If you have a tattoo..., I need your help! Options

[lojay]

For Sociology I have to write a paper about tattoos and I need interviews with people who have a tattoo to use as my sources. If you have a tattoo and could fill out this questionnaire it would be so helpful.

In theory, I would need to have it filled out by Monday Dec. 3rd... But in reality I don't need them until Tuesday Dec. 11th, but it would be nice to be able to write my paper ASAP. Please be as in-depth as you can!



Here are the questions (I'm sorry there are a lot!!):

Age:
Sex:
Occupation:

Functionalist Perspective Questions:
1. What are the functions and the benefits of having a tattoo? (for example, are you ever praised for your tattoo?)
2. Were you nervous about getting the tattoo? Why or why not?
3. Did you take cleanliness of the tattoo parlor into consideration? Why or Why not?
4. Did you consider what qualifications the tattoo artist had? Why or why not?
5. Are there any long term effects to consider before getting a tattoo?
6. Do you believe there is an addictive quality to tattooing? Why or why not?

Conflict Perspective Questions:
7. How old were you when you were tattooed? At what age is it appropriate to be tattooed?
8. How much did it cost? Who paid for it? What are the cost restraints in the tattoo realm? (For example, would someone use their money towards a tattoo instead of on food for their child, etc).
9. Are you completely satisfied with your tattoo? Have you considered removing or altering your tattoo?
10. Have you become stereotyped or a victim of discrimination after acquiring your tattoo? Does the design and/or location play a part in this?
11. What reactions and concerns did you parents and friends express?
12. Does your tattoo impact your work environment?

Symbolic Interactionist Questions:
For questions 13-17 if you have more than one tattoo answer for each tattoo.
13. Who chose the design? Who made the design? (Please provide a picture of the tattoo if possible, if not possible, explain the tattoo).
14. Everyone experiences pain differently. How much did it hurt?
15. Where is the tattoo located? How did you decide on the location for the tattoo?
16. What does the choice and location of your tattoo say about you as a person? Could the meaning be interpreted differently by others? Is the tattoo for you or for others?
17. Has the meaning of your tattoo changed over time? Do you think the meaning will be as significant as you grow older?


ALSO!!! If you are a tattoo artist and willing to fill out a questionnaire that would be SO HELPFUL. However, I have a different set of questions that I would be asking you, so if you could PM me that would be fantastic.

Thank you so so much in advance to anyone who actually fills this out. You have no idea how much it would mean to me. I know it is a lot of questions but it would really help me out with my paper to have a lot of different people’s answers.

[stephinika]

Age: 19
Sex: Female
Occupation: University student/I work in retail

Functionalist Perspective Questions:
1. What are the functions and the benefits of having a tattoo? (for example, are you ever praised for your tattoo?)
I express myself, tell people about myself a little without saying a word, and yeah some people like it.

2. Were you nervous about getting the tattoo? Why or why not?
Yes because it was my first tattoo so I was scared about the pain, and also my parents are unaware of it so I was worried about that of course.

3. Did you take cleanliness of the tattoo parlor into consideration? Why or Why not?
Of course, I didn't want to get any complications or infections, so cleanliness was very important.

4. Did you consider what qualifications the tattoo artist had? Why or why not?
Yes, I wanted someone qualified of course so they knew what they were doing with the tattoo. I wanted someone I could trust to put some permanent ink on me. =p

5. Are there any long term effects to consider before getting a tattoo?
Having it permanently on you...? Possible fading, stretching depending on the area of skin its on.

6. Do you believe there is an addictive quality to tattooing? Why or why not?
Yes, because when I was first deciding on my first tattoo I said that'd probably be my only one, but afterwards, I already planned my next two that I want to get.

Conflict Perspective Questions:
7. How old were you when you were tattooed? At what age is it appropriate to be tattooed?
I got it when I was 18 and I think that or older is an appropiate age because you're a legal adult and can make decisions for yourself.

8. How much did it cost? Who paid for it? What are the cost restraints in the tattoo realm? (For example, would someone use their money towards a tattoo instead of on food for their child, etc).
About $120 (including tip), and I certainly think money should go towards other things first as tattoos aren't necessary, its a luxury in a way because they can expensive quickly.

9. Are you completely satisfied with your tattoo? Have you considered removing or altering your tattoo?
Yes, I absolutely love it and I haven't considered removing it or altering it.

