Wondering how old we all were when we got our first ink?

[max]

It occurs to me that there is a stigma out there that some people associate tatts with youth, bikers or the military.

I didn't get inked when I was in the military or when I was 'in my youth' but at the age of 34 (simple peace sign) and again at 37 (my larger work).

I have a feeling that the older we start, the more elaborate our work (not verifiable but might make for an interesting study).

So, how old were you for your first (and any thoughts to my "theory" regarding age = tattoo complexity)?

[Lisa]

Hi Max. I'm sure people could argue either side of your theory... I got my first tattoo at 42 after wanting one forever. I got a small heart (for self-love) to test my tolerance. Within two weeks I had booked my next sitting to start a 13" corset down my back. For me, starting a bit later in life, I knew what I liked, I knew what I wanted - and would want to have for all time - and I didn't want to waste any time getting going. I continue to add to the collection and I'm bold in my choices in all cases. Age isn't all bad in this regard. Had I gotten a tattoo at age 18 I would've gotten something completely ridiculous, I'm quite sure, and would have all kinds of regret. Instead, I have total joy and some awesome body art. Maybe with age, wisdom really does come? But on the flip side, I know an awful lot of wise young 20-somethings who have been thoughtful and extremely creative with their ink too. :-)

[Christina]

I got my first one when I was 21. I made a point of getting something that I liked at the time, and would like 50 years from now. There are a lot of images and styles that I like, but aren't really something that I think I want to put on myself (dark, creepy things). I'm very pleased that I decided to go with what I did (birds and flowers), as they are not only symbolic and meaningful to me, but I think beautiful also. It's a decent sized piece and I get comments like, "that's a lot of tattoo" when people learn that it was my first. Many of my friends who are in their early 20's and getting their first tattoos are getting small, solid black pieces. My feeling is if you're going to do it, do it right, and for me that meant going big and colorful. I'm going in to start my second tattoo in less than 2 months, and I'm excited to be able to say, "I have tattoos" not just, "I have a tattoo" since the singular denotation for people my age seems to come along with the connotation of small, not-so-great ink.

[Chavi]

i was 14, and i got a just a little thing and until present day it is my addiction, im glad there isnt any tattoo rehab centers!

[Tzu-jan]

First ink in my 30's. Older people getting more elaborate ink work could be a simple fact that older people might have more access to larger sums of cash to get the elaborate work done. That was the case for me, that and I quit my fancy office job that frowned on such things as visible tattoos.

[DiamondBlade]

freshly 18, and lets just say I wish I waited Till I was about 25 instead!!! Now i'm looking at laser sessions and cover ups!!

But no actually my 1st tattoo I still love. but my 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, on the other hand lol. I guess after the initial addicition set in I went a bit crazy with it.

[max]

Interesting DB. I flipped through your photos and your sleeve is really nice IMHO.

Can I ask why? That is a major piece (if that is the one you are referring to). I don't know how old you are now but am curious as to the change of heart.

Thanks!

[Erin]

I agree. I wish I had waited until I was a little older. I feel as if i am running out of space now! I have pieces that I do like, but in theory really wish I had that space back to get something even better!

[Helana]

i was 21...it took me forever to get the nerve to get my first tat...now i cant get enough of them!

[nestor]

im 17 and i ready got 2 the first one was im my stomach second one was in my upper right inside of my arm

[Amber]

I was 19 with my first and it was one of those where you walk in and pick something of the poster boards, although I like the moon and the stars. Its kind of cheap and unpersonalized looking.

I got my second at 29 (back of neck), third at 30 (foot), and fouth at 31 (side). I have a ritual now to get one for every birthday!

But now that I am older I plan all year what aspect of my personality that has emerged in that year and I get a tattoo to commemorate it. My tattoos are more meaningful to me and I have an awesome tatooist who knows what he is doing and that makes a HUGE difference.

[Amanda Goulding]

My first was at 20 years old. I thought about the exact design for abut 5 years so by the time a decent tattoo artist rolled into town, I knew exactly what I wanted. I have no regrets regarding my tattoos...I rather like all of them. I am a bit more mentally mature then most my age, so I think my decisions were made more practically. Totally depends on the individual of course...and I didn't get my larger piece until I was 23. It took me about 2 days to design it hehe.