to get a tattoo at my age?

[BundyLancroft]

I'm mid 40s. Never had a tattoo or piercing (except 2 in ears).

I'm thinking of something big but under clothing. Like a lion perhaps.

No idea what is involved.

Am I insane?

Go for it! Why not? I think tattoos are great at any age.

I don't see why not if you want one. I have 4, first one i got at 18 (quite discreet though) but the other three I got in past couple years (mid thirties). I don't regret getting them at all and might get more in the future

"Why join the 'Chav army' at your age? A tattoo will not enhance your appearance in any way (even if under clothing).

If you feel creative, have some drawings done on your skin which will wear off/wash off in time. Then there can be no regrets."

Aw shut up.

Go for it if it is something you've wanted for a while! But I wouldn't rush into it until you have a design or whatever that you absolutely love, as tattoo removal is an expensive bitch! And fee free to ignore cats bum-mouthed PPs.

I did at well over 40 and it's taking some getting used to but I like it. It's just a bit disconcerting when I see myself in the mirror.

I waited for a long time because 1 ) I wanted to find a tattoo artist whose work I really liked and 2) my skin is pretty bad and I wanted to see how it would age. But by now, I reckon that the tattoo is just going to age nicely with me.

My mum had her first tattoo for her 70th birthday this year.

Yes go for it. Choose one you really like. Also make sure you look at a few artists work. I am having a cover up in a few weeks time, I want something a little bigger.

MIL got one for her 60th Neither DH or I have one, we don’t fancy it, but she did, so why not?

Do it if you want to OP!

My nan got one for her 80th birthday. Go for it.

I have quite a few tattoos. If you want one get one! Make sure you do your homework and research your artist.

"Chav army" wow you're delightful.

OP if you want a tattoo go for it. A well done tattoo is a work of art. Research the artist well and look at their previous work. Also think about where you'd have it, some places are a bit more painful that others.

Absolutely go for it if you want one! A friends dg got one a few months ago aged 83. It's beautiful. She'd researched and git a fabulous artist and the work is superb

You don't sound that sure!

Go in a few studios and have a look at their designs and have a think about what and where you'd like it.

There's loads online as well.

Most artist are booked up months in advance so you'd have plenty of time to think about the whole design anyway

Good look - nobody is too old

If you want one get it. Better to regret what you did do rather than what you didn't.

My mum got one at 60 and my auntie one at 70. Go for it!

I'm loving these stories of older women getting tattoos!!

I am worried about how my skin will age with a picture on it. I am already a bit saggy after losing several stone in weight, and I've got more weight to lose still. I don't want to get a design that ends up like a Dali painting in 10 years time!

And YYY to it being a beautiful work of art, not a tacky looking picture. Though I suspect the canvas will let it down!

Pick an area where the skin doesn't sag too much? I did that (at least, I hope it wont)

I got mine at 51... so I would say go for it.

I'm thinking outer thigh or side of torso. Both a bit flabby

Took a look at tattoo.com for ideas and haven't found any I like.

Do tattoo artists have a fixed repertoire of designs, or can they create something bespoke, or copy a picture?

I am a bit scared to go into a shop knowing completely nothing about it.

Also have no idea how much these things cost. Is it priced up by square cm of skin covered? Or colour?

thanks for all the encouragement btw!!

I'm feeling a teensy bit braver about taking the plunge now.

Go to the shop they usually have a quiet browsing area and lots of designs - the action takes place out of view!
Talk tot he artist about a design - obviously some are better than others

Price is usually based on time taken to do the art work - which will depend on size and intricacy, if large you'd need a few visits

good ones can create something bespoke, or copy a picture. That's how I found the one I went to - seeing his work on an acquaintance. Took my breath away.

price was by the hour.

If you want to be absolutely sure of the quality of work, try to find a tattooist's convention not too far away.

ahhh, time taken. That makes sense.

How do I tell if it's a good tattoo artist or not? stupid question probably.

oh crap. Just googled tattoo convention and there was one in London yesterday and today and I've missed it!!

I'm not into any sort of alternative lifestyle, which is why this is such a big decision. I'm just an average sort of fat middle aged woman!