10. Have you become stereotyped or a victim of discrimination after acquiring your tattoo? Does the design and/or location play a part in this?
Nope.

11. What reactions and concerns did you parents and friends express?
My parents still don't know about it, but my friends liked it.

12. Does your tattoo impact your work environment?
Nope. They don't care as long as its not really visible and its not visible when I go to work anyways.

Symbolic Interactionist Questions:
For questions 13-17 if you have more than one tattoo answer for each tattoo.
13. Who chose the design? Who made the design? (Please provide a picture of the tattoo if possible, if not possible, explain the tattoo).
I chose the design and made it based off some artwork I found on the internet. Here's a really crappy pic, because its all I can find right now on this computer.

Its a heart with wings and the word "Libre" in my own handwriting meaning free in Spanish.

14. Everyone experiences pain differently. How much did it hurt?
Well, it hurt but not as much as I thought. It was just a numb feeling on some parts, and really stung on some parts but it was bearable.

15. Where is the tattoo located? How did you decide on the location for the tattoo?
Its on my lower back (NO not a hoe stamp), and off to the right side just above my bikini line. I decided on this because that part of my body shouldn't stretch and make it ugly, and its easy to hide or show when I choose to.

16. What does the choice and location of your tattoo say about you as a person? Could the meaning be interpreted differently by others? Is the tattoo for you or for others?
It means a lot to me as its a break of 'freedom' for me due to my overbearing and strict parents, but its really a tattoo for me because its somewhat hidden and it just reminds me that I'm free and no one can really stop or change my beliefs. But I suppose it could be interpreted slightly different by others.

17. Has the meaning of your tattoo changed over time? Do you think the meaning will be as significant as you grow older?
Nope, not really but it could get more significant as I get older, but we'll see when that happens. =)


Hope that helps. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask.

[lojay]

Thanks!!! Haha, I'm glad I'll get at least one interview out of this. I was afraid that no one would reply since it's so long.

[stephinika]

Haha, no problem...I did it during class.

[ArtificialBlonde]

Age: 18
Sex: Female
Occupation: Guest Service Representative/(Almost) Emergency Medical Technician

Functionalist Perspective Questions:
1. What are the functions and the benefits of having a tattoo? (for example, are you ever praised for your tattoo?)
I think it expresses a deep part of me. And it's a great conversation starter when people ask what it means.

2. Were you nervous about getting the tattoo? Why or why not?
I was very nervous because it was my first time and I had no idea what to expect.

3. Did you take cleanliness of the tattoo parlor into consideration? Why or Why not?
I did. I looked up information about the tattoo parlor and knew some people that gave great praise to the place.

4. Did you consider what qualifications the tattoo artist had? Why or why not?
Yes, because I wanted to make sure he would be able successfully tattoo me without screwing up, basically.

5. Are there any long term effects to consider before getting a tattoo?
Yeah. I think people need to understand that the tattoo IS permanent and will be there for the rest of your life. So, it's a good idea to think it through before making the decision.

6. Do you believe there is an addictive quality to tattooing? Why or why not?
I think so. I feel like I already want more tattoos. It's a rebellion type of thing. And the pain of it is kind of exhilirating in a sense.

Conflict Perspective Questions:
7. How old were you when you were tattooed? At what age is it appropriate to be tattooed?
18. I feel that's the most appropriate age to consider having tattoos. Waiting so many years helped me consider what I wanted without making spontaneous decisions. I feel like at 18, I was mature enough.

8. How much did it cost? Who paid for it? What are the cost restraints in the tattoo realm? (For example, would someone use their money towards a tattoo instead of on food for their child, etc).
I believe it came out to $60. My friend payed for it. The costs are worth it, considering that it's permanent, but it should not be considered if you're spending money on tattoos rather than necessities.

9. Are you completely satisfied with your tattoo? Have you considered removing or altering your tattoo?
Yes. I have not considered removing or altering it at all.

10. Have you become stereotyped or a victim of discrimination after acquiring your tattoo? Does the design and/or location play a part in this?
No. Most people really like my tattoo. My parents were kind of iffy about the placement of my tattoo, because it's not in a hidden place, but they eventually got over it when I revealed that it's eady to cover up.

