I read this post from Things and Ink the other week and thought it was an interesting piece to comment.
In a world where tattoos are becoming commonplace, and celebrity's are showing there's more and more.
You only have to look at the images from the England World Cup Team to see their popularity has grown.
But are we starting too young? At 18 (the legal age in the UK for a tattoo. There's none of this 16 with parental consent bull that keeps coming up) are we really capable of making a decision that will last a lifetime?
I had my first tattoo at age 18. A swirling black 'R' on my ankle. Simple, nothing too expressive of my personality or experiences at the time.
Do I still love it? Yes, but not for the same reasons. The design isn't amazing, and looking back, why do I need an 'R' on my leg... I know my own name! But I still live it. Its basically pointless but I remember having it done fondly and seeing it in comparison to my other more sophisticated tattoos it shows how far I've come.
Now a simple little design isn't the end of the world if at 24 you hate the design you loved at 18. It can be covered, or lasered if you feel necessary. The problem comes when you start looking at larger scale pieces such as sleeves or back pieces. These shouldn't be taken lightly.
I started my first sleeve at 22 after I secured my first proper full time job. Now two and a half years later I'm starting my other arm and legs.
Tattoos are a huge part of my life and I wouldn't change any of my newer, larger pieces. That's not to say I wouldn't change any of my tattoos.
One tattoo at age 19 is not my style any more, and will most likely be covered in the coming years. But that's my point I guess. You can't be certain how you will feel about something in 5, 10, 20 years time.
My advice, think carefully about your tattoos. Go to a good tattooist. Have a reason for it. Whether its just the right time due to a change in life, because you want to remember something or someone, or some other deep reason.
And remember most importantly. You only live once.
Do you think we tattoo too soon?
What are your experiences of young tattoos?
What are your experiences of young tattoos?
