[GinaIsWild]

If you don't want it that bad, why are you considering it at all? This is a permanent mark on your body, I don't understand why people are so casual about it.

Absolutely. People are ready to ink the phrase of the day on themselves these days. Yes they can be removed but its expensive, suppsoed to hurt as much as getting the tattoo, and still does not go completely away.

For me getting a tattoo is more about having my own art on me. I don't want to get a tatoo just so I have a tattoo.

Your own Art, in my opinion thats a damn good reason. I have several pieces that i am proud of. Some of the art is mine and some is that of a real artist. Some people look at this as an investment in purchasing art. Its just art. you can carry around with you.

Heres another point of view. I have a dojo mate that is a tattoo artist and is covered from head to toe. He attended a Iaido seminar that was lead by a couple of very high ranking sensei. Remarks were made about his tattoos. I think they affectionately named him "Scary Samurai" Another of our dojo mates told him this was a good thing. They don really think he is scary, But they remember him. And they will continue to remember him from now on. He is identified and the know who he is. Having these guys remember you is awfully cool. His Iai is good so they dont remember the guy that sucked, I know someone will come up with that. They remember him as the tattooed guy who has an interest in what they have to teach. I hope they remember me as well. when the time comes.