Are Tattoos a Waste of Money?

[@mahirasaranki9379]

His monotonous face made everything 500000x funnier

[@808Xian]

- "suckin on that glass dick" " punk you for your booty hole" 😂🤣😂🤣

[@sbentsen2714]

😆😆 oh man yup

[@spoileddiva80]

You ain't lying! Paid $120 for my refurbished Android, but pay $500 and up for my tattoos!!! Instant gratification, love my individualized artwork, memory of that moment in time.

[@JamesWithee]

fucking priorities right there i respect that lol

[@exaviorgonzales4020]

You're living right. As James said, priorities!

[@bobbyz7305]

Sounds like someone got swindled

[@joshua9856]

Literally bought a refurbished s7 edge when the edge 9 came out. Exactly what James said, there's nothing really different in the two phones two years apart. Tattoos are a one time payment that will last you a life time and it is one of a kind art that you can't purchase anywhere else!!!

[@CashCollecta]

But what are u getting out of the tattoo though? What is it doing for u

[@_ZeroQueen_]

Tattoos also have the benefit of being emotionally important in ways other things can't. Tattoos can change how a person feels about their body. My last two did for me. I am not sure if a gadget, jewelry, or car could do that.

[@JamesWithee]

True. A tattoo can have a ton of sentiment

[@mirjam3553]

When I was a teenager and first started thinking of getting a tattoo, I figured out that my tastes change too much right now, I should probably not... yet. So instead of something tiny and boring and meaningful I loaded that meaning into my rings, with the point that if I happen to one day not care about those anymore, I can take them off. Still wear them at 30, but my backpiece was able to have aesthetics as the first 'point' and didn't need to have anything of that sort snuck into it.

[@willk4034]

Good tattoos ain't cheap, cheap tattoos ain't good.

[@katik4208]

But some expensive tattoos are still bad 🥲

[@geoffhipwell2198]

Well said.

[@xitalisk]

Not always true if you have good friends and family in the industry

[@CrystalMouse1]

Exactly why I got tattoos. I’ve had many wonderful things taken from me and I’ve been abused in every way. Getting my tattoos was my way of getting my body back from those who stole from me my self esteem, dignity and sanity for years. I’m in recovery every day and my beautiful art is mine completely.

[@leaveemfaceless9629]

So you so weak you have to ink your body to get over trauma 🤔

[@yungjustinbieber8956]

@@leaveemfaceless9629 what a negative thing to say to someone why not have compassion or keep your opinion to yourself

[@leaveemfaceless9629]

@@yungjustinbieber8956 compassion? You sound like a 8 year old little girl. Compassion this is the real world toughen up or get run over I'm sick of the new age simps.

[@Bonbon-C]

“Being the richest man in the cemetery doesn't matter to me. Going to bed at night saying we've done something wonderful... that's what matters to me.” ― Steve Jobs And tats are the most wonderful, elaborate, creative thing in one's body! Point blank! =)

[@leaveemfaceless9629]

Elaborate

[@andrewleviste611]

Tattoos may have deep meanings or its just art so it is worth every penny if you love art. Sup James!

[@JamesWithee]

haha wassup homie!

[@stasgaladjev5061]

i stumbled across your vids while doing research for my next tattoo and now im hooked

[@JamesWithee]

glad you're part of the crew now

[@sarahshine6026]

stas galadjev that's me right now haha. Getting my first tattoo next month on the 8th!

[@oscarvillagran2855]

same

[@matthewhaddad3961]

Ive spent nearly $1300 on a sleeve thats 85% done, as well as a quarter sleeve on the other arm and a nice big sternum piece. All from the same artist who i found when he was just 6 months out of apprenticeship. Id never seen someone with his neotraditional gory style. I just loved it so much, and he showed a ton of promise with his work even from the first piece, its now been a year and a half. A huge reason you didnt talk about in this vid is the feeling of pride for carrying a certain persons work, ive become great friends with my artist and im proud to be his walking advertisement lol. Seeing your artist do well for themself is such a wholesome experience and raises the sentimental value of the pieces i already have.

