Getting a tattoo is so much more common today than it ever has been before. I don't have one myself but love the look. (I haven't figured out if I like tattoos more than I hate needles as of yet.) There are options available today that no one could have seen coming. I like to incorporate things like tattoos into my writing. The reasoning behind a certain tattoo or when someone got it can say a lot about that person. I know a bunch of gals over at Romance Divas already planning their tattoo visits during the RWA convention. So, give it up- what do you think? Sexy? Slutty? Maybe both? Take a few minutes to visit these sites:
Ultraviolet Tattoos These things are awesome. They were designed with the day-worker in mind. All of those professionals who didn't want their rockin' wild side to show at work can now get a tattoo. They are nearly invisible unless you are under a black light.
Henna Tattoos These tattoos are neat looking and they don't last forever. The designs are incredible. This is a more natural ink to use on the skin and reminds me of nature. A lot of the pictures on this site include flowers, plants, and other things one might find outside.
Tattoo Finder This is one cool site. You click on hundreds of designs and find something similar to what you want before you ever step foot inside the tattoo parlor. I like the lizards myself!
Kissa Starling
Author of Love Angel, part of the My Funny Valentine anthology available now at
74 comments:
I think tattoos are great on other people, and there are some amazing designs about... but I could never have one myself because I hate needles and have major allergy issues.
I couldn't even have the henna ones for that reason.:(
I think that tattoos are an individual thing. I've considered getting one sometimes when I felt rebellious or something, but never have yet. Rihanna just had a new one done on the back of her neck, a bunch of falling stars, and I think that looks nice on her. I wouldn't get that myself.
I might get adventurous and try henna for a special occasion.
Some tattoos can look slutty. Smaller is better imo
I do think it is all about the persons choice. I like them DH has 3. I am having a small one put on me, don't know what yet.
Hugz, off to the airport!
I don't think tattoos are particularly sexy, but they don't turn me off, either. I guess I prefer the "surprise" ones on a man, though. You don't know it's there until things progress to a certain point, and then you find this nice "bonus"... I find that quite appealing.
I don't have a problem with women having tattoos, but I'm like a lot of folks, I don't think I could commit to any one design for the rest of my life.
I was *really* into the henna designs a few years ago - my house constantly smelled of henna paste and eucalyptus oil! LOL! I found them crazily addictive, and since I worked in an organic goods store, my employers were really forgiving of the elaborate designs on my hands and arms (and a couple on legs, which only showed when I wore shorts to work in the height of summer). The fact the designs were only temporary was a plus, of course.
I found I could prolong the designs by applying eucalyptus oil over the previous design and re-tracing it. A henna "tattoo" should only last a couple of weeks, depending on how often you're exposed to the sun and how often you wash the area well. Mine lasted a lot longer than they should have, thanks to the reapplying.
(My employer just couldn't figure it out... heh, heh...)
Portia, I am the same way. Needles are not my friend! I will be sick longer to avoid getting a shot in the hip. Thanks so much for dropping by!
Kissa
Margaret, I'm trying to imagine the falling stars. I bet that looks great on her. I like how the tribal tats look on some guys arms. I think, for a man at least, that there needs to be attitude there. Strike that- for a woman too.
Deb- let me know when you decide what you're getting!
Funny thing, ever since giving Merry Delaney a butterfly tatoo on her left rump cheek in The Merry Widow, I've been contemplating getting one myself! I think it's probably going to happen - I've researched the best place locally to get them done. It turns out several co-workers have tattoos!
I'll keep you posted - and yes, I think the right tattoo in the right spot can be very sexy!
Great blog, Kissa!
Adriana
http://www.adrianakraft.com
I haven't tried henna but I did get a design painted on my leg (to match my sunflower shorts of course) at the Ren. Festival. I forgot I had mine until one of the kids at school kept pointing under the table. It was hilarious!
Thanks for sharing your henna tattoo tip Ms. Menozzi!
Lizards, Kissa? Still thinking about that first kiss and the boy with the lizard tongue? lol...
Tats are great. And yes, I do think some people go too far. But I like the ones that are well-placed. The ever popular "ass hat" is very cool and I think a small one on the breast is nice too. Ankles are ok. But that's just me.
I know people who have lots of tattoos and they are quite intricate in their design. Truly a work of art. Just not for me.
I don't have one either because of that fear of needles. Have been thinking about getting one on my butt cheek however. Fleshy and not so painful...I hope....
