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My mom had tattoos, but was very adamant about the parameters in which I could get one.
I needed to design it myself, no names or symbols or shit like that I'd get tired of and regret. With something I designed myself I could at least say 'I thought of that. That's all me'. Whatever I decided on, I'd have to wait one year from then.
She'd mark it on the calender and we'd wait. I changed my mind a lot as a teenager, but I was pretty sure by the time I was 17ish I wanted to get a Pokemon tattoo. I remember showing her the design I drew. It was some super edgy looking Lugia. She thought it was funny, since she'd raised me during the Pokemon craze and knew all about how fanatic I'd been. But she didn't make fun, said she thought it was beautiful, and if I still wanted it when my birthday came around, she'd pay for it.
My birthday came and went. My mom was really sick then. I remember sitting next to her, talking to her, saying she'd get better... and then the next day she was gone.
HGSS came out not long after. I remember picking it up and playing through. Relatively early I caught a Cubone and it went the distance with me. I'd never thought much of him before, seeing as how I'd never had one, but I fell in love with the little guy. And then it hit me.
I drew it out and waited. And a year later I got a tattoo, of a ghostly Marrowak draped over a tombstone. I'd designed it myself, based on photos of my mother's grave-sight. It's stylistic enough that it doesn't scream "I am a nerd, ostracism me" but it's recognizable for anyone that's more than just a casual fan. It ties the mythos of the Pokemon to an event in my own life. And it's a symbol to honor my mother and her memory, and everything she meant to me.
People who are gonna be ignorant fucks are gonna hate on tattoos regardless of what you get. But I implore you, make it meaningful. Put your soul into your art. You're always gonna carry it with you.
