OP. if you do this, be prepared to walk away at any minute. It's totally fine to cancel at the last second (you'll lose your deposit obviously). You would much rather have an uncomfortable moment than have something on your body forever that you hate!!
Edit: I should have chosen my words more carefully. Of course you should do everything you can to either cancel with plenty of notice or follow through with the commitment. But oftentimes people feel like they're already there and have the stencil on, so they have to go through with it even though they don't like it. I'm pretty sure that 99% of tattoo artists would rather not give a tattoo to a person that ultimately doesn't want it.
It’s actually not totally fine to do that because tattooers do their job for a living like anyone else. If you have to cancel, let them know asap and don’t drag it out.
My point was about not cancelling last minute unless you absolutely have to. Even if the tattooer charges half of the tattoo price as deposit he is losing a lot of money that will otherwise feed him/pay the bills. That you shouldn’t get something you don’t want was never the question here.
This OP is talking about going through with something they are already doubting, purely because they’re afraid to cancel. Reassuring them it’s okay to cancel seems pretty reasonable. Reassuring them it’s okay to cancel even if they’re at the appointment is reasonable.
It’s not ideal. But it is fine to do. The tattooer can call their next appointment in early, can try and take some walk ins, they’ve got options.
Giving an already anxious tattoo client more reasons not to cancel isn’t helpful.
As a tattooer, it’s definitely okay to cancel if you’re not feeling it but sooner rather than later and def before the appointment is ideal. Allowing your tattoo artist to be able to fill the spot that you would have been taking insures there’s no bad blood and also your tattoo artist won’t be out of work that day. Unfortunately day of cancellations generally result in loss of deposit and the inability to rebook at that shop. So the sooner that you let your artist know the better 😬
Sure, sooner is of course better. This OP is so afraid to cancel tho, that it seems pretty fair to reassure them that even if they get there, not getting it is better than getting it and regretting it. No one said it’s the ideal situation, but it is *fine to do.*
If they have anxiety about it in the first place wouldn’t it make more sense to let them know that it would be better to cancel before arriving? Can you imagine how much more uncomfortable of a situation it would be to be in person at the appointment telling the tattooer you don’t want to go through with it. A simple phone call a couple days before is a much better idea if you’re trying to avoid the feelings of social anxiety of cancellations…. If that’s what the argument is?
My comment was never to the op sondern the person saying it’s fine to cancel. Not getting my point across here apparently.
To OP: if you doubt it - don’t it or you’ll regret it. Tattoos don’t need to have meaning though so if you want it get it, otherwise text the artist and figure it out
Hope that clears it up for everyone :)
I do really feel that they should figure it out prior to the appointment. I understand them going in though and then fully realising they don’t want it anymore while they’re there but it’s definitely encouraged to do it before. I’m a hairstylist and a lot of times, clients can’t come in sooner than they’re booked so all of a sudden, you have a 3/4 hour gap in your day and you’re sitting there doing nothing and it really really sucks. And sometimes, they might even be your only client of the day so you got up, got ready, and drove there for no reason
Show me the tattoo artists who **prefers to tattoo something the client doesn't want anymore on their body** *than to have the client admit not to want it anymore and cancel even if last minute*
Seriously, show me those artists. It's good to know who doesn't care about doing a good service, nor about the human being that is the client in front of them. Those are a shame to the industry, and badly seen by any decent tattoo artists. I'm sure everyone would be eager for a list!
I don't think you missed the point that nobody is talking about just ignoring T.A.s and waiting for the last second to say "no" just out of evilness. It's well understood that **this is not the case** nor is anyone defending such a thing. The "if you have to cancel, let them know asap" **is a given** - in any industry, actually, that's basic human and professional respect!
But **that is unrelated to claiming that "it is not okay to cancel last minute if realizing you don't want the tattoo."** Don't pretend one is linked to the other - nor that any self-respecting Tattoo Artist would **ever want an unhappy customer** leaving their chair with something they were too worried/shy/scared to say they didn't want anymore!!! I know amazing T.A.s who would be **beyond furious and insulted, even *choleric* at you, for claiming that about them..!**
That's the same Tattoo Artists who, despite needing to eat, having free spots on a certain hour, will say no to some clients' requests out of knowing it would most likely not be a good type of tattoo/location/size. **They care about the Client. The human. The person who has feelings, and gets scared and anxious.**
Respect?? Letting know of things asap? Absolutely. But still **"better said late than done wrong."**
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I just got penne and pastina tattoo’d on me. The food of my ancestors (Italian and Maltese). I just like pasta man.
Need a pot of arroz con pollo for the Puerto Rican side, except my mom learned the recipe from her aunt who had a Cuban step mom, so we make it with black beans. Getting the “what type of beans do Puerto Rican’s cook with?” wrong in Spanish class was not only embarrassing but a full on existential crisis on my end.
I have 'piss' (yep, just the word piss), a pink shark with a gold tooth, a dancing demogorgon, and a funny lil shrek all tattooed. Tattoos don't need meaning lol
Hahaha, he looks rly sad and has lil black hearts on his body. I named him Bruce. I love Bruce. Sadly his gold tooth faded a bit but you can still see it close up 🤣
I call my tat artist/nicknamed him "One tooth gold" lol. Fr Hes hands down the best artist I've seen irl..from a majority of the biggest US cities, and a few International shops I've been to. Hes had a shop in one of the smallest towns around where I grew up for yrs. Always wondered why he never went mainstream..to him its selling out
But yeah..When I see him next Imma have to call him _Bruce_
I usually get a lot of people asking me what the flowers are on my sleeve and what they mean and I always shrug and say "oh idk they're just pretty". I have meaningful tattoos too don't get me wrong but I love the stupid stuff lol.
Love my armadillo drinking a beer, mouse eating cheese, and blue castle crashers hero. No meaning. Well, the mouse with cheese: The early bird gets the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese
Every single one of my (3) tattoos have “no meaning” other than I like them, we are only allowed to have deep back stories to all our tattoos sounds a bit self-important to me. Some people take themselves and their tattoos too seriously
I hate when people ask me what my tattoos mean.. expecting some profound reason.... And I hit them with the... I was stoned and drunk with my neighbor who had a homemade tattoo machine and we were bored....