11. What reactions and concerns did you parents and friends express?
My parents didn't really like the idea. My dad thought I should get something more girly. But, they settled down and accepted it.

12. Does your tattoo impact your work environment?
Not really. I can easily cover it up with a watch, which is required on my future job.

Symbolic Interactionist Questions:
For questions 13-17 if you have more than one tattoo answer for each tattoo.
13. Who chose the design? Who made the design? (Please provide a picture of the tattoo if possible, if not possible, explain the tattoo).

I chose the design and I researched to make sure that this was actually "Love" in Hebrew.

14. Everyone experiences pain differently. How much did it hurt?
It was very painful, but not enough to stop me from wanting more.

15. Where is the tattoo located? How did you decide on the location for the tattoo?
It is located on my wrist. I decided on this location because it is easy for every one to see it, but I can also cover it up with a watch for work.

16. What does the choice and location of your tattoo say about you as a person? Could the meaning be interpreted differently by others? Is the tattoo for you or for others?
I think the choice presents an emotional side of me, where I do look at love with much admiration and compassion. I like to express this. The tattoo is for me, but it's nice for other people to take notice to it and discuss it.

17. Has the meaning of your tattoo changed over time? Do you think the meaning will be as significant as you grow older?
The meaning is still the same, and I think that it could grow more significant to me as I grow up and have more love and loss in my life.

[MissFits]

Age: 18
Sex: Female
Occupation: Pharmacy Technician

Functionalist Perspective Questions:
1. What are the functions and the benefits of having a tattoo? (for example, are you ever praised for your tattoo?)
It helps me express myself. I've been praised for my tattoos, yes.

2. Were you nervous about getting the tattoo? Why or why not?
For my first tattoo I was nervous, but after that not at all.

3. Did you take cleanliness of the tattoo parlor into consideration? Why or Why not?
Yes. I didn't want to get any diseases or infections that would cause me harm or cause my tattoo to look different

4. Did you consider what qualifications the tattoo artist had? Why or why not?
Yeah. I wanted to know that he could tattoo me without f**king up and make me feel comfortable at the same time.

5. Are there any long term effects to consider before getting a tattoo?
Yes. It's there for the rest of your life so it could affect future jobs and how people see you.

6. Do you believe there is an addictive quality to tattooing? Why or why not?
OH GOD, YES! After my first tattoo I had to have more. I get the urge to get a new tattoo at least once a month.

Conflict Perspective Questions:
7. How old were you when you were tattooed? At what age is it appropriate to be tattooed?
I got my first tattoo when I was 15 or 16. I would advise that you wait until you are 18.

8. How much did it cost? Who paid for it? What are the cost restraints in the tattoo realm? (For example, would someone use their money towards a tattoo instead of on food for their child, etc).
The most I've ever paid was around 60 (this isn't really accurate for most tattoos because my tattoo artist is a close friend). I always pay for my own tattoos. I don't personally know anyone that gets tattoos rather than feeding their children, but I would say that it's not a good idea.

9. Are you completely satisfied with your tattoo? Have you considered removing or altering your tattoo?
I am happy with my tattoos for the most part. I plan on covering up the one on my back with a new design and I really want to get the F Holes on my tummy bigger.

10. Have you become stereotyped or a victim of discrimination after acquiring your tattoo? Does the design and/or location play a part in this?
Yes. I don't think the design or placement had anything to do with it, because my tattoos aren't offensive or placed awkwardly. I really think it was just the fact I am a young lady with several tattoos.

11. What reactions and concerns did you parents and friends express?
My friends LOVE my tattoos. My mom wasn't too keen of them at first but as I expressed more and more interest so did she (now we are going to get matching tattoos )

12. Does your tattoo impact your work environment?
I have been turned down jobs because of my tattoos, yes.

Symbolic Interactionist Questions:
For questions 13-17 if you have more than one tattoo answer for each tattoo.
13. Who chose the design? Who made the design? (Please provide a picture of the tattoo if possible, if not possible, explain the tattoo).
Clover - It was my first tattoo and it was kind of a group decision between my friends and I, since they were supposed to get the same one. It's a basic four leaf clover, so I guess nature made the design.
Swallows - I chose the design, and I am not sure who made it but my tattoo artist edited them a little bit.
F holes - My fiance gave me the idea and helped me choose the f hole shapes we used. My tattoo artist drew them up from memory, I think.
Flower - I saw a flower in a tattoo magazine that I really liked, so my tattoo artist sketched something similar up.
Pin up girl - I chose this design on a whim. Joe pekar drew it, and it is AMAZING.
Robot - My friend drew up the design and I chose it.
Heart - My fiance and I tattooed a single heart on each other. So, we both chose it and he drew mine.