[@JamesWithee]

this is true. a tattoo can be a collectors item to a much higher degree than most luxury goods. after all, an artist can only produce so many tattoos during his/her lifetime. knowing that you got one of the originals while they were hot off the grill can be a great feeling

[@andrewdevine4350]

My wife used to tell me to stop wasting money on tattoos....then I convinced her to get one (after I had finished my torso)....she now has two full sleeves.

[@JamesWithee]

Lol sounds about right

[@jeffwyatt2256]

I have 2 tattoos and currently I'm working on a design to represent my current feelings and life cycle. I live in Maryland and I got both tattoos in North Carolina while visiting my father, one on 2018 summer vacation and one at 2018 Thanksgiving vacation. My dad was there when I got each tattoo and we had a fucking blast, my artist Donna couldn't have been more cool, it was the greatest experience! Fast forward a few moths, I lost my dad in a car accident February 6, 2019, he was not only an awesome dad, he was my best friend and an amazing grandfather to my little girl, I miss him every second of every day. Every time I look down at my leg and see my tattoos I'm reminded of the great times we had on those 2 vacations and the awesome tattoo experience where we all talked and laughed and had a really great time! The art on my leg will forever hold those memories, that to me is priceless and something I can treasure forever. Just another take on how tattoos can hold more meaning/value than people could ever imagine.

[@beansh2262]

Omg the end of the video escalated lol 😂 great points made!

[@emarosa1265]

lmao i was like wtf??

[@1Skorpia]

Ugh thats such a pet peeve of mine..when people judge others and shame them about how they spend their money. Example: You got one chic spending her money on expensive restaurants and eating out telling another who has that same amount that shes silly for buying things and cooking at home. To me the only money wasted is if its a horribly executed tattoo. My son had 2 impulsively done and if i was there i would have seen the mistakes and stopped it early on before the full tattoo was done. His had bad spacing in words with one and the shading /lines with the another was hideous. Anyway GREAT VID!

[@quitusmaximus4664]

I got my first tattoo at 57 years old. I reached a point in my life where I feel like I don't have worry about the future. I have a simple rule - if I can't pay cash for a tattoo then I don't get it. I have never been to Disney World because personally I see it as a waste of money - short lived fun that is expensive. A tattoo will be there forever - and at 57 I don't have to worry about people asking me how they are going to look when I get old...

[@Mel_By_The_Sea]

Love your videos :) I got my first tattoo when my appendix burst; you never know what life is going to throw at you. I earn my money, I pay my dues and I'll spend what I have left on whatever I like LOL Tattoos bring me joy. You hit the nail on the head; instant gratification and longevity. Not much you can say that about :)

[@JamesWithee]

life is short. plan but tmw but live for today, i think the saying goes. i prefer "yolo" tho. makes me feel more ratchet lol

[@TheItGirlQ]

I love this guy. James Withee always has solid advice. Solid. I watch every video he produces

[@TheNeoMosala]

Points were made.

[@staticshotaop561]

Matrix

[@topg8085]

Well said. Straight to the point brotha.

[@zakiyaelmalika]

I aboslutely love your channel and the content you upload. I totally agree with all your points that you listed. At the end of the day, people spend on what they VALUE! I will always value incredible artistry and don't mind paying for that.

[@Dan-oy7pr]

0:30-0:48 All I needed to know, thanks lol. But for real, another solid video my dude. I've spent several thousands between my two sleeves, the left one hopefully 100% this November and have no regrets in spending that money in the 2 years when I started. Not only have I gotten quality work I've got to meet two really great artists, one that is local to me that has done the majority and one in Japan. 'Are _______ a waste of money' is most definitely a subjective concept and I like how you tackled this topic. Different strokes for different folks - Some Dude.

[@BlueClarinetKitty]

Good points!! The only way a tattoo could be lost is if you happen to lose that part of your body, which is of course extremely unlikely. Tattoos are definitely one of my favorite things to spend money on.

[@2BXD]

As someone who doesn't have a tattoo but enjoys watching this channel, (I know price of a tattoo doesn't always equate to quality) I would do at least the same amount of research to buying a car 50-100 hrs of research and give it some time. Chances I would fly to an artist to get it done. I can't fathom people who just walk into random shops let alone pick a random tattoo out of an machine. If I'm going to get something on myself permanent, I'm sure as hell going to make sure it's going to look amazing. Basically TL;DR as long as you don't go broke, bad tattoos are a waste of money and good ones that you'll appreciate is priceless.

