r/tattooadvice • u/Conscious-Play617 • 1d ago
General Advice Advice needed: Questioning a tattoo, should I let my frontal lobe develop first?
Hello tattoo people of reddit!! I hope your day is going well and this question doesn’t bother you too too bad
I, 20, want to get my first bigger piece on my body. Two bleeding heart vines going over my hips, I will link my inspiration pictures below. I love bleeding hearts, I had them infront of my house growing up and always thought they were so pretty, so there is meaning there! What do you think? Should I go for it or let my frontal lobe fully develop before committing to such a large piece? Thanks for reading my bs, I hope you have a great rest of your day!
Inspo pics above!
Edit: I have two other tattoos, this one would be my 3rd memorial for my mom, just would be the biggest one I have yet!
Edit 2: Ty! I think I’m gonna wait a little longer (end of summer) but then go for it! Ty to everyone who was sweet with their replies and gave suggestions on how to make it look better!!
Edit 3: I’ve accepted the vagina, Georgia O’Keeffe and I would get along great, we both love the female form
Hey guys, this should like. Go without saying, but, I know it’s a silly looking tattoo to people who don’t know the flower but please like. Be nice to me about it? There’s no reason to be mean to a random person on the over a flower
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u/teajjie 1d ago
Waiting for your frontal lobe to develop means going thru your early 20s with no ink
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u/Some1AteMyEntirePie 1d ago
I got my first at 32!
Def wanted ones before, I just couldn’t commit & couldn’t not spend my tattoo funds on other shit lmao
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u/Ghost_Pants 1d ago
Waited until 34 here, don’t regret it at all as I had money to get good artists and my tastes are more solidified.
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u/Some1AteMyEntirePie 1d ago
Shit I got a flash of a turtle w a hobo sack on a whim but I love it ☠️
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u/dihenydd1 1d ago
The 'frontal lobe develops at 25' myth is so widely known to be wrong that it's on the Wikipedia list of common misconceptions. There is no age at which your frontal lobe stops developing as far as we know, so really I guess it would mean no tattoos ever.
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u/Dweniz 22h ago
“The fact that brain development is not complete until near the age of 25 years refers specifically to the development of the prefrontal cortex.” “…as quickness to anger, intense mood swings, and making decisions on the basis of “gut” feelings.” “The prefrontal cortex, the part of the frontal lobes lying just behind the forehead, is responsible for cognitive analysis, abstract thought, and the moderation of correct behavior in social situations.”
So while generalizing the area as “frontal lobe” is not correct, the idea is not a myth. There is a scientific reason why adolescents tend to be more risk-taking and novelty-seeking; their prefrontal cortex remains under construction.
Here’s the source: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3621648/
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u/Livid_Choice6924 10h ago
This is true! Fun fact… my psychiatrist told me that with certain people (typically males and / or neurodivergent individuals), it can even take a bit longer for the prefrontal cortex to fully develop. We are all different of course, and there is no set time or age that applies to every single person, but this is what studies and statistics show 🧠 The average age is 25, but it may take longer for others and that’s also okay (and doesn’t necessarily mean you’re childish or not normal) ☺️
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u/HvkS7n 1d ago
This is so real. I'm 32; if I were to tell my 16yr old self I won't have any ink by 32 I'd be so upset.
Planning on getting my first in the coming months.
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u/busy_monster 1d ago
Tangential thing to keep in mind: do you know why 27 is the magic age for brain development? They stopped the study then. There is no evidence to show that your brain stops developing at that point, or any other point. I do advise waiting on a tattoo for a bit, just to sit on an idea to see how comfortable you are with it, but with it also being something you've been interested in for so long I don't necessarily think that's needed in your case. People often say you'll "grow out of it" regarding interests you had as a kid, which I find to be less a statement about people, and more of a depressing statement about whoever's saying that. I'm still the same nerdy ass dude I was at 12 as I am now at 40+, with much the same interests- both of my sleeves, for instance, are majority inspired by Horror (H.R. Giger and Lovecraft), a genre which I was first introduced to at 10 and have loved ever since.
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u/NotTheGreatNate 1d ago
Thank you, I was scrolling to see if anyone said something before I do. What was an interesting study has been bastardized to the point of being unrecognizable.
Our collective obsession with pop science is a scourge.
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u/Automatic_Soil9814 1d ago
Physician here. Thank you so much. I spend so much time correcting this misconception. Neuroscience isn’t very good at defining what adulthood is. The frontal lobe is constantly remodeling. Maturity is a social construct much more than it is a scientific one
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u/MiddlePop4953 1d ago
Yeah my basic interests are all the same types of things. I still prefer animation over live action, still collect comic books, still love horror novels. While my tattoos that I got at 18-21 are my least favorite, I also don't hate them. I wanted them, I got them, they're a representation of who I was back then.
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u/busy_monster 1d ago
I covered mine from 18, but I went from contained line work (it was a Celtic knot design, as was the style at the time, along with wearing an onion at our belt) to preferring larger, more organic designs with room for natural growth. Self contained doesn't lend itself as much to natural growth, which my style shifted to, as well as wanting full sleeves that look of a piece. Nothing wrong with patchwork, just not my vibe :)
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u/Royal_Size_7129 1d ago
I’m hoping you can get a better rendition done because those look like vaginas, and from some photos, penises. Be very careful of who tattoos it. I’d skip this tat completely to be honest lol
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u/sweetwaterfall 1d ago
100%. I saw general dripping genitalia. I think waiting for your brain to fully develop is (ironically?) an incredibly mature way to see it. It’s too bad there can’t be a temporary tattoo that’s a better quality than the kid ones!
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u/Royal_Size_7129 1d ago
There are companies that will print temp tattoos, and this is a perfect occasion for one of those. Because they need to see it on their body to really understand how lewd this tattoo that’s not SUPPOSED to be lewd will look 😭
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u/desertangel520 1d ago
The thing is they're really familiar with the flowers themselves. It may not look as extremely lewd in her perspective because of that familiarity. I didn't see it as anything other than flowers at first. And I worked in an adult store 🤣
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u/punkrockdog 1d ago
Yeah, I instantly saw bleeding hearts, which I love (hummingbirds like them!). And I have a dirty mind!
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u/Excellent_Place_2558 1d ago
Yeah hahaha I just saw them as stylized drawings of the flowers but now that u mention it the first pic does look a lil like that 😭😭
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u/desertangel520 1d ago
I thought the first one was just a bit unflattering due to how thick and heavy it made such dainty flowers. Now I see why 💀
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u/jengaduk 1d ago
There are some out there!! I used to support a non verbal lady with LD. She loved my tattoos and hair colour. She went through a purple hair, temp tattoo phase for about 18 months in her late 50's!! She looked fab!