14. Everyone experiences pain differently. How much did it hurt?
Clover - Not too terribly much.
Swallows - By far the most painful tattoos I have. Most people with foot tattoos agree that they are nearly unbearable.
F holes - They hurt, but it wasn't that bad.
Flower - The pain was almost non-existent
Pin up girl - Not at all, it was really awesome.
Robot - It hurt.
Heart - It's so tiny I barely felt it.

15. Where is the tattoo located? How did you decide on the location for the tattoo?
Clover - It is just above my ankle. It was my first tattoo and I thought that would be a good place to put a tattoo because it was easy to hide.(that no longer matters to me in placement)
Swallows - My feet. I always thought foot tattoos were so classy and cute, it seems like these swallows were made to fit my feet.
F holes - My tummy. I put them there because old fashioned f hole guitars are shaped a lot like women. I think it's sexy.
Flower - My arm. I have no clue why I put it there, honestly. It was a spur of the moment decision but I still love it more than a year later.
Pin up girl - Most of my upper right leg. The picture flows with my body really well right there.
Robot - My upper back. I thought it'd be cute.
Heart - My inner left calf. It was just kind of a random placement.

16. What does the choice and location of your tattoo say about you as a person? Could the meaning be interpreted differently by others? Is the tattoo for you or for others?
I honestly could not tell you what the placement of my tattoos says about me. In my experience most people that are covered with tattoos don't really have a meaning behind all of them or their placement other than "I like it and I wanted it there". I feel the same way. If the meaning is interpreted differently by others no one has ever said anything about it. My tattoos are for me, I love the culture and the feeling I get when I get them. Every day I still love my tattoos.

17. Has the meaning of your tattoo changed over time? Do you think the meaning will be as significant as you grow older?
I think my first tattoo was about rebellion, and that has changed over time. I think as I get older and I get the more sentimental tattoos they will mean more to me. I also think that they will show where I was in life and remind me of my youth, which I hope helps to keep me from getting too terribly serious.

I hope that helped you, and I might edit this with pictures of my tattoos when I feel more like taking pictures.

[orgasm]

Age: - 18
Sex: - Female
Occupation: - College Student

Functionalist Perspective Questions:
1. What are the functions and the benefits of having a tattoo? (for example, are you ever praised for your tattoo?)
- Yeah, people praise it when they see it, but I'm not really sure if I see that as a function or a benefit. It's a pretty good conversation starter.

2. Were you nervous about getting the tattoo? Why or why not?
- Yeah, I was nervous, mainly because I hate, hate, hate needles.

3. Did you take cleanliness of the tattoo parlor into consideration? Why or Why not?
- Yes, I did. I really didn't want to get AIDS or anything.
4. Did you consider what qualifications the tattoo artist had? Why or why not?
- Kind of, b/c you don't want somebody f**king up your tat, as it's going to be with you forever. And my tattoo artist was f**king kick-ass. =]
5. Are there any long term effects to consider before getting a tattoo?
- Well... it'll be with you forever?
6. Do you believe there is an addictive quality to tattooing? Why or why not?
- I don't think it's addictive, per say. I DO know that now that I have one, I'm already planning my second one. Maybe it is... idk. I guess I'll find out if I'm not satisfied by my second one.

Conflict Perspective Questions:
7. How old were you when you were tattooed? At what age is it appropriate to be tattooed?
- 18. I'd say 18 is a good age.
8. How much did it cost? Who paid for it? What are the cost restraints in the tattoo realm? (For example, would someone use their money towards a tattoo instead of on food for their child, etc).
- Mine was $160. I paid for it myself. I'm not sure how to answer the last part, as getting a tattoo instead of feeding your child is kind of stupid and selfish. But, if you can get a tat, I'd say that you should have enough money to feed your kid.
9. Are you completely satisfied with your tattoo? Have you considered removing or altering your tattoo?
- I love it. I don't think I'll ever remove, but I might add on to it in later years, though.
10. Have you become stereotyped or a victim of discrimination after acquiring your tattoo? Does the design and/or location play a part in this?
- No.
11. What reactions and concerns did you parents and friends express?
- My parents don't know yet, but I think they would yell at me. Most of my friends like it, except for the ones who think tattoos are trashy.
12. Does your tattoo impact your work environment?
- Not really. I don't wear revealing shirts to work and it's not in a place that's easily visible.