Great subject and very entertaining!
The application of permanent tats can lead to a lot of health problems therefore I choose not to have them applied. Temp tats are ok for fun. I am neither for nor against them, but they will fade and perhaps will require touch ups eventually. I believe that they are up to the individual and their wants.
Adriana- I expect pictures when you get yours done.
Tess- I shudder when I think about the lizard kisser. Wonder if his wife ever got him to slow down? hahaha
ironeyes- I would be interested to know about the health concerns, just because I've never heard of them before. My brother actually does his own tattoos, with the gun and everything. (Waaaaay too over the top right there!)
To be honest, I rather dislike tattoos.
To me a woman's skin is a somewhat Zen thing. The beauty of it is in its simplicity and purity. I love the sight of a woman's skin is a manner somewhat similar to a fresh snowfall.
So for me a tattoo is rather like pouring paint all over said snowfall. It, in my opinion, severely detracts from the beauty of it.
My $0.02
Thanks for dropping by Rob. I know a lot of men that feel that way. What interests me is some of those same men have tattoos. Is this an instance where what's good for the goose is not good for the gander? Or do what I say not what I do?
I certainly think that a lot of people judge people, especially women, who have tattoos. I'll save that topic for another blog. : )
Kissa
Alright, it appears I'm the Naughty one here. I know none of y'all are surprised...lol. I have a love of tats and have several myself. Yes, I have a tramp stamp which is my fav and yes it does say "Naughty."
Pervy,
AnneMarie
You big perve! I love it. I did watch someone get a tattoo one time in Panama City. Still didn't help with my needle fear though. Does it really say naughty?
hee hee
I think it depends on where they are and what they are. Something small on the ankle say, can be quite sexy. Or something on one's back. I don't have any myself, I prefer to make a statement about my personality in other ways, like my clothing.
Hi Kissa,
Great blog! I definitely think they are sexy! Mind you, my hero Kimo (from the Phantom Lover series) has tattoos covering his entire right side!
He even has one on his tongue, one on the groin and under his foot. Sexy? Heck yeah!
A tattoo on the tongue AJ? OMG wow, that is different. I love that you incorporate tattoos into your writing also.
Megan- that is what I focus on right now is my stunning personality. I may get my nerve up one day to take skin to needle, you never know!
I am tattooed from just below my collar to the top of my butt... just my back.
It's my sexy secret. Schleppy sports chick dressed all butch, but underneath my t-shirt is some pretty cool stuff. ;)
It's kind of like wearing silky undies beneath your torn jeans. Makes you walk a little more confidently.
I used to have photos I was willing to share, but my guy RARELY asks me to restrict my self expression... and he asked me to stop showing my back online. It seemed to really bother him, so I have complied.
And really... I kind of like that it's a special, private thing. :)
Cool post, GREAT links!
Great links Kissa! I'm pursueing the last one extensively! LOL I have two tats. Both are dragons and on my right lower leg. I like them, although I think some are too extreme for me. I would like a couple more and I do have a unicorn that has a kicka%* attitude and would be black as are my dragons. Sexy, sexy! Phylis
Chrissy- I'm imagining your back now. I love looking when people have multiple tats on their body and they intertwine and connect. I see a lot of that on L.A. Ink. I love watching that show. If I lived closer and could have the pin up tattoo artist pen me I would conquer my needle fear. I love her work. (just can't think of her name right now!)
Black dragons? Those sound awesomely sexy! Thanks for dropping by Phylis.
I love my tattoos, but they are all hidden for my own pleasure. The only one out in the open is on my wrist and I cover that with a band while at work. I do think it is an individual choice as to where and how many. I have 6 tattoos, but you would never know it if I didn't want you to. :)
Those are the best kind Jambrea. Now your character will have to have tattoos, I do hope you know that. I just got a great idea. I want to interview you sometime soon so that I can make your character even more like you if you're game!
(For those of you who don't know Jambrea is letting me use her name for my next story character)
I would LOVE to get a henna tattoo! I think they're gorgeous. Plus they're temporary. I think any kind of tattoo can be sexy on a woman, if it's done well. Personally, I react so strangely to some dyes and chemicals, that I'm a little afraid to get a one.
Hi Kissa,
I don't mind the small ones on men, but I really hate those huge designs which cover half the body.
I wouldn't want to put any more blemishes on my own skin than nature has done already!
