Tattoos

[BellaCriesAndThatsAlright]

I'm seriously thinking about getting a tattoo. I'm 42 and it will be my first. Has anyone else got their first tattoo when a bit older?

I've done some research and have contacted a studio that I have seen good reviews of and like their work. I can't quite decide what would be a good place to get it. I think either inside my upper arm or on my back, high up.

I'd love to hear some experiences 😊

I got my first tattoo in my 30s, I have a few now: it's quite addictive!

My recent one is on my back. The placement looks really good but I kind of regret I can't look at it apart from in the mirror.

You can get a tattoo at any age. Ian McKellen got his first tattoo as part of LotR at 62, and i don't think anybody is about to argue that he isn't a badass.

https://inkedmag.com/original-news/firsttattoo-after40

@MiltonNorthern I can imagine it's addictive! I started on piercings (other than earlobes) last year and couldn't stop. I have 11 now. My DH keeps asking what the point of getting on my back is if I can't see it but I think it feels like a safe place to get my first one. I would get it high up so you can see it with my hair up.

@DreadPirateRobots He is definitely a badass. I love that!

yes, I had a few tiny tattoos when I was younger and then started getting bigger pieces after I had children. I quite like covering bits of my body I’m not mad about - I like them much better with ink!

all the placements you suggest are good for a first tattoo. back will be slightly less painful than inside of your upper arm.

I try to give my tattooist a bit of free reign - trusting them with final design, placement etc. everyone’s body is different, and designs need to be adapted to flow well. I think you get the best result giving the artist a bit of freedom.

I usually go through phases with mine - super exited when first done, then I go off it a bit and have a wobble, then just get very used to it. Oddly the one I disliked the most at first is now my favourite. Your relationship with your ink, like with your body, will change over time.

good luck!

Got my first tattoo at 48. Now i have 3 and i love them. They are very meaningful to me. I'm 50 now and I will have more.

OP, l am a similar age to you. I have got one small one on my shoulder which was done in my early 30s, it is bespoke and was designed by someone very special to me; no regrets.

Advice about placement: Go for somewhere “firm”. In other words, avoid tummy, boobs or anywhere else which is likely to go flabby as you get older.

There is a MN Tattoo Forum, it has a smaller following than S&B but it might pay you to post there and communicate with those in the know
https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/tattoos

Thanks everyone! I'm leaning towards getting it on my back. I'll check out the tattoo forum too.

I got my first one at 51. I was all for having it somewhere hidden but then decided I wanted to be able to look at it easily so it's on my forearm.

I have no regrets and I am saving for my next one which will be bigger and bolder!

Hope you settle on something you love.

My Dad had his 1st tattoo last year at 71, I had my 1st one at 17, my last one was on Mothers day this year, I love them all, no matter my age. I say go for it.

I got my first one at age 30, second at 38, third at 45 and fourth at 49. I am planning on another one this spring. I regret none of them, they all have personal meaning to me and I enjoy seeing them. If you want one, then go for it!

So I emailed an idea to the artist I have been considering and they said the design I wanted would have to be quite a bit bigger than I wanted it so it will age well. This has thrown me off as what they suggest seems huge! I wanted it to be about 6cm tall but apparently it should be a minimum of 10cm. I don't know what to do now.

I got my first for my 50th and have two now, I'm about to turn 54 and contemplating my 3rd! Very addictive!

All the tattoo artists I have used have wanted me to make the design bigger. I have refused and my tattoos have turned out fine. Don't agree to a size you don't want. Try someone else if they won't agree.

It depends on the placement and design, most of mine have actually been smaller than I anticipated because I am tiny, but I trust my artist, she's amazing and will tell me if something works or not.

I think it’s reassuring that they’re thinking of it. I always think go big or go home 😁

I'm going to the same place for a piercing on Friday so I'm going to see if I can discuss in person.

Go big or go home is my general life philosophy so maybe it should apply here 😂