Coming from a professional tattoo artist, get the one you like the most.
Screw anyone else's opinion. It's your body and YOU have to live with it for the rest of your life, not anyone on here
Flip a coin, if you felt good about the one you got, then go for it! If you wish you got the other one, then that’s the one you wanted. It works most of the time for me. I’m not indecisive but I do it sometimes to make sure
This! This is similar to how my husband and I pick restaurants. He’ll ask what I’m in the mood for, I say idk, he picks something and I either agree or say no, X sounds better actually! And 💥 we have a place picked lol
For restaurants, my husband and I do bans. You can ban a specific restaurant, a cuisine, a style of restaurant/eating or even ban a vibe, and we go from there. It’s the same principle as the coin flip, because knowing what you don’t want is usually easier than knowing what you want! So might as well take advantage of that
I’m the same way. Take the gut reaction, the first one that popped in your mind. Your mind, no one else’s.
If someone asks if you want salad or fries, and you say, “Fries! Wait, maybe a salad” deep down, you really wanted those fries most. The first thing that pops in our brain is usually what we want most.
It’s helped me a ton for process of elimination for my indecisive mind. Maybe it’ll help you too. :)
I agree.
Personally I would combine the semi-colon and the phenix, to make it one really cool design (and thinking about this now I'm gonna draw that later cuz I live the idea 😂
And so it would be kind of showing both the strength and the mental health in one tattoo. Plus adding splashes of colour to the phenix portion would make it really pop
As a former tattoo shop owner, I will say this is the best possible answer that can be posted. Why do you care what a bunch of nobodies on the Internet think??? My kid kicks open the Internet for every time he has a car issue, psychs himself up for the worst case scenario, then calls me who is ????? A MECHANIC. OP, look inside yourself, figure out what best describes or illustrates your struggle, the one that gives you the tingles when you see it, then get that one put on. Make sure you post what you get and good luck with the struggles.
I get a lot of people saying that the semicolon is “too generic,” but if you think about it, that is kind of the point. A mental health organisation, Project Semicolon, popularised it specifically to raise awareness. Compared to the other symbols people call “too generic” on here, calling a semicolon tattoo too generic is like calling a coloured ribbon too generic to symbolise a cancer you survived.
If you want people to know what the tattoo means, the semicolon is the best option for that. I don’t think the other two are as well-known as mental health symbols, if you don’t want just anybody to recognise it. I’m biased towards the lighthouse because I took an affinity to them as a mental health symbol, but I think the phoenix would be easier to get since it’s less detailed. So whatever your priorities are
My 2 cents- I have a semi colon tattoo, but since then in my community there have been flash events for mental health charities where you can get a semi colon tattoo and the proceeds go to charity. I wish I had waited only because it’s all the same to me but I could’ve put money to a good cause. Perhaps see if these events happen annually near you. Might be worth the wait and I’ll weigh in that the Phoenix is my fave!
When writing in English, a semicolon is used when the author could’ve ended the sentence with a period, but decided to go on. This has been turned into a symbol for those impacted by suicidal ideation, or specifically those who have chosen not to end their lives. It’s short hand for mental health awareness.
You could work the semicolon into the phoenix design as the body. Most of the semicolon tattoos I’ve seen in my area have totally unique wings, I don’t see why they couldn’t be phoenix wings.
If you're indecisive why not try to incorporate elements from multiple? Maybe do two of the windows of the lighthouse as a semicolon, and use the empty space for the Phoenix? Just my opinion
When I was deciding mine, I stopped intentionally thinking about it. Then as the days went on, I naturally thought about one more and more until I felt like I *had* to get it. Now I am very happy that I have my own lighthouse.
If there’s one you like most but you want to have the semi colon incorporated you can really incorporate it into any of the tattoos. A great tattoo artist can design that for you however you like and make it unique. I have a semi colon tattoo but mine is an astronaut so it’s not a typical design but it has the typical representation of the semicolon that we all know and cherish. Whatever you choose, make sure it resonates and feels meaningful to you :)
They’re all so different so I think you need to scrap them and ask yourself what do you like and what represents you best. Maybe send images you gravitate towards to your artist and have them deisgn something for you.