Tawny, those midi designs are so cool. They remind me of folk art- which I paint a lot. Ever heard of Finster? He's a famous folk art painter from Georgia. I went to visit his home and he has these awesome Gardens.
Ansley- hey girl. I haven't talked to you in forever. So what do you think of the small ones on women? Speaking of blemishes, some people tattoo to cover up unsightly things on their body such as moles, scars, etc. I appreciate you dropping by!
Nature has already tatted me just fine with laugh lines and stretch marks, I'll leave the needle art to those with more art and less dislike of needles than me.
The two most extreme examples of tattoos I have seen
are the Lizard Man (with the split tongue) and the dragon penis (star of numerous blogs).
The dragon penis? I haven't heard of that one- do share a link please. Nature gave you those laugh lines so that everyone would know you've lead a happy life and the stretch marks- just a sign of a woman. (or so those idiots tell me!) haha Thanks for dropping by Kaisquared
Tattoos are addictive, imho. *LOL* I only have one currently, but I want more! After I got my first one, my husband asked me not to get any more. He doesn't like them. Now that we're divorced, his opinion no longer counts. I will get more someday when I can afford the designs I want.
Tattoos can be sexy imho, or they can be trashy. Some tattooists are excellent at their craft and the client will leave the shop sporting a true piece of artistic genius. Some tattoos however are shoddy, poorly colored, poorly drawn and in general look like crap. We've all seen at least one like that I'm sure!
Tattoo placement is another consideration. I don't remember where I heard the term originally, but the lower back tattoo that peeks up over the top of the waistband is also known as a "Tramp Stamp". Meaning any girl who gets a tat there is slutty. I don't think I could bring myself to get a tat there. I didn't want one there even before I heard the term and especially do not now.
One thing I find attractive and sexy about tattoos is the commitment that a person has to make to get a tattoo. Sure there are laser removals, etc, but a tattoo is for the most part a very personal, deep decision.
At least it is for me. I could never bring myself to get a tattoo on a whim. Every one I will ever get will be thought out very carefully. I want something I will be happy with for the rest of my life.
The henna tattoos are beautiful too. I haven't done one myself, but I would not be adverse to that. At least with the henna tattoo, you don't have to keep it forever if you do not like the design.
I have heard of the UV tattoos before too but I do not know if I would do one of those myself. If I am going to get a tattoo, I want to be able to proudly display it!
Carpe Noctem,
Des
Tattoos are O.K. but they have to be small and tasteful. Too many on someone makes them look ugly and some can be slutty on a female. Vines on a male or a small character are nice. Hearts, flowers, or stars are nice on females but again, small. I could never have one on me. Too old and it hurts too much to have it done.
Just let me know when Kissa! :) You can interview me any time. :)
Hey Des!
Thanks for stopping by. I agree that tattoos should be well thought out and your artist should be well planned as well. Sorry about your divorce but glad you can do what you want. People need to do everything they can to make themselves happy!
orelukjp0- You're never too old to do something that makes you feel good!
I think tattoos can be sexy or slutty (or just gross on guys) depending on the tattoo, the placement, and the person's own attitude.
One of my friends has a cute butterfly on her ankle, which I like. I briefly considered getting one where it wouldn't show, but then I remembered that Needles + Me = A Bad Scene. Oh well. Maybe I'll get a henna one this summer when I don't have to teach, just to test it out :)
Hey Cassandra!
The ankle is a great place in the summer when you can highlight your tattoo and go barefoot a lot but then when the winter comes and part of it peeks above your sockline...not so sexy in my opinion. I would definitely put mine somewhere that it wasn't viewable everyday. (As long as I have the day job that is- when I write fulltime, I don't have to worry about mundane things like that! haha)
I think tattoos just for decoration are great for others. For some its a symbolism of something important to them. I have a tattoo on my lower back of the Firebird Phoenix. It means something special to me and no one in my work/studies knows I have it. Unless I get something and my shirt rides up.
My younger brother is a tattoo artist in El Paso TX for Sun City Tattoos and he always tells people to think long and hard before getting a tattoo.
He did mine and it is bomb-diggity awesome.
Good blog Kissa.
Kissa, blood poisoning from the ink, hepititis from the needle or the needle coming in contact with a non-sterile surface then the epidermis. The skin is a mechanical barrier to disease and germs. Breaking that barrier is one way to attract different infections. I have seen people in the hospital with these particular types of infection. For more info on the above, please see medical books.