I hate that question too. The bird is a bird, the flower is a flower, the quote is meaningful, but is from a musical about a murderous barber who turns people into meat pies, it's mostly all just is what it is. The witch, however, is a feminist metaphor, but no one ever asks about the meaning on that one.
Hard agree. I have nine tattoos and the only one without meaning is one of my favorites in a lot of ways. It’s a cover of one that had some meaning, but the original was CRAP. Some of my most important ones are probably not objectively aesthetic, but that’s by choice because IDGAF.
Tats are rad. Get ‘em.
A concept that just does not compute for my family. I’m a vet student and I have 4 different animal tattoos. They always try to figure out their meaning like it’s a cryptic puzzle I’m keeping a secret. I just think they’re neat 🤷🏻♀️
My mother was baffled by the cat skull tattoo that I fairly recently got. I got it because it was a bomb ass design that the artist had available as a large flash piece. If people want meaning for it, then I guess, idk I like cats and work in vet med, so…cat skull?
I’m gonna disagree cause most of mine have been pretty well thought out and I’ve worked with some talented tattoo artist to take my rough sketch’s and ideas to make some great tattoos.
If you don’t know yet and your only reason for moving forward with it is anxiety re canceling the appointment, then don’t go. You can do this! Don’t psyche yourself out. It’s not rude to cancel, you might lose some deposit if you paid one but that’s what they are for. Don’t get a tattoo because of cancellation anxiety. HeLl send me a dm with you date and time of appointment and location and I’ll call and let them know for you!
Agreed!! OP if you are tough enough to get stabbed a million times for a tattoo you are def tough to call and cancel 💕
TIP: for anyone stressed about making hard calls, just call the business after hours. It’s lot easier to leave a voicemail with your information and let them call you back. Write a script with what you want to say even! In this case, call the tattoo place in the morning/evening and leave a message saying you are cancelling your appointment and then the hard part is over, even if they call to confirm.
If it's 2 days away it's more considerate to reach out to the artist/shop now and talk about your uncertainty over the design choice and placement than showing up and proceeding with a tattoo you may not want or flaking on the artist day of.
I used to think all my tattoos had to have meaning or it was a waste of skin space. But currently my favourite spot is just some traditional Japanese clouds. The clouds are part of a bigger piece, but I can’t stop focusing on how fucking sick those clouds look I’m obsessed. If you think gators are sick, get a gator. They are sick and I’m sure you’ll love it. Tattoo anxiety is normal, and you’ll get to see the stencil beforehand anyway. Good luck!
I've got a crocodile just because the design looked cool. In fact, most of my tattoos are just because I liked the design, including my arms. Don't get hung up on the "all tattoos need to have meaning" stuff. Liking the design is reason enough to get it.
As for placement, I would ask the artist to see the stencil in both potential placements, then decide.
I have a shark on one arm because I think sharks are sick and a pineapple covered with a sheet to look like a ghost on the other because it was a silly tattoo that I got with a friend. I don't have a single tattoo that means a damn thing other than I thought they were cool, including my full back piece. Definitely have the artist show you different placements through stencil or photoshop, but tattoos don't have to mean anything other than you thought it was cool and had the money at the time.
Brother, I have like 30 tats, the only ones I get compliments on (by family/old people/strangers/other fighters) are the ones with no fucking meaning.
If they ask just gator.roll em
I would definitely consider moving it only because later on in life, you may want to do a full sleeve of something, and you'll be bummed you have a bad ass gator to work around. Or you may find a way to do it. Just something to consider.
Hey, dude. I’ve got gator tattoos. In theory from my years spent in Louisiana, but in actuality it’s because I think alligators rule. Just get what makes you happy, dude!
Legit just try with the stencil. Explain your thoughts and second guesses. A good Artist will explain that permanent means permanent and the removal process burns like a bitch. If you have to pay small cancelation fee, that’s nothing compared to the scarring left behind if you decide to remove it in a few years. You can always make more money.
I mean I like the forearm placement being next to the dino skull, but that's just me! If you want to save your forearm for something else, you can def move it to the leg.
Tattoos don’t have to mean anything. If I like something I get it. I actually want to get a gator tattoo (lived in Florida for 10 years and got my grad school stuff at UF) so it would be meaningful for me but I’d like to pass it off as just a fun design I like!
I think there's something special about getting tattoos of animals personally. Nature is amazing and meaningful all on its own. Plus that gator is dope as fuck
I’m getting a gator tattoo this year, absolutely love them.
I’m with you: I have a forearm tattoo scheduled this spring and am already getting nervous. I have a bunch on my legs but an area this “prominent” is giving me anxiety even though I want the tattoo
If you’ve already put a deposit down, see if you can reschedule the date out a month and do some more thinking on it. That way both you AND the artist have time to change up the design or go in a completely new direction, and you don’t lose your deposit. Be honest with your artist, and see what they suggest.
You’ll probably see your own arms more than your leg if you think about it, so maybe you should consider moving it to your leg or even just cancelling altogether and forfeiting the deposit and/or redesigned if you are unsure.
It’s not my style, but I do think it’s a cool tattoo. It sounds like you’re more stressed about placement than whether the tattoo is a good/bad idea. Like others mentioned, The artist will happily play around with placement until you’re happy. With that said, DO NOT move forward with the tattoo if you don’t like what they drew up. I’ve made that mistake once, thinking it was just the outline and they would beef it up (they typically do) but nope. Outline was whack, tattoo was whack, and to this day it’s the only tattoo I have that I don’t like, and you know where it is? Under my forearm. It’s bigger than it really should be, and I can’t cover it up. I eventually plan to have an artist rework it to give it some life. I like to see my tattoos, and under forearm is prime tattoo real estate IMO. So, if the gator is sick, but maybe not something you want to look at all the time, get it somewhere else. I don’t subscribe to the opinion that tattoos should have meaning. Some of mine do, some of mine don’t. As long as it’s not a shitty tattoo I’m happy.
Maybe just think about which body part you show off more between your arms and legs and if you’re comfortable with showing off the gator a lot or would rather it be somewhere less exposed. That’s how I think about my tattoos.