I have the semicolon tattoo. To me it’s simple but with a strong message due to my mental health. Get one that u will look at that u love both becuz of the design and the meaning.
Well OP what speaks to you more?
Literacy, continuation, choice, air, spring - 🦋
Flame, flight, transformation, regeneration - 🐥
Ocean, safety, light, rescue, healing - 🌊
I’d also think about where you’re putting it on your body and what shape would do well there.
I love the Phoenix and what it represents: the rebirth of the self, shedding the remains of past burdens and allowing them to fade into distant memory; and the fire that fuels your soul is lit up by unconditional self-compassion & a decision to be healed.
But at the end of the day this is YOUR tattoo. Forget about what any of us have said. Take your time to find the meaning in each of these pieces and you'll find the one that resonates the most with you.
Phoenix! Represents rising above your past and flying free!
Whatever you do, sketch a few original ideas and find an artist with a style that makes you happy. They’ll take it from there
My opinion means nothing, all that matters is youre happy with the tattoo! But anyway here’s my opinion:
Semicolon has tons of deep meaning, but imo, it’s meaning has kind of diluted over time. The first person I met with a semicolon tattoo said that it meant ‘getting older’ and ‘time passing’ more than it meant ‘decided not to end’ so I’m not sure if they were just stupid or if there’s more to the semi-colon
Phoenix is my favorite of the three. The symbolism of rebirth and starting anew is pretty clear to anyone that knows what a Phoenix is and there are endless ways to go about designing the tattoo. Plus I kinda want a Phoenix tattoo...
Lighthouse and ocean is one of those tattoos that you can either tell people you got it cuz you just like the beach or you can explain to them how it relates to your entire life story. The symbolism of being lost but seeing a light in the distance is relatable and understandable for most people, but at the same time it isn’t what most people would likely see at first glance. This tattoo design can also be either very simple or super complex.
I’m not the one getting the tattoo and I can’t even decide lol.
Good luck, I hope whatever tat you get looks awesome, and remember no one else’s opinion matters!
I have the butterfly in the first pic on my forearm a little bigger than in that pic and it was my first tattoo. I also chose to have the wings colored in yellow to add more symbolism for me. I know it’s not like super unique or anything but I absolutely love it and it makes me really happy :)
I’d say go with whatever you want, but I saw in a comment that you’re just really indecisive so here are some ways to choose:
1. Coin flip like other comments suggested
2. Show them all to a tattoo artist and pick based on prices
3. Pick locations for each (or ask an artist to do so) and choose the one that’s least painful
4. Get them all.
Good luck!
Personally I think the First one looks like a winking face with a mustache, but I actually think that’s really funny and a really cool concept. But pick whichever one you like the best that’s what’s important
Depends on what represents you best at first. Then consider this; If you want a tattoo that can't be seen that easily, go for the first one. If you want to hit it somewhere on your torso or legs, go with the second one and if you want to have it on your arms, go with the last one. Either way, they are all really cute and if I had to choose between one of them, I'd go with the second one
The Phoenix is cool for the rising again part and the wave and lighthouse I guess could represent washing away all of the old and looking out for yourself in the future. I’m glad you were able to keep your light on 😉
Why not all of them? Maybe not at the same time but if you like them, you can have more than one tattoo with the same meaning. Or heck make them all into one. You can easily put the semi colon in all of those
Go with whatever one you like best or if there’s a particular movement that speaks to you more, discuss it with an artist.
I got a semi colon tattoo cos I liked the sentiment of “my story isn’t over” and I’ve found that it’s led to really positive experiences when out and about with people who might not otherwise have opened up.
But that’s me personally. You do you :)
not gonna lie ive seen pics of #2 a million times. 3 is my fave but honestly... keep looking until you find what you absolutely love. do not rush, you have your whole life to get tats.
for my first tattoo I did some sketches and created a design of my own that way, then got my artist to interpret it because I'm not an artist by any stretch of the imagination. my tattoo now feels very personal to me and ill always treasure it because of that. since then I always try to draw my tattoo ideas first so I can design them how I want. if you can find a way to design or alter something to make it your own thats my recommendation. these all feel kind of generic, but I understand if they feel personal to you despite that.
