Tattooing minors in New England

I'm 17, and getting my first tattoo as a graduation present. I know the opinions often held about minors getting a tattoo, and making that kind of commitment at my age, but I've been thinking about this for a long time, and I've made my choice. In my state (Rhode Island) it's illegal to get a tattoo done before you're 18, even with parental consent/presence (which I have). I've looked into the laws, and know that it's legal in Connecticut(I can't quite figure out New Hampshire and Massachusetts law, as I've heard/read different things from different people.) Does anyone know of any shops in the New England area (as close as possible to Rhode Island) that are legally allowed to tattoo minors? Can anyone help me figure out what the Mass and NH laws are?

the question you should be asking isnt who does it, but who GOOD does it. And Im not sure there are many, but it would probably be in CT. It is illegal in mass. Psssst, the secret is if your mature enough to get a tattoo you are mature enough to wait a few months/years.

Hey Laura this link contains most current tattoo laws and regulations per states: http://www.tattooconnect.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=28 There is nothing wrong with waiting until you are 18...

So now the question is, will the young lady be getting a cum catcher? perhaps something entirely in white? someone's name in arabic? maybe even a playboy bunny?

Laura, what is your idea for a tattoo?

First off, I'm entirely insulted that someone my age couldn't possibly be getting a meaningful tattoo. A "cum catcher"? Is that honestly all that's expected of people my age? I'm getting the word tribe tattooed in Gaelic across one wrist, and family in Italian across the other to honor my heritage and my family. Not all teenagers get tattooed simply its "cool", or to follow some kind of fad. Try not to be so judgemental, please.

Are you sure you want to go for the wrist right from the get go?Do you know what you want to be when you grow up?It's to bad there's still stigmas associated about people with tattoos but there is.Before you make life long decisions you should live some life..........IMO

Yes, I know what I want to be, and I already know that my employer doesn't have an issue with tattoos, visable or not. It was one of the first concerns I had, but I'm certain now that it won't be a problem.

in 10 years you are going to look at those tattoos and go damnit i was a moron. do you even speak those languages? have you ever lived in the countries? can you tell the folklore stories of the land? can you even cook traditionally? can you sing any songs or do any dances? the answer most likely is no. cultural heritage tattoos are ridiculous. they really say nothing about a person. you should exist as how you are as a person, and not by some labels assigned to you. you might as well get a shamrock with "freckle kid!" on your ass. and yes, 99% of idiot underage girls are getting those exact tattoos. i realize you are too pigheaded to listen to anyone now, but you shouldn't get tattooed until you are at least 25. especially with your corny, played out ideas. most likely you said, "i want to get tattooed!" and just sat around thinking what you would get, and this is all that came into your head. and in regards to work, trust me, you might know what you want to do now, but you are going to change your mind. and then you will have visible tattoos that will hamper you for the rest of your life. but again, i know you're the smartest 14 year old to ever live and you know more than me and i can't possibly understand your teenage angst.

Laura, for better or worse many of us have walked down the same path your on. While peckerwood may be crass and rude, he tells many truths. You will notice your idea was in his first post (though he pegged a word in arabic). Fact is words in a different language are some of the most regretted tattoos there are, and we arent saying this as annoyed parents, we are saying this as people who got stupid tattoos when we were kids. If you really love your heritage, you should study the art from it for a few years and pick out some really unique and beautiful tattoos. If you dont take our advice, then please come back when you are looking to add/cover the tattoos. have you read the "getting the perfect tattoo" article yet?

Flatts tattoos in Groton, CT has a great reputation, its where i get my piercings. I, too, am 17 and as long as you have parental consent they will do it

Listen, I understand that you don't want me to make a mistake with this. But that's no reason to be rude. Your comments are entirely out of line. I know my body, my heritage, and my choices a lot better than you do. I am not some 14 year old caught in the throes of teen angst, and I'd appreciate being treated like someone who has a mind and can think for themselves. I know people make mistakes when they're young and get tattoos. But I've been thinking about this for a long time, and I know what I want. I didn't come here looking to be insulted, I came looking for advice. With all due respect, if I am making a mistake (which I don't feel I am), it's my mistake to make. This is my body, and it's my choice how I treat it and what goes onto it. I do now the tales of my culture. I can cook traditional food. My family has instilled values and traditions into my life since I was a child. I know what I'm talking about. So I'd appreciate it if you'd respect my choice. And if you have anything to say about it, at least pretend that you're trying to be positive like the other people here. To the people who have helped, thank you. And I have taken into consideration that fact that I'm young and my mind changes constantly. But the one thing I've always been sure of is my family and where I come from. That is never going away.

Laura, we doubt your lifetime dedication to your family, but we do know(hope) that your knowledge of art and tattoos will grow as you get older and learn more. Kids who are patient and learn about art and tattoos (and themselves) until they are in their early twenties get better tattoos that are regretted far less.

laura i am sure gabe meant we DON"T doubt . . .

and I went to a white suburban school! I dont doubt your dedication at all.

I think your idea sounds really nice and it is of something that means a lot of you. Unfortunately I have no idea about studios as I'm on the other side of the world. I just wanted to say that even though tattooing minors with parental consent might be the law in a certain state a lot of studios choose not to tattoo anyone under 18 regardless. You can be sure that most people will treat your decision with respect, Bob's just jealous when he thinks someone wants to steal his 'cum catcher' tattoo. Good Luck and please let us know how everything went

*to not of, gabe's spelling in spreading :op