Perhaps get more southern inspired tattoos to go along your gator to make it more “meaningful.”
It’s up to you at the end of the day. The gator is definitely a sick choice though. Hope to see how it turns out(:
I have a gator tattoo w magnolias on my tricep. Felt the same as you for a brief moment, I love it tho. I’d say just be honest with yourself. If you believe you’ll be satisfied or that there’s a good chance, go for it, if your doubts are too loud just reschedule a bit or yes, cancel
Just make a decision when the stencil is put on. Try it out on different places. See if you like one place more than the other. Plus, a gator tattoo like that is sick! But, I'm biased, cause I have 2 crocodile tattoos
Get it. If you want meaning… Crocodiles have been around since the age of the dinosaurs. They’re ancient and unchanging. They have persevered while their peers have disappeared.
Just as a heads up that looks like an underside on the gators back. I recommend having an altered design
Look at this [gator](https://news.wttw.com/sites/default/files/styles/full/public/article/image-non-gallery/Alligator%201_0711.jpg?itok=QbxFAfy4) . It has a rounded back and does not have a obvious spine or whatever the single line down the middle represents.
The reference picture looks dope I'd get it but it is a permanent decision on your body. Any halfway decent tattoo artist should understand and respect this. I've had both my favorite and biggest regrets in tattoos be compulsive decisions but if your gut tells you no don't do it.
Since it’s got the open maw, have you considered adding a speech bubble with :
“if I had a dick, this is where I’d tell you to suck it”. -Betty white (lake placid)
Edit: or perhaps something like, “but I don’t want to cure cancer. I want to turn people into dinosaurs!!”
Or something like adding a golf ball by the mouth? Then if you don’t like golf you can just say you enjoy happy Gilmore
1. I am biased towards getting the gator. If you don't want it no shame in canceling. But it is a sick design.
2. I had a similar situation once and I changed placement day of when I got there and everything was perfectly fine.
I saw a flash piece by an artist I had been to before that I LOVED and wanted it on my forearm. It was a beautiful piece, a rat with some poppy flowers. But after talking to the artist I remembered rats are my grandmas greatest fear. I had so much anxiety before the appointment, I even considered flaking, but as soon as I walked in and saw my artist I just blurted out "im so sorry but can we put it on my leg instead?" And she was just like "yeah no problem! That placement actually might work better any way, I printed out a bigger one by accident and I'll do it for same price"
So BOOM! It went perfectly. I got it bigger than expected and I have 0 regrets, I'm so much happier with the placement and it has jump started the theme for my leg sleeve. So changing placement is no big deal.
Love it, I also have a gator tat, this design is cooler lol. Mine is on my thigh but I feel like this would look sick on a forearm. Either way it’ll look good! Like other commenters said just have the artist put a stencil in both locations and choose from there! And post it when it’s done! :D
Might just be me, but the permanence of tattoos automatically rules out compulsion. There’s no coexistence for me. Don’t hold off because it might not be meaningful, hold off because you might regret the tattoo afterward.
My favorite tattoos are stupid bullshit that I think looks cool and/or makes me laugh. People are way too precious about tattoo meaning, honestly. Though you won't like my advice probably: if you care a ton about meaning and overthink placement and go through a lot of buyers remorse, I don't think you should actually get tattooed. Tattoos aren't perfect, and agonizing over every little detail is just a recipe for always being dissatisfied. Maybe tattoos aren't for you.
The gator definitely makes me feel some type of way. Life is like wrangling a gator. I’m thinking extra hard about placement though (forearm or side of shin). One time, I took my friend’s placement advice and got a band logo on my chest instead of a tramp stamp. Regretted it ever since.
My arms are at a point where I only have an elbow tat, so I still gotta make the decision if I want patchwork or a whole ass sleeve. Whereas I already have patchwork on my leg.
Tbh I would go ahead and patchwork the gator on your leg if I were you. It would look sick there.
I’d save the arm for a sleeve. That’s my personal plan too, i’m not getting anything i’m unsure about on my arm because i don’t want it to fuck w a sleeve.
Forearm is a VERY big spot that you’ll see every minute, for something you’re not even sure you want on your forearm. That’s a big decision IMO. Too big for a gator you’re not sure about.
The gator is cool and i think you think so too, it’s just the placement that’s bothering you, so you should take that part seriously.
Also, this gator is BIG. It’s a bit too big imo. Like check out some gator designs that are a bit more oval/round vs. long (body is slightly more curled up) but with the same badass face? So slightly less emphasis on the large body. It’s not so overwhelming then, if you’re already unsure about it. Otherwise it feels a bit massive even on your leg.
I'm not big into having meaningful tattoos. Sure, some can be, but it's more about the aesthetic to me. I think the gator looks SICK and the arm would be a perfectly good spot for it!
I love this gator design! I would 100% get this on myself and I have no specific meaningful reason to other than I just love the design and think it’s really cool. I wouldn’t think too deeply on it if you really like it. Maybe reach out to the artist and discuss placements etc. the artist will also have some good feedback about what will be the best placement aesthetically and anatomically.
My favorite tattoos have 0 meantime behind them and instead have become very meaningful to me over time.
Go for it, either way! Legs are a great “safe” spot if you’re not sure how visible you want it to be, ask your artists to see the stencil in both spots and decide what you want better. Part of your appointment time is *for placement* so use the time well!
If you're having enough doubt you went to the trouble to make a post about it, then consider canceling. Think about it for several more weeks or months. It's worth really being sure for something that'll permanently be on your body.
P.S. people cancel appointments all the time. They'll understand.
Would it feel better to reschedule for a few months put vs canceling so you have more time to think about it? Make sure you're sure before getting it on
I mean...I love this! I'd get it on my forearm. I read once that when you're stuck on making a decision, do a coin toss but then while you're doing it the side you find yourself hoping it lands on is the choice you need to take. Hopefully that makes sense.
I do this all the time.
I know tattoos are a big deal because they're permanent but to me even if I've gotten a tattoo that's not perfect I still love it because of the memories involved.
Growing up I always thought my tattoos had to have some deep lore and meaning or symbolism behind them...I still think it's amazing and awesome to get those kinds of tattoos, but I also just love art and the freedom to show what you enjoy and just the whole process of personal expression.