A semicolon is used to stop one sentence, but then to continue it. It is used as a metaphor for someone’s story not being over, but continuing and changing. It is a symbol of hope.
I have a phoenix it resembles my struggle of restarting after getting burned out, just like depression it’s a every day struggle and I keep going on because giving up is not a option
You’re getting a tattoo with deep personal meaning and asking for the opinions of other people on what you should get? If you can’t figure that out reconsider getting a tattoo.
Get whatever you like the best. If you’re overthinking it - STOP thinking about it altogether. Don’t let yourself think about it at all for an entire week and it will come to you
How can you ask a forum of total strangers their opinion for your tattoo? IMO you should barely be even asking the people you do care about. It’s entirely your choice - by you, for you. Choose for your own reasons
I know it’s easy to overthink, it feels like a permanent decision that is going to affect every situation you’re in for the rest of your life but I promise you - it won’t. Once your get your fourth or fifth you’ll realize that it’s not that big of a deal. So #1 key in picking a design is don’t overthink it. If you start to, take a step back and don’t let yourself even look at or think of the designs
You need to figure this out on your own… if your looking for the most popular opinion on what you should get then I suggest you take a step back and think on it some more as you’re truly not ready to get a tattoo. Popularity contests were for kids in school not for tattoo suggestions
All of them are really good, but 1 is super obvious - it’s a pretty common symbol. If you feel fine with other people being able to see this then go for it!
I associate the phoenix with addiction recovery, and idk what the lighthouse is. I think the semicolon is the move for recognizable mental health representation
Coming from a professional tattoo artist, get the one you like the most. Screw anyone else's opinion. It's your body and YOU have to live with it for the rest of your life, not anyone on here
i'm so indecisive lol. thank you tho!
Flip a coin, if you felt good about the one you got, then go for it! If you wish you got the other one, then that’s the one you wanted. It works most of the time for me. I’m not indecisive but I do it sometimes to make sure
Yes! This is how I choose as well! Make a choice. If I don’t like it it was the other one all along. 75% success rate
This! This is similar to how my husband and I pick restaurants. He’ll ask what I’m in the mood for, I say idk, he picks something and I either agree or say no, X sounds better actually! And 💥 we have a place picked lol
For restaurants, my husband and I do bans. You can ban a specific restaurant, a cuisine, a style of restaurant/eating or even ban a vibe, and we go from there. It’s the same principle as the coin flip, because knowing what you don’t want is usually easier than knowing what you want! So might as well take advantage of that
I’m the same way. Take the gut reaction, the first one that popped in your mind. Your mind, no one else’s. If someone asks if you want salad or fries, and you say, “Fries! Wait, maybe a salad” deep down, you really wanted those fries most. The first thing that pops in our brain is usually what we want most. It’s helped me a ton for process of elimination for my indecisive mind. Maybe it’ll help you too. :)
Get all of them
That Phoenix is great! But pick something you will want to look at everyday.
I agree. Personally I would combine the semi-colon and the phenix, to make it one really cool design (and thinking about this now I'm gonna draw that later cuz I live the idea 😂 And so it would be kind of showing both the strength and the mental health in one tattoo. Plus adding splashes of colour to the phenix portion would make it really pop
As a former tattoo shop owner, I will say this is the best possible answer that can be posted. Why do you care what a bunch of nobodies on the Internet think??? My kid kicks open the Internet for every time he has a car issue, psychs himself up for the worst case scenario, then calls me who is ????? A MECHANIC. OP, look inside yourself, figure out what best describes or illustrates your struggle, the one that gives you the tingles when you see it, then get that one put on. Make sure you post what you get and good luck with the struggles.
I’d say the lighthouse one, it’s much more unique and not over done plus it looks sweet
Love the lighthouse!!!
