamonds · 12/10/2014 13:00

Ive been looking at getting another tattoo done for a while now but have been unsure on what to get done and where. Whilst looking online for inspiration I've seen some amazing sleeve tattoos and have decided that I want one of them, the designs and artistry are amazing. I think that if they are done properly by decent tattoo artists then they are like works of art.

The thing is that everyone I've told about it has looked at me like I'm going mad. My mum was absolutely horrified, said that they are "revolting" and that I'll look like a sailor. But I don't think I will, I saw a photo on Facebook of a friend of a friend and she had a floral sleeve on her arm and yet still managed to look feminine. Not that I'm particularly feminine and girly anyway, but the point I'm trying to make is that not all sleeve designs are for blokes who start fights in pubs which what my mum was clearly trying to get at.

Should I just bite the bullet and go for it?

OP posts:
Newdawnforever · 12/10/2014 17:00

Tattoos suit some women, you need to have the tattooist look though. Most look ridiculous with ugly tattoos defacing their bodies. Your choice.

clam · 12/10/2014 17:01

"The quote above about owning the house is the silliest thing I've read on Mumsnet for a while."

Agree. And what happens when you want to sell the house?

clam · 12/10/2014 17:04

I can honestly say that I have never seen a tattoo, ever, that I think looks nice. On anyone.

I just think they look grubby, and am itching to pass over a bar of soap and some water.

Sorry, that's just my opinion.

Polonium · 12/10/2014 17:07

clam - I agree with you.

Tattoos are uncool. And for me they say: 'I have absolutely no respect for anything, not even my own body.'

Gorgeously · 12/10/2014 17:13

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

LosingAllTheLego · 12/10/2014 17:14

One of my best mates is a tattoo artist. He wouldn't tattoo you. He won't touch anyone who isn't absolutely certain of what they want, why they want it and where they want it. He talks to them about their lifestyle now and career etc and will often steer people away from visible tats if they could potentially hamper careers etc.

He also won't tattoo necks, hands or faces. He doesn't do generic designs, names in foreign lettering or otherwise or any of the crap 'life quotes' type stuff either.

clam · 12/10/2014 17:14

Ah now, I'd disagree with that last bit.

I don't like them, I think I've been a bit too clear about that, but I fully understand that people who have them prize them highly and feel that they want to showcase them. I don't see it as a lack of respect - just a difference of opinion/taste.

clam · 12/10/2014 17:15

(That was to polonium* )

dustarr73 · 12/10/2014 17:19

Im halfway to getting mine done.I love it ,its not up to anyone else.
Just decide what sleeve you like and go for it.Mine is Japanese and its getting done slowly but surely.

Polonium · 12/10/2014 17:24

dustarr73 Are you age 40/41?

BeyondTheLimitsOfAcceptability · 12/10/2014 17:30

Meh, its a yes from me. But kinda biased with a large tattoo up one arm (though not a sleeve)

PiperIsOrange · 12/10/2014 17:36

It's your body your choice.

I have a few tattoo myself, all original and nobody else will have them as they was drawn specifically for me.

googoodolly · 12/10/2014 17:38

OP, if you want it, get it. It's nothing to do with anyone else. My parents didn't want me to get mine but it's my body and my money - it's nothing to do with them. As it is, my dad hates it but my mum actually thinks it looks quite nice.

My opinion has always been "if you don't like tattoos, don't get one." I don't see why it has to go beyond that.

dustarr73 · 12/10/2014 17:39

Polonium
I am 41 do u know me

WanderingTrolley1 · 12/10/2014 17:40

I think you'll live to regret it.

Downamongtherednecks · 12/10/2014 17:42

numanoid it doesn't make sense to say that the someone who is misjudged due to tattoos is not the one with the problem. You certainly would have a problem if you missed out on a job, or a promotion, or a fabulous foreign business trip due to being "judged" for having a tattoo. A young woman I was interviewing was rejected by the panel as it was felt the tattoo on her neck would stop her being able to represent the company(FTSE 100) I worked for and that having it so visible suggested she had poor judgment She was otherwise an excellent candidate.

FindoGask · 12/10/2014 17:44

I love tattoos so I think you should go for it. I respect my body plenty, thanks Polonium - I just like to decorate it, but otherwise it's in tip top condition.

Sallystyle · 12/10/2014 17:44

Why do I have tattoos.

I like them, it's as simple as that. I never had them to look cool or unique, I just liked the look of them. I like looking at myself naked and seeing them.

I also grew up with a heavily tattooed father and always wanted one as a child.

I have respect for my body, what an odd thing to say Hmm

I think the NHS are pretty ok with visible tattoos then. I still will wait until I am qualified and got a job before I risk it though I think.

I think the comments asking what it will look like when they are 60 are strange too. My mum is nearly 60 and has three tattoos. They look fine, she looks great and she looks like a 60 year old with tattoos. When I really age and my skin starts to wrinkle and sag then my tattoos will probably do the same, but that doesn't bother me. I don't think I will look any better as as old lady without tats than I will with them. I will have old tattoos and old skin, it all tells a story.

I never followed the current trends like stars, celtic bands, dolphins etc.

specialsubject · 12/10/2014 17:46

your arm, your choice, and I don't think it shouts 'sailor' or 'thug' any more. Will make you look like many other people.

but I agree, tats always look like a blur of mucky colours. There was a recent sleb marriage where it looked like the bride had a muddy foot - no, tattoo. I saw a girl once who looked like she'd had a bad accident scarring the back of her legs. Took a while to work out it was tattoos. (no, I didn't say anything!)

specialsubject · 12/10/2014 17:47

ps not being the prettiest in the old age home is not the issue. It's how it looks now, and making you look like loads of other people.

Suckitup · 12/10/2014 17:49

The point about changing fashions is the most important thing to consider I think. Star tattoos have already dated and some people are covered in them, including on visible places like the neck.

As for restricting you in the job market and the judgements of other people, only you know how important and relevant that is to you and your lifestyle. If you lead an alternative lifestyle no one will bat an eyelid. If you want to get on in certain professions on the other hand eg teaching, it would hinder you.

I know someone who is doing online dating and he says he is struggling to meet anyone because many women find his tattoos off-putting, particularly those on his hands.

SpidersDontWashTheirHands · 12/10/2014 18:07

Do it. Just make sure you go somewhere good and think about the design.

I've got a back like a docker Wink and no regrets.

foreverdepressed · 12/10/2014 18:11

I think that a good "sleeve" looks better than someone who just has the odd one or two small tattoos, but I don't know why as it isn't really logical.

I quite fancy a sleeve myself but I'm a bit put off by the fact that for every tattoo I see that is nice I must see about 10 which just look nasty to me.

AimlesslyPurposeful · 12/10/2014 18:21

Alisvolatpropiis - If you read my post again you'll see that I said "sleeve tattoos" not tattoos.

I'm well aware that women have been getting tattoos for years. Pamela Anderson being a case in point with the barb wire around her upper arm that she's now having removed.