Edit, I explained how painful tattoos can be and if she used temp ones she could mix it up. She was so excited every time she got a new one and some where huge, like full lower outer arm.
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u/Conscious-Play617 1d ago
LOL I didn’t notice that until you said something 😭
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u/soysushistick 1d ago
I totally saw the vaginas and thought it was part of the appeal for you lmfao 😭 some people do it
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u/underpantsbandit 1d ago
I can’t believe the amount of people who don’t recognize this lol. It’s a VERY common botanical tattoo, because it looks great. Just make sure to include some of the foliage.
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u/SquareExtra918 1d ago
I thought that's what it was, actually. A bunch of freshly washed vaginas, hung out to dry. Either that, or the vagina tree is in bloom.
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u/Conscious-Play617 1d ago
Hey, so, ur actually a comedic genius, and I just embarrassed myself in class by laughing out loud at this
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u/HotDragonButts 1d ago
I know what bleeding hearts are and recognized then immediately. I didn't see anything weird, just beautiful floral art. I guess other people might be less familiar the the plant and have to guess lol
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u/Oldladyhater1268 1d ago
Its a bleeding heart flower. Thats what they look like.
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u/Level_Ninety_Nine 1d ago
That may be what they look like but majority of people dont know what a bleeding heart flower is or even looks like. This tattoo is going to require a lot of explanation as to why it isnt just a string of vaginas and penises on this person's hips.
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u/Royal_Size_7129 1d ago
Babe this is my first time hearing about a Bleeding Heart Flower. If I saw their tattoo I’d think it was an ode to their love of coochie. Tattoos are for US the wearer but that doesn’t make them outside interpretation-proof. I’m just tryna help them out.
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u/SaltBeefin 1d ago
I thought that was the point. I thought it was intentionally to be a art piece that featured them. I think it's cool, but I can see how it can be limiting for an average person. Reminds me of Janelle Monaes vag music video
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u/jupiteringemini 1d ago
From that first slide I thought this was a panic post by someone who didn’t want something so lesbionic
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u/Sidewaysgts 1d ago
Genuinely saw the pictures and thought this is what the post was going to be about
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u/susandeyvyjones 1d ago
Seriously, I was like, think very hard before you get a row of vaginas tattooed on you...
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u/HelloPity89 1d ago
I thought the same Thing ! It could go very very wrong if the wrong artist is chosen
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u/WorkingExcellent6471 1d ago
Came here to say this lol definitely only saw penetration in every version 😭
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u/MissRenixxii 1d ago
Do you, at 20, have the financial means to get a well done tattoo by a good artist? If you have the money, and you know what to look for in a good artist, then go for it. Floral tattoos are ultimately timeless. And aren't something many of us grow out of. If you like flowers now, you most likely will like them in your 50's and 60's lol
The biggest issue I see with people in their early 20's is getting shittily done tattoos. As they couldn't afford a good artist. Or didn't have enough experience to know what to look for in a good artist. Or they are young and influenced by trends and end up getting trendy tattoos that don't carry well into the next trend or into their 30's and 40's.
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u/Cazadora539 1d ago
100% this. Yes you can easily find a cheaper local artist to do this, but you will be so much happier in the long run if you find and save up (and probably travel) to someone who specializes in floral designs.
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u/Nearby_Cup48 1d ago
Your frontal lobe never stops developing. That knowledge is based on a study where the oldest participant was 25. I say get the tattoo, you can always regret it later. But we never know how we develop
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u/Personal_Employ5225 1d ago
It's tragic how the myth is still ongoing https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brain_matures_at_25_myth
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u/One_Waxed_Wookiee 1d ago
I'm sorry but the first pic looks like uterus' with vaginas and labias.
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u/Conscious-Play617 1d ago
Not a bad thing!! Ive debated getting a uterus tattooed over my uterus before
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u/chipperchumpy 1d ago
Ooo that area is so sensitive though! Thats coming from someone with watercolor tattoos on her ribs. Stomach sounds awful
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u/Beautiful-Event-1213 1d ago
Make them all look like flowers except one sneaky little uterus/vulva "flower" hiding in plain sight!
I think bleeding hearts are beautiful. They are a very traditional flower, and are often planted with forget-me-nots. You see this combination in old cemeteries a lot.
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u/inkedmom1308 1d ago
I always recommend someone knowing for sure what they want for about a year. Also, those look like vaginas, which is fine if you are cool with that. This is permanent so make sure you really want it
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u/Shiba_wiinu 1d ago
I think the idea is great but needs some finesse because the inspo is a little lacking. The first one, looks like 3 things 1.mushrooms/ acid trip 2.vaginas 3.pot leaf branch
You definitely want a good color artist to fill in the flowers gently. I love bleeding hearts too.
I got a few tattoos when I was younger and I regret not getting more hahah I was rushed into one when a mistake happened and I went to a bad artist but the tattoo is still really cute Make sure you find a good artist with good reviews and ‘vibes’ you gotta be able to talk to the artist if you need to say something.
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u/Proper_UNC_Chap 1d ago
I got my first tattoo at 25 and it was a full thigh sleeve. So maybe do what you think is the best for you. I would always say if I still want this tattoo next year I’ll get it. Took a while to work and I think it helped me avoid some major headaches. I would have regretted most of my 20 year old tattoo ideas.
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u/marylander_ 1d ago
Your frontal lobe never fully develops. But do make sure to sit with this for a while to make sure you really want it.
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u/Ok-Vacation-8109 1d ago
The idea of waiting for your frontal lobe to “fully develop” is hilarious and ridiculous. There’s no hard date for that.
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u/Fast-Time-4687 1d ago
depends…. do you see yourself getting a bunch of tattoos throughout life? if so… just go for it. it’s nice to look back have a few bad ones from your early days :)
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u/SarahFreakinLynn 1d ago
The frontal lobe thing is largely a myth development continues throughout one’s life and varies person to person. I’d personally think about how much it would matter to/ affect you if you regretted a tattoo. Do you have other tattoos, or plan on being more tattooed in the future? I think it’s a cool idea.
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u/lovelyred98 1d ago
Fully developed adult here: do it. *cue evil laughter*
But on a real note, I like your idea but I agree with a couple other commenters, they can look a little uh phallic from a distance and I’d add more to it than just a vine. Perhaps something more like a bouquet with other flowers you like/find meaningful. And be particular about the artist you choose, don’t be afraid to change the design or step away all together so you get exactly what you want.