That is sooo cool Mila. Your brother did your tattoo. My brother put tile up in the bathroom but it's just not the same! haha Seriously, I would love to see a pic if you're willing to share.
ironeyes- thanks for sharing. That is important information to know if one is considering a tattoo. I will certainly keep it in mind!
You've got me, Kissa. I have no tattoos. I've plenty of cool scars though. ;)
If a guy has tats and he dislikes them on women, my opinion is he's being rather a hypocrite. I also find tattoos on guys rather barbaric.
Again, just my $0.02.
Thanks for sharing your two cents! My husband says scars add character- just for your information. And you're right, it would be wrong for someone to be a hypocrite but some are.
I'm still on the proverbial fence as far as getting one of my own is concerned but I do like to look at them.
Is a tramp stamp necessarily negative? here's a link to some pretty famous tramp stamps:
http://www.listaholic.com/top-5-celebrity-trampstamp-tatoos.html
Our heroine Merry Delaney chose not to place her butterfly quite in the middle of her back, but it's no less a symbol of her claim to sexual freedom, the right to choose when and with whom she shares her body, a celebration of emerging from the cocoon she's been scrunched up in for so very long!
Which doesn't mean if I DO get a butterfly (much smaller than hers, I have to add) I'd put it in the middle of my back - just more thoughts to add to the exchange! Great blog and great comments today!
Adriana
http://www.adrianakraft.com/Merry_Widow001.html
HI KISSA!
LATE BUT HERE NOW!
DRAGON PENIS? HOW BIG IS IT? LOL
if it's over 10 inches, then send my way! lol
Hey Hotcha!
Adriana- I don't think the 'tramp stamp' as some call it is necessarily trashy or slutty. I think it adds a certain air of eroticism to a sex scene in fact, real or fiction.
I'm still waiting for that link, Hotcha! hahaha and I'd be kind of scared of seeing a 10 inch dragon penis for real, so it's ALL yours!
I love tattoos! They're actually a bit of a fetish for me-on myself and on other people. Of course, I'm also an art geek, so bad art offends me. But I am also aware that I may not relate to an image which has meaning for someone else. Live and let live-without judgment.
I've been tattooed four times-only three tats as the most recent one (done 3 weeks ago) is a cover piece. It's big and it's beautiful and I'm in love with it! I'll have pics of my own body art up on my blog in May to promote my upcoming release-an erotic tattoo fetish story. I'll also have blog days and interviews with other authors who have tattoos, in case this subject is of interest to anyone beyond this discussion.
BTW-I totally *heart* you and your 'Naughty' tramp stamp, AnneMarie. :)
Ironeyes-re: your remarks about the dangers of being tattooed: These things are actually quite rare these days. Yes, you can get blood poisoning or hepatitis, but most often this happens with home-made, prison-style tattoos, where it's done with pen ink and a sewing needle or a safety pin. Most shops in the US adhere to very strict licensing and health codes which guarantee that all equipment is sterile. Of course, some people don't take the time to properly care for their new art, and can get an infection, but that's due to their own negligence.
I have known literally hundreds of people in my life with tattoos, and have never come across even one who has had so much as a minor infection as a result of being tattooed. You have a much higher chance of infection from going to the dentist or getting a paper cut.
I'm not saying these infections never occur, but it's rare.
So-now I'm dying to see everyone's tats!
Great topic, Kissa!
I love tats. Especially on a guy. But sometimes too many can gross me out. I'd prefer the tats to mean something special...tell a story.
Then they are VERY sexy!
I like tattos, I have 2 myself and have a design for another one as soon as I save up enough to get it done. LOL
I think they are sexy. ;-0
Eden- Thanks so much for dropping by. I was thinking of your RWA conference post when I posted this one. You need to leave the link to your blog and site so we can drop by and see those pics!
CJ- I do love tattoos with a special meaning or story behind them. I agree that those are the best. I don't know how they do those portrait tattoos I see on television but they are sooo detailed.
Julie- Isn't it funny how expensive tattoos are getting? Not that I price them often but it is a form of art and they do deserve to get paid for their creativity as well as the actual work. Getting a good tattoo artist would definitely be worth the extra money for me.
I love tats. I don't have any, but love a hot sexy looking man with them. *Grins*
Individually placed ones, catch my eye more than full limb or body covered.
To each their own, diversity rules!! WOOT
Thanks for stopping by C.A.
