Friday
Oct162009
GR Ink
Friday, October 16, 2009 at 07:42PM
The plan is for me to get a tattoo on November 5. My friend is celebrating her birthday with one, and I said I'd go with her and finally get my Z tattoo. Have I told you about my Z tattoo? Seems like I have, but I can't find it in my archives.
My last name starts with a Z, and a long time ago my sisters and I decided we'd all get the initial tattooed somewhere on our bodies because no matter what, we'd always be the Z[last name] Girls. Well a few years ago, the three of them went off and got their tattoos together. They said they didn't think I'd ever go through with it, so they didn't bother waiting for me. And I guess I don't blame them because it's several years later, and I still haven't gotten my tattoo.
For me it's a matter of placement. Every spot I think of has one of two problems:
1) I don't like that part of my body and don't want to draw attention to it.
2) I like that part of my body and don't want to taint it with ink.
See the dilemma? After much contemplation, I think I've settled on my left foot. I'm neutral about my feet - I like them, but I think a tattoo might enhance rather than taint them. Exact placement is undetermined, but I feel pretty good about the foot decision. Has anyone had a tattoo on their foot that they regret? Do you feel compelled to talk me out of it?
My three sisters have matching Z's - just standard serif block letters. But I want something different, something artistic, something interesting. I'm considering something like this:
Only smaller. I like that it's not clearly a Z at first glance, but if someone were to ask the story of my tattoo and I were to say "it's a Z for my last name" they'd get it. Do you think they'd get it? It also looks a lot like an L, which is my middle initial.
But what do you think? Is it too abstract? Too un-Z-like? Any artists out there who want to sketch me something better - something in this same line of thinking but different? I'm very open for suggestions. I have just under three weeks to figure this out.
My last name starts with a Z, and a long time ago my sisters and I decided we'd all get the initial tattooed somewhere on our bodies because no matter what, we'd always be the Z[last name] Girls. Well a few years ago, the three of them went off and got their tattoos together. They said they didn't think I'd ever go through with it, so they didn't bother waiting for me. And I guess I don't blame them because it's several years later, and I still haven't gotten my tattoo.
For me it's a matter of placement. Every spot I think of has one of two problems:
1) I don't like that part of my body and don't want to draw attention to it.
2) I like that part of my body and don't want to taint it with ink.
See the dilemma? After much contemplation, I think I've settled on my left foot. I'm neutral about my feet - I like them, but I think a tattoo might enhance rather than taint them. Exact placement is undetermined, but I feel pretty good about the foot decision. Has anyone had a tattoo on their foot that they regret? Do you feel compelled to talk me out of it?
My three sisters have matching Z's - just standard serif block letters. But I want something different, something artistic, something interesting. I'm considering something like this:
Only smaller. I like that it's not clearly a Z at first glance, but if someone were to ask the story of my tattoo and I were to say "it's a Z for my last name" they'd get it. Do you think they'd get it? It also looks a lot like an L, which is my middle initial.
But what do you think? Is it too abstract? Too un-Z-like? Any artists out there who want to sketch me something better - something in this same line of thinking but different? I'm very open for suggestions. I have just under three weeks to figure this out.
in Friends, My anatomy
Friends, My anatomy
Reader Comments (17)
I think the Z is unique and doesn't just look like a Z. I'm not fond of the idea of having it on your foot because there will be times (in the next 60 years) where you wont want the tattoo on your foot showing. I'd get it someplace more discreet. Oh wait, you didn't ask for placement advice. Just my two cents.
That's very much an L, but if you get a good enough artist they can maybe alter it slightly? You could almost get an S, L and a Z from one letter with the proper artistry.
I agree with Babs. It's a classy image with the bonus of being discreet. Are you going for actual foot or ankle area?
I have a tattoo on my foot and I love it! It's on my big toe (see photo on my blog). I love the placement because I can easily cover it up for work (with professional shoes) and easily display it with flip-flops (my favorite shoe). The only issue is that some places won't tattoo on that part of your foot for fear that it will rub off. My lines have "bled" just a little bit but I like that it's imperfect (just like me).
As for the Z- I think it looks a lot like an "L" but can see how that might be nice.
Good luck! It tickles on your feet, so be ready for that. It's hard to keep it still as they are inking!
I would agree with others that it's not very z-like. I like brad's idea of having someone sketch something that has all three letters. I am definitely pro-foot. If I ever muster thr courage, that's where I'm getting mine. However, I have also heard that lots of artists won't do it because they can't guarantee the longevity.
I got my tattoo (wording) on the back of my neck and I do regret that placement. It's so discreet that I always forget it's there. I can't see it myself without 2 mirrors, and I often wish I had something I could easily look at and appreciate.
My runner-up placement was the spot near the earlobe, tucked up near the hairline. I think something small would be very nice there. It's easy to cover up, even with short hair, and yet you can see it when you want to. Rhianna has one that I think is very classy looking -- http://www.tattoodesigns.org.uk/wp-content/img/2008/02/rhiannas-pisces-tattoo.gif
I don't mind the Z, but I think I'd go with something a bit more feminine and classic.. like this: https://www.starbirdstockdesigns.com/asp_pages/Product_Images/CD041706FZ2.jpg
Lindsay, I actually really like that. I thought I might like a cursive Z even though I don't use one to sign my name. I like your find a lot, thank you!
My first thought was, "That's a 'Z'? Looks like an 'L.'" Then I read the rest of your post and saw that that's not a bad thing.
I also echo the above poster who mentioned thinking about careful foot placement with years from now in mind.
I totally thought it was a z. And I liked it.
i have a star on my left foot. up near my pinky toe. one word of advice: wear flip flops when you get it! do you want to be able to see the "Z" when youre wearing flips or heels, etc? just something to consider! --ps: i had to have mine touched up several times after it was done because the foot heals kinda funky. good luck!
The tattoo does look more like an L than a Z, but the right artist can change it so it looks more like a Z and less like an L. By the way, I see an S on there too, do you see it at the right side of the drawing.
I think you're placement idea is great. You'd have to wear different shoes to make sure, you picked the right place. You want that you can show off in the right shoes, yet hide if you wanted to for interviews and stuff.
I'm not big on tattoos but I could get behind this one. At first I thought the Z you had up was too abstract, but then it grew on me. I say go for it.
I love small tattoos on feet (and have considered it myself!). One thing to be aware of, though, is that the skin on your feet and hands is thinner than anywhere else on your body. Because of this - you want to avoid tattoos with "detail". I love the "Z" you have in your post but I don't think this would translate well on your foot (and the tattoo artist would probably say the same thing). The tattoo that one commenter linked to would work though.
The extra lines in your "Z" (that seem to be splitting from the middle... I don't know how to describe it) are what would be considered details. The lines would run into each other and it would just end up looking like a super thick line.
Okay Shannon, here are what I came up with. Unfortunately, because my hands always shake, this is the best I can do.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/schultz_family/4031254364/" title="Shannon this one was what I envisioned when I described. t has an S L and a Z all in one picture. Just an idea. It's not as slanted as the other one, so it lost something in the translation, but I'm not that good of an artist. by angela_michelle, on Flickr" rel="nofollow">
Oh it didn't end up showing the pic... Here's the web address instead.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2581/4031254364_84ea3b2086.jpg
By the way your original one is really growing on me. I think it will be really cool... and it is now a Z to me...
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