[micaela]

Is is considered rude to ask someone if you can look at their tattoo? I have found myself several times wanting to get a closer look at the artwork on someone's arm & wondering which is more rude -- stealing stares or just asking to look at it?? Or maybe I should just squelch my curiosity??? What's proper?

 

[ken36]

Great question that I never dared to ask.

 

[nick20]

I get asked that quite frequently; at least a few times a week, if not more. Girls ask the most, but it doesn't bother me, I enjoy using my tattoos as conversation starters; and girls sometimes have tattoos on their back, which means.. well, use your imagination. Nonetheless, I have some really detailed and expensive tattoo's that I love to show off. I usually wear my sleeves rolled up a little bit, to show off the lower parts of the tattoo and the build in my arms. I visit a world-class tattoo specialist, who does exceptional work. He works by appointment only, and it usually takes a month or more to see him.





-Nick

 

[tyrion]

I remember at the National Meet in NYC, a few of us spent the Friday before in the city visiting various beer bars. There were a number of ladies with tattoos in on of them (Hop Devil) and one of our group asked them all to show their tattoos and they were very accommodating. Based upon that experience I would have to say, ask away.

 

[Akathisia]

I have a tattoo on each forearm that are cursive text bands. At work I wear slacks, long sleeve button down shirt and a tie. In public I wear short sleeves.

I don't mind being asked to see my tattoos, they go all the way around so it's kind of funny trying to show what they say, plus the reactions are always priceless. What really irks me is the people who just grab my forearm and pull it up to their face to look. Where do people get the idea that they can grab at me for a better look - those people get the best explanation - "it's a list of people I've killed".

 

[Troyhoot]

ask away. As long as they arent in the middle of eating or an important looking coversation. You know, just use common sense. I have 10 tattoos atm, I get asked alot to show something. I enjoy showing them, and have no problem with it unless Im busy or in a horrible mood. Every tattoo has a story behind it usually also. Great conversation pieces. 99% of people will gladly show and discuss though.

 

[micaela]

Thanks for the opinions! I would think that if you spent lots of money & time getting them that it might be flattering in a way if someone asked to look closer & compliment you on them. But it feels a little awkward asking. Yesterday there was this guy in Subway while my hubby & I were waiting for our sandwiches & he had a really interesting looking piece on his arm & I kept trying to get a better look at it without being obnoxious. My husband said I should have just asked him to look at it -- but I wasn't sure..

Next time I'll be more brave.

 

[guzziguy]

Can't you just say "I'll show you mine if you'll show me yours"?

 

[nelamvr6]

I get this all the time, people are always asking me to take a better look at my tats.

It doesn't bother me at all.

 

[micaela]

Quote:

Originally Posted by guzziguy /img/forum/go_quote.gif Can't you just say "I'll show you mine if you'll show me yours"?

hmmm.....could be fun

oh wait.....I don't have one....

 

[Tone Def]

I don't really mind. The only problem is that its on my upper back, so depending on where I am it may not be appropriate to lift my t-shirt.

 

[Thelonious Monk]

Quote:

Originally Posted by nick20 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I get asked that quite frequently; at least a few times a week, if not more. Girls ask the most, but it doesn't bother me, I enjoy using my tattoos as conversation starters; and girls sometimes have tattoos on their back, which means.. well, use your imagination. Nonetheless, I have some really detailed and expensive tattoo's that I love to show off. I usually wear my sleeves rolled up a little bit, to show off the lower parts of the tattoo and the build in my arms. I visit a world-class tattoo specialist, who does exceptional work. He works by appointment only, and it usually takes a month or more to see him. -Nick

i demand pictures

 

[sant430]

I've been (too slowly as of late) been working on a full body suit, and, while 95% of my art is far from visible, a small amount can be seen just below my neckline. I have to say that I know exactly how well-endowed women feel anytime I wear a shirt that hangs low since most people have a hard time keeping eye contact with me.

With that in mind, I normally don't mind if someone comes up and asks to see my art. IMO, it's more polite than simply staring or trying to steal looks.

Asking to see (bodyart, that is- depending what you ask to see can get you smacked) is so much more polite, than just gawking.....

 

[luckypictures]

Yup. I'm a bit of a walking advertisement for myself, so I don't mind being asked. I am very proud of all my tattoos. All but one were designed by me, and the one that wasn't, was altered by me. They're all very well done, and mean a great deal to me. IN other words, no tribal armbands or barbed wire. I've spent a hell of a lot of money on my tattoos, and if someone wants to look, I don't mind. If its obvious that it isn't a tattoo you should ask about, then don't. In other words, if its somewhere that might get you slapped!

 

[Marados]

I never did think about this question properly, but it's most definitely a good one.