Pipe/Tobacco Tattoo Ideas?

[uberam3rica]

Here is the thread I was talking about. You have to scroll down a bit to see the picture.

http://pipesmagazine.com/forums/topic/the-wisdom-of-a-pipe-smoking-owl

 

[smokeybear]

the only way i would suggest a pipe tattoo is if its a image of your grandfather smoking his pipe or something other than that i wouldnt ink pipes on my body, who knows down the road if you will like it. tats should be symbolic and hold alot of thought prior to being added to your body.

 

[mrgunnar177]

My grandfather did smoke a pipe...time to look through old pictures and see if I can find one with him smoking it haha.

 

[smokeybear]

There ya go that makes sense now its in tribute to your grandfather

 

[lordofthepiperings]

First things first, you're heading into the military so placement is key. From what I recall you have to make sure it's not visible while in your fatigues or dress uniform. That pretty much means make sure it stays around your bicep or on your back or your pecs, somewhere it won't be visible when in uniform.
As for what to get that's completely personal and don't forget permanent. My first tat was my favorite bands logo on my bicep. I have ideas on improving it, but I definitely should have thought about it more before doing it. The ones I love are my Celtic cross on my elbow for my Irish heritage and my lotus flower on my arm which I got after meeting my now fiance, kinda a blossoming out of a darkness if you will for me personally.
Some pipe related ideas to throw around, you could do a small one of your favorite brand's logo somewhere, or maybe have the artist do one of your favorite tin.
As for religious there's many things you can do. A popular one is a bible verse that's special to you. If you're Catholic you could do your patron saint or a saint that means a lot to you. Another idea would be a religious related painting that means something to you. Just an idea, like having a smaller version of Da Vinci's Last Supper done on your back to remind you that even though Jesus was probably terrified he still went into battle and died on the cross for mankind. That would kind of tie in your committment to God and your nation.
Just a few ideas and words of advice. Here's wishing you a happy early birthday.

 

[zonomo]

Tattoos aren't about being tough, so who knows where that came from up above.
Tattooing is an ancient art, and full of mystical and metaphysical meanings for most cultures.
People tattoo for a multitude of reasons. Personal identification, group or cultural identification, rite of passage, and so on.

Very well stated. One other aspect that has been true of me and others who have inked. It's VERY addictive. We all understand PAD and TAD but this is another version of TAD. The interesting aspect here is that the pain is really awful (for me at least), I hate needles, I'm a big wuss when i have to have my blood drawn... but I loved getting Inked. You get kinda high going through the experience. I started with a little lightening bolt on my left bicep and now I have 16. Can't wait for the next...

 

[uberam3rica]

It's VERY addictive.

Yes it is. It's hard to just have one.

The interesting aspect here is that the pain is really awful (for me at least)

The level of pain depends on where you get it. Generally if there are bones or tendons close to the skin(like the spine and wrist),then it will hurt more then in a beefy area(like the calf).The one on my back hurt like hell, but a good amount of it is on my spine. The one on my leg barely hurt, as it is on the back of my calf, so it's on all muscle.

 

[dochudson]

if you are heading for the military I would definitely wait until after boot camp..

 

[portascat]

I should have added...
I have a pipe tattoo. A cat smoking a pipe on my right forearm. You can probably find a picture of it on this forum if you look hard enough.
As well, I have one of St. Adrian of Nicomedia, the Patron of my profession.
As well, I have a whole bunch of other tattoos.