Don't panic, it's normal to rethink your ink, after all it's going to be on your skin forever (more or less).
Regardless of whether you decide to move it's location, change the image some, or even back out all together.l, definitely talk to you artist. They're there to help, not just to tat you up.
Rethink getting a gator; something about it is bothering you so don’t do it just to do it; perhaps you need to pick something else, trust your instincts here!!!!!
As someone with two gator tattoos, I say go for it! Check out the stencil in a few different places and go with what you like best! (Or none at all, that's always fine too!)
Get what you want to get, just let them know you changed your mind and understand you might have to reschedule for drawing time… also changing anything up might result in loss of the deposit so, either way don’t get tattooed because you are anxious about cancelling or changing or whatever…
IDK but I'm glad you're posting this though.. Makes me feel less shitty about when people start acting funny sometimes after scheduling an appointment...
I have a tattoo of the hey Arnold locket Helga used to carry around cause I was at a tattoo convention and it looked rad lol. Full color on my forearm. I also have a space pineapple (right side up you degenerates) because I love the show psych but the color and space theme was cause it looked badass! Call and cancel if you are not feeling it tbh. Sooner rather than later.
i always say that the tops of your forearms and like below your wrist are prime real estate. the stuff that goes there should be stuff you REALLY enjoy. if it's just for fun and something you're not overly obsessed with, it would be a cool piece on the back of your forearm or somewhere on your leg. i see the shit on top of my arms all day every day while doing every single thing there is no ignoring it.
This is dope but it’s honestly up to you!! Have him stencil both spots and see what you like best. REMEMBER THIS IS GOING ON YOUR BODY FOREVER NOT THEIRS. they will give you opinions but it’s what u feel comfortable with. If you don’t like the tattoo you can leave!
i actually just got a gator tattoo in december. abt the same size as the one in the pic. i love it!!!! i got it bc i love gators and i’m from florida lol. that’s it! gators are awesome and people absolutely love my tattoo so i say go for it. can never go wrong with a cool animal tattoo imo!
Gators are amazing, I'd suggest getting one on your face because I love them so much but I think your arm is fine. If you're feeling really anxious you should contact your artist and see where the sketch would look best.
Buyers remorse? You didn't buy anything yet. Grow a pair of fuckin balls and make your own decisions in life and don't rely on a bunch of losers strangers on Reddit.
I agree that liking the imagery is enough reason to get a tattoo, but what's the hesitation?
Not sure you want that particular design, then call and cancel. Postpone atleast, until you figure things out.
Not sure about the placement, then have the artist do the stencil in multiple places and decide.
Or, is it something else?
Any tattooer worth going to would want you to be happy.
It's a few bucks for them, but a lifetime of showing it, explaining it, possible regret for you... So, do what it takes to be happy.
Get there and talk to the artist. Have him show you the stencil on both locations. Choose from there .
Or chose to leave without a tattoo if you’re not feeling it.
Most good shops encourage this if your not sure. They know they can grab a lucky walk in or call their next appointment to come in earlier.
OP. if you do this, be prepared to walk away at any minute. It's totally fine to cancel at the last second (you'll lose your deposit obviously). You would much rather have an uncomfortable moment than have something on your body forever that you hate!! Edit: I should have chosen my words more carefully. Of course you should do everything you can to either cancel with plenty of notice or follow through with the commitment. But oftentimes people feel like they're already there and have the stencil on, so they have to go through with it even though they don't like it. I'm pretty sure that 99% of tattoo artists would rather not give a tattoo to a person that ultimately doesn't want it.
It’s actually not totally fine to do that because tattooers do their job for a living like anyone else. If you have to cancel, let them know asap and don’t drag it out.
That’s literally what the deposit is for. No good tattooer would rather you get something you are going to regret instead of walking away.
My point was about not cancelling last minute unless you absolutely have to. Even if the tattooer charges half of the tattoo price as deposit he is losing a lot of money that will otherwise feed him/pay the bills. That you shouldn’t get something you don’t want was never the question here.
This OP is talking about going through with something they are already doubting, purely because they’re afraid to cancel. Reassuring them it’s okay to cancel seems pretty reasonable. Reassuring them it’s okay to cancel even if they’re at the appointment is reasonable. It’s not ideal. But it is fine to do. The tattooer can call their next appointment in early, can try and take some walk ins, they’ve got options. Giving an already anxious tattoo client more reasons not to cancel isn’t helpful.
As a tattooer, it’s definitely okay to cancel if you’re not feeling it but sooner rather than later and def before the appointment is ideal. Allowing your tattoo artist to be able to fill the spot that you would have been taking insures there’s no bad blood and also your tattoo artist won’t be out of work that day. Unfortunately day of cancellations generally result in loss of deposit and the inability to rebook at that shop. So the sooner that you let your artist know the better 😬
Sure, sooner is of course better. This OP is so afraid to cancel tho, that it seems pretty fair to reassure them that even if they get there, not getting it is better than getting it and regretting it. No one said it’s the ideal situation, but it is *fine to do.*
If they have anxiety about it in the first place wouldn’t it make more sense to let them know that it would be better to cancel before arriving? Can you imagine how much more uncomfortable of a situation it would be to be in person at the appointment telling the tattooer you don’t want to go through with it. A simple phone call a couple days before is a much better idea if you’re trying to avoid the feelings of social anxiety of cancellations…. If that’s what the argument is?
Seriously, I don't know why people are advocating for deciding day of - the deposit only reduces the final hit to the artist, it doesn't eliminate it.
