The Zelda tattoos, or, An Ink to the Past
by Justin McElroy 
{ Apr 22nd 2007 at 10:30AM }
Last week, I was finally tricked into going (the tattoo parlor's sign was replaced by one proclaiming "Free Hamburgers!") and just seven hours later it was finished. We all got different parts of the Triforce filled in (Dad got the whole enchilada) and all on different spots. I got mine on my calf, because I thought it would be easy to cover up. One brother, Griffin, got the forearm, because he wants to have the sort of job where that's acceptable, and my dad, Clint, got his right arm, largely because he already had a tattoo on his left. My remaining brother got one on his chest, which is apparently extra painful. I know this, not just because the tattoo dude Eric told us so, but because Travis spent the entire session periodically mumbling "Oh, this is very unpleasant." Also, he now has a square of hair shaved off of his chest.
A few notes on the experience: The place where we went also sold swords, which was either horrifying or rad. Also, if someone tells you tattoos don't hurt, they're not your friend. As common sense would dictate, getting a needle jammed into your skin a million times predictably sucks. Also, if the tattoos look a little off in these pics it's because they were fresh and still bleeding. (Wow, that felt really manly to type.) Anyway, thanks for indulging me. I know this is a little more personal than how we normally roll on Joystiq, I just thought you guys might think it was cool. If not, please keep it to yourselves, as I've recently found out that tattoos are permanent.
Gallery: Zelda Tattoos
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Funkoid @ Apr 22nd 2007 10:42AM
Wow, you have one of the coolest families ever. A triforce was always my top pick for a video-game tattoo, though I never really wanted one. That was a killer idea though.
Word of advice: You can't wear your heart on your sleeve (or your triforce anyway, lolz) when broadcasting to the internet. No matter what, you will be made fun of. That's just how it works.
Chris @ Apr 22nd 2007 10:43AM
That's pretty sweet my friend. A little nerdy, but who am I to talk, I check a gaming blog like 10 times a day. Thanks for sharing.
Kieron @ Apr 22nd 2007 10:47AM
I really appreciate the more personal post. Awesome tattoos. I wish my family was made up of gamers...
vidGuy @ Apr 22nd 2007 10:50AM
I have a circular tattoo in the exact same location on my chest. The needle stung, but mine took a little over an hour, so I was numb to it about half way in. Standing up from the lying position made me a little dizzy, but otherwise I was fine with the experience. The worst part about tattoos is the care for the first month or two. Keep them clean and lotioned up. Follow every single rule your artist told you and you'll be golden.
Don't ever let anyone tell you your ink is dumb/stupid/"gay". I actually don't particularly like the way my tattoo looks to other people (I see it in pictures), but I LOVE the way it looks to me, in the mirror every morning. Shared tattoos are pretty neat. I actually like your calf placement the best, though.
taliesin-nine @ Apr 22nd 2007 10:53AM
takes a lot of Courage to post this
Justin McElroy @ Apr 22nd 2007 10:55AM
I appreciate the advice Funkoid, but I decided to trust the commenters on that point. Also, I'm pals with the guy who owns the banhammer.
Taylor Falk @ Apr 22nd 2007 11:03AM
Did you every get your burger?
Taylor Falk @ Apr 22nd 2007 11:04AM
Was there Cheese?
Liraco @ Apr 22nd 2007 11:19AM
I like where your dad put it, and yes it shows that your tattoos were still fresh cuz you can see the blood on a couple.
Thanks for sharing dude, it's nice to see a game tattoo with meaning, let alone a butt-kickin' one (or four in your case).
Let the flamers begin but whatever they say, it doesn't stop this from being awesome.
Ryan @ Apr 22nd 2007 11:19AM
Wouldn't it be cool to get one on the top of your hand? Of course, not many professions would allow such things, but...
mr mobius @ Apr 22nd 2007 11:51AM
1. Thats a cool tatoo and exactly like a tatoo I'd get done if I ever had the guts to get it done, and thought that it'd be fine for whatever job I'd do. Probably the calf is a safe bet for it for jobs.
2. Nice to see you have a cool family who were willing to do something this geeky together and got a good finish out of it.
3. Nice to see your doing a gaming tatoo for more personal reasons than just being into gaming. The triforce symbolism is very fitting for the reason that you had it done for.
4. I have to ask, who was willing to be Ganon, and who is the princess out of the 3 brothers?
Bobby Ensminger @ Apr 22nd 2007 12:26PM
I have Pac-man on my back. Don't believe me?
www.myspace.com/bobbytheend
valzar @ Apr 22nd 2007 12:27PM
Im planning on getting that same tattoo when i go down to bike week! I've got one tattoo on my right shoulder and I wouldnt say that it hurt (because im too manly) it felt like being scratched by a cat for like half an hour in the same spot if you can imagine somethign like that not hurting.