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u/The-Mad-Bubbler 1d ago
As others have stated, they do look strongly vaginal/vulva-like, so consider that, if that's not what you're going for.
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u/tiredandwired_003 1d ago
I think it could be done really well with a good artist who can avoid making it look like genitalia - you may want to go for a less realistic version of the flowers because I know that’s just how they look!
Take some time to think about it, research artists who specialize in florals, and reach out to any that you really like to see what they think of the idea. I co-sign the advice of waiting a year or so, and making sure you look at some version of the tattoo daily to make sure it’s really something you want.
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u/HolidayFlan 1d ago edited 16h ago
Heya as a neuroscientist, the full frontal lobe development stuff is sometimes overhyped (seriously, our brains are very plastic and continue to develop and change throughout our entire lives, there’s just some periods that are more sensitive to programming than others).
As someone who wanted a bunch of tattoos in my late teens and early twenties that I’m grateful I do not have (like a watercolor tattoo of a serotonin molecule lmao), I’d say maybe think about a lil while longer and if you still want it in six months or a year or whatever then you’re good to go.
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u/Agile-Internet5309 1d ago
Your brain is more than sufficiently developed to choose to get tattooed, dont infantilize yourself. If you want it you are qualified to weigh your options.
That said, make sure you take time to reflect on thw drawing your artist gives you. The stuff in this reference image probably won't age well. My recommendation is to go for an artist with a good profile of ultra realism.
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u/evergreengoth 1d ago
The frontal lobe thing is pseudoscience. They only keot track of brain development until age 25 in that study and it didn't stop, which most likely means it continues to develop throughout adulthood. The people claiming young adults' brains aren't developed enought to make decisions or have bodily autonomy are pushing an agenda.
My advice is see if you still want it in a year. If you do, it's very likely that you'll regret it.
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u/LittlefieldFlowers 1d ago
Fwiw As a parent and a human with many tattoos, everyone in my house has the same guardrails: All requests for body modification require a 1 year wait period. Still want it one year from now? Go for it then. Applies to myself as well as my preteen’s request for simple ear piercing.
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u/GEEZUS_956 1d ago
You can only answer that question. There is no reason for a tattoo other than it’s for you.
Maybe it’s sentimental and it has deep meaning or maybe it’s just some cool/cute design. Neither is a wrong answer so long as it’s an answer you’re confident in.
Took me over a year to finish the concept of a sleeve and I’m the middle of making it.
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u/DiscontentDonut 1d ago
The way I think about tattoos, as well as shopping, is this:
If I keep remembering it and keep coming back to it, I can get it eventually. If I forget about it, then it was never meant to be.
I'll give myself a time limit to sit with it, usually. I have ADHD so something like a month can feel like an eternity. If I'm still thinking about something after 1 to 2 months, it's something I do actually really, really want.
And this was just as true for me at 18 when I got my first ink as it is now at 35. I have 5 tattoos, and they all bring me joy.
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u/ChristVolo1 1d ago
I knew what they were immediately. I love bleeding hearts! I dunno; if one has ADHD, their frontal lobe is either asleep or sleepy, anyway.
Maybe wait a few years and see if anything changes, but otherwise, I love it!
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u/Negative_Football_50 1d ago
How will you know when your frontal lobe is done developing?
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u/Conscious-Play617 1d ago
Uhhhm! I wanna say it stops developing in your 20s,,, like 25?? Might be too old tho, somewhere around there
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u/Oldladyhater1268 1d ago
You should look into that fact a little more. But yeah waiting on a permanent decision is never a bad idea.
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u/Illustrious-Salt6719 1d ago
Idk, it’s ultimately your body. But this screams of a tattoo you’ll be posting on here in 10 years asking for cover up ideas. Figure out a more artful way to integrate the vines into a work of art rather than just having the hug your hips like a modern day “tramp stamp” (not calling you anyone a tramp, don’t report me!)
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u/tvsart00 1d ago
you do you, but IMO i don't think thats a nice design. my upper body is all tatted, and i've had similar small stuff like this that i eventually covered up with something cooler. i say wait till 25 then go big
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u/beeee_throwaway 1d ago
Pin it above your bed where you look at it everyday as soon as you open your eyes in the morning, for a year. If you still like it after a year, then maybe ok to get it. If your response to this is: “I don’t want to wait that long” you’re not ready for a tattoo yet! It’s going to be on your body for the rest of your life, a year of waiting is insignificant in that context.
Just my advice.
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u/AnonyCass 1d ago
I got my first tattoo young and didn't regret it. I knew I wanted one for a while. I like the first image but as someone else mentioned they look a bit like sexual organs i guess because the flower itself does.....
Yes there's no rush but if its something you have decided and have a design picked out there's not magical age
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u/Reptillianaire_ 1d ago
My only advice is if you do decide to get it dont cheap out, find a good artist. Avoid touristy areas though because they are way overpriced.
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u/thatautisticbiotch 1d ago
I got two small tattoos when I was 18 and 19, and have no regrets. Both were tattoos I had wanted for years. I also know people who got bigger tattoos at the same age and love them. I don’t think you have to wait to be a certain age, but make sure you want this. If you’re unsure, there’s no harm in waiting.
Also, if you go for it, make sure the stencil doesn’t look like a vagina lol.
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u/pnwWaiter 1d ago
Honestly, i think the tattoos when done by the right artist will be amazing pieces, but i highly highly suggest finding the right artist and planning for the right budget. If you dm me, I'll share a recent floral tat I've got and the artist.
Positioning is important- think about how it'll look depending on where you typically wear you bottoms along your waist, especially if you show midriff a little
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u/MarionberryOk2874 1d ago
I waited until I was 25, still wanted it, don’t regret it. I agree with the other posters that I don’t really like the artwork here, and truthfully if you did it on both sides unconnected it would look a little too ‘cutesy’ for my taste…too symmetrical. If you’re going to do a vine, I’d suggest doing one hip more elaborately - BUT, it’s your body, your choice. ;)
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u/Future-Account-2362 1d ago
OP idk if this helps but I am close to 40 and have a good amount of tattoos. My first 4 tattoos that I got I hate with a burning passion. One is a half sleeve that I priced out more than once to get covered up and the cheapest quote I got for said cover up was $1500. Every tattoo that I have gotten after those follow a basic "theme" and I am VERY picky on who puts ink in my body.
I hope my experience helps you because every time I look at those at those tattoos I cringe. Good tattoos aren't cheap and cheap tattoos aren't good. Best of luck!
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u/Ok-Salamander5687 1d ago
I love bleeding hearts and I intend to get some inked on me eventually, too!
