Fly Plaid Tattoo OK?

[Highland Logan]

Tattoos of a chiefs “coat of arms” would be one example bad taste, were you not the chief or a close family member. I’ve seen some in the internet, and I highly doubt they are all Chiefs. Crests are another story.

I assume you mean clanman's badge when you say crest; the Chief's crest encircled in a strap and buckle, bearing the Chief's slogan or motto.

As to 'close' family member, that would also be wrong. Unless the Chief, this would still be usurped arms, according to the Laws of Arms in Scotland.

Unless one plans to use a clanmans badge, or their own marticulated arms, it's best to avoid crests you do not own.

Frank

[Tarheel]

I think a clan crest tattoo over your heart of your grandmother's clan would be best. You could size up or down to fit your tastes. It would be easier to explain (brag for sure) to others that know what they are seeing on your chest. Just a suggestion.

Ink will fade, stretch with age and need maintenance to remain crisp. The pattern may be too complex for a touch-up if not done by the original artist later.

[Me cousin Jack]

I assume you mean clanman's badge when you say crest; the Chief's crest encircled in a strap and buckle, bearing the Chief's slogan or motto.

As to 'close' family member, that would also be wrong. Unless the Chief, this would still be usurped arms, according to the Laws of Arms in Scotland.

Unless one plans to use a clanmans badge, or their own marticulated arms, it's best to avoid crests you do not own.

Frank

I did, thanks.

[Me cousin Jack]

I think a clan crest tattoo over your heart of your grandmother's clan would be best. You could size up or down to fit your tastes. It would be easier to explain (brag for sure) to others that know what they are seeing on your chest. Just a suggestion.

Ink will fade, stretch with age and need maintenance to remain crisp. The pattern may be too complex for a touch-up if not done by the original artist later.

That’s what I was wondering as well, that it turn into a blurry blob over the years, I should add I have no tattoos.

[Highland Logan]

That’s what I was wondering as well, that it turn into a blurry blob over the years, I should add I have no tattoos.

If you get a clan crest large enough, and keeping in mind, the issues with health, weight, muscle loss or gain, then really you should be good. Also keep in mind that with or without sun exposure, althought worse in the sun; your tattoo will fade, and may need to be redone. This is especially true if lighter colours. If you stick to black, and have moderate sun, you may never need to touch it up.

But just like enlarging a small photo, it's best to start large, if you want letters to be ledgeable on your body for decades.

Frank

[Tobus]

Ink will fade...

Make sure to get the tartan inked in modern colours so that it will fade to ancient colours over time.

[Tarheel]

That’s what I was wondering as well, that it turn into a blurry blob over the years, I should add I have no tattoos.

My experience is from my oldest niece that got tattoos in the late 1980's and my wife's daughter that was an "ink artist" for ten years. Their work varies from color using different techniques (borders, to fill in the void) and many ink products.

[Me cousin Jack]

Make sure to get the tartan inked in modern colours so that it will fade to ancient colours over time.

Now that’s funny!

[figheadair]

Make sure to get the tartan inked in modern colours so that it will fade to ancient colours over time.

Unless one's arms are exposed to the elements over time, in which case they are more likely to fade to Weathered Colours.

[MikePotts]

I'm a little confused, I have tatts on my upper arms and upper back that very few people know about. If this is to be on your shoulder or chest as a reminder of other times & places (as mine are) who the heck is going to see them down the pub? - Go for it!