Caleb C @ Apr 22nd 2007 9:06PM
I have an escher-styled triforce on my chest so I can agree with you there
http://coolhandcaleb.livejournal.com/56298.html#cutid1
and if anyone likes gaming tattoos then this is the place to go.
http://community.livejournal.com/gamingtattoos/profile
Travis McElroy @ Apr 22nd 2007 12:50PM
To answer your question Mr Mobius, I was power (Gannon, chest) Justin was wisdom (Zelda, calf) and our youngest brother was courage (Link, fore-arm). If anyone out there is planning to get a tattoo, a word of advice: DON'T GET IT ON YOUR BOOB! It's remarkably unpleasant...
3cubedminus3squared @ Apr 22nd 2007 12:46PM
I want a tattoo, but the fact that its there forever is weird. Especially as you get older. Not only that but you can't donate blood anymore.
Tweak @ Apr 22nd 2007 1:01PM
@14 - 3cubedminus3squared
That is not the truth. After you get a tattoo, you have to wait at least 6(six) months before you can donate blood or plasma. The same rule is in effect if you get a piercing, no matter where on the body you receive it. That time frame gives the body a chance to heal (using platelets, and red and white blood cells). Go ask anyone in the medical field and they will tell you the same exact thing.
Anyways, as far as the Tattoos goes, I believe that is a very noble cause for your mother passing away, I'm sorry to hear it happen, but if you can make something good out of it, you have at least won that battle. Besides I was thinking of getting a similar tattoo of that Triforce Crest, but with either two Master Swords behind it (similar to the pin Hot Topic is selling) or just one Master Sword, (similar to the Modded Wii with the Shield and Sword on the side of the console).
Anyways, very good job guys! (And yes, I could tell they were fresh because the tattoos and surrounding skin was swollen.)
3cubedminus3squared @ Apr 22nd 2007 1:30PM
Hmm then I might still consider one. I was thinking about getting an aztec warrior with the state of texas in the background until someone told me you couldn't donate blood after getting one. Now I might just get it...
Gamexviral @ Apr 22nd 2007 1:34PM
You can check this Zelda Tattoo. If you don't like zelda tattoos, you'll like the girl that's bending over =)
http://www.gamexviral.com/2007/04/21/a-picture-of-oreo-cookies%e2%80%a6/
LaughingTarget @ Apr 22nd 2007 2:04PM
Damn, that is a hell of a bruise left on your calf in that last pic. Looks like something I got on the first day of Jiu Jitsu practice.
Bryan T @ Apr 22nd 2007 2:13PM
I think it would have been cool if each of you had a different part of the triforce colored in. That way, the three of you together signifies unity...
Justin McElroy @ Apr 22nd 2007 2:21PM
Bryan, that's a good idea. So good, in fact, that it's totally what we did. I'm bottom right.
Chris Furniss @ Apr 22nd 2007 2:31PM
Missed one!
http://onlinecomic.net/images/triforcetatnew.jpg
Tweak @ Apr 22nd 2007 4:10PM
@19 - LaughingTarget
I don't think that's a bruise on his calf. I think that's left-over ink from the tattoo gun. If you look at the tattoo artist's gloved pinkie, then you will see the left-over ink from wiping the tattoo. The way most artists "draw" is with holding the tattoo gun in their hand like a pencil, and their pinkie extended to rest on the "canvas" for more stabilization.
Rubang B @ Apr 22nd 2007 6:14PM
I got a tattoo in the same spot on my chest and it didn't hurt. It just tickled. It's tiny and took less than 10 minutes though, teeheehee lolz. That's the secret: baby tats.
Rubang B @ Apr 22nd 2007 6:22PM
Oh crap, your dad has all 3 Triforces! He must be stopped!
Lord Chako @ Apr 22nd 2007 7:34PM
I'm sure it sounded cool, getting zelda tatoos on y'alls bodies, but seriously, why?
It's like my buddy who wanted to get some star wars tatoo on his wrist (which I was able to convince him out of).
I have nothing against tattoos, what you do to your own body is your choice. I just have to question your choice of tatoo.
Seriously, Zelda?
I hope you are already married to a girl geek, or have someone (man or woman) who is cool with it. Because otherwise, it wise it is going to be very embarrassing to explain.
"Oh Justin, I want you so bad"
"Lets take this to the bedroom baby"
"What's that on your leg?"
"A tattoo"
"Of what?"
"The Zelda Triforce."
"...I think I have to go."
As long as you like it though, I suppose that is all that matters. Just don't complain when people rip you for it.
Lord Chako @ Apr 22nd 2007 7:45PM
I'm sorry about your mom though. Please take my last post light-heartedly.
Zelda tattoo or not, whatever helps bring y'all close together as a family can't be bad.
kriscolumbus @ Apr 22nd 2007 8:17PM
Can I get a story for holding the record for Zelda tattoos? I have SEVEN. Congrats for getting your first!
