Anderson's Internet Ink: What Does Your Tattoo Say About You?
Friday, July 06, 2012 5:10AM
What is the story behind your tattoo? There are a variety of reasons why people get tattoos, whether it's to display a work of art, memorialize someone, serve as a remembrance, or anything in between. Tattoos are a permanent and often beautiful representation of a person's identity.
Now, Anderson wants to see your tattoos and hear the stories behind why you got them. Did a tattoo change your life? Do you have a tattoo you regret?
Submit your tattoo photos and stories to Anderson by clicking here, tweeting to @Anderson with the #TattooStory hashtag or posting your photo on the "Anderson" Facebook wall.
Filed Under: Community, As Seen On The Show
Comments
I want to get three scripted, small names on my shoulder to take to the grave with me. Evans is in the Marine Corp, thus Semper Fi, which means, always faithful, and he is to the Corp. Celeste, for my daughter, which means heavenly, which she is that. Finally, Desperado, for my youngest son, because his life is the song. My son in the Marine Corp has from the neck down, front and back tatoo's. I love them. My parents think they are evil, but I know God does not mind. He told me so. Each to their own. I love watching your show, and I don't care what your sexual preference is, you are the most dignified person on TV. Love your mom. Joan Buchanan
My tattoo is two green transplant ribbons intertwined to form a butterfly. This is to symbolize my new life after a kidney transplant. My brother designed it and he is also the special guy that gave me his kidney. I never thought I would have a tattoo, much less at my age, but I do and it means a lot to me. I wanted something on the outside to show what I had been given on the inside.
My one and only tattoo (got when I was 48) is on my left forearm and it's an elephant (named him Hermie) and it's ADORABLE. I always wanted a tattoo and I got one I never get tired of looking at. I LOVE ELEPHANTS and that's what it represents. I'm 50 now and looking for another tat.
I really enjoyed your tattoo piece on your show today. I am living with two hard-to-live tattoos. My first is on my life wrist: The letters DEATH printed in purple that fades into black, and on the top is a horribly done open cut. Like i slit my wrist and its still open. On my right wrist is the letters LIFE printed, in elegant cursive letters, but on the top is a slit wrist that's sowed up. This is ruining my life and I would love to hear from you on any ideas I should do.
Thank you so much for your time.
Cody Laird.
Hello,
My name is Natalie Lykins and I am 24 years old. I have been getting tattooed ever since I turned 18. I have always loved the way they look and the entire tattoo culture. But one of my tattoos serves a purpose. I was born with a large birthmark on my knee that caused me much embarrassment. I never wore shorts, skirts, or dresses. I had no idea what to do about it. My parents and I looked into having it removed, but the scarring the removal could cause may have turned out to be worse than the actual birthmark, so I didn't want to go that route. Then it occurred to me that I could just cover it up. I got a large piece started and it took me many years to finish it for various reasons. As it was being finished, I started getting more and more tattoos. Now my leg is finally done, and I am so happy. Even when I only had the outline done, I was confident enough to show my legs for the first time since I was a kid. My tattoos have given me a sense of pride and a kind of confidence I probably would not have otherwise. They have brought me out of my shell so to speak. A few years ago I was on a talk show, speaking about insecurities along with two other girls. The talk show host always spoke of nothing but loving yourself and who you are, so I was excited to be on the show. But when I got there, they made me cover up all of my tattoos and take out all of my piercings. I didn't even feel like myself. It was as if I were lying to the world. That really disappointed me. I hoped everyone would be more accepting, but they weren't. I still don't understand what the big deal is. It is just artwork on something other than a traditional canvas. And they make me feel good. I could be addicted to drugs, or alcohol, or gambling. But I'm not. I'm addicted to tattoos. And I'm proud of it too. No matter how many people tell me they will pray for me, or how many people tell me I am going to hell, I won't stop getting them. I hope more people soon grow to accept the tattooed public. We aren't bad people.