I appreciate everyone stopping by to share their views on tattoos. I'll be blogging again next month. In the meantime don't forget to join the MSA readers loop so that you can join the month long MSA reading contest. Join here:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MidnightSeductions/join
Kissa Starling
i love body art...I have wanted some for a long time I just cant settle on one i want..Maybe i cant settle on how many i want..
I think they are sexy and each tat speaks for itself...
Speaking of body art, Savannah, what do you think of the painted on clothing- now that is awesome. It looks like the person is wearing clothing but they really aren't.
Kissa- Great post.
Personally I love tats, and have three. The Celtic dragon on my shoulder inspired the series I'm working on now.
I also think they're sexy as all get out. Last summer I convinced the hubby to get one. It's our daughters name in viking runes on his arm.
Oh Jade that does sound sexy! I love anything Celtic and the fact that it inspired you to write a series is even better!
I love them! I have a small one and have never regretted it b/c of it's meaning. I never really thought about them as being sexy until (my now hubby) took off his shirt for the first time and then it was over for me! I keep begging him to get another one....maybe I have a problem ;)
Hmmm, Katie, so you're saying that the initial view of the tattoo really turned you on? And you are hoping for another delectable surprise?
I like it.
Personally, I think a tattoo that's done right is sexy as hell. I've got friends who got one and it looks like s**t because it was done by an amatuer.
I ever get the money to be able to get one, I'm going in for one. Just haven't decided where.
So definitely sexy.
I have tattoos, but when getting them I never thought about whether they were sexy or not. It was more of a preference for the art, and while they are large tattoos, they are placed where I can keep them covered. No one sees the but family.
Tattoos can be sexy, and I've seen some that are outrageously slutty, but reasons for getting them vary so greatly, it's hard to form an immediate opinion about a tattoo because quite often there are stories behind each of them.
I agree Cora. Thanks for stopping by. I love hearing stories behind every tattoo. Share yours if you're willing.
Tats are an individual thing and it's funny to watch people get them who do NOT know abou the rules of getting inked...
I will supposedly have mine this summer...
Sascha- what will you get inked on? Please post pics when you do get it okay?
I love the idea of a cluster of falling stars as a tattoo! I have a friend who has a huge saracen cross tattooed across his lower back...very cool!
I like the idea of something small falling too Lisa Marie. Hearts would probably be closer to something I might actually get- lavender of course! My brother has Mi Vida Loca across his back, and it so fits him.
I love tattoos! I think that sometimes they are a tad bit dramatic. But why not go all out for them? I find tattoos to be intriguing. Certain one a little more than others. I want at least three tattoo or maybe even more. It's easier to pretend that they're not a needle peircing yuor skin at an X amount of times per second. I would want something that means a lot to me or something that I would like to look at everyday. I also like the ultraviloet tattoo idea as well. I think that those would be neat.
K.E.
She talked me into it!!!
But you have to hop over to my MySpace blog to find out who...
Adriana
http://www.myspace.com/adrianakraft
Thanks for stopping by KE. And give up those pics when you do get a tattoo!
Adriana- I'm headed over now...
I think one tattoo is sexy on a man, as long as it doesn't say something like, I Love Mom:)
I think women can get away with a tattoo, too.
Too many tattoos are...I'll probably get an egg thrown at me for this...tacky. There! That's MY opinion.
Opinions are great- variety is great. Thanks for stopping by!
No, I wouldn't want to be with a man with 'I love Mom' either! Ewww
I have two tattoos (if I could draw I'd likely have more) one is a tri moon on the back of my neck (my powercenter) wow, did that one hurt. The other is a line of women in ritualistic dance colored in a rainbow to symbolize deversity in community and celebrate women's spirituality.
So do I thing tattoos are sexy? I think they can be very sexy, especialy when they are created with a deep meaning for the living canvas wearing them.
I would love to see that tattoo! It sounds so erotic.
I think you have to be a member of Romance Divas to get to this link but it is so worth it: crazy tattoo ahead-
http://forums.romancedivas.com/index.php?showtopic=31876&st=20&gopid=463901&#entry463901
Plus Romance Divas is an awesome place to network with other writers, attend free workshops, and have an all around good time!
I love that site, Tattoo Finder. Has lots there that so neat. I don't have one but been saying for years now that I want one, LOL (just a small celtic design one). Oh I think its sexy to have one, for a woman, small ones. I do like one on so many covers I see that is more like celtic too or related to the story, not a body full of them on a man.
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