What do you really think when you see a heavily tattooed person?

Cash138: What do you really think when you see a heavily tattooed person?
Just a question that interests me as I’m a tattooer. It seems to me that people with no ink go one of two extremes. Either they think “oh, that’s disgusting, why would you do that?” Or else they get over-excited and want to know every last detail about it.

I think shows like L.A Ink/Miami Ink/Wherever Ink have knocked down a lot of barriers and changed a lot of misconceptions about the sort of people who get tattooed, and the reasons behind it. Our industry has become a lot more mainstream and maybe people who would have normally known nothing about it, may begin to understand the motivations behind getting tattooed, or maybe even just have learn that it’s not just for whores and sailors, and begin to have an understanding and appreciation for the hard work that we do.

So how do you feel about it and why? What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you see people, with sleeves, neck tattoos, facial ink etc.? I’m not talking about sideshow looking people, just regular Joes with a lot of tattoos. Look forward to reading some answers.
Interesting stuff folks. Keep the answers coming!

Answers and Views:

Answer by Mandy ☀
When I see a heavily tattooed person, I immediately think that they are f-cking brave. That must have hurt. My mother’s friend is a heavily tattooed man. I mean everywhere, even his face. The tattoos aren’t innapropriate or violent, so I don’t think bad of him.

Answer by RiiRii
My imediate reaction is Yuck what a fag but then i think maybe they’ve had them for reasons

Answer by Rodney Song
I think they could use a little more grape soda in their life.

Answer by Jonas is LOVE
I think “Dang thats alot of ink”
haha.
I mean I get having a tatoo that represents something about yourself(or something/someone close to you).
But to be totally covered in tatoos?
Think thats getting carried away a bit.
I bet its a lot of money for the industry though. haha.
But its the persons decision.
Sometimes, I’ll admit, it looks kind of trashy.

Answer by John
It depends on the tats. I think a lot of them are pretty cool. Sleeves are pretty freakin sweet too. I don’t have a tattoo and probably will never have one but I like looking at them.

Answer by foofoobunnyfoofoo
I don’t think much of it since heavily tattooed people are so common today. I might admire the tattoos from an artistic standpoint, but I don’t judge what kind of person they may be, since it doesn’t say much about someone’s personality. I like some tattoos, and I don’t like others.

Answer by CandyGirl
i’m REALLY attracted to guys with alot of tattoos. i don’t think girls look as good with them though.

Answer by Glassjaw
I dont think anything just they have tattoos not a big deal. But i dont like the tattoos on girls boobs.

Answer by !!sexxy gina!!
Well its up to how everyone see’s them for example my mom thinks that there for animals .i think it looks hot just not on you face or hand s but other then that it makes a person look interesting

Answer by kbk823
I don’t mind sleeves, or full leg or body pieces. As long as the art is of good quality, and not a mishmash of crap, then it’s fine. I dislike facial tattoos. I’m not sure why, but I find them incredibly jarring.

I really don’t like Kat Von D’s tattoos. She doesn’t seem to have a plan for her tattoos, just gets random things placed in random patches of skin. And, I hate the face stars. I’m not sure if my hate is accentuated by the non-matching eye shadow, or what.

I have a few small pieces myself. I’ve seen some really beautiful artwork done on people’s bodies, and some really horrible pieces as well.

ETA- I live by a tribal reservation, and most of the face and hand tattoos have religious or tribal meanings. I understand the reason for getting them done, but that it doesn’t translate when someone who isn’t a tribe member goes out and gets one done.

Answer by pelihellfire1
i see an individual that enjoys expressing him or herself iin they’re own way

Answer by eventista04
When I see heavily inked peeps, I wonder how interesting they are. Where have they been? What are their tattoos about.
Then I look at the work itself… How good is it? Any blow outs? Shading?

Yeah, that is pretty much it. I am on my way to being heavily tattooed and sped a decent amount of time hanging at the shop near my apt with the artists who are my friends. Great spot to people watch.