Hello: My name is Carol. My tattoos say, I'm outgoing, loveable, kind, pleasant to be around. I love people and respect them. I sometimes get looks at the sight of my tattoos. People ask to see them. I am proud to show them off. Some people say it makes me look tough. I say, that is your opinion, and think nothing of it. My aunt who is 94 years old does not like them. When I go see her every weekend. She asks me to cover my arms up and what people will think. My tattoos are not full of skulls or swords. My tattoos are special to me, I have my loved ones on my tattoos. My aunt thinks it makes me look hard or a bully. I am not this kind of person. She loves me I know, just to make her happy, I cover my upper my arms with a little jacket, even in the heat. but, my legs are also tattooed, I cannot hide them. One woman at our table we eat supper with also had a tattoo, I think she is in her early 90's. I have 7 tattoos; 1 on each of my upper arms, one on my back and 2 tattoos on each on both legs. I really want a tattoo on my right side back to make everything even. It costs a lot of money which I don't have much of, these days. I am really happy to have my tattoos. It started when I was 60 years old and just before my 61st birthday, I had to have a tattoo of my son's little frog he drew. I hadn't done anything special when I turned 60 so I had the little frog tattooed to my right bottom leg before my 61st birthday. Tattooing is addictive so I had more tattoos after my 61st birthday. I am now 66 years old, I don't look it, as people tell me I look younger. People think I am in my early 50s. I feel good when people say that. I am not a tough person I am more of a girlly girl. I feel young at heart. Thank yoou for reading my e-mail. I live in Canada. Thank you again, Carol Thibault, phone number is 1-613-825-5220. Nepean Ontario Canada.
I have several tattoos that are all special to me, but my favorite is the most recent - a male angel on his knees with his head Bowes in prayer. It's on my right arm and reminds me daily to thank my heavenly after for life!
Anderson,
I got a Tattoo on my chest to represent the fight for the cure for Breast Cancer. My wife was diagnosed with Breast Cancer on her birthday last year. She has since had the Cancer removed and the lymph nodes were clear. My wife is one tough lady and I wanted something to represent what she went through. I am so proud of her and am blessed to have her in my life.
I have a small butterfly on my upper right thigh, which I got when I was sixteen. Tattoos were not the "in thing" back when I was sixteen! (nearly 40 years ago) I chose the location because it's not visible to anyone unless I'm in a swimsuit. My reason for getting a butterfly is because the butterfly is generally known as a symbol of new life. When I made my personal decision to become a Christian, I wanted to have something personal (& different) that would mark that moment in my life forever.
I've never regretted getting it, or having it.
I would not go out & get a tattoo just to have a tattoo.
I have a Silver Surfer tattoo on my chest. I had this done a few years ago but always had a thing for the Silver Surfer. During Jr. High I collected comic books and have always liked Marvel Comics. I am a gay man and this comic character has always been one of my favorites. I am going to try to send you a picture of the tattoo. You are my favorite news and host person.
On my lower back I have a sun with my kid’s initials in the middle of it because they are the light of my life. I got it when I was 36. My second is on the inside of my foot, my 40th birthday present to myself this year. It’s a sun, moon, star combo. The sun represents my eldest daughter because she is so warm and bright. The moon represents my middle guy. He’s bright with many phases to his personality and the star represents my youngest. She is bright, and loves to sing and dance, my little star. GO FOR IT ANDERSON, but be warned, once you get one, you’ll want more ;)
I got a tinker bell on my leg and my granddaughter got the same tinker bell the only difference is hers is turned around. We got the together cause that was the first time we been together in 8 years and we wanted something to remember when she come to visit me. I have 4 tats and I want a MICKEY MOUSE on the other leg. I enjoy them.
Hello coop i just dearing love your show your mother is so beautiful and i understand how you both feel about losing a love one my son was 17 and he got shot in the head and one of his best friend was there but we don't know what happen but i have a tatoo on my right ankle that has 2 hearts that has my name and my 2 children name and there father name with the hearts it means to me that they will be with me forever, our daughter saw the what happen to her brother and it has been very hard on us all, my tatto needs done again the ink need to be done again, ever since i was little i always wanted to go to, New York to see the time square and see all the lights and just to have my dreams come true. My children wanted to go but since the death of our son makes me want to go even more but they say things are very expensive, in ny this is why we have not went but i just want to let you know that i think you are cool and i love your show may god bless you and your Mother and when I see your Mom name i get excited and say i know who she is, To me Coop your mother is so fragle and she looks so wonderful she is a classie Lady and i love how she present herself and may God bless you all. thank you for making me laugh when i need it libby Trussell from Corning Ohio
Hello I have 5 tattoos, my first is on my right leg of a flower with a dragonfly, I have a butterfly on the top of my foot which represents a miscarriage I had. on the inside of my right ankle is a vine heart shaped with set of my daugher's footprints I lost her at only 23 weeks gestation. I have a large tattoo on my lower back of a fairy sitting on roses and vines that spread from on hip to the next which I got when I turned 25. My most recent tattoo is a portrait of my sons hand holding a block with the letter "J" I dont regret any of my tattoos as they all have a special meaning to me and my life.
Julea
I got three tattoo's an each has a meaning to it..One is a black rose with the intitals B.A.D that represents my three children. Then I have angles wings with a halo with pride colors in it.In which stands in I have my faith an happy with who i am. As for my third it is my family crest. I love all three very much so. My family crest shows who I am from birth as I did not have a chance to choose my name as I was adopted into another family.