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surfbumsd · Tattoo lover Joined: 27 Jul 2008 Posts: 2

I need some help. I am considering getting my first tattoo, I have wanted one for about 5 years and been debating what I should get, I keep coming back to a full back tattoo of folded angel/Icarus wings. They would go from just below the top of my shoulder and have the tip feathers running down the outside of my butt. They would be all black with some shading, feathery-like but have a hint of a waxy composition like the wing Icarus made.

I am hesitant to start seeking designs for drawing because this being my first one, I really don;t want to regret getting a tattoo, and this is a very Big one.

I have thought about getting some smaller Celtic symbol or something instead, but the way I see it, the size is not going to change whether I regret it or not, the size only matters if I regret it, how hard it will be to conceal or remove.

The reason why I want a pair of wings, is many reasons. I love flight, every time I go to an air show I get tears in my eyes. I get a rush every time I travel via airlines. I am in college, studying to be an aerospace engineer and I just love flight.

Second, I like the story of Icarus, the guy who wanted to fly to the sun so he fashioned himself some wax wings, but in his hubris as he got closer to the sun they melted and he fell to earth and died. I want the wings to be a reminder to me that some things are impossible but I can still dream.

Lastly, Wings are almost a universal symbol of freedom, I like to express my freedom in many ways and this would be one more way I can visually express myself.

I need people's thoughts, am I just rushing into this not fully considering the consequences or other options? Is there a higher chance I will regret my first and possibly only tattoo, if it is larger like a whole back vs a small symbol? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

-Thanks.

kaydee · Tattoo lover Joined: 28 Jul 2008 Posts: 2

wow,,, what a dilema... well, when it was my first tattoo, I started with just something small, just in case i had trouble with the pain, or decided a few months later that it wasn't my deal.. of course, i ended up hooked!! and now,, generally my thinking is, If i'm gonna get one, it might as well be big.. I love your idea, but where I am in Aussie, its been done over and over and over... So,, I guess it comes down to whether you LOVE the idea, as it is a huge tattoo and you are literally stuck with it forever,,, or if you are not sure if you love the design, then maybe you don't and then I would keep looking, or maybe get something small to start with.. My first tattoo was an abstract design of a bird in flight, representing freedom... It was only 10cm approx... Its been bigger and better since then!!

rowdy · Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2008 3:51 am Post subject: Doubts

If you are having a lot of misgivings and worry about getting this tattoo then please wait. When your sure you want to get it done something in your mind will tell you the time is right.
heres a little suggestion can you get somebody to draw the design on your back ,doesnt matter how rough it is it will give you some idea if you like it or not. As regards size the bigger the better in my opinion .Good luck hope you make your dream come true. Smile

chic · Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2008 4:10 am Post subject:

ooh good advice rowdy...
have you bumped your head today. Laughing

blamski · Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2008 4:48 am Post subject:

well here's my opinion and two cents worth...

i think the big wings on the back tattoo is getting relatively common, especially as 'angel wings' on girls. i've seen some that look nice and others that don't - but i guess thats the same with all tats. maybe if you get it you'll have to spend half your time explaining to people that it represents icarus and not that you're an angel. but then again maybe that won't bother you.

if you want to represent the icarus idea, and i really like your thinking about the meaning of your tattoo, i think you can look at the wings as a starting point. maybe you could have the wings as part of an overall design or have icarus in his entirety.

like rowdy says though, if you have doubts it ain't time yet.

surfbumsd · Tattoo lover Joined: 27 Jul 2008 Posts: 2

Thank you all for you awesome responses. I think I will wait, and i will start off with something smaller, maybe a celtic or roman legion tattoo. I like the comments about them being confused with angel wings, that is not my objective. I do not think I would enjoy them being confused with angel wings, and if they are as common as you say, then I would lose some of my uniqueness, which is my objective.

rowdy · Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2008 4:20 pm Post subject: Gentle side

[quote="chic"]ooh good advice rowdy...
have you bumped your head today. Laughing

[/quote]

Hey cheeky i do have a sensitive side ya know.
By the way hows your lovely bum today??????????. Wink

chic · Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2008 3:48 am Post subject:

ok thanks...

Laughing

rowdy sensative... ahhhhh bless him... Laughing

the magician · Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2008 5:44 pm Post subject:

quote rowdy sensative... ahhhhh bless him... Laughing

[/quote]

He Certainly is sensative chic just around the parts ive used me rolling pin on Laughing

AlicksRio · Tattoo lover Joined: 25 Aug 2008 Posts: 4

[quote="surfbumsd"]Thank you all for you awesome responses. I think I will wait, and i will start off with something smaller, maybe a celtic or roman legion tattoo. I like the comments about them being confused with angel wings, that is not my objective. I do not think I would enjoy them being confused with angel wings, and if they are as common as you say, then I would lose some of my uniqueness, which is my objective.[/quote]

I know that I love wings and my goal for my first was to have something completely unique. I think I succeeded. I have yet to see anything like it. I have a crecent moon with wings on my leg. (I'll post pictures when I get home.) The idea started really small and on my ankle, kind of the whole Hermies thing, and grew to cover the whole side of my leg. So my suggestion would be to take a favorite item, that normally does not have wings and give it wings. And just because it's wings, doesn't mean it has to be on your back. Wings on the ankles or behind the ears are other unique wing ideas. Let me know if you want any help coming up with a design. ^_^