A pale text bracelet?

[jateke]

Hi!

I've wanted to get a "bracelet" tattoo of some kind for a while now. Because of my line of work--I am a sign language interpreter--if I do get one, it's going to be absolutely essential that it be extremely discreet, so I'm thinking pale colors. I'd love to do white, but I'm pretty nervous about it looking like scarring, which I don't want! So

Comments

[spacegirl_spiff]

far as around your wrist, you could have the text spiral around.. but in a tight one, so it's not so noticeable as a spiral?

[jateke]

I had not really considered a spiral! That's a good idea--thank you.

[imaginepageant]

OT, but is your username from Calvin and Hobbes? My best friend is a big fan, and she's spacetiger, and I've heard her say "spacetiger spiff" a lot. So your username jumped out at me there!

[spacegirl_spiff]

why yes, yes it is! :)

[jensingtea]

I agree with spacegirl_spiff. A tightly wrapped spiral might just do the trick. Or perhaps you could wind it into an infinity sign and it could do double-duty.

Although, here's the rub: if you get a font that's small, what are you going to associate it with in your mind--if it becomes illegible? Will you think of the verse you're so fond of, or are you going to wish you had done something a little larger? I think the spiral might help you increase your font size so as to keep it's legibility for posterity. And I think an infinity sign could double the workspace plus bring you back to your starting point...which is the point of your paraphrase anyway.

As for colors, that's tough. I'd say you might want to visit a few local (reputable) parlors to get a more accurate answer.

Good luck!!

[jateke]

The infinity sign is totally brilliant, and could be really pretty wrapping around sort of cuff-bracelet style. I appreciate the suggestions--you've given me a lot to think about! Thank you.

[xemcats]

Would you consider a placement other than the wrist? That could solve all your problems.

[jateke]

I know, it really could, couldn't it? And yet I am irrationally attached to the wrist placement. Well... I'll either get over it, or give up, probably. :)

[imaginepageant]

God, I bet you're sick of me by now. Sorry for hijacking your post with comments, heh. But! I have one more word of advice! That tattoo on my wrist? I was absolutely insistent on putting it on my wrist so that it was always visible to me, because the meaning behind it is very inspirational and motivational to me. Now, I regret being such a brat and insisting on getting it there despite everyone telling me not to. For starters, it is a hassle to explain it to everyone.

Secondly, I think-and I could be totally wrong about this, but it's my theory-that because the veins on your wrist are so close to the surface, the constant flow of blood through the area can cause the ink to spread unpredictably. When I first had my tattoo done, it looked perfect. After a few days of healing, however, it had bled in a few random areas, making it look very uneven. I had it touched up recently, making each letter thicker so they would all be even, and it still bled a little in some areas. Now, I have seen wrist tattoos on other people that

[bella_fox]

I don't think a bracelet tattoo could ever be considered inconspicuous. ;)

[crazyzofo]

agreed. people will always ask about it and always want to read all of it and hear what it means. not recommended for a very personal meaning.

[jateke]

But... but... c'mon, can't I just make it reeeeeally light and then it will be inconspicuous?

No?

Rats.

[harrowing_grace]

I also interpret (and teach), and have run up against some of the same issues. However, my tattoo is on my upper arm, so I just wear sleeves that cover it. Honestly, I'd advise anyone who interprets ASL against getting anything that could ever be visible--mostly because of professionalism. I once showed up at work to pick up a paycheck (not on a day I was actually interpreting) with my tattoo showing, and got blasted for being there without it covered.

You know that in what we do, you never know who you are going to be working for/with, or what will be offensive to someone--not to mention distracting. It's why we generally don't wear watches or bracelets to interpret.

Obviously, this is a personal choice, but I just figured I'd throw in my 2 cents. If you're not planning on interpreting forever, go for it, but I'd think about it a bit more if you're planning on continuing with it as a career.

[jateke]

Oh, interpreting/teaching is my career, all right. You make a very rational argument, and I know you're right, but I still really want to fight you on it! I live in the Bay Area, and standards are different here--shouldn't that count for something?
Nah, I know you're right and acknowledge that this is an impractical idea for a terp. I just cling to this idea that I can make it practically invisible and still get what I want. And nobody is magically making it workable for me, waaaah. :)

[defaultcrush]

I'm training to become an interpreter and I'm glad to hear you say this. I always suspected it but I think that some of my friends think I'm exaggerating when I say that you have to be amazingly careful about this sort of thing. :P