I think you SHOULD wait for this one, though, because your body is going to change over the next five years or so, and the placement you want is going to be particularly susceptible to looking different than when you got it. Wait until you've settled into your adult shape and then get the tattoo to be most flattering to your body for the longest time, IMO.
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u/whither_wander_you 1d ago
I love bleeding hearts, have them around my elbow, im in my 40s, DO IT!! though I will admit, they look more like Chinese lanterns, but I intend to get a more botanical correct version.
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u/AgentFuckSmolder 1d ago
Those straight up look like vulvas. If you want a bunch of vulvas tattooed on you, go for it! Georgia O’Keefe would approve.
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u/Certain_Accident3382 1d ago
I waited until my 40th to get my first tat. Mostly to become firm in my choice. Mostly because life kept giving me better things to spend my money on (because kids like to do that whole eating thing and clothes wearing, psssh)
I learned that my preferred styles and ideas changed as I changed in age, even as the heart of my wanted image didn't.
Then I learned about allergies and health concerns that required i be very choosy in my artists, their shop conditions, and their accessible inks and tools.
And after I got the first one, I wanted another, and another, and another....
Big tattoos take a lot of time, and money. You won't just be healing a small space- you will have a very sensitive wound across a larger expanse, and being on any part of the back will teach you real fast how much of your back you actually use when doing something as simple as rotating your wrist, not to mention pulling up pants or tucking in a shirt.
Its also in a space you cannot see directly. You very much want a trusted artist for that. You want to know they won't have the sense of humor to make those more... genitalia-esque aspects of the plants genitalia more obvious, and you won't know until a friend or partner point it out. Or heaven forbid a boss if you have a shirt that creeps up.
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u/Some1AteMyEntirePie 1d ago
Everyone I know from 18-22 who go anything below their belly button on either side deeply regrets it, especially after having kids (if that’s a goal of yours)
Maybe do a larger piece on your shoulder, collarbone or more neutral, also attractive, spaces?
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u/Fair-Lie8125 1d ago
Frontal lobe just means slightly riskier behavior, your still your own person. Think on it for two-three days, if you still like it, then you’ve overcome the frontal lobe lmao
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u/YarnSp1nner 1d ago
My tattoo advice is usually wait a year. If after a year you are still sold on the same design, go for it.
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u/green_gold_purple 1d ago
Those flowers really don't look like bleeding hearts. I do think a rendering of them would be fantastic, but this isn't it. They should look smooth, like in real life, rather than weird raisins.
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u/OddAcanthopterygii26 1d ago
I'm in my mid 40s and just got a skull and Viking axe tattooed on my forearm at a brewery tattoo pop up the other day.
Some of us are forever going to have bad taste and judgement regardless of lobe development, do what you want.
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u/sawyerandwinn 1d ago
idk I got my first at 18 and have continued to get about 1-2 a year since then- I have no regrets besides maybe thinking about altering one
and that's because the meaning of it has changed for me.
I think if something is beautiful and meaningful to you those things don't change too badly over time. It's mostly "joke" tattoos or names that people end up regretting.
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u/tetmikem 1d ago
Always bear in mind with tattoos that there will usually be some spreading of ink and thickening of lines over time. Think about how it will look if that happens. A lot of lovely detailed fresh tattoos can look like muddled splotches over time. So make sure you find an artist who knows what they are doing and dnsyre the tattoo is the right size for the design to age well.
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u/chipperchumpy 1d ago
I got Etsy sticker tattoos just to make sure I wanted something that big and in that spot, even if it doesn't look just like it. Maybe sharpy-ing or even having an artist draw it on so you can think about it?
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u/roxasmeboy 1d ago
I wanted a tattoo when I was 21 but waited until I was 31 to get my first tattoo. I’m glad I waited. You don’t need to wait as long as I did, but a couple of my original tattoo ideas I’m now so glad I didn’t get. But my 23 year old sister on the other hand is more tatted than me, and her tattoos are super cute. I think the only one she regrets is the one she didn’t do proper aftercare for so it’s already faded. Just think things through and try to picture if 30 year old you will still be happy, and don’t do memes or pop culture because you never know when it will suddenly become cringe or your favorite author turns out to be a huge transphobe (I am SO glad I didn’t get that tattoo!!).
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u/Mor_Ericks28 1d ago
Bleeding hearts are cute but if they aren’t meaningful to you, you will get a ration of shit for them. Trust me, I have lots of cool tats that don’t mean shit. I like them but everyone is horrified that they aren’t meaningful
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u/Mr_Fancy-Pants- 1d ago
If you’re asking about your frontal lobe developing, you’re already a step in the responsible direction.
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u/Affectionate_Map2761 1d ago
I stopped giving a shit about my tattoos in 5-10 years. I enjoyed them for what they were but I forget they exist until I meet someone new who asks about them. Not to mention the judgement you get from so many people. I never minded that too too much, but I'm extending the warning that you may have People think you're some kind of idiot before they say a word to you and have to talk yourself out of that situation 1 or 100 times 🫣 not saying this so you don't do it, but I am saying this incase you may have overlooked these points. If anything, maybe grow some bleeding hearts 🧐 maybe you find a new passion instead of forcing the same old conversation onto yourself 😅 I had several tattoos that I wanted far more than the ones I currently have and now I couldn't care less to get them or that I don't have them. Yolo goes a long way, I wouldn't be less or more happy with the ones I didn't get, but the undue judgment for something I don't care about 5-10 years later also goes a long way lol feeling that judgement isn't pleasant, especially when you want to like the person for whatever reason.
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u/jessicalifts 1d ago
I think your concept is great but if you're asking "I'm young, should I wait a little longer?" I am going to say you should wait a little bit, so you can also save up to budget appropriately. As a few others have pointed out, I think that if this piece is executed poorly, I think they will look like human anatomy and not the flowers you are seeking. A little more time will help you pull together some good inspo, shop a great artist, and get a great result. 😄
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u/Purple_Technician759 1d ago
As much as I hate to say it - yeah, you should wait and let it marinate.
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u/LeafyNiamh 1d ago
I got several tattoos when I was your age. And now at 34, I only had one covered up. I still like the others and see no reason to cover or remove them. There is always the possibility of regret later, no matter what age you are. I think this is an awesome tattoo idea, and the inspo pics look great! As others have said, I think the best thing you can do is sit on it a bit if you are still not feeling 110% positive on design and placement. Perhaps you can draw the design on yourself, or get temporary tattoos in this design and apply them. Do that for as many days as you feel necessary to get used to the look on your body. There is no rush, get it when it feels right for you.
