Randomness

[a_leprechaun]

MWA-HAHAHAHAHAHAAAAA.

...No, I'm not gonna tell you.

New Thing! So I've been thinking about it since Japan, and I've decided I really would like to have a tattoo. I've always kinda been intrigued by the idea in and of itself, but I never could think of a good idea for one until last summer. Since then I've been taking the advice of Mara, who I met in Japan, who said: "Think about it a long time, then decide on something. Then think about it summore." I've had the idea for at least half a year now, and I still like it.

Here's what it would be: the Japanese characters for "Once upon a time" (or literally, "Long long ago"), with a Celtic-knot-type circle around/behind them. I figure I would get that first, and maybe later add on the same phrases in English, German and/or Celtic in small letters around the outside edge of the circle. I would also want it to not be too big, and on my lower back as close to my tailbone as possible, so as to be as unobtrusive as possible for acting purposes.

Alas, the acting factor is what makes this a tougher decision than it would be if I were, say, an Engineering major. :P I've heard that actors with tattoos can have Troubles, even if they're out of the way. But I really want it. So I think I'm gonna ask around, to Dawn or whoever else I can think of, what the general attitude is. Are tats more of an overseeable annoyance to most directors, or will a majority just turn you away for it?

If anybody out there knows anything, please to share your experience.

I already have an idea for a second one, too, though this one would have to wait until:
A) I have well established myself as primarily a singer-songwriter, thus eliminating the tattoo-worries
or B) I'm a famous enough actress that it doesn't matter how many tats I have or where they are,
cause I'd want it to be the Faery Star, right on my chest where the necklace falls when I wear it. I find this idea incredibly rockin'.

Read My Result
Take the Test

OH! Also. I've been tuning to the Music Video channel the last coupla times I've worked out in my apartment, and the other day when I turned it on, This Ain't A Scene, It's An Arms Race was on. Since then I've had it on iTunes for 2 days and it's almost up to 20 plays. The remarkable thing about it for me is I'm usually so lyrics-focused, but when I first heard this I couldn't understand a word and I still loved it.

Also the video is pretty awesome itself.

Since it was MTV, I have no doubt that this is being overplayed on the radio as we speak, but I don't listen to the radio anymore. And maybe some of you out there don't, either? Thus, I invite you to enjoy. :)

...Aaaaand now to the Japanese homework.

Comments

[adampb.livejournal.com]

Are tats more of an overseeable annoyance to most directors, or will a majority just turn you away for it?

This vaguely applies to me and so I am going to DELIBERATELY answer it in an off-the-top-of-my-head, gut-reaction way.

A tattoo can be concealed with makeup, I'm told, and it may not be a bad idea to do so before going to a 'conservative'-type audition. For ME, seeing a tattoo doesn't raise a question of "can we hide this in the movie" but "what sort of person am I dealing with here". I tend to write and direct projects about simple, unhip, whitebread kind of people; if a girl came in to audition in a punk-type outfit or with a nose ring or the comparatively simple thing of a prominent tattoo, it is unlikely that a good impression would ensue.

Now. You happen to have, in my opinion, a look that can go both ways -- the normal, button-down girl (the Katrina Fells look, shall we say) or, with help from the costume department, you could credibly pass for a Greenwich Village rock/hipster grrrrl. This is no disadvantage.

Granted, I'm a conservative stick-in-the-mud. On the other hand, I'm sure you wouldn't want to have an obvious piece of body art if auditioning for Shakespeare or an old-time musical. The point I'm trying to make is, I'd worry about the impression, not the logistical annoyance.



And if you get one on your tailbone or chest and are still worried about showing it during an audition, consider not attending that sort of audition. :/

[a-leprechaun.livejournal.com]

I'm not worried about auditions, but costuming. Suppose I have to wear a pair of low-rise jeans as part of my costume. The tattoo's not gonna be THAT tiny.

And a tat on this particular area of my chest would probably show if I were wearing a generous V- or scoop-neck shirt, so get your mind outta the gutter.

Thanks for the input, though.

[spreadsothin.livejournal.com]

Basically: If you could cover the tattoo with reasonable costuming, and would be willing to do so, why not.

Tailbone is generally considered a very safe place to get a tattoo, as is stomach. You may get turned down for some projects, but if you're able to really hide the tattoo when playing non-tatt characters, you're fine.
Do also know that tailbone tattoos are considered very sexual, and because they're so popular (because it's a convenient place) they have been dubbed "tramp stamps". But a chest tattoo would probably be more problematic.

The director doesn't have to know your tatt status. Lots of actors I've worked with (as director, stage manager, and other roles in professional and less professional theatre) have had tatts: neck, back, legs, arms, stomach. I haven't yet met any actors with facial tattoos. The worst one to hide was someone playing a Protean who had a knee tattoo- but we found some makeup and were playing on a proscenium so no one saw it. I had a jerk in my Fantasticks cast who had Japanese on his bicep and didn't wear an undershirt for one of the shows so Matt apparently traveled to Japan!

But the bottom line is: if it's important to you, do it.
The less obtrusive it is, the more employable you are. Unless you go for a role as the tattooed lady.
An unobtrusive tattoo somewhere that's easily coverable will not largely dismiss you from consideration for a role.

I've been thinking of an 'eppur si muove' tatt since high school, probably at the nape of my neck in small cursive. But I always come up with more exciting ways for me to spend my money, which makes me think that the idea of it is more important than the actuality.

Then there's the danger of not going to a good artist. Be careful! Live dangerously!
Do what you really want.

[a-leprechaun.livejournal.com]

I don't understand that stereotype, but whatever. Stereotypes = dumb. I'm just trying to think of the place that would be a good combo of unobtrusive and pretty. Hmm, maybe if it wasn't directly on my spine, but more off to the side toward my hip? That might be better.
(And the voice in my head says, "But....symmetry!")

[a-leprechaun.livejournal.com]

Also, thanks for replying. I figured I could count on you for a view from the "real" acting world ;) Seems, from what you said, like it's a semi-common thing.