[@irenegrijalvotarres]

Those are really good points! Great video :)

[@116graceandglory]

My tattoos are the only thing i will take to the grave.. i mean, unless i lose a limb

[@fortheloveofcake93]

I watched so much of James's videos that I just want to get a tattoo from him. I took so much advice and now the hardest part is picking an artist. Too bad in Arizona

[@nosideyalubam9461]

Tattoos r ur trademark personalities and treasure until u old no one can get salute u bro nice vids

[@joemomma2116]

Can you make a American traditional tattoo video

[@Javier-bf1qc]

This was your best video yet !

[@TheCrybabyOtaku]

Love your videos dude they're so informative

[@alexcastro5108]

LOL This was awesomely funny! Dude, I got to meet you and check out your studio.

[@skorpianking76]

James has a great sense of humor. Saying the shit I would say. Thanks brother. Keep up the good work!

[@Snifffski]

Well said. I'm selling my house to downsize so I can free up some cash and live a life. When the world is my oyster I'll be getting more tattoos (I only have one), amongst other experiences. Flashy material belongings aren't worth shit. Life is.

[@SP.Family]

Live like there is no tomorrow ... I have learned that by loosing people I love too soon.... that’s why I have just gone for it and went all in! And I am so happy I have the art I have 😁 you only have one life LIVE IT FOR YOU! Thanks man another great vid!!

[@erutannamuh8661]

tattoos are awesome and they're a way of looking back at how you were feeling at the time. I don't get the hype behind Iphones the people making them are literally trying to jump out of buildings because they hate their job so much. Good video as always!

[@JamesWithee]

lol damn i didn't know mf's were killing themselves over the shit

[@quintinking3057]

Hella worth it if you find what you want. Not to mention that it's for life so It will definitely get its moneys worth unlike a smartphone or some shit. I was wondering if you could make a vid on Dotwork tattoos and how they create & implement those if you're willing to. Great video as always and have a good one bro 👌

[@JamesWithee]

thx man. i'll prolly make some videos that explain different tattoo styles later.. dotwork/stippling/pointillism will be included in there for sure

[@quintinking3057]

Great to hear! You made a lot of good points in the video & catch ya later my dude.

[@zabrinahubbard4309]

GREAT VID! I use my tattoos to show people who I am before they talk to me. Its kinda like my wedding ring. Now that I have all my meaningful tattoos out of the way I look forward to getting large beautiful pieces that express my personality. Tattoos give me a vision of myself that jewelry never could. Its something unique to me that no one can ever take away.

[@alanahorner8012]

Damn I'd choose a tattoo over all of these listed items!

[@maxredic1797]

you’re so funny without trying. love your videos homie🤟🏼

[@bowen882]

I totally agree with ya James and tattoos forever memory and phone memory is full then you gotta get different sd card and spend more money

[@jerrypartine2973]

You are so smart and educated! You are right if you do a tattoo when you are in your 20s they look amazing and when you are in your 50s or 60s they will look even better with all your wrinkles. I can believe how wise you are brother. Congratulations you discover a new way of looking at tattoos.

[@CalixtaVinca0217]

Tattoo is an investment. You put an art on your body. Who cares if they think getting a tattoo is a waste of money??? They just don't see the bright side of getting inked...it's fun and holds a lot of memories... I LOVE, FASCINATED and APPRECIATE TATTOOS in any FORM or KIND!!!! I hate people being judgemental about tattoos. Love your vlog Sir James....

[@neonpinkpeace]

Would love to watch a video on advice for cover ups. I have a horrible hand tattoo that needs fixed, but i am not sure exactly how to go about it because it is very dark & still very fresh. Like what colors work well to cover eachother, what styles work best for them, what to do if the tattoo is too dark.

[@1Skorpia]

I wonder how they do it!!

[@VishiVish01]

Great perspective dude.

[@geraldinewhite062]

I spent 8 grand on my very first, and likely only, tattoo. It's great because I 1) had the money to do something like that for the first time ever and 2) the tattoo itself means a whole lot to me. A lot of my friends and neighbors cracked jokes, but when I look at my tattoo in comparison to the half-sleeve they got for $200 in their cousin's basement, I feel validated.