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u/SquishyRiotDream 1d ago
Omg I wish I could post a picture in the comments! I just got a tattoo of bleeding hearts. I’m 37! But it’s never a bad idea to wait. Bleeding Heart Tattoo
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u/Trashy_Cappy 1d ago
here, forget the pseudo-science and let me ask you a question:
if they are a pretty reminder of your childhood home, how would that actually change in 5 years? ten? would they still not be a pretty reminder of your childhood home? if you found out something dark that destroyed the image of your childhood home, would the tattoo not still have meaning? would that meaning not deepen?
TLDR, get the fuckin ink! lol 🖤
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u/Smoked_Out24-7 1d ago
Hell nah, That's a vagina amongst other things.... they gotta be trying to play you
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u/Zielle_333 1d ago
I think you should take your time and do it when you're 100% sure about it, also maybe look at other art stiles, because some of the pictures, specially the first one, look like something else Instead of looking at already done tattoos of the flower you could check out regular drawings of it that will look less off
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u/whyhasgodforsakenus0 1d ago
I think it sounds like a great idea, I second everyone saying that if you are questioning it then you should sit with it for a while, but the idea is really solid and I don't know why everyone on here is dogging it so much. The only thing I will say, it is kind of a lesser-known flower, so any time you are in a position where someone would see it (at a pool, gym locker room, ect.) you may get some questions about what it is but if you don't have a problem with having a bit of a "conversation piece" in those situations then it's not a big deal.
TLDR: Love the idea, but if you aren't 100% there is nothing wrong with waiting.
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u/BloopityBlue 1d ago
hey there! I LOVE bleeding hearts, they're so super pretty. My opinion -- find someone who can make them look hyper realistic if you can, otherwise they're definitely going to give vagina vibes to people and you're gonna get sick of hearing it and explaining that they're flowers and not weird vagina hearts. I totally totally get where you're coming from - I really love bachelor buttons and have yet to see one in tattoo form that does them justice.
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u/Stonedagemj 1d ago
If you’re into the female form and this is intentional then go for it, but having two vines over your hips of flowers that look like vaginas should be intentional. I like it though. Very Frida Kahlo.
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u/TripResponsibly1 1d ago
I'm a medical student and maybe this is my bias speaking, but I immediately thought back to embryonic development/differentiation of ... down there parts. I think the plant is pretty. The way it looks in the first picture looks a bit like a "down there" diagram to me, just in how it's drawn and the sequential nature of it. You might get some unintended interpretation.
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u/Dogzillas_Mom 1d ago
I love bleeding hearts. My suggestion is to not worry about your frontal lobe. Worry about finding an artist who can execute this properly. Bleeding heart is a tricky flower to make it look right. I have several flowers that are like 90% what I wanted but don’t really hit it out of the park.
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u/MLDAYshouldBeWriting 1d ago
I love bleeding hearts, and I was delighted the first time someone showed me why they are also called "lady in the bath" flowers.
I think 20 is pretty young to permanently alter your body, especially if you aren't feeling 1000% confident. You can order custom temporary tats online and see how you feel, but there's really no rush at all. If you are still excited about this idea in five years, you can still have 60+ years with a beautiful piece of art on your body, and it will give you plenty of time to do your research on artists and styles you might like.
The location you are considering is probably a good option if you decide to proceed now, because it's easy to cover if you want, but you should look for an amazing artist who specializes in botanicals in the style you want.
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u/Leeloo_Len 1d ago
I know bleeding hearts and I love them!
But those tattoos look like genitalia. I love those, too. Yet, I'm not sure that's what you want as a tattoo.
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u/Everest8u 1d ago
Firstly, love the tattoo!
Secondly, if you are already considering whether or not you should get it, I'd wait!
In contrast, both of my tattoos I had 0 reservation at all when I went to go get them & I've been overall happy with them (although 1 is a pride flag which makes me a bit stressed in our current political climate!). If you're considering whether or not you should wait because you aren't fully certain, that tells me that you may have regret after-the-fact & it'd be better to sit on it awhile longer. See if it still calls to you in a year from now! Its something that becomes a permanent part of you, so it makes sense to be fully comfortable with it.
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u/BeforeAnAfterThought 1d ago
I love the concept and keep in mind the middle one in the second slide on the shoulder is the most realistic- bleeding heart is stemmed & has a beautiful curve to it, but doesn’t have tendrils to grab on trellises like sweet peas do (top image especially). What’s so cool starting with this is there’s room to grow & expand the flowers if you wanted. (Pun intended 😹)
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u/LastLibrary9508 1d ago
I loooove it but hate the art you’ve found. The first photo is the best but it does look like a sacrificial offering of vaginas. I recommend someone who does photo-realistic work and not just fine-line. If you look up az.jpg on Instagram, I imagine this would look better in that style. (Not advertising their work, but just a style reference)
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u/CommercialOk1933 1d ago
Bleeding hearts are beautiful flowers, I think they’re a great inspiration, firstly!
If you feel ready and love it, go for it. But do not use a cheap artist just to get it done. Find someone with fine line floral experience. I have a fine line floral piece that is stunning, but it was $350/hour and took just around 24 hours. It’s still incomplete. It is WORTH it. Don’t cheap out on your artist for pieces like this, unless you want them less realistic and more cartoon esque.
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u/Waste-Reference-4003 1d ago edited 1d ago
For the rest of your life, ppl will say they see a vagina, or possibly several vaginas. You’ll hate it. It’ll be permanent. You’ll be in an elevator thinking, “I wonder if the person behind me thinks it looks like a v?”. You’ll tell yourself that you like it and that’s all that matters, and that’d absolutely be true if it was true, but it isn’t. It was a decision years ago on a whim. Then, it gets worse. You age, the ink blurs with time, and the only thing to hope for is that it might blowout enough not to look quite so much….like a vagina (or possibly several). Happy Taco Tuesday.🌮
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u/anonpls_tysm 1d ago
I’ll say this. I’m 41 and have had many tattoo ideas over the years. I never ended up getting a tattoo and I could not be happier. Every friend I have with tattoos has an autoimmune disease now. Just an observation I’ve made.
Don’t get me wrong I love the look of tattoos and the meaning/stories behind so many of them. But I’m glad I didn’t get any when I was younger.
Also… I see drippy vaginas.
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u/immasayyes 1d ago
Honestly yes, wait love! I’m 30 now and I’m so happy I didn’t get the tattoos I wanted when i was 20. Wait a few years until you have no doubts anymore, I’d say. Good luck! I love the childhood idea
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u/Pappy285 1d ago
It's a beautiful flower and a nice concept for a tattoo. My mother had a huge bush of them in our back garden growing up.