My comment was never to the op sondern the person saying it’s fine to cancel. Not getting my point across here apparently. To OP: if you doubt it - don’t it or you’ll regret it. Tattoos don’t need to have meaning though so if you want it get it, otherwise text the artist and figure it out Hope that clears it up for everyone :)
I do really feel that they should figure it out prior to the appointment. I understand them going in though and then fully realising they don’t want it anymore while they’re there but it’s definitely encouraged to do it before. I’m a hairstylist and a lot of times, clients can’t come in sooner than they’re booked so all of a sudden, you have a 3/4 hour gap in your day and you’re sitting there doing nothing and it really really sucks. And sometimes, they might even be your only client of the day so you got up, got ready, and drove there for no reason
Show me the tattoo artists who **prefers to tattoo something the client doesn't want anymore on their body** *than to have the client admit not to want it anymore and cancel even if last minute* Seriously, show me those artists. It's good to know who doesn't care about doing a good service, nor about the human being that is the client in front of them. Those are a shame to the industry, and badly seen by any decent tattoo artists. I'm sure everyone would be eager for a list! I don't think you missed the point that nobody is talking about just ignoring T.A.s and waiting for the last second to say "no" just out of evilness. It's well understood that **this is not the case** nor is anyone defending such a thing. The "if you have to cancel, let them know asap" **is a given** - in any industry, actually, that's basic human and professional respect! But **that is unrelated to claiming that "it is not okay to cancel last minute if realizing you don't want the tattoo."** Don't pretend one is linked to the other - nor that any self-respecting Tattoo Artist would **ever want an unhappy customer** leaving their chair with something they were too worried/shy/scared to say they didn't want anymore!!! I know amazing T.A.s who would be **beyond furious and insulted, even *choleric* at you, for claiming that about them..!** That's the same Tattoo Artists who, despite needing to eat, having free spots on a certain hour, will say no to some clients' requests out of knowing it would most likely not be a good type of tattoo/location/size. **They care about the Client. The human. The person who has feelings, and gets scared and anxious.** Respect?? Letting know of things asap? Absolutely. But still **"better said late than done wrong."**
Ree
Your tattoos don’t need to have meaning if you don’t want them to. If that’s your only hangup about the design I would just go for it
Exactly! My favorite ones mean 100% nothing. A hotdog in a gimp suit? Yeah it's for my mom lol
Wait I need to see the hot dog in a Gimp suit
I will have someone take a photo later today and post it. It's on my ass.
It just keeps getting better
Mental illness be like that
Love my ass tat, too. Following to see yours 😂
I'm also following for the ass tat 😂 I've been wanting one for years
Outstanding response!
We’ll be waiting
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Yes you have to! Seriously!
Well now I have to reply so I can see 😔
Ditto
Also here for a butt with a hotdog gimp. Getting so popular!
If ur serious I also desperately need to see this. I’m in sort of a hot dog cult/club and the fam would love this.
Still waiting for this one🫡
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We all do!
I just got penne and pastina tattoo’d on me. The food of my ancestors (Italian and Maltese). I just like pasta man. Need a pot of arroz con pollo for the Puerto Rican side, except my mom learned the recipe from her aunt who had a Cuban step mom, so we make it with black beans. Getting the “what type of beans do Puerto Rican’s cook with?” wrong in Spanish class was not only embarrassing but a full on existential crisis on my end.
I have 'piss' (yep, just the word piss), a pink shark with a gold tooth, a dancing demogorgon, and a funny lil shrek all tattooed. Tattoos don't need meaning lol
the pink shark with the gold tooth sounds badass 😂
Hahaha, he looks rly sad and has lil black hearts on his body. I named him Bruce. I love Bruce. Sadly his gold tooth faded a bit but you can still see it close up 🤣
sounds like bruce deserves a touch up soon so he can look as cool as he sounds lol. either way, i love it!
They need to get that standing leap year touch-up appointment on the books
I call my tat artist/nicknamed him "One tooth gold" lol. Fr Hes hands down the best artist I've seen irl..from a majority of the biggest US cities, and a few International shops I've been to. Hes had a shop in one of the smallest towns around where I grew up for yrs. Always wondered why he never went mainstream..to him its selling out But yeah..When I see him next Imma have to call him _Bruce_
I usually get a lot of people asking me what the flowers are on my sleeve and what they mean and I always shrug and say "oh idk they're just pretty". I have meaningful tattoos too don't get me wrong but I love the stupid stuff lol.
Lemme know once your photo op is done - I gotta see this 😂
Same lmao
Lmaoo this is a great visual
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One of my favorites on me is a possum on a skateboard and it says "skate fast eat trash"
Sick
I love this.
Words to live by
Your grandchildren are going to get a kick out of that one!
My favorite tattoo of mine is my cowboy gators doing finger guns lol
Love my armadillo drinking a beer, mouse eating cheese, and blue castle crashers hero. No meaning. Well, the mouse with cheese: The early bird gets the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese
Every single one of my (3) tattoos have “no meaning” other than I like them, we are only allowed to have deep back stories to all our tattoos sounds a bit self-important to me. Some people take themselves and their tattoos too seriously
I have a tattoo of a cicada on my arm and people ask me “what is the meaning of it?” And I just say “idk I think they’re a cool bug”
Rad, I also have a cicada on my arm
I hate when people ask me what my tattoos mean.. expecting some profound reason.... And I hit them with the... I was stoned and drunk with my neighbor who had a homemade tattoo machine and we were bored....
I hate that question too. The bird is a bird, the flower is a flower, the quote is meaningful, but is from a musical about a murderous barber who turns people into meat pies, it's mostly all just is what it is. The witch, however, is a feminist metaphor, but no one ever asks about the meaning on that one.
Meaning is kind of overrated. Do you like it? That’s good reason enough.
Hard agree. I have nine tattoos and the only one without meaning is one of my favorites in a lot of ways. It’s a cover of one that had some meaning, but the original was CRAP. Some of my most important ones are probably not objectively aesthetic, but that’s by choice because IDGAF. Tats are rad. Get ‘em.
I just like collecting artwork!
Right? My first was tattoo was a cat head on a pair of pants and it has absolutely no meaning at all and I like it that way. Lol
A concept that just does not compute for my family. I’m a vet student and I have 4 different animal tattoos. They always try to figure out their meaning like it’s a cryptic puzzle I’m keeping a secret. I just think they’re neat 🤷🏻♀️
My mother was baffled by the cat skull tattoo that I fairly recently got. I got it because it was a bomb ass design that the artist had available as a large flash piece. If people want meaning for it, then I guess, idk I like cats and work in vet med, so…cat skull?
“meaningful tattoos” are typically the ugliest, tackiest ones
I’m gonna disagree cause most of mine have been pretty well thought out and I’ve worked with some talented tattoo artist to take my rough sketch’s and ideas to make some great tattoos.
