When I sat down today to write an article for BitMob, I had originally planned for it to be as topical and thought-provoking as the ones I've written previously. (That's MY take on them, at least. Please don't shatter my dreams by telling me otherwise.) However, I'm so antsy today that it's a struggle to even stay in my seat, let alone put anything meaningful up here. So I'll save that for another day, and instead I'll just post some pictures of my video game tattoos.

While the idea of getting something from a video game permanently etched on your skin might sound like the act of someone incapable of foresight, I beg to differ. The images I chose aren't corporate logos or mascots - they're aesthetically pleasing, iconic images that define my childhood and young adulthood, and I think they are pretty bad ass. And whether you're a fan of video games or not, I think it's pretty hard to poo-poo my choices.

Lots of people get star tattoos, namely because they're part of the sailing/nautical theme that informs classic American tattoo art. I wanted some stars too, but not just any ordinary stars - so I chose Super Mario Galaxy's Lumas.

After going under the needle for an admittedly pretty girly tattoo, I decided I needed to balance out that choice with something testosterone-y and awesome. I went with the first thing that came to mind: Metal Gear Solid.

The FOX-HOUND insignia is, to me, the epitome of coolness. It's a fox with a knife in it's mouth, for God's sake! I wanted this tattoo to pass for an authentic military emblem at first glance, so I took out the type that sits inside the border of the original FOX-HOUND logo, and placed a quote from the original game on the outside ("Snake we're not tools of the government..." is what Gray Fox says to Solid Snake shortly before he is crushed by Metal Gear Rex in the original MGS.)

The line work on this puppy is pretty faithful to MGS artist Yoji Shinkawa's original work. Here's a closer look:

I'm pretty amazed how well these two images sit near each other, given the fact that they're so juxtaposed. What do you think?
 

Finally we have my pride and joy: the Boos.

These were my first video game tattoos, and I have had quite a few strangers literally grab my arm and stare at them, trying to figure out what they are. Maybe it helps to look at them from further away...?

Hope you guys enjoy. Some advice if you're planning on getting a video game tattoo:

1. Research. Look for work that you like, and if you're not sure where to go, ask someone whose tattoos you admire about where they got theirs done. You definitely don't want to get ripped off, but don't go looking for the cheapest shop in town. If some place is expensive, there's probably a good reason. Don't be afraid of those burly guys in the shop! Ask questions and make sure all of them are answered before you go under the needle. In case you're curious, all of my tattoos were done at Jinx Proof Tattoo and Tattoo Paradise in Washington, D.C.

2. Think about it. None of my tattoos (except the one on the inside of my lower lip - that's another story) were impulsive decisions. Think long and hard about what you're going to do! Avoid logos and box art. Don't pick something just because you like this game or that game character. Sure, Gears of War is cool, but do you really want to get that stupid skull logo on your body? Or a Halo ring, or a Triforce? Pick an iconic, classic image, or create one with your tattoo artist. Be original and THINK ABOUT IT.

3. Personalize it. I tried to incorporate other my personal tastes into my tattoo choices. Don't just pick something off the Internet and call it a day. Get creative and make it yours!

Anybody else have a video game tattoo? Let's see it!