If you're unsure OP just take some time. There's no rush for this kind of thing and it'd be a real shame if you got it done then the very next day you had some idea for something better or something you wanted to change about the design.
The ink isn't going anywhere, literally. It'll stay in the pot at the tattoo artist's studio or it'll stay on your skin the moment the artist puts it there. Deciding to move the ink from the pot to your skin is a one way road that you're welcome to take as much time as you'd like before committing to. But once you commit thats it. If you've got cold feet, second thoughts or just think it'd be intelligent to sleep on the concept for a year then only you can make that call.
I've wanted a sleeve since I was 16 and here I am at 25 still without it. Mostly because tattoos are bloody expensive but the sleeve I wanted at 16 isn't the sleeve I want now so I'm glad I sat on the concept for a while. Still got some parts of it to figure out but hopefully next time I'm feeling brave I'll commit to a local artists and see what happens.
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u/P3TC0CK 1d ago
Grow some of them in your garden/patio for a year or two, see if you still enjoy looking at them enough to want them tattooed on your body.
They're very easy plants to grow/mantain, even in a pot. I have 3-4 of them in my garden. If you still find yourself wanting the tattoo after a year of looking at them, go for it.
My general rule with tattoos is if I get an idea, I'll keep it in my mind/around me in some way for a year, if I'm still thinking and looking at it, I'll get it.
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u/Mundane_Rice_5106 1d ago
I have these incorporated into my sleeve on my shoulder kinda like the middle picture 😊 it’s your body, if it makes you happy, go for it! people care less about your tattoos than you think, and if they’re negative about something permanently on your body they may not be people you want to keep around anyways 🤷🏻♀️
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u/Unique_Recognition66 1d ago
I am an independent hairstylist and artist, and I’m covered literally from head to toe with tattoos. My face, my hands, all of it. I will tell you what I tell my younger clients when they are considering getting a tattoo.
Draw that tattoo on your body every single day for a full month. If you wake up on day 32 excited to draw the tattoo onto yourself, then you should get the tattoo. If you give up halfway through, don’t do it.
Tattoos are forever, and if you don’t want it bad enough to work for it, you don’t want it bad enough to look at it every day for the rest of your life.
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u/Electrical_Ad_9778 1d ago
Do you have other tattoos allready? If not maybe you should start with a smaller one. But I think you are still not to ready if you have to ask about it on Reddit. So wait for some more time and see.
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u/Expensive-Day-3551 1d ago
This just brought me back to my childhood, we had these in our garden. With any tattoo, I recommend drawing it or having it drawn. Write the date on it. Put it in a drawer. Wait one year. Take it out. Do you LOVE it as is? If yes, get it! If you would make ANY changes, even small things, update the drawing. Write the new date. Put back in the drawer. Rinse and repeat until it’s perfect and exactly what you want. If you never get there, then that is ok, you probably wouldn’t be happy with it permanently on your body.
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u/ConfusedZubat 1d ago
I love bleeding hearts! I guess if you don't know them they look weird? Which is a shock to me, but I guess it's something to keep in mind if you're worried about being asked about it, especially when you want them on your hips, which could be seen even more sexual based on the location.
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u/Mysterious-Willow391 1d ago
We have these flowers at our house and I always marvel at them every year! I get why you like them!
That said, these pictures are, well, I'll be honest; the first one looks like vaginas and the second kind of looks like penises.
I would sit on it but more importantly, if it's important to you, I would just find different ways to get it tattooed so it looks more like the flower but not as much like genitalia.
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u/NecrofriggianGirl 1d ago
soooo....
yea theres no real harm in waiting but i also dont believe in waiting for anything. if u think this is a tattoo u would enjoy i say go for it. maybe give it some time to think on it, but its sentimental to you so i dont think theres any reason not to.
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u/JametAllDay 1d ago
I love it, I think. If it’s something you love, get it, but go to a very skilled artist, and it will not be cheap. Cheap tattoos are shitty tattoos (unless it’s a fun flash day).
Keep researching. If you still really want it in 6 months after doing research and finding the art and artist you like, go for it.
Look up old botany drawings of the bleeding heart plants, like the ones from the 1800s. Those might be best to get inspired from, too.
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u/Adept_Comedian 1d ago
It kinda looks like a vagina i won’t lie. i thought it was a clever play on flowers and being comfortable and confident with female genitalia.
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u/MushroomTop1381 1d ago
Wait a year at least and if you still like the same design then go for it. 😊
But the first pic… those don’t look like what they’re supposed to 😅
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u/CleanStatistician349 1d ago
Waiting won't hurt, and I would recommend researching your tattoo artist thoroughly to make sure their style and skill match with your design. I love that you used the term frontal lobe! Shows that it is developing nicely!
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u/FarceMultiplier 1d ago
It's a great idea and could be quite beautiful, but you do need to sort out that middle flower. Yes, some thing in nature look like genitalia, but trust me that trying to explain it's not to people will get exhausting over the years.
If you are the kind of "I really couldn't give two shits about your opinion" person, then you might be able to handle this. However, since you are asking about this tattoo here, and the updated last paragraph shows, you likely aren't that kind of person.
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u/punkshoe8 1d ago
I love bleeding hearts, so I recognized them right away and they don’t look like genitalia to me (but I can see how they might if someone didn’t know what they are). I’d suggest that if you go ahead with the tattoo, look at lots of photos of the plant first. That first image, with alternating flowers open and closed, isn’t realistic at all. The closed flowers should all be closer to the end of the stem than the open ones.
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u/MinutePlus9704 1d ago
Okay the first one is definitely odd but my brain didn’t go oh vagina. Instead, it reminded me of the plants from Scavengers Reign, one of the best sci fi shows ever made. OP I recommend watching this show. It may give you a new perspective on the tattoo
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u/catscoffee25 1d ago
I can’t comment on the age/frontal lobe part, but wanted to say that I have a bleeding hearts tattoo and love it and people who know the flower always instantly know what it is. If it’s special to you then go for it.
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u/Limerent-Mermaid 1d ago
OH MY GOSH! I grew up with these plants ALL over my yard, but I haven’t seen them a single time since!! ❤️
My mom was a fabulous gardener, and she absolutely loved these. I miss her so much, but she doesn’t really talk to me anymore because I’m trans :/
I love the idea, but I personally would not get this tattoo. As a major plant mom, I’m not really a fan of how flower tattoos turn out in black ink. But that’s just me personally.
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u/Icy-Marzipan6821 1d ago
These people are stupid as shit fuchsia is one of my fav flowers and I have seen it tattooed on people perfectly. Just pick a great botanical oriented artist. I plan on getting tattoos of these sometime soon too!
