I have been seriously thinking of getting this tattoo

[Lady Freedom Returns]

It would be a little cheaper that the phoenix one I was thinking about and it is really cool!

[panader0]

1. How can you afford a tattoo on a budget?

[Lady Freedom Returns]

2. As with many things, I have a savings Jar.

I have a jar that I have started putting spare change into. This is my " I am going to do something crazy" fund. I am going to use the money from my consignment sales for saving for a new camera. The money from the coffee shop is what HUD counts till I start making more than $500 a month with the art. My small apt. is only $174 out of my monthly income and thanks to a coupon/shopping guru I live next to, I have been able to spread my $189 in Snaps a LONG way.

Oh the apt. is all utilities included. It also has Wi-Fi. But that has been going in and out lately, the owner is thinking of changing providers.

And next door neighbor is an accountant. He lives for numbers. I have been picking his brain.

[Lady Freedom Returns]

4. And there is a shop here that will do it for $40.

So right now my fund is at $15. And they did say they were going to do a % off sale in the summer.

Yeah, I have been doing my homework!

[yuiyoshida]

3. I would love a tattoo however I can not get one..

Not if I want to visit an Onsen (Hot Springs) or Outdoor Roten Buro. Some beaches in Japan do not allow tattoos as well. They don't want any tats because it scares away the customers thinking there are Yakuza there.

[Lady Freedom Returns]

5. I know the feeling.

This is going to take a little time to save. But as long as I don't splurge I'll make it!

[yuiyoshida]

6. Again I would love to have one, but maybe

After my visit to Japan. Than again, I may want to return again in the future.. choices, choices, choices!

[Godhumor]

14. Onsen and other restrictions are disappearing

Tattoo culture had begun going mainstream in Japan the past few years, and many places are changing restrictions to adapt.

[Scruffy Rumbler]

7. That is a really intriguing tattoo, Lady Freedom Returns .

I love how you are going about the collecting of the funds for this. Budgeting and saving for it shows how important it is to you and gives the act of the tattoo deeper meaning.

This is a wonderful stand alone image. It would also make a great center for more images later, say the 4 directions? I have a couple of stand alones, they are the way they are, while one on my arm has had elements added over the years.

If I may be so bold to ask, have you thought about placement? Where on the body this will live? I have right wrist (app 2"x2" celtic knot work/ yin and yang), left upper arm (4"x6&quot , left upper back (7" diameter circle of dragonflies). Oh ya... and a life size lady bug on my right collar bone named Rosie!

I hope you find yourself someone good with ink! What a great way to acknowledge the journey you are on!

[hibbing]

8. Rosie

Hi,
I love how you named the ladybug, but it does make sense to. I always thought the lines/colors on a small one started to bleed into each other, is Rosie holding up okay? I have been contemplating getting one for a long time, but I think I'm too old for an ink job now.

Peace

[Scruffy Rumbler]

10. Hey hibbing!

Rosie is holding up nicely! I have a niece that at the age of 5 or so, thought all Lady Bugs were the same one and it was her pet Rosie. She could not believe it when she would go to her grandmother's house and she would say goodbye to Rosie at home and then see her at grandma's house! Rosie could fly soooo fast!

As to blurring, it depends on what area of the body you are doing. Some skin over certain areas does do better. I would ask an expert. As to being too old.... you are never too old! My mother was in her late 50s when she received her one and only tattoo. It is on the inside of her left ankle. As a retired nurse, she put it there figuring, no matter how old and twisted her body became, she would still be able to see her ankle...

I also had an acquaintance in Maine that received her first at the age of 60 something. On her upper arm... looks great! Don't just take the first artist you find. If you see a tattoo you like on someone, ask where they had it done. Word of mouth is the best way to find an artist. Going over their portfolio is a another way to check them out.

If you go for it... HAVE FUN with it!

[cyberswede]

9. Cool - it's the same upside down!

[Aristus]

11. If you squint and tilt your head,

it's pretty much the same all the way around.

[In_The_Wind]

12. It's a great tat! Where are you going to put it ?

[Lady Freedom Returns]

17. Lower Back

The place I found say they specialize in "Tramp Stamps".

[noamnety]

13. It's very cool looking

but honestly, if my funds were that tight, I'd be working on retirement savings, because $40 down the road might make the difference between eating or not eating sometime in the future.

[Godhumor]

15. This is the images from Dan Brown's "Angels and Demons", right?

Always thought it was the most impressive part of the book.

[Lady Freedom Returns]

16. Yes it is!

The movie was OK, but the book is Great!

[AngryAmish]

18. No. Tattoos look cheap.

flame away, but it is my opinion.