[DESIGN] Homeworld Ink - Tattoos in The Empire

Emperor Klag · 04-23-2009, 01:09 AM

Greetings,

A recent thread on the Klingon Language Guild, "Death Before Dishonor Translation", has prompted me to start a thread on the subject of sci-fi tattoos. I'm certain that there are klingons and sci-fi fans who display their fanaticism via permanent skin inkings. Retired SMC General Qoregh had a very large Klingon Trefoil tattoed on his upper left arm. A female warrior that I knew, had an Admiral's rank insignia tattoed on her upper left breast (she wasn't an Admiral, but the consort of one).

The Klingon translation of the 20th. Century Earther motto "Death Before Dishonor" can be found in the above mentioned thread of the Klingon Language Guild, along with a version in pIqaD. A thread in the same Guild about creating Klingon pIqaD on the fly, offers links to converting Klingon words into pIqaD - great for tattoos.

Am I suggesting that we all run out and get tattoos? - No! However, there is a way to make realistic temporary tattoos with one's printer. Unkle Kahn has the info on this, and I will request that he post it on this thread.

Now we need some designs!!! Let's get creative and post both Klingon and alien tats - written ideas and artwork. And if you have a real sci-fi tattoo, tell us about it, and even show it to us - IF in a place suitable for all ages.

All for The Empire,
Emperor Klag

qoSagh · 04-23-2009, 08:38 AM

Neither of mine are Klingon, or Sci-Fi for that matter. I have the artwork for number 3 all set and it is also not of that ilk. I was originally planning on this week, but have to wait a bit to get a better handle on where I am financially before dropping more money on more ink.

On the Klingon side of it, I have always thought that doing the pIqaD characters of a proverb in an almost tribal band sort of thing would be interesting. I have a personal favorite one that I may get some day. Death before Dishonor is actually a distant second to my choice.

Unkle_Kahn · 04-23-2009, 10:18 AM

Your wish is my command, my master.

Temporary tattoo paper

I do know that Wal-Mart carried HP brand temporary tattoo paper for some time. We all know how fickle they are with products we tend to like, so I would suggest looking there (but don't get your hopes up). Other places you can look at is Staples, Office Depot, or any office or computer supply chain. The link posted above is just an example. I have seen about half a dozen brands for temporary tattoo paper for inkjet or laser printers.

If I come cross more current info I'll post here.

K'temogh · 04-23-2009, 12:18 PM

I have a generic Klingon trefoil on my upper right arm, and the symbol of House BoS'ra just below it. K'mok posted them somewhere on here in a thread of his, but I can't find it.

Emperor Klag · 04-23-2009, 01:22 PM

Greetings,

qoSagh wrote: "I have always thought that doing the pIqaD characters of a proverb in an almost tribal band sort of thing would be interesting."

This is a great idea! If you look at the "Death Before Dishonor" pIqaD in qurgh's post on the Klingon Language Guild thread, you can picture what an artistically appealing tattoo it would be! What other Klingon phrases would be appropriate?

BTW - If you plan to be permanently inked, you might want to be absolutely certain that the pIqaD, spelling, and grammar are correct. The story about the U.S. sailors who were buying their girlfriends, wives, and mothers jewelry in Hong Kong with Chinese characters on them that supposedly meant something really nice, when they actually translated to something like "licensed prostitute", comes to mind.

Keep the ideas coming and this thread active. I see some great promotional possibilites for The Empire and local chapters coming out of this.

Emperor Klag

K'Mok · 04-23-2009, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by K'temogh

I have a generic Klingon trefoil on my upper right arm, and the symbol of House BoS'ra just below it. K'mok posted them somewhere on here in a thread of his, but I can't find it.

Bat'leth Tournament - Fall 2007

Unkle_Kahn · 04-23-2009, 05:32 PM

Nice tats Tony.

I've been thinking of making my current one more "Klingon".

Perhaps "death before dishonor" or "Duty Honor Glory" in hol circling the three snakes. Or a three blade design protruding from it. dunno. I do know is the guy who did it scarred me and didn't really follow the design well. I didn't notice that until after I healed up. Hell, you can even see the outline of the design. Thankfully, he's out of business now. Whenever I get this one modified, I'm going to get it touched up.

Jatlhwi' · 04-23-2009, 07:50 PM

Here is my Klingon tattoo. I got it at the last Vulkon in 2008. The second pic is me in getting the tat dressed as a Klingon. Q'Pla!. The third pic, while not klingon, shows an actual batleth scar that split the tattoo.

mor'taH tSepeS · 04-29-2009, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unkle_Kahn

Your wish is my command, my master.

Temporary tattoo paper

I do know that Wal-Mart carried HP brand temporary tattoo paper for some time. We all know how fickle they are with products we tend to like, so I would suggest looking there (but don't get your hopes up). Other places you can look at is Staples, Office Depot, or any office or computer supply chain. The link posted above is just an example. I have seen about half a dozen brands for temporary tattoo paper for inkjet or laser printers.

If I come cross more current info I'll post here.

Has anyone had any experience with this? Our daughter wants to be a trill, and this might be the best way to go for the spots.

And, no, they wont - she's 12.

Maari Demor · 04-29-2009, 03:09 PM

When I did a Trill I drew them on with an eyebrow pencil, then powdered like usual. Took some time, but it looked good.

mor'taH tSepeS · 04-30-2009, 01:43 AM

Hmmm, That just might work till we find a local supplier with that paper.

Thanks!

tavana tSepeS · 06-25-2009, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maari Demor

When I did a Trill I drew them on with an eyebrow pencil, then powdered like usual. Took some time, but it looked good.

We did this for the Star Trek Zero movie premier which we attended in uniform. It turned out really well, thanks for the idea Maari !

mor'taH tSepeS · 06-26-2009, 02:09 AM

Yes, It worked out great! Might even be less fuss than the tattoos. And, it really got the girl out of her shell; it was like a whole different child.

Martek · 07-01-2009, 12:55 AM

Another trick which I have used at Ren Faire for a facial tattoo for my Pirate Persona is to use black finishing fingernail polish, the stuff that is used to draw designs of finger nails. Once applied just finish it off with some powder make up. I am attaching a picture so you get the idea.

mor'taH tSepeS · 07-01-2009, 01:04 AM

What would you use for removal? Good job, btw!