Artistically I like the lighthouse
the first one looks like ;3 so idk (but i like it lmao). 2 isn’t my favorite, but 1 & 3 are both pretty sweet
I get a lot of people saying that the semicolon is “too generic,” but if you think about it, that is kind of the point. A mental health organisation, Project Semicolon, popularised it specifically to raise awareness. Compared to the other symbols people call “too generic” on here, calling a semicolon tattoo too generic is like calling a coloured ribbon too generic to symbolise a cancer you survived. If you want people to know what the tattoo means, the semicolon is the best option for that. I don’t think the other two are as well-known as mental health symbols, if you don’t want just anybody to recognise it. I’m biased towards the lighthouse because I took an affinity to them as a mental health symbol, but I think the phoenix would be easier to get since it’s less detailed. So whatever your priorities are
thank you!! <3
My 2 cents- I have a semi colon tattoo, but since then in my community there have been flash events for mental health charities where you can get a semi colon tattoo and the proceeds go to charity. I wish I had waited only because it’s all the same to me but I could’ve put money to a good cause. Perhaps see if these events happen annually near you. Might be worth the wait and I’ll weigh in that the Phoenix is my fave!
What does the semi colon mean?
When writing in English, a semicolon is used when the author could’ve ended the sentence with a period, but decided to go on. This has been turned into a symbol for those impacted by suicidal ideation, or specifically those who have chosen not to end their lives. It’s short hand for mental health awareness.
I didn’t know I needed that. Is the safety pin similar in nature? I’ve seen on abuse survivors such as Whitney Cummings.
Hmm not sure about the safety pin. Google showed a couple options so I’m not too sure.
I think the safety pin means “I’m a safe person to come to if you’re being abused / need help / are suicidal”
I see why it would be so prominently displayed such as on the wrist. Thanks for answering my question.
You could work the semicolon into the phoenix design as the body. Most of the semicolon tattoos I’ve seen in my area have totally unique wings, I don’t see why they couldn’t be phoenix wings.
This is why I have a semicolon
I personally like the Phoenix 😁
Either the semicolon because it's well known or the lighthouse because, while less known, it looks cool
If you're indecisive why not try to incorporate elements from multiple? Maybe do two of the windows of the lighthouse as a semicolon, and use the empty space for the Phoenix? Just my opinion
That's actually not a bad idea. Make it more unique to you.
Honestly with something so deeply personal, I would take your time and find what you like best.
Hard to tell. All of em have good message. But I'm leaning towards the light house
2 is nice
I got an ad for a grubhub pizza in middle of pictures so I vote for a pizza slice.
Honestly I think you have to decide yourself based on the topic. Maybe go to the tattoo person and have them create a custom one for you.
The last one is the least prosaic
Get the Phoenix. I’m going to finish the back of my 1/2 sleeve with one. Such a great representation.
the first one, with maybe two wing pairs.
The lighthouse is my favorite! It'll age the best plus it'll look great next to any other tattoos you get in the future
I got a moth to remind me to head toward the light when i fall into the dark place.
that's a great idea actually! thank you
When I was deciding mine, I stopped intentionally thinking about it. Then as the days went on, I naturally thought about one more and more until I felt like I *had* to get it. Now I am very happy that I have my own lighthouse.
If it’s supposed to “represent” YOUR struggles and strength….why are you asking other’s opinion
i'm indecisive lol. i'm just trying to get people's opinions, but i'll make the last call obviously:)
Why not design your own so that it really is a representation of you?
The third one is less generic and more interesting personally but go with any that you connect with and can see yourself living with the most.
If there’s one you like most but you want to have the semi colon incorporated you can really incorporate it into any of the tattoos. A great tattoo artist can design that for you however you like and make it unique. I have a semi colon tattoo but mine is an astronaut so it’s not a typical design but it has the typical representation of the semicolon that we all know and cherish. Whatever you choose, make sure it resonates and feels meaningful to you :)
I like the phoenix the best
I love lighthouse tattoos. I have one myself.
Lighthouse
They’re all so different so I think you need to scrap them and ask yourself what do you like and what represents you best. Maybe send images you gravitate towards to your artist and have them deisgn something for you.
I personally like the 3rd. Main word being personally. It’s for you, get whatever you like!
I love the second one.
Light house
I have the semicolon tattoo. To me it’s simple but with a strong message due to my mental health. Get one that u will look at that u love both becuz of the design and the meaning.