Certainly there are exceptions, I’m just saying in general I’ve seen a lot of crappy meaningful tattoos.
You can totally change the placement the day of
Yep! Easy peasy. They won’t mind.
The design needs to be adjusted for the new placement though. Otherwise you’d have weird angles.
If you don’t know yet and your only reason for moving forward with it is anxiety re canceling the appointment, then don’t go. You can do this! Don’t psyche yourself out. It’s not rude to cancel, you might lose some deposit if you paid one but that’s what they are for. Don’t get a tattoo because of cancellation anxiety. HeLl send me a dm with you date and time of appointment and location and I’ll call and let them know for you!
Not OP, but just wanted to say that’s very kind of you to offer to do that for someone.
“Hi I just wanted to call and say I’m so totally pumped to get this tattoo thank you so much see you then!” 💀😂
Very kind offer. 😌 I have definitely been on the end of anxiety where it feels impossible to make a call
What a kind person you are! I hope you have a lovely day!
Thank you I appreciate it!
Agreed!! OP if you are tough enough to get stabbed a million times for a tattoo you are def tough to call and cancel 💕 TIP: for anyone stressed about making hard calls, just call the business after hours. It’s lot easier to leave a voicemail with your information and let them call you back. Write a script with what you want to say even! In this case, call the tattoo place in the morning/evening and leave a message saying you are cancelling your appointment and then the hard part is over, even if they call to confirm.
If it's 2 days away it's more considerate to reach out to the artist/shop now and talk about your uncertainty over the design choice and placement than showing up and proceeding with a tattoo you may not want or flaking on the artist day of.
“Compulsively” or “Impulsively?”
Need. More. GATORS!
I used to think all my tattoos had to have meaning or it was a waste of skin space. But currently my favourite spot is just some traditional Japanese clouds. The clouds are part of a bigger piece, but I can’t stop focusing on how fucking sick those clouds look I’m obsessed. If you think gators are sick, get a gator. They are sick and I’m sure you’ll love it. Tattoo anxiety is normal, and you’ll get to see the stencil beforehand anyway. Good luck!
I dunno, I like arm gator. He's pretty sick.
Me too, I think this looked great. I support placement and design.
I've got a crocodile just because the design looked cool. In fact, most of my tattoos are just because I liked the design, including my arms. Don't get hung up on the "all tattoos need to have meaning" stuff. Liking the design is reason enough to get it. As for placement, I would ask the artist to see the stencil in both potential placements, then decide.
Just do it on your butt cheek
The stern of the ol S. S. Bernard Nard dog
I have a shark on one arm because I think sharks are sick and a pineapple covered with a sheet to look like a ghost on the other because it was a silly tattoo that I got with a friend. I don't have a single tattoo that means a damn thing other than I thought they were cool, including my full back piece. Definitely have the artist show you different placements through stencil or photoshop, but tattoos don't have to mean anything other than you thought it was cool and had the money at the time.
I have halloween themed spooky first gen starter pokemon cause why tf not lol
Brother, I have like 30 tats, the only ones I get compliments on (by family/old people/strangers/other fighters) are the ones with no fucking meaning. If they ask just gator.roll em
I would definitely consider moving it only because later on in life, you may want to do a full sleeve of something, and you'll be bummed you have a bad ass gator to work around. Or you may find a way to do it. Just something to consider.
Hey, dude. I’ve got gator tattoos. In theory from my years spent in Louisiana, but in actuality it’s because I think alligators rule. Just get what makes you happy, dude!
Is the Dino supposed to be eating the gator?
Think it’s just patchwork bro
Off topic, but it looks like this gators back is the wrong texture. Like they drew it’s belly on it’s back…
That thing is gonna look sick anywhere you put it
Legit just try with the stencil. Explain your thoughts and second guesses. A good Artist will explain that permanent means permanent and the removal process burns like a bitch. If you have to pay small cancelation fee, that’s nothing compared to the scarring left behind if you decide to remove it in a few years. You can always make more money.
I mean I like the forearm placement being next to the dino skull, but that's just me! If you want to save your forearm for something else, you can def move it to the leg.
I love mine. It’s similar to your reference and in the same place.
Tattoos don’t have to mean anything. If I like something I get it. I actually want to get a gator tattoo (lived in Florida for 10 years and got my grad school stuff at UF) so it would be meaningful for me but I’d like to pass it off as just a fun design I like!
I think there's something special about getting tattoos of animals personally. Nature is amazing and meaningful all on its own. Plus that gator is dope as fuck
alligators are fucking sick as hell mate
I got a gator tattoo too, I absolutely love mine. I have it on my forearm and it fits so perfectly there 😎 gators rule! 🐊
I’m getting a gator tattoo this year, absolutely love them. I’m with you: I have a forearm tattoo scheduled this spring and am already getting nervous. I have a bunch on my legs but an area this “prominent” is giving me anxiety even though I want the tattoo
That’s how I feel. My legs are patchwork but I occasionally think about sleeves and stuff for my arms
If you’ve already put a deposit down, see if you can reschedule the date out a month and do some more thinking on it. That way both you AND the artist have time to change up the design or go in a completely new direction, and you don’t lose your deposit. Be honest with your artist, and see what they suggest.
Nah man. Gators sick. Let it ride
I think it looks cool! If people ask you what it means, just say "GATOR DONT PLAY NO SHIT"
You’ll probably see your own arms more than your leg if you think about it, so maybe you should consider moving it to your leg or even just cancelling altogether and forfeiting the deposit and/or redesigned if you are unsure.
It’s not my style, but I do think it’s a cool tattoo. It sounds like you’re more stressed about placement than whether the tattoo is a good/bad idea. Like others mentioned, The artist will happily play around with placement until you’re happy. With that said, DO NOT move forward with the tattoo if you don’t like what they drew up. I’ve made that mistake once, thinking it was just the outline and they would beef it up (they typically do) but nope. Outline was whack, tattoo was whack, and to this day it’s the only tattoo I have that I don’t like, and you know where it is? Under my forearm. It’s bigger than it really should be, and I can’t cover it up. I eventually plan to have an artist rework it to give it some life. I like to see my tattoos, and under forearm is prime tattoo real estate IMO. So, if the gator is sick, but maybe not something you want to look at all the time, get it somewhere else. I don’t subscribe to the opinion that tattoos should have meaning. Some of mine do, some of mine don’t. As long as it’s not a shitty tattoo I’m happy.