[@llNSIDIOUS]

8 grand on a tattoo? LMAO

[@geraldinewhite062]

@@llNSIDIOUS it's an amazing tattoo, completely worth it.

[@bryggmastaren]

Geraldine White this made me very curious, do you have any social media or anything youre comfortable giving out showing the tattoo? if youre comfortable with showing it of course. im just curious to see how such a expensive tattoo can look like, ive never heard about it before

[@geraldinewhite062]

@@bryggmastaren I do not, as it is a personal tattoo that is typically covered by clothes for work. But I'm planning on showing it off as soon as it gets warm. It took MONTHS to complete this piece.

[@LOSTHAZE_Gaming]

@@geraldinewhite062 : now I'm curious. What kind is it? Style, placement?

[@BlasianPrincess]

This is exactly the reason why I had my last tattoo 2 yrs ago! I don't want to go just to anyone..I REALLY want a stomach and a neck tattoo but until I find an artist I'm comfortable with, it ain't happening..esp since it's gonna be permanently on my body for the rest of my life ya know! OMG this video is on point and funny as hell! 😆Great video as usual James!🍒

[@JamesWithee]

thanks! nothing wrong with being patient. better to wait and get something really fantastic than settle on some mediocre shit

[@ylanlaus8000]

Thank you kindly. About this imo whether "collecting" tattoos is as in one own's fashion idea; or as in some special assets to be carried with him/her all the way through eternity, recipients must thank & appreciate their tattoo artists, as well as take the greatest care possible for these properties. I feel that in the unfortunate, unforeseen or accidental event of a tattoo's fading or deforming that I will not blame myself for such misfortune because I will have already done all my best.

[@nayeli9937]

my parents think I am crazy for even considering paying $4k on a back piece! YOU have validated this for me. thank you!

[@scotturban54]

I think we have a lot in common. I like the how blunt and honest you are.

[@drollett07]

This video just makes sense. Thanks James for the different perspectives 👍🏾

[@Evan1407]

Such good points on this, great vid

[@pnepomuceno1471]

100% agree. Gonna watch this over and over again.

[@Anna-lp8xs]

I mean I wouldn’t spend $16k on a tattoo sleeve but I agree with this video for the most part. Love your content!

[@kianastaples7492]

Your videos are so good 😭❤️ you're so well-spoken and funny, and I completely agree with the points you made in this video!!

[@JamesWithee]

thanks :)

[@StarFever11]

Absolutely agree with you in this video! Great points, and so true. Tattoos are truly the most worth-while purchase you can make for yourself.

[@katguthrie8891]

Love your videos really happy I came in during your beginning, so I get to watch this channel grow

[@SolomonAD]

“Last forever but immediately gratifying” bruh you just blew my mind. Wise man. Thanks for the info

[@motorcyclezeal4813]

Yooooo this shit was hilarious 😂. Your the man !

[@bethanyfury1209]

9:05 is life. NEVER a waste.my tattoos have even boosted my self esteem. I'm 43 years old and just now getting into it..love it

[@WMGGW1968]

love this channel almost as much as i love tattoos🖤

[@Adam-lq5kg]

That's the most convincing argument(s) I have heard . And this coming from someone who would never even consider it. I'm learning a lot on this channel.

[@johnieferrusquilla2152]

Nobody’s gonna steal your tattoo 😂

[@Tommyboypsp]

You wouldn't download a TATTOO

[@sonicleaves]

Thanks a lot for this video! I am getting my 2nd tattoo next month for my birthday and I have been really freaking out about it! Just not sure if I should... But I've wanted this tattoo for 23 years, since I was 15 years old. I've never changed my mind about, just haven't gotten it yet. My 1st tattoo is on my upper back/ neck area, I actually just got it reworked this year and I love it but I never see it, my long hair covers it and I pretty much forget I have a tattoo, no one sees it either. Getting a visible tattoo on my ankle will be a bit strange and hard to get used to. But I know I want it, I am just hesitant for some reason. The woman doing my tattoo is amazing, she's a beautiful person and an incredible artist. I trust her completely but I am not sure why I have this hesitation now that it is less than a month away. I made my apt 6 months ago, I would have gotten it that day, I was so sure. Anyway, I appreciate your perspective, it's very helpful. peace

[@roflstomplolmao]

So well said, and true!