Answer by Pattinson
I only have 2 tatts at the moment… in the process of designing a rib piece. Anyway, mine are easily covered, but the only reason I kept it that way is due to my job. I like the look of tattoos, whether it be 1 or a sleeve or back piece. I have nothing but respect for being able to sit through it all, and for the artist. I hope eventually people will come around even more so tattooed people are not so stereo-typed. Just because you have ink does not make you a bad person or a criminal. I respect that fact that some don’t like tattoos, but I don’t think that should give them the right to bash all the people with tattoos. It’s a personal choice and a freedom of expression. To each his own I say.

Answer by ccfuser
i like to see it, tattoos are awesome. I wish my career allowed me more freedom to get more visible tattoos but hey, lifes not fair. I really love girls with a lot of tattoos, i think its incredibly hot. I like to look and see what style/subject matter is tattooed on them.Also, quality (or lack there of) of work. I’m not really that impressed with trible sleeves, seems really played out and redundant.

Answer by muse
I usually think “thats gonna look gross when they are old”

I like tattoos, but too much annoys me. just seems like they ruin their body.

Answer by tatgrl
I think it shows someone that is confident in themselves and enjoys art. They are not trying to fit in with what everyone “says” they should or should not do. I hope that society changes their views because I know a lot of people look down on others with lots of tattoos especially when it comes to jobs.
You can always cover a tat for a job there is a cool tat cover video on youtube.
but I hope people change their views, it seems the younger generation is way more accepting.

Answer by emily. 🙂
First time that crosses my mind…

“mmm..;)”

Answer by I love george
My hubby and I are both tattooists and we are both covered with them. They are hotttttt… I have like 80 right now, both legs are covered with my left leg is a farie seen and blue sky’s and my left leg is tribal and covered. Hubby has beautiful sleeves. I think that that person has to have meening for them. As you know we hear story’s about what the tattoo mean to them as we do it.I’m sure you hear them also. I think sexier the more ink that a person has…….

Answer by Jake
when im walking down the street i put my hand over my wallet and phone and quickly walk past them

Answer by ashley
well if it is good I usually wonder where they got it done at 🙂

Answer by Crysi
I think every piece of work the person has means something to them in some way. Rather it makes sense to why they have it or not, they know. I’m sure everybody has a story behind a tattoo. Rather it’s from a cartoon, a movie, someone you love or has made an impact on that person in some way. Makes you wonder about the person, what they’ve seen, what they’ve done… I think tattoos are a wonderful way to express ones self. =)

Answer by Bree
I think it takes a lot of self confidence to cover yourself with tattoo’s, and I admire that. I’ve always found people that have tattoo’s to be more interesting than people without them. We’re very eccentric people, but it’s hard to find someone to look past the ink sometimes.

A lot of people normally get tattoo’s to represent something special to them, I know all of mine do. I have 5 tattoo’s and plan on getting more. I’m of course judged by them because they are out in the open but I don’t mind, I didn’t get them to please anyone else but me. Even if no one else understands why you choose to get a certain tattoo, that shouldn’t stop you from expressing yourself in such a beautiful way.

You’re right, LA & Miami Ink have definitely helped break down barrier’s a bit more. I’m not a big fan of neck or facial tattoo’s, or very vulgar tattoo’s. I think tattoo’s can be really attractive, or they can be a total turn off, it all depends on the type of person you are and what you choose to show on your skin.

Tattoo’s may be on the surface of the skin, but they are also of the mind and the soul. Not many people understand that. A lot of men find women who have tattoo’s to be unattractive which is kinda sad, because a woman willing to bear something that means so much to her out in the open has a lot to offer someone. And not to mention we’re a bit more confident than the average gal.

So bottom line is, as long as it’s good quality ink, and you’ve got a story to back up each stupid tattoo, then it’s cool. Life would be too boring to be normal anyway :]

P.s. sorry for the semi-long read.

Answer by JESSICAAA.
i dont think anything of it..i think it luks nice sumtimes ..there body let em do what they want
jesssssie x