Inked

Friday, April 17th, 2009

I got my first tattoo in Fall of 1999.

Memory Grove Parkpicture-49

I think I’m just about ready to get my second tattoo. Ultimately, I do want to get a tattoo on my upper left arm, but I have something very specific in mind and I’m not ready for it yet. In the meantime, I want to get something small and unique on my upper forearm just below the inner elbow. While I’m not set on any of these designs, this is the direction I’m thinking:

tat_ideas

The top design doesn’t quite capture what I want it to do, it needs to be cleaned up, but you get the idea. I’m not even sure if I can find a tattoo artist who could pull off #2 and keep it both readable and discreet.

For those who are confused, the symbol is the Greek letter “lambda” and it’s often association with queer activism. The quote is a favorite of mine by Walt Whitman.

If I got one of these tattoos, which should I get?

ETA: Thanks for all the feedback. I went with option 3 because I can always decorate it more later if I want.

0418091507

Filed under: personal by Jere Keys

5 Responses to “Inked”

  1. Tam, on April 17th, 2009 at 11:17 pm Said:

    Poop, I commented on Facebook. I had the same concern with #2, I prefer it but the words have to be clear and readable or it will look like a crappy smudgy ring around it. The rainbow is cool but I think I’m loving the simplicity of #3.

  2. michelle bryant, on April 18th, 2009 at 2:08 am Said:

    #1 – too gay with the rainbow. Too obviuos it’s a gay thing and isn’t one of the best convo starters is “what does your tattoo mean?”….. especially being an activist!
    #2 – my pick if it could be larger and legible. even finding an artist to go that small…in 5-8 years when the ink spreads it will be aglobby mess
    #3 – Nice. Simple. Discreet.
    #4 – No, no, no. Looks like your arm got caught in a typewriter. If your gonna do straight text, (as oppossed to “gay” text? hmm..LOL) ya gotta be artistic or scripty or flowing.

    -Kisses!
    The Egg.

  3. Alicia, on April 18th, 2009 at 7:41 am Said:

    Love number 2 but same concern as everyone else.

    I think 3.

  4. Enrico, on April 18th, 2009 at 12:12 pm Said:

    As I said on Twitter, TRES!

  5. Michelle M., on April 18th, 2009 at 9:08 pm Said:

    I didn’t vote in time!
    I was going to pick 3 anyway.
    Looks good!

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