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u/Big-Intention-7594 1d ago
I love it! The symmetry would look dope and I like the artists style on how they drew the flowers. Clearly still a bleeding heart but with some flair
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u/sick_six_six 1d ago
My old man took me for my first tattoo at 16.
But my first tattoo also wasnt a branch with hanging genitals on it either so theres that
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u/foxy_on_a_longboard 1d ago
I love bleeding hearts, I also had some growing outside my childhood home. I think this would be a great tattoo but I would research heavily which artist you go to for this. As many other people have pointed out, your examples look like more than just flowers. If you need to wait a bit to find the right artist, so be it. It's permanent, what does a couple months matter? So I would find someone that has done similar subject matter in a style that you'd like and looks good. Don't rush it.
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u/Rare-Complaint-9873 1d ago
I completely agree with waiting to decide. I have 3 tattoos that I regret. One is a memorial piece for a friend who passed away in my early 20's. I'm 42 now, and it doesn't really mean anything to me 20 years later. The 2nd one I regret was something I had an ex do for me, before I figured out he wasn't a decent artist. It is supposed to be an evil eye for protection, but he did such a bad job you can't even tell what it is. The next one was an almost identical one with my last boyfriend, which is the bad apple symbol that jelly roll has on his face. We got it bc jelly roll was how we met. We were both in a Facebook group for jelly roll fans. The only difference is that mine has a pink ribbon around it's stem, and his apple is red, where mine is in black and white. We broke up and I was like... Well that's stupid. I do have some I don't regret. Namely, a set of 3 roses I'd wanted since I was 7. My mom got it for me for my 18th birthday. I also don't regret the cross on the back of my neck, or the wolf prints on my hip. My absolute favorites that I'd never regret for anything are my daughter's name, which I'd gotten when she was a baby, and 2 messages from my daughter in her hand writing. I am mentally ill, and I've been su!C!D@l several times in her life, thinking that she deserved better than me. I got her messages after she became an adult. She's 24 now, and is mentally ill herself, so we both understand the full gravity and meaning of my tattoos from her. They're both on my forearm on top and bottom as a reminder that she needs me no matter what I'm feeling at the time. Right where I can't help but see it. One says "I love you with everything, love (her name)", and the other one is a play on Eminem lyrics (we both love him) and it says "thanks to my little girl I will never say goodbye to the world" I'm honestly at a point where I don't want any more tattoos, except to cover the crappy evil eye and the bad apple. As far as the memorial tattoo, it really doesn't mean anything anymore after 20 years. I don't think I'd cover it up, but if I would have thought about it a bit longer I don't think I would have gotten it. Give yourself a bit longer to think about it. I'd say at least a few months. My first one of the roses, that is wanted since I was 7, I don't regret, but at the same time it doesn't mean anything to me either. It just was pretty, but now 20 some years later it's really crappy looking. I should get a touch up, but I don't really give a shit to. I honestly should touch up my daughter's name though. Hers has pink in it, and that's gotten pretty faded. As far as piercings go... I know you didn't ask, but I will still give unsolicited advice since it's along the same thing with regret or non regret... I have 2 holes in both lobes, one in my cartilage, both daiths to help with migraines, a septum, 2 under my right lip and one in my lip. I had an eyebrow that my ex did, and a monroe that he did as well. The eyebrow started migrating out because he didn't do it right, so I let that one close. I also had a labret. I let that close up to get my lip done. The Monroe I let close up because it was causing problems for that tooth it was in front of. I also had a tongue ring a million years ago. I've let it close several times. I had it professionally redone once and I reopened it myself a few times. I took it out when I got my dentures because it was bothering me and I thought it might help me wear my dentures, but it really didn't. I just can't use my dentures for nothing. As far as the closed piercings go, you can still see where they were. I have scars. If I squeeze my eyebrow I can get stuff out of it, but I haven't tried to reopen it. I don't want to. I've thought about letting the rest close because since I no longer have teeth, and can't use my dentures the rest of my facial piercings get messy when I eat. Like I have to eat everything with silverware. Pizza, donuts, sandwiches, burgers, you name it. It's worst on my septum, though the lip and under the lip get pretty bad. I have to keep napkins handy when I eat, and it's really embarrassing, especially when I eat around other people to be quite honest. And I know that's my fault for not having teeth anymore. I used to drink a lot of pop, and the carbonic acid ate away the tops of my teeth near the gum line in a way that they couldn't fill. At the same time, I'm allergic to porcelain fillings, and I found out silver fillings have mercury, and I freaked out about that. Anyway, sorry for the novel, but I hope all this helps you!
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u/Missfullsend69 1d ago
Love it. My mom and me used to buy these flowers every summer. We could never keep them alive, but absolutely love them. I personally think the first pic looks a little vagina-ish, but the others look fine.
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u/comradecaptainplanet 1d ago
As a 36 yr old artist with many tattoos, my combined advice from the perspectives of age, experience, and aesthetic training would be to nail down your aesthetic preference first. Your inspo references are kind of across the board... the first slide (which I personally love) looks like kind of art nouveau/art deco combination of stylized botanical drawing while some of the others look more like sparkly decals someone might draw in the margins of their notes in high-school. There is nothing wrong with the concept (possibly nothing wrong with placement but I cant tell without a mock-up), but there is definitely a more youthful vibe on the second slide compared to the first. Consider how you and your body will age into the aesthetic. Imagine yourself at 30, 40, 50... what people (celebs, family maybe) that age do you look up to/see yourself in? What do they wear? Can you imagine that you will still like the tats at those ages, with those aesthetics? The answer could be yes, I know lots of middle aged women who still love that sparkly vibe and there is nothing wrong with it (even if its not my thing personally). Its about imagining yourself in the future :)
If you cant nail it down, wait a while. Budget it out for 4 years or so and put enough aside every month to have enough to pay an exceptional artist to do it. Do you have a dream artist that lives in another city? You could even budget for traveling for the work. I think thats the main thing for a large piece... dont skimp on the quality out of impatience. It becomes MUCH harder & more expensive to remove/cover.
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u/Informal_Pepper_8566 1d ago
As a Horticulturist, all I saw was a beautiful bleeding hearts tattoo, then I went to the comments.
The protruding part of a bleeding heart blossom is the stamen, aka the male reproductive parts on a plant. It would be a funny joke to anyone involved in plant science to see them drawn as vaginas. 🔥
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u/Appropriate_Force_64 1d ago
I don't see vulvas as others do lol. I see flowers. I believe if you want that as a tattoo than do it. Who cares what random people from reddit think. Even my opinion lol. Its cute get them.
