new ink day...

[HTH AMPS]

Ok, so they're a few weeks old now, but these are the first photos I've taken (and added some effects to fit the vibe).  They look a bit washed out, but it's just my cr@ppy photography in the mirror.  I wanted something really old school, and I got it  :D

[Afghan Dave]

Finally, found someone to ask... What is the meaning of a Swallow tat?

I've seen loads and I don't understand..

[Philly Q]

I imagine it's something to do with swallows returning home to the nest after travelling away?  Didn't it used to be something that Navy people had tattooed?  Maybe still is.

I was wondering why you had a new avatar, Ian... now I know.

[nfe]

Yeah, in origin it's maritime thing. Like many common tattoo themes it's totally disconnected from that now. People just like the imagery. Same as all the Japanese stuff you see and so on.

[Dmoney]

I wouldn't go so far as to say it's totally disconnected from its meaning, even though I'd probably agree the people who have them are less likely to be sailors these days. I also doubt when it was popular for sailors to get them that everyone who picked them up was REALLY investing in the meaning as much as looking cool at the time. I think all that is fine though. As far as "old school" tattoo art goes I think there are a lot of images that mean very little. The ones that mean more are probably religious based or linked to armed forces. Tribal would be my guess at a style that is commonly disconnected from its roots, although again not totally.

What I find interesting is how old some of those images you see in common "maritime" related tattoos are. I remember seeing sailors graves in Greyfriars Kirkyard and other burial sites around Edinburgh, and even though (if I remember correctly) they date back to the 1600's or something, the images on them permeate tattoo art right up until today.

[HTH AMPS]

Shiver me timbers mateys, ahaaaaaarrrr!!!!  :lol:

Apparently, the swallows were tattooed on sailors every 5000 nautical miles, a badge of honour to show you were nails.  If you had multiple swallows, you basically weren't a guy to f*uck with.  I understand that they also symbolise safe return home.

For me, they mean all of this traditional stuff, plus they just look badass - I love tattooing tradition and the old school designs.  I've got a ship, anchor, pinup girl, lucky 13, dice etc... all planned in the future.  I love all the cheesy old stuff, even the hearts with Mam & Dad in a scroll, honestly, I'm not ripping the p*iss.

[Dmoney]

I love old school designs too.

This is one I got a few weeks ago. It's from a flash sheet a chap who was recommended to me painted up. I like crazy looking animals.
http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m6ngdcbGWO1qzfx7fo1_1280.jpg

Some of my tattoos mean things to me, some I just like cos I think they are cool.
I'd like a dragon at some point, but in particular the old school western style one that looks like a bonkers cartoon dragon. They are crazy. I like your swallows but I've never been tempted to get a swallow yet.

[HTH AMPS]

liking that one Dmoney, some nice work there.

[WezV]

i am happy to admit mine are almost all pure decoration.  i find it funny that everyone expects a story behind them - like they have been watching too much LA Ink.   


Nobody had to die in the creation of my tattoo ;)

[Dmoney]

i am happy to admit mine are almost all pure decoration.  i find it funny that everyone expects a story behind them - like they have been watching too much LA Ink.   


Nobody had to die in the creation of my tattoo ;)

+1!

HTH, that tattoo of mine was done by a chap who is pretty new. Not long been out of an apprenticeship. I gave him a shot and he did good! I was chuffed!

[Philly Q]

i am happy to admit mine are almost all pure decoration.  i find it funny that everyone expects a story behind them - like they have been watching too much LA Ink.   

It's been discussed before, but I do find that surprising - I've always felt that I'd need to find something deeply meaningful to have it permanently marked on my body.  And nothing so far has been sufficiently meaningful!  :P

[gwEm]

Nice one Ian! I keep mulling over a tatoo. I've had the same "Ace of Spades" design in mind for years..

[blue]

i wanted a tattoo for many years, but wanted to make sure it was something i really wanted.  i have ended up with one, which is very meaningful to me.  i have two small pairs of feet tattooed on my stomach, to represent the twins we were expecting last year, but unfortunately lost.  sorry to bring the mood down, just wanted to give my own thoughts on it.

there are a lot of people with badly done, and badly judged, tattoos.  but when done right, i love them.  your swallow looks great HTH, glad you're happy with it ;)

[Mr. Air]

Nice pair of swallows, Ian. I've been hinking about getting myself a pair or maybe just one, but I'm not sure I'll ever do it. I can live with the one tattoo I already have and it's pretty piratey too - Arrrrghhhh  :D

[bucketshred]

I love old school designs too.

This is one I got a few weeks ago. It's from a flash sheet a chap who was recommended to me painted up. I like crazy looking animals.
http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m6ngdcbGWO1qzfx7fo1_1280.jpg

Some of my tattoos mean things to me, some I just like cos I think they are cool.
I'd like a dragon at some point, but in particular the old school western style one that looks like a bonkers cartoon dragon. They are crazy. I like your swallows but I've never been tempted to get a swallow yet.

Looks ace, yours too HTH!

I've got a Baphomet in that sort of style :D

Paddy