first tattoo, 50 yr female feedback on placement, size

Hi all, I'm considering a first tattoo; I'm a 50 year old female. I 'd like to get a Celtic Tree of Life (representing my family, roots and strength) turning in a round Celtic knot at the roots (representing my heritage and the interconnectness of life - I have 2 children including a very disabled son so these concepts are personally important to me.) For me, it's important for the tattoo to be visible to myself (but able to be concealed if necessary) so I've ruled out placement on the back. Initially I thought ankle or calf but decided it probably wasn't large enough for the kind of design I'd like (I don't generally wear skirts). As well, being plus sized, I thought a small tattoo might look lost of me. Therefore I'm considering a shoulder tattoo; a 1/4 sleeve which would be large enough for the type of design but concealable if necessary. Does this sound feasible? I know a lot of younger, smaller females opt for small tattoos but I'd like feedback if I'm thinking along the right lines. I've been considering this tattoo for several months now but I plan on waiting a year or so to see I still feel really keen on this idea and researching who and where I'd like to get it done. Do the artists here get many older female first timers?

Well, waiting a year and researching a shop and artist that your completely happy with is a very smart idea. I think your concept is great and it would make for a very beautiful and meaningful tat. As well as placement I would suggest consulting with your artist as he can show you in person how it flows with your body. That can be the difference between a great looking tat and a mediocre one sometimes. I know plenty of people with regular jobs and lives that have half sleeves and nobody even knows about them so don't stress about that if it's something you really want. Ultimately it comes down to your happiness.

Toot sweet is telling it like it is... Congratulations on this decision! You've obviously given this a lot of thought, and I think you'll be very happy with the results. Welcome to the Tribe baby doll! I hope your new design will bring you a lot of warm feelings and change your life for the better! The way you are thinking in this post, I don't think you can lose. It's gonna be a wonderful addition... to YOU!

I think you are a very smart girl and its readily apparent that you are taking this step very seriously....about size...YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY RIGHT!!! ...a tiny tattoo on a bigger person just looks silly...and in general tattoos just look better bigger!!...AN example....guy came into my shop and wanted a cool design of a ferocious grizzly bear on his arm...problem was he had HUGE arms and insisted that we do the tattoo very small...I refused...he got really mad and stormed out...he was back in two weeks ...another shop had done the tattoo of this attacking grizzly bear the size that we had refused to do it...he now had what appeared to be a pissed off HAMSTER on his huge arms....it just looked silly...now he has to pay us a buttload of money to cover it up...Go big sweetie!! You will LOVE it!!!!!...Welcome to the TRIBE dear ...thank you for your post and make sure to send us a pic when its done! Good tattooing....TAz, Painted Angel!

I love that story Taz... http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v424/Madhammer/MadHamster.jpg

OMG! That picture just made my day!!!!

I got my first tattoo for my 50th birthday with a friend that also turned 50. It is the eye of the sun and I love it. I had it done on the side of my right calf. It is about six inches around. I do have big calves. Let me warn you, you'll want more! I got my second tattoo at 50 and 1/2 with the same friend. It is a hibiscus flower on my right foot. Both can be hidden if needed, but at my age I don't really feel the need to! Most important, a good artist, which I found, and proper aftercare. Good luck.