Symbolic Interactionist Questions:
For questions 13-17 if you have more than one tattoo answer for each tattoo.
13. Who chose the design? Who made the design? (Please provide a picture of the tattoo if possible, if not possible, explain the tattoo).
- I chose and altered the design. http://www.createblog.com/forums/index.php...3157&st=175
14. Everyone experiences pain differently. How much did it hurt?
- Didn't really hurt at all. It wasn't comfortable, but there wasn't really any pain.
15. Where is the tattoo located? How did you decide on the location for the tattoo?
- Left shoulderblade. And I just... liked that area.
16. What does the choice and location of your tattoo say about you as a person? Could the meaning be interpreted differently by others? Is the tattoo for you or for others?
- I wanted something on my body that made me happy and the suns make me happy. There's really no other interpretation for it. And my tattoo's for myself.
17. Has the meaning of your tattoo changed over time? Do you think the meaning will be as significant as you grow older?
- No. And yes.

[lojay]

Wow, this is great. Thank you so much to everyone who replied. It will help me a lot. And it's all really interesting too.

[Smarmosaur]

Age: 14
Sex: female
Occupation: n/a.

Functionalist Perspective Questions:

1. What are the functions and the benefits of having a tattoo? people who notice it fall in love with it and want one.

2. Were you nervous about getting the tattoo? Why or why not?
yes considering i'm young and well...it's a tattoo. any sane person would be a little giddy about it.

3. Did you take cleanliness of the tattoo parlor into consideration? Why or Why not?
yeah. mom helped me research and stuff. i wasn't about to pay twice as much as i did at some dirty place.

4. Did you consider what qualifications the tattoo artist had? Why or why not?
uhm...no. didn't really think about it.

5. Are there any long term effects to consider before getting a tattoo?
well...it's there forever.

6. Do you believe there is an addictive quality to tattooing? Why or why not?
for some people, yes. for me, no. we're all addicted to something...so there's really not a definite answer for this.



Conflict Perspective Questions:

7. How old were you when you were tattooed? At what age is it appropriate to be tattooed?
14. before i get criticized for this-i actually wrote a report for my mom explaining why i want it, why it would be important, and reasons to show i'm mature enough. i've kinda always been mature for my age, and the tattoo i wanted was really simple so she considered it for a while and her answer was yes. the age just depends on the maturity.

8.How much did it cost? Who paid for it? What are the cost restraints in the tattoo realm? (For example, would someone use their money towards a tattoo instead of on food for their child, etc).
i'm not sure. i think around $25? it was really small but we got a good deal at a good place. and i'm not sure about the restraints...i never thought of it.

9. Are you completely satisfied with your tattoo? Have you considered removing or altering your tattoo?
100% satisfied. no regrets-ever.

10. Have you become stereotyped or a victim of discrimination after acquiring your tattoo? Does the design and/or location play a part in this?
nope.

11. What reactions and concerns did you parents and friends express?
my mom and friends loved it.

12. Does your tattoo impact your work environment?
n/a.




Symbolic Interactionist Questions:
For questions 13-17 if you have more than one tattoo answer for each tattoo.

13. Who chose the design? Who made the design? (Please provide a picture of the tattoo if possible, if not possible, explain the tattoo).
i chose the design. it's a really small quarter note, about a square inch, and just a few shades darker than my skin.

14. Everyone experiences pain differently. How much did it hurt?
likeabiotch.

15. Where is the tattoo located? How did you decide on the location for the tattoo?
on my right collarbone-it's easy to hide if i want, easy to show if i want. :]

16. What does the choice and location of your tattoo say about you as a person? Could the meaning be interpreted differently by others? Is the tattoo for you or for others?
the location didn't phase me much. the tattoo is for me.

17. Has the meaning of your tattoo changed over time? Do you think the meaning will be as significant as you grow older?
it slowly becomes more significant. it shows my love of music and how much i'm dedicated to it. music is literally life.