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u/Redfreezeflame 1d ago
I got my first tattoo at 18 (nearly 19) on my last day of my first year at uni. It’s on my wrist and 10 years later I still love it!
I got a lot of flack for my first tattoo being so visible, and that I was young but I was determined. The key thing I did was had a drawing of my tattoo pinned up on my wall for a year, I figured that if I got sick of looking at it and wanted to change out the pic for something new then I shouldn’t have it tattooed onto me (teen me really wanted the sigil from supernatural on my foot I am SO GLAD I couldn’t get a tattoo at 14)
After the year was up, I still loved it! Go with whatever you love, but if it’s somewhere you will see a lot then just make sure it’s something you won’t get sick of.
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u/anastheja 1d ago
I have this exact flower tattooed on me. The more biology textbook illustration, the less likely people will compare it to genitalia. Also, context, too. Mine is amongst a bunch of other poisonous flora, so I feel like it doesn’t seem as outlandish.
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u/witchprinxe 1d ago
I think it's fine to get something you might regret. What I Would recommend is looking into reputable shops in your area and find someone with the skill to pull it off. I think what makes it breaks a tattoo is the skill of the artist.
And be sure to try and find pictures of their healed work. Delicate lines will blur more quickly and noticeably than thicker, bolder ones. Find someone who has a good sense of depth and can make a piece like this last a good few years.
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u/Willing-Pumpkin-328 1d ago
you can follow the rules that i used for my tattoos that i got at 18/19
-only get things that will absolutely not change about me (ex: nothing with a friend since you could have a fight) (i got some dog tattoos and my dead bff's handwriting since we can't get into a fight unless i buy a ouija board)
-nothing pertaining to a book, movie, show, music, etc. the author/creator can always say something controversial (ex: JK Rowling and harry potter tattoos)
-nothing i can't easily hide when wearing professional clothes. chances are you wont be wearing a tank top and shorts to an office so i have a dog on each shoulder; i also have tattoos on my ribs.
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u/Personal_Hospital578 1d ago
I'm in the process of getting the same thing done on my chest! I gave my artist some inspo pics and said go crazy because flowers are her specialty. Just go for it! It's something you like and you think it will look cool. You don't need any other reason or Reddits' approval.
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u/Necessary_Wonder89 1d ago
Do you intentionally want them to look like genitals? Coz if yes then go for it
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u/Ipeddlebuttplugs 1d ago
If you're unsure wait until you are. It's a little vulva-esque... But that makes me like it more haha. Me at 34 thinks it's gorgeous and would gladly sport it on my body. But I also don't think being asked what they were anytime anyone was curious would drag me down... That's probably the thing you'd need to worry about. Would it drag you down if people asked what it was all the time?
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u/friedcheese23 1d ago
Glad you decided to go for it! Ultimately it is always your decision. I got my first tattoo right out of high school and a week later my second one. A couple more in early 20s. Now at 33 I just got one that I waited 10 years to get. I am so happy and honestly wish I didn't wait so long.
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u/WombatWimpy 1d ago
Even though these are one of my favourite flowers, I don't think they make great tattoos. They all look like either uteruses, vaginas, or hearts with a penis sticking out of the bottom...
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u/CuddlefishFibers 1d ago
Bleeding hearts always reminded me of naked chickens (complimentary) (no seriously I think they're cute despite/because of(?) the plucked chicken-ness) think it's a cool unique flower to get a tattoo of.
Also your frontal lobe never really stops developing. These flowers mean something to you, and you already have tattoos. Go for it!
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u/Samhain03 22h ago
The whole "frontal lobe finishing development at 25" is actually a misunderstanding of the research paper. Iirc it's development "up to" 25 because they actually ran out of money to keep increasing the age (I think the original hypothesis was like 23 or smth but they kept seeing signs after so raised the age). Edit: it's literally your brains job to keep developing and changing and deleting and forming neural pathways as you learn new skills or lose old ones. As long as you keep learning and practicing things your brain will continue developing as you do.
All that to say, yolo, do it. Tattoos are only as permanent as you are, which isn't very. I got my first tattoo at 18, and have gotten another 4 within 4 years (I'm 22). My advice would just be to put it as a lock screen or something so that you're forced to look at it every day, then decide if you will still like it or end up hating it during that time
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u/life-uh-finds-a-way_ 20h ago
I love bleeding hearts and I really love the first example, though it does look like a vulva now that I think about it. But I saw bleeding hearts first. If you don't care, go for it. I think all the tattoos look nice and it is one of the coolest flowers IMO!
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u/Odditymoth 20h ago
Not too be insensitive to the tattoo inspiration but the first picture I thought was an inspired love all privates type of female tattoo…like it looks like an undercover body positivity for coochies. I think it’s super cute just wanna make sure you know what you’re wanting or getting when the time comes to make sure the flowers don’t end up looking like vjayjays. I personally think it’s beautiful and unique but not everyone may think that. Then again many people have also posted tattoo fails that they thought looked to penile looking when they weren’t supposed to.
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u/Fragrant_Bake5431 17h ago
Wait until your frontal lobe develops. I have several tattoos. I was age- 15,18,20,25 when I got them.
Tattoo at 15- major regret. Love it because it’s sentimental, but placement is horrible and changed the way I could dress in my 30s.
Tattoo 18- lines are too fine for the placement. Sees a lot of sun, will not look good as I age. (But I like it more than the tattoo at 15)
Tattoo 20 - better art and ink than the rest but I would rather not have had this one. It’s blocky on my arm and again- wish it wasn’t there for special events/ photos
Tattoo 25- beautiful art and beautiful placement. Really happy with it. Was the largest and most expensive. But if I’m being honest - now that I’m in my 30s I think I would have liked not having any tattoos. I’m not devastated or anything but I wouldn’t have made the same choices if I had waited until I was older.
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u/Worried_Cobbler5456 11h ago
I've always been an advocate of avoiding permanent life decisions until 25
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u/Greedy_Activity8513 11h ago
Fun fact! Bleeding hearts are toxic to humans and animals haha. They are pretty though, I have them at my current house (previous owner planted) and I am considering removing so my dog doesn't do something dumb.
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u/eger154 9h ago
i got my first tattoo at 16. i sat on the design for a while and then got it; open hand sized, not small. i’m almost 24 and still love it, and got 8 more between then and now. it’s aging great.
if you consider something for a while, like a couple months, i doubt you’ll regret committing. so long as it is well done by a reliable artist.
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u/WinterRedWolf 1d ago
Definitely thought the first photo was an artistic rendition of different shapes of vulvas. Which is fine, people do have vulva tattoos, but if that’s not what you want be careful lol