[@nunezinkgaming]

Well said bro honestly youre one of my favorites right now

[@ronndavidronndavid908]

This is so fvcking on point.

[@SpacePizza247]

I recently got a tattoo and getting into it , I was kinda stressing out about the money. Coming out on the other side, I feel better but this video really helped me feel good/secure about my decision. Thanks a lot man and as always keep up with those videos. You provide really good content that everyone can take something away from!

[@TEEGHOSTGOD]

Just be smart and beat the system. Spend all your money on tattoos now, and when you're 80 years old, just sell all your skin.

[@1Skorpia]

What would be cool if the artists had the people display their work at a gathering. Like they do with paintings but with people.

[@danbenson2085]

Great video Jim, now I don't feel like an asshole sometimes and maybe gave all my money to my kids or whatever. Your right, I get stopped all the time on the beach or mall cause people admire my ink. Great topic and great way you break it down!!

[@heatherbaker3903]

Spending money on tattoos is investing in yourself. I love your videos.

[@carlagarcia7743]

I'm itching so bad to get my second tattoo, but I'm not doing it until I've saved up money for excellent quality. My first tattoo is just 3 simple blue hearts, very basic. My next one is going to require skill and quality. Worth paying $$$ for! .... and I'm a tight wad with everything else. LOL

[@JamesWithee]

Good on you for deciding to hold out until you get your bankroll ready. Going for the absolute highest quality you can afford is the best thing to do with tattoos

[@cjk4540]

That’s actually a lot of really good points. Well thought out

[@t-rod9858]

💯💯 watching this right before leaving a deposit for my second tattoo.

[@JamesWithee]

hell yeah

[@mig_hulk7909]

Just shared this video well said People alway judging me on how i spend my money , shit i spend it how i want to and getting quality work for me is priority Currently working on my arm sleeve

[@nickj12]

This is probably my favorite video from you. It’s hilarious and accurate at the same time.

[@JamesWithee]

Had to stray away from technical talk for a little bit. Those videos are hard to make and on this one I got to just run my mouth lol it was great

[@jimmyquick7115]

Dude this video is a 100% truth, awesome dude, and I am a heavily tattooed guy, makes appreciate this video that much more !!! 🤘🤘👍👍

[@kingkong2798]

“They might try to punk you for your booty hole, but they’ll never try to punk you for your tattoo”

[@JessicaKuligowski]

Let's not forget that tattoo artists are really awesome people and you get both the artwork and the experience for the money. Even the piece of crap charity tattoo on my shoulder was a valid investment because a). My mother was a 28 year breast cancer survivor when she died of pancreatic cancer and b). While the quality was crap, the artist was probably the best conversationalist of the 5 who have worked on me.

[@JamesWithee]

i can respect that. sometimes the conversation is really valuable during a session. i love that aspect of tattooing too

[@NsIX3]

Very legit points here. You totally nailed this topic on the head man. Two sessions into my sleeve so far, and I can honestly say that I'd rather spend the money on the tattoo than any of the luxury item examples you mentioned (or any other materialistic stuff for that matter). Even though it's by no means a "high quality" tattoo, I'm still very happy with it. The cost wasn't the deal breaker for me ($150/hr), it was more so the pain (not knowing what it would be like, being my first tattoo). For the most part it's pretty tolerable, and afterwards you get the instant gratification seeing it on you once it's done. It's really a great feeling, I can see why this stuff can become addicting lol. My mom was totally against me getting it, saying it's a "waste of money, and unnecessary". They say "mother knows best", but I have to disagree with her opinion on that. Not everyone sees the true value that tattoos hold, but to each their own I guess.

[@JamesWithee]

Thanks for sharing man sounds like u made good choices on your first big project

[@azazel444]

i say it depends on the tattoo because i wanted a small tattoo thats 2X2 inches and its a super simple tattoo and they said 500$ thats too much for a tiny simple tattoo id pay 100-150 but not 500 for something to small and simple.