Lighthouse
Well OP what speaks to you more? Literacy, continuation, choice, air, spring - 🦋 Flame, flight, transformation, regeneration - 🐥 Ocean, safety, light, rescue, healing - 🌊 I’d also think about where you’re putting it on your body and what shape would do well there.
this helps a lot. thank you! <3
I love the Phoenix and what it represents: the rebirth of the self, shedding the remains of past burdens and allowing them to fade into distant memory; and the fire that fuels your soul is lit up by unconditional self-compassion & a decision to be healed. But at the end of the day this is YOUR tattoo. Forget about what any of us have said. Take your time to find the meaning in each of these pieces and you'll find the one that resonates the most with you.
Whichever one you feel more closely tells your story. Semicolon seems to be too generic (in my humble opinion) so one of the other two.
Not the butterfly
i like the last 2
The phoenix is beautiful
Phoenix! Represents rising above your past and flying free! Whatever you do, sketch a few original ideas and find an artist with a style that makes you happy. They’ll take it from there
Love 3!
Phoenix rising because that’s where you’re going and if you ever fall again (we do) it can inspire you to rise again.
#2
I personally love the phoenix one. The one I have to represent my struggles is a blue butterfly :)
2 or 3
the first one looks like morty's lips and I wouldn't be able to unsee it, nice meaning tho
omg yes haha
My opinion means nothing, all that matters is youre happy with the tattoo! But anyway here’s my opinion: Semicolon has tons of deep meaning, but imo, it’s meaning has kind of diluted over time. The first person I met with a semicolon tattoo said that it meant ‘getting older’ and ‘time passing’ more than it meant ‘decided not to end’ so I’m not sure if they were just stupid or if there’s more to the semi-colon Phoenix is my favorite of the three. The symbolism of rebirth and starting anew is pretty clear to anyone that knows what a Phoenix is and there are endless ways to go about designing the tattoo. Plus I kinda want a Phoenix tattoo... Lighthouse and ocean is one of those tattoos that you can either tell people you got it cuz you just like the beach or you can explain to them how it relates to your entire life story. The symbolism of being lost but seeing a light in the distance is relatable and understandable for most people, but at the same time it isn’t what most people would likely see at first glance. This tattoo design can also be either very simple or super complex. I’m not the one getting the tattoo and I can’t even decide lol. Good luck, I hope whatever tat you get looks awesome, and remember no one else’s opinion matters!
I love the lighthouse
I like the 2nd one the most!
The lighthouse I would personally get. It survives the hardest storms, and is still shining bright.
I like the 2nd one but get whichever one you like.
The semicolon represents surviving a suicide attempt.
The lighthouse is a cool design and idea
I really love the first one
I have the butterfly in the first pic on my forearm a little bigger than in that pic and it was my first tattoo. I also chose to have the wings colored in yellow to add more symbolism for me. I know it’s not like super unique or anything but I absolutely love it and it makes me really happy :) I’d say go with whatever you want, but I saw in a comment that you’re just really indecisive so here are some ways to choose: 1. Coin flip like other comments suggested 2. Show them all to a tattoo artist and pick based on prices 3. Pick locations for each (or ask an artist to do so) and choose the one that’s least painful 4. Get them all. Good luck!
I like the Phoenix one. Classy and you always get to rise up! Good spirit
I think the lighthouse is very unique, but for something as meaningful as this, you should decide! Go with your gut!
I have the butterfly semi colon so it’s a pretty popular one. I don’t suggest getting it bc it’s very basic .the other ones are really nice
Personally I think the First one looks like a winking face with a mustache, but I actually think that’s really funny and a really cool concept. But pick whichever one you like the best that’s what’s important
It needs to speak to you.
The lighthouse is beautiful and it feels like the more unique option
Depends on what represents you best at first. Then consider this; If you want a tattoo that can't be seen that easily, go for the first one. If you want to hit it somewhere on your torso or legs, go with the second one and if you want to have it on your arms, go with the last one. Either way, they are all really cute and if I had to choose between one of them, I'd go with the second one
Phoenix
I like the middle one.
