What has stopped you from getting a tattoo?

[pethouse]

For me three things.
Not wanting to spend the money
Not sure what I want
And seeing a very old person with a tattoo is kinda wack ngl

[Adventurer23]

Sorry for such a long comment, but...

I have an idea for a very personally meaningful tattoo that I would get full sleeves done, but the reasons why I decided not to is:

1. Despite extensively searching online and looking at the most talented tattoo artists in the world, I still haven't found someone who has a tattooing style that translates well to what I'd want. The design I'd want done is highly dependent on fine, and even micro detail for it to look right. It has to be 100% photorealistic and without defined lines, which the vast majority of tattoo artists use/rely on in their work, and I just never found any artists with the level of colour blending and gradation that I'd need for it to look right. After looking extensively for the right artist, despite the incredible talent out there, which there truly are some insanely talented tattoo artists out there, I just never found anyone with examples of their work in their galleries that translate to what I'd need for it to look right, so I eventually just gave up.

2. Even if I did find an artist I felt confident in being able to translate my vision, after 5+ years, the required level of micro detail in the tattoo would most likely begin to fade and blend into the rest of the design. Being that the level of micro detail is paramount for it to look right, it just isn't feasible to do, only for it to not look right within a few short years. Let alone what they'd look like in another 30-40 years when I'm really old. In regards to the integrity of the design, the integrity of its deeper meaning and what it personally means to me, it's just not feasible or realistic.

3. I also love the outdoors and being in the sun, and the sunlight would fade the tattoo over time. With everything I mentioned, that's not a good thing. I also have fair skin and I have spent A LOT of time in the sun over the years, and there were also a couple of people on my dad's side of the family who developed small melanoma spots (they had it removed and went on to live healthy lives). That is a potential concern of mine, and having my skin completely covered by a tattoo is probably not the best idea in regards to screening and being able to see if something changes and/or progresses. It's not really something I worry about, but I do have to be honest and realistic about it.

4. The quality of tattoo artist and the level of detail I'd need in the tattoos would be very expensive. Especially in regards to full sleeves that would run from my shoulders all the way to my fingertips. I was also willing to travel to any part of the world if I found the right tattoo artist, and that would have been an additional expense too. Especially having to go back for several rounds of tattooing. It was a cost I was willing to pay to get what I wanted, but things have changed and my priorities have changed over the years. I am currently saving for a house, so even if I did find the right tattoo artist I still wouldn't get it done because buying my own house and property is much more important to me right now. Life changes and your priorities change over time too, and getting a tattoo is pretty low on the list at this stage in my life.

With all of that said, there's still the possibility I could get a couple of smaller, and still personally meaningful tattoos done that I've had in mind, but right now it's not really something that's on my radar.

In regards to the OP, I think that's a good thing that you not knowing what you want is something that's preventing you from getting one. That's a really legitimate and important reason. Sadly, a lot of people don't think of that as a consideration before getting a tattoo, or many tattoos for that matter. It's my strong opinion that tattoos HAVE to be personally meaningful, or else they eventually become something a person regrets later in life. It has to be meaningful for it to be something they love for the rest of their life. It can't just be some random or trendy thing, or else it'll just wind up as a source of regret and/or a nagging eyesore. But when it's something that has a deeper meaning to who that person is, those are the ones that are worth getting. Anything less than that is just a bad idea.

[strateguy632]

i only got temporary. the permanemt is outrageous price.

[Anonymous]

I get bored easily so tattoos are not meant for me. I know I will end up get them removed in a few years, which is more expensive than the price of the tattoos. No point in wasting my money like that

[Cutegirl06]

First I'm too young to get a tattoo and second I'm not into tattoos.

[NathanDavis]

nothing really... other than the fact that I really didn't want one enough, otherwise... I would have had it done already

[Thestupidusername]

Same reasons for me but also I have sensitive skin so might be allergic to the ink.

[systemsareyo]

Nothing, I don't like them. I love clear skin that hasn't been scarred or butchered by the sun'd harsh rays 🌞☀️ 😨

[systemsareyo]

*sun's 🌞☀️

[art84]

Never been into tattoos plus they are expensive.

[PBandJ_Nerd]

I don't really want a tattoo.

[Astarlessnightsky]

Fear of needles.

[Booklover_90]

Not my thing.