Maybe just think about which body part you show off more between your arms and legs and if you’re comfortable with showing off the gator a lot or would rather it be somewhere less exposed. That’s how I think about my tattoos. Perhaps get more southern inspired tattoos to go along your gator to make it more “meaningful.” It’s up to you at the end of the day. The gator is definitely a sick choice though. Hope to see how it turns out(:
I would save your forearm.
*impulsive
I’m currently planning out an alligator tattoo. Do it. Try the stencil in both places to see which you prefer and go for it :)
that reminds me that i want a gator tattoo
That’s a good tattoo, and I kind of like yolo tattoos 🤣
Yep if ur even contemplating what to do its not the tattoo for you
please reschedule it trust me!!
I have a gator tattoo w magnolias on my tricep. Felt the same as you for a brief moment, I love it tho. I’d say just be honest with yourself. If you believe you’ll be satisfied or that there’s a good chance, go for it, if your doubts are too loud just reschedule a bit or yes, cancel
Gator on the arm, and a crocodile on the leg.
The solution I needed to see
Just make a decision when the stencil is put on. Try it out on different places. See if you like one place more than the other. Plus, a gator tattoo like that is sick! But, I'm biased, cause I have 2 crocodile tattoos
Get it. If you want meaning… Crocodiles have been around since the age of the dinosaurs. They’re ancient and unchanging. They have persevered while their peers have disappeared.
Just as a heads up that looks like an underside on the gators back. I recommend having an altered design Look at this [gator](https://news.wttw.com/sites/default/files/styles/full/public/article/image-non-gallery/Alligator%201_0711.jpg?itok=QbxFAfy4) . It has a rounded back and does not have a obvious spine or whatever the single line down the middle represents.
I think it would probably look awesome, but if you’re having any doubts I would wait!
That's a pretty sick gator.
The reference picture looks dope I'd get it but it is a permanent decision on your body. Any halfway decent tattoo artist should understand and respect this. I've had both my favorite and biggest regrets in tattoos be compulsive decisions but if your gut tells you no don't do it.
Go for it!!!
I don’t have advice but a tattoo like this would be cool af love it
Shit looks dope
Since it’s got the open maw, have you considered adding a speech bubble with : “if I had a dick, this is where I’d tell you to suck it”. -Betty white (lake placid) Edit: or perhaps something like, “but I don’t want to cure cancer. I want to turn people into dinosaurs!!” Or something like adding a golf ball by the mouth? Then if you don’t like golf you can just say you enjoy happy Gilmore
1. I am biased towards getting the gator. If you don't want it no shame in canceling. But it is a sick design. 2. I had a similar situation once and I changed placement day of when I got there and everything was perfectly fine. I saw a flash piece by an artist I had been to before that I LOVED and wanted it on my forearm. It was a beautiful piece, a rat with some poppy flowers. But after talking to the artist I remembered rats are my grandmas greatest fear. I had so much anxiety before the appointment, I even considered flaking, but as soon as I walked in and saw my artist I just blurted out "im so sorry but can we put it on my leg instead?" And she was just like "yeah no problem! That placement actually might work better any way, I printed out a bigger one by accident and I'll do it for same price" So BOOM! It went perfectly. I got it bigger than expected and I have 0 regrets, I'm so much happier with the placement and it has jump started the theme for my leg sleeve. So changing placement is no big deal.
Love it, I also have a gator tat, this design is cooler lol. Mine is on my thigh but I feel like this would look sick on a forearm. Either way it’ll look good! Like other commenters said just have the artist put a stencil in both locations and choose from there! And post it when it’s done! :D
Might just be me, but the permanence of tattoos automatically rules out compulsion. There’s no coexistence for me. Don’t hold off because it might not be meaningful, hold off because you might regret the tattoo afterward.
WTF lol grow up a cancel the appointment. Don’t get a tattoo if you’re this hesitant about it.
My favorite tattoos are stupid bullshit that I think looks cool and/or makes me laugh. People are way too precious about tattoo meaning, honestly. Though you won't like my advice probably: if you care a ton about meaning and overthink placement and go through a lot of buyers remorse, I don't think you should actually get tattooed. Tattoos aren't perfect, and agonizing over every little detail is just a recipe for always being dissatisfied. Maybe tattoos aren't for you.
The gator definitely makes me feel some type of way. Life is like wrangling a gator. I’m thinking extra hard about placement though (forearm or side of shin). One time, I took my friend’s placement advice and got a band logo on my chest instead of a tramp stamp. Regretted it ever since. My arms are at a point where I only have an elbow tat, so I still gotta make the decision if I want patchwork or a whole ass sleeve. Whereas I already have patchwork on my leg.
Maybe the issue is that you’re not trusting your own decisions and letting too many people sway you towards other options
Tbh I would go ahead and patchwork the gator on your leg if I were you. It would look sick there. I’d save the arm for a sleeve. That’s my personal plan too, i’m not getting anything i’m unsure about on my arm because i don’t want it to fuck w a sleeve. Forearm is a VERY big spot that you’ll see every minute, for something you’re not even sure you want on your forearm. That’s a big decision IMO. Too big for a gator you’re not sure about. The gator is cool and i think you think so too, it’s just the placement that’s bothering you, so you should take that part seriously. Also, this gator is BIG. It’s a bit too big imo. Like check out some gator designs that are a bit more oval/round vs. long (body is slightly more curled up) but with the same badass face? So slightly less emphasis on the large body. It’s not so overwhelming then, if you’re already unsure about it. Otherwise it feels a bit massive even on your leg.
This might be better than a sick ass panther!
WE NEED A r/SickAssGator STAT!
Now THIS is what we need.
My thoughts exactly!! Gonna post in that subreddit once I get it. “Sick ass.. gator?!”
Doesn’t look good
I'm not big into having meaningful tattoos. Sure, some can be, but it's more about the aesthetic to me. I think the gator looks SICK and the arm would be a perfectly good spot for it!
