Tattooed

When your child turns 18 and the only present he wants is a tattoo, what do you do?

Well in our case we got him a tattoo.

Please understand that he's been asking to get a tattoo since he was 16.  We've always said yes, but he's been very deliberate in chosing a design.  It's taken him 2-1/2 years to come up with something he loves.

Friday was the big day.  Five months after his 18th birthday.

Here it is, in all its glory:

Here is what he had to say about it (photo and quote stolen from his FB page):

"Tattoo artist Derek Noble’s beautiful interpretation of that annoying as f**k owl from Ocarina of Time, with the triforce underneath. Video games have had a huge impact on my life, and ever since 1998 when Ocarina of Time was released and I fell in love with the Zelda universe, I’ve been telling myself that when I turn 18, if I still love Zelda as much as I did as a young child, I would get it permanently engraved on my body, so here I am."

At some point color will be added.

Then he will get another one.  Once he decided on a design, it was actually two he picked.  The other one will be on the opposite arm, but similar.  It will be the Deathly Hallows symbol from Harry Potter with Hedwig the owl.  He will be paying for the color and the second tattoo!

Are Handy Man and I concerned that he won't be able to find decent employement because of the tattoo?  No.  I see many tattooed employees as I go about my day.  They seem more commonplace than they were when I was a teen.  SWS's career of choice will be something in the arts where people don't even look twice at a tattoo, unless it's to admire the beauty.

Neither Handy Man or I have tattoos, although I have a few designs I'd like to get.  I've never pulled the trigger. 

How do you feel about tattoos?  Do you have a tattoo?  If so, what is it?  Would you pay for your 18 year old to get a tattoo, as a gift?

Inquiring minds want to know!

Comments

[Lisa]

Cool tattoo! I have no idea on the reference, though, as I don't know Zelda or her world. :o)

I don't have any tattoos. I've considered getting an ankle bracelet but have never done it. My oldest and youngest daughter have several tattoos: on their wrists, the back of their necks, behind their ears, my youngest near her belly button. My middle daughter (conservative Bubby mama) will never get one. To each his own. That works for me.

[Chrissy]

Looks amazing!

[Meg]

Very cool. Good for him! I have two tattoos. One I got for my 21st birthday, a butterfly that matches my sister's butterfly tattoo. It's on the small of my back. My other tattoo is a trikestra, the Celtic trinity for Maiden, Mother and Crone the three stages of motherhood. MY only regret is I fear the Trikesta may show in my wedding photos. Other than that, I love them both!

[The Incredible Woody]

Looks great! I don't have a tattoo but only because I'm a big ol' wimp!

[Jenn @ Juggling Life]

I would venture to say the Pacific Northwest is pretty free-spirited, too.

I'm sure he's thrilled with his gift!

[Mental P Mama]

I have one;)

[Tattoos For Girls]

Hey there : )
Why do men and women (society generally) still pre-judge people with tats. women especially?
I am a twenty six year old F, have got 11 tattoos, most of which can not be noticed on my daily travels. 5 - 6 during the summer are pretty much constantly on display. I don't aim for attention and I have a loving boyfriend WITH NO TATTOOS .I get the impression that many people think that tattooed persons are blind, once we get stared at, even when we return a glance many people keep on looking. When will society change?