[@ricardoherrera4042]

Gonna spend 800 on a tattoo next week and I been slighlty hesitant since my consultation. But you made great point and im PULLING THAT MF TRIGGER.

[@Moustique2000]

Amazingly put

[@brentweisenborn660]

preach it brother james...lol. u just spoke a mouthful and agree with u 100% love your videos and keep them up!

[@werunguns]

Great vid man. Since you mentioned tattoos looking bad ass in 40 years, I started thinking about how it may blur or fade. Can you prevent this by getting it touched up every once in a while?

[@jamil8060]

great video

[@jeniwatkins3297]

While i do agree that ink is the one thing always ours, i also know that investing for your future is very important. Having become disabled in my mid 40's unexpected. I wish now that i had invested more for retirement! Surviving on SS alone barely pays the bills and sucks! Had o saved more, i might be able to get the additional tattoos that I've wanted for years now. As it is, I'm not sure i will ever be able to afford the rest of the work i want done

[@JamesWithee]

damn that sucks jeni. hopefully you can find a creative way to increase your income. sometimes life hand you lemons. i just found out last week that i have 3 herniated discs in my neck. not the type of news a tattoo artist wants to hear, but hey, it could be worse

[@jeniwatkins3297]

@@JamesWithee aw man that sucks! Sorry to hear that

[@spam6884]

i'm 18, and i'm thinking about getting a tattoo. thanks for making these videos bro. just everything you cover is always informative and easy to understand i guess. you got a sub from New Zealand, but thanks again for the videos bro

[@nicolealaniz4634]

The way I see it is this. Life is short and I love art let’s get tattooed ASAP!!! When I pass away I don’t want to be known as careful and frugal. That’s sad and boring. Let’s live and have fun in an already hard life!

[@thebeardman7767]

very well said sir!

[@MidasLockhart]

Hey James, can we do a video on body size and tattoos. For example, should skinny guys get sleeves if they are planning to gain size in the future or if you obese and planning on losing weight does it make sense to get a tattoo? How does build frame factor into tattooing?

[@JamesWithee]

People ask about this one a lot, so I'll definitely make a video about it. Keep an eye out

[@amberrodgers7199]

You said it 🙌

[@foorgutmipants9940]

You’ve planted a terrifying idea in my mind of someone legitimately trying to steal tattoos from you

[@linasbutcher7740]

I have got 6 tattoos all for about the cost of $1,000.000. Wise Spending? You damn right it is and I'm so proud of them all!

[@delelelele_whooop6194]

I really like your sense of humor 😂

[@tummyfiller9782]

“No ones gonna steal a tattoo from you” Me getting jacked: HEY STOP THAT GUY HE HAS MY TATTOO

[@LadyBlacksheep]

Thank you again for sharing your perspektive! Im so glad I found your channel, I am learning a lot! I am now a lot more sure that I want to start saving up for a big quality piece. About cars, we recently bought a Dacia Duster, its pretty cheap, and there isnt much glamour in driving it, but god dammit its awesome to drive. So if you are in the market for a new car, go try out a lot of different ones. Its not always the most expensive ones are THAT much better.

[@zombiehunter5923]

Dwamnn bro you really killed it on the iPhone it just a luxury piece

[@Cass63450]

Interesting points, James. Like the topic and your analysis. And also the way you present it - a structured discourse with smart points and once in a while some "fucking shit" or another word like that slips in between. Like! All the best from Germany.

[@Oangulo6952]

😂😂😂. Fuckin' LOVE your videos!!! 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻. Keep it up Bro!!!

[@ryansidhu4242]

Money aside because I know the easy answer is when you have enough, what is a good age to get tattooed? I know the next biggest thing is you don't want it to affect work so just hypothetically say you want a piece on your ribs or back, easily hidden by a shirt. What else should people consider? I imagine looking good on skin, how long it takes for the skin to heal, color vibrancy etc would all lean towards younger years. Are there other things to consider?

[@JamesWithee]

You already got most of the points here. I think 25 to 35 is the ideal age. Your body is done growing and you're skin hasn't started aging too much by 35 unless you've been in the sun a lot

[@bigc56b]

Life is all about memories, I never wanna be the guy that way wished he did something. Tomorrow’s not promised, enjoy your life because it short! Just started my sleeve!