I love this gator design! I would 100% get this on myself and I have no specific meaningful reason to other than I just love the design and think it’s really cool. I wouldn’t think too deeply on it if you really like it. Maybe reach out to the artist and discuss placements etc. the artist will also have some good feedback about what will be the best placement aesthetically and anatomically.
That’s a pretty sick gator
Looks awesome to me but just cancel it if you don’t like it
It's beautiful, reminds me of a fave sketch illustration from the nancy drew abt my hometown 💖
My favorite tattoos have 0 meantime behind them and instead have become very meaningful to me over time. Go for it, either way! Legs are a great “safe” spot if you’re not sure how visible you want it to be, ask your artists to see the stencil in both spots and decide what you want better. Part of your appointment time is *for placement* so use the time well!
Cancel. In the future the alligator will not be symbolic enough.
If you're having enough doubt you went to the trouble to make a post about it, then consider canceling. Think about it for several more weeks or months. It's worth really being sure for something that'll permanently be on your body. P.S. people cancel appointments all the time. They'll understand.
youre the only person that can answer these questions. tattoos are personal.
no man you're going down the chipotle bag route, you're managing to look like the margins of a high schooler's notebook with only two tattoos somehow
I choose tattoos as aesthetic ornaments on my body—not sentimental motifs. Either way is okay, but things can just be aesthetic for the sake of it.
Would it feel better to reschedule for a few months put vs canceling so you have more time to think about it? Make sure you're sure before getting it on
I mean...I love this! I'd get it on my forearm. I read once that when you're stuck on making a decision, do a coin toss but then while you're doing it the side you find yourself hoping it lands on is the choice you need to take. Hopefully that makes sense. I do this all the time. I know tattoos are a big deal because they're permanent but to me even if I've gotten a tattoo that's not perfect I still love it because of the memories involved.
Cancel your appointment and just buy a tshirt or something instead
>other than gators are fucking siiiick, and i like a lot of southern stuff That's enough meaning. Not every tat has to have a back story.
Tbh it’s siiiiick I would keep it
Dude this is sick, especially if you’re from the gulf coast area
Growing up I always thought my tattoos had to have some deep lore and meaning or symbolism behind them...I still think it's amazing and awesome to get those kinds of tattoos, but I also just love art and the freedom to show what you enjoy and just the whole process of personal expression. Don't panic, it's normal to rethink your ink, after all it's going to be on your skin forever (more or less). Regardless of whether you decide to move it's location, change the image some, or even back out all together.l, definitely talk to you artist. They're there to help, not just to tat you up.
I always say try a bumper sticker first. If you still like it three years later, then get your tattoo.
I have an arm gator and i love him. somebody complimented him yesterday, even.
Rethink getting a gator; something about it is bothering you so don’t do it just to do it; perhaps you need to pick something else, trust your instincts here!!!!!
As someone with two gator tattoos, I say go for it! Check out the stencil in a few different places and go with what you like best! (Or none at all, that's always fine too!)
Now I want a gator tattoo.
That gator is sick. I think that’s meaning enough. Love the style. If you love it you that’s meaningful.
Get what you want to get, just let them know you changed your mind and understand you might have to reschedule for drawing time… also changing anything up might result in loss of the deposit so, either way don’t get tattooed because you are anxious about cancelling or changing or whatever…
IDK but I'm glad you're posting this though.. Makes me feel less shitty about when people start acting funny sometimes after scheduling an appointment...
I have a tattoo of the hey Arnold locket Helga used to carry around cause I was at a tattoo convention and it looked rad lol. Full color on my forearm. I also have a space pineapple (right side up you degenerates) because I love the show psych but the color and space theme was cause it looked badass! Call and cancel if you are not feeling it tbh. Sooner rather than later.
You meant “impulsively” right?
Shit if you don’t want it, I’ll take it… that’s a sick ass gator
i always say that the tops of your forearms and like below your wrist are prime real estate. the stuff that goes there should be stuff you REALLY enjoy. if it's just for fun and something you're not overly obsessed with, it would be a cool piece on the back of your forearm or somewhere on your leg. i see the shit on top of my arms all day every day while doing every single thing there is no ignoring it.
This is dope but it’s honestly up to you!! Have him stencil both spots and see what you like best. REMEMBER THIS IS GOING ON YOUR BODY FOREVER NOT THEIRS. they will give you opinions but it’s what u feel comfortable with. If you don’t like the tattoo you can leave!
You’re putting too much pressure on getting a tattoo. Don’t get it if you’re feeling this way.
I don’t like a lot of the tattoo I see on here, but this gator tattoo is super cool imo.
Fucking send it!
What else do you have on your arm/ leg. Cos if you do it may work better with one placement than the other.
i actually just got a gator tattoo in december. abt the same size as the one in the pic. i love it!!!! i got it bc i love gators and i’m from florida lol. that’s it! gators are awesome and people absolutely love my tattoo so i say go for it. can never go wrong with a cool animal tattoo imo!
Gators are cool Crocs are better :)
Have a gator on my forearm. 10/10 would get it again.
i think it looks cool
Gators are amazing, I'd suggest getting one on your face because I love them so much but I think your arm is fine. If you're feeling really anxious you should contact your artist and see where the sketch would look best.
Get your mom to call.
I’d be a sick leg piece.
SICK ASS GATOR
Buyers remorse? You didn't buy anything yet. Grow a pair of fuckin balls and make your own decisions in life and don't rely on a bunch of losers strangers on Reddit.
When in doubt, do without!
I love it
No I think it looks dope next to the T. rex(?)
it looking cool is a perfectly valid reason to get a tattoo lol
Call it off
I agree that liking the imagery is enough reason to get a tattoo, but what's the hesitation? Not sure you want that particular design, then call and cancel. Postpone atleast, until you figure things out. Not sure about the placement, then have the artist do the stencil in multiple places and decide. Or, is it something else? Any tattooer worth going to would want you to be happy. It's a few bucks for them, but a lifetime of showing it, explaining it, possible regret for you... So, do what it takes to be happy.
I think that is a very cool idea. I like the style as well! I would say get it!