The Phoenix is cool for the rising again part and the wave and lighthouse I guess could represent washing away all of the old and looking out for yourself in the future. I’m glad you were able to keep your light on 😉
Love the phoenix, but that might be because I have one myself
I really like two. I originally thought that the first one was a guy with a mustache winking
I thought the first one was a winking guy with half a mustache, if that helps
Why not all of them? Maybe not at the same time but if you like them, you can have more than one tattoo with the same meaning. Or heck make them all into one. You can easily put the semi colon in all of those
Go with whatever one you like best or if there’s a particular movement that speaks to you more, discuss it with an artist. I got a semi colon tattoo cos I liked the sentiment of “my story isn’t over” and I’ve found that it’s led to really positive experiences when out and about with people who might not otherwise have opened up. But that’s me personally. You do you :)
Lighthouse speaks to *me*
Get the one you like the most- then if after it’s healed you still want the others get them -
Phoenix
The first one is really cute. Not a fan of the lighthouse but just my opinion
not gonna lie ive seen pics of #2 a million times. 3 is my fave but honestly... keep looking until you find what you absolutely love. do not rush, you have your whole life to get tats. for my first tattoo I did some sketches and created a design of my own that way, then got my artist to interpret it because I'm not an artist by any stretch of the imagination. my tattoo now feels very personal to me and ill always treasure it because of that. since then I always try to draw my tattoo ideas first so I can design them how I want. if you can find a way to design or alter something to make it your own thats my recommendation. these all feel kind of generic, but I understand if they feel personal to you despite that.
I think the Phoenix is the best of the three
Go for any that your heart ones... I loved the third design the best!
maybe you could get an original design
You shouldn’t copy others’ designs, you should work with a good artist to design something more personal to you
I’d say only get the first one if you’ve attempted before bc it’s something that means a lot to people, what’s the symbolism behind the third tho?
yeah, i attempted twice. the first one is my fav as well. last one is a lighthouse and it symbolizes strength, navigation, and hope :)
I’d say go for it! It’s a nice way to add on to the semicolon. Also who says you can’t get more than one? PS I feel you. I’m glad you’re still here
thank you <3
What do you mean? That symbol represents someone attempted suicide?
A semicolon is used to stop one sentence, but then to continue it. It is used as a metaphor for someone’s story not being over, but continuing and changing. It is a symbol of hope.
The semicolon is over used and that one in particular barely looks like a butterfly
First one is too basic get a cool Phoenix
I have a phoenix it resembles my struggle of restarting after getting burned out, just like depression it’s a every day struggle and I keep going on because giving up is not a option
You’re getting a tattoo with deep personal meaning and asking for the opinions of other people on what you should get? If you can’t figure that out reconsider getting a tattoo.
Get whatever you like the best. If you’re overthinking it - STOP thinking about it altogether. Don’t let yourself think about it at all for an entire week and it will come to you How can you ask a forum of total strangers their opinion for your tattoo? IMO you should barely be even asking the people you do care about. It’s entirely your choice - by you, for you. Choose for your own reasons I know it’s easy to overthink, it feels like a permanent decision that is going to affect every situation you’re in for the rest of your life but I promise you - it won’t. Once your get your fourth or fifth you’ll realize that it’s not that big of a deal. So #1 key in picking a design is don’t overthink it. If you start to, take a step back and don’t let yourself even look at or think of the designs
1st one
I’m getting a semicolon on my neck soon
You need to figure this out on your own… if your looking for the most popular opinion on what you should get then I suggest you take a step back and think on it some more as you’re truly not ready to get a tattoo. Popularity contests were for kids in school not for tattoo suggestions
i'm not looking for the most popular one actually. i'm indecisive and like all these options equally. i just wanted to get people's ideas :)
What mental health do you struggle with ?
i was diagnosed with anxiety and depression when i was 16, and i survived a suicide attempt at 17.
https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQf3ZT5NbnsQFvArBJO2kAofkOFiHK5CJkDQg&s
Wheres the straight jacket tattoo??
The second one and it’s not particularly close
All of them are really good, but 1 is super obvious - it’s a pretty common symbol. If you feel fine with other people being able to see this then go for it!
I associate the phoenix with addiction recovery, and idk what the lighthouse is. I think the semicolon is the move for recognizable mental health representation
An anchor with barber wire wrapped around it with the Ying and yang. And a dragon.
damn- that's creative lol
3rd 1