To answer anyone's question, I've not had anyone make fun of me for having Zelda tattoos, and if they did, they're obviously not the kind of person I'd want to associate with anyway, let alone have sex with.
If you want to see all of my Zelda tattoos, I set up an album at http://www.flickr.com/photos/kriscolumbus/
Justin McElroy @ Apr 22nd 2007 9:26PM
I'm already married, and my wife helped me beat Twilight Princess. Those other guys can fend for themselves. Thanks Lord Chako, no offense taken my friend.
Ikthog @ Apr 22nd 2007 10:28PM
Lord Chako, agreed that getting a tattoo of something you might be embarrassed to show off is a bad idea, but seriously, who would want to sleep with the sort of mindless tramp who would go to bed with you *except* for the fact that you have a video game tattoo? I personally wouldn't want such a tattoo, but as kriscolumbus said, anyone who would get a game-related tattoo wouldn't have any interest in associating (let alone sleeping) with people who would find it stupid. A friend of mine has a huge Golem tattoo on his thigh, and his wife digs it, so good for them.
Of course, as an eerily coincidental thread on Kotaku confirms, if he were a woman getting a gaming tattoo, he would be a filthy whore: http://kotaku.com/gaming/zelda/the-zelda-tramp-stamp-tattoo-254308.php
shadus @ Apr 22nd 2007 11:14PM
Great way to honor someone who was important in your life. Nothing but respect for you and your family.
Travis McElroy @ Apr 23rd 2007 12:07AM
I really appreciate everyone's support on this! Thanks kids!
CubeGuy @ Apr 23rd 2007 2:17AM
Some friends and I were thinking about getting the three parts on our hands. Nice to see we're not alone in thinking that it'd be awesome. =P
z3ld4l1nk @ Apr 23rd 2007 2:38AM
very nice :)
8bitvillain @ Apr 23rd 2007 3:50AM
I too have a Zelda inspired tat!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v466/RobinGoodfellow/tat-005a.jpg
RR @ Apr 23rd 2007 5:32AM
Justin McElroy: That's awesome that your family got together to do that. It definitely shows unity, and I for one think it's a marvelous idea. Ouch, though. ;)
kriscolumbus: You hide all of your tattoos very, very well. (Oh, and you're pretty cute, too.)
Strange @ Apr 23rd 2007 8:15AM
Did you forget to look at the portfolio's 1st?
after scouring the website and seeing the work i can safly tell you that you went to a scratcher shop.
consider yourself very , very lucky as they could be much much worse then what they are.
Neal @ Apr 23rd 2007 8:32AM
My buddies were gonna get something like that, but never did.
Anyway, that being said, tattoos really don't hurt that much. They're more just annoying. I was having a conversation with the guy who did my second one, and we got into a long discussion about paintball and I forgot her was doing it for like an hour (3 hour tattoo) Next time (if there is one) if you wanna get a tattoo, bring a DS or someone to talk it and its not bad.
Todd @ Apr 23rd 2007 9:55AM
So, remind me again which piece of Triforce means what? As in... does the top symbolize Wisdom, Power, or Courage? Like wise for the others.
FoolsRun @ Apr 23rd 2007 11:18AM
I have the triforce alone and I really want to get the rest of the "eagle" added to it. Where did you find a good high-enough-res version of that eagle shape to give to the artist?
Ryan LN @ Apr 23rd 2007 1:49PM
Let me add my voice to the chorus of support that you guys have received for doing something cool in honor of your mom. I'd like to think that like any mom she'd probably threaten to kick all of your asses permanently altering your bodies for her, but like anyone with a heart she would be deeply moved by the love and solidarity you guys displayed as a family. Thanks for sharing your story- it's a refreshing change from reading about jerks like Jack Thompson.
dannah @ Apr 23rd 2007 9:26PM
That's truly amazing. I'm sorry about your mum, mate.
What a great honour, and what a remarkable family you have!
barb dybwad @ Apr 24th 2007 2:45AM
awesome post. boy, that tattoo artist looks absolutely filled with glee to be inking you guys, must have been a fun experience. :)
Alina @ May 21st 2007 4:48AM
MY ZELDA TATTOO: done last week
http://i17.tinypic.com/62fbl11.jpg
http://i1.tinypic.com/53z5dza.jpg
I get the Sheikah-Eye at June, 1st at my belly.
Brandon @ Jun 16th 2007 6:03PM
Here's mine
http://photos-706.ak.facebook.com/ip002/v67/104/31/1288651409/n1288651409_30386706_9248.jpg
As far as the "Why would you get a Zelda tattoo?" question, here's my answer.
I'm a Computer Science major, I write, and I draw. I want to make video games for a living. As an aspiring designer, I wanted to get a tattoo of something that inspires me. Something timeless that brings back memories.
It's the equivalent of an aspiring composer getting a couple bars of his favorite piece. Zelda is my favorite piece.