Need opinions - ink or no ink?

[steph]

Okay guys... got a question that I'm looking for opinions on. I already know what I'm probably going to do, but I'm just wondering if other people agree or not.

For my last show, I decided (with some help from the bf and others) not to cover my tattoos... I ended up coming in 4th place (out of 6). I didn't get to speak to the judges though, so I'm not sure if the body art had a positive, negative or neutral impact on my placing.

I'm doing another show in a week and a half and wanted to cover up to see if that would make a difference, but I'm being encouraged to be myself and not cover the ink.

I don't think it detracts from my body. I mean, it's not like I have fat on my arms or anything... but the NPC looks at an overall package and I really just think the world doesn't want to accept a female with ink as a form of beauty (unless you're a contestant on Rock of Love, lol).

So should I cover up and see if that changes anything, or say "fxxk it!" and just be myself...

Link to pics: http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/stephaniewicked/more.php?section=progresspics

Thanks!

 

[jtunderdog]

Personally, I would say not to cover it up. Its you. The thing I would consider however is what the judges usually do. If they usually judge against ink then I would cover it up if you are serious about competing. I am saying I would cover it up only if you know it is going to be a mark against you.

 

[Presser]

do not cover up! I have judged shows as well though not bikini i judged fitness and figure and i never once thought to take anything away from the girls who did have ink! and honestly their were 4 other judged with me and not once did i hear one of them mention the word tattoo! so for what its worth i say be you and let the world follow

 

[Presser]

Oh and I want to mention I dont have tattoos and I would never ever get one, well i have one on my front hip wife and i got one of each others name 9 yrs ago, but all in all im not a tattoo kind of guy and i know i would never ever get one and i still admire them and say more power to ya if u know its something u want on u at 50 or 60 yrs old, as for me i just aint a tat guy

 

[steph]

That's cool... thanks guys. It seems on some of the other boards I'm on that depending on the ink placement, it's discouraged for figure girls. I guess I could understand that a bit more... judging is unfair anyway, so I don't even know why I'm even concerned, lol... will let you know how it goes!

And P - That's cool that you and the wife did that. I don't know if I could ever be so brave. I'd be scared that it was a jinx... lol. 9 years and going strong though... that isn't a bad deal at all dude! Congrats... many more years of happiness to you guys!!

 

[Chris-Winfield]

you have an amazing body and I think the tattoos just give it a little bit of personality , the tattoos dont distract me from you at all. and I vote to absolutely keep them.

 

[Crazymank]

i personally love your tats. They're hot.

Depends on the location. Its up to the judge, so- if they're high class snobs, id cover to win.

 

[nuknuk]

you dont need to be asking what we all think, cause it dosent matter. Find a national judge or NPC district chairman person in the area you will be competeing and call or email them. If you need help finding that person let me know.

 

[MdTNT]

you dont need to be asking what we all think, cause it dosent matter. Find a national judge or NPC district chairman person in the area you will be competeing and call or email them. If you need help finding that person let me know.

Agreed. Darlin, your best bet is just that. Judgfes re a different breed especially in any womens division and it may be bes to actually speak to a few of them in your area. Let Nuk help ya out on the contacts and go from there. Me personally, I'm covered, but I dont ever plan on competing they dont have an antique class :O lol.


Good luck to ya and regardless.....you look wonderful with em or with out em....


Md-

 

[steph]

Thanks, I have to make it a point to speak to them next week... I really wish I had done it at the last show.

I guess it all boils down to who I'm competing against and what the philosophies of the judges are too... I just don't want to see some "never picked up a weight in her life" bitch place higher than me again because she's prancing around in her pink bubblegum-colored suit with platinum hair, while I'm busting my ass to diet and hit the gym everyday and actually IMPROVE my physique. :curse:

K, rant over.

 

[Get_Swole]

i would leave them, talk to them and find out though but i think it gives you more personallity and it doesnt draw away from your beauty at all.

 

[MdTNT]

Thanks, I have to make it a point to speak to them next week... I really wish I had done it at the last show.

I guess it all boils down to who I'm competing against and what the philosophies of the judges are too... I just don't want to see some "never picked up a weight in her life" bitch place higher than me again because she's prancing around in her pink bubblegum-colored suit with platinum hair, while I'm busting my ass to diet and hit the gym everyday and actually IMPROVE my physique. :curse:

K, rant over.

Oh keep ranting lol. been hearing it for years from women friends who compete. It's an unfair sport where judging is concerned and at best full of inconsistency.

Md-

 

[dreww]

Im the dissenting opinion here. I say cover them.
The reason being is that if one judge is gonna stereotype you in anyway, it could be the difference in a higher placing or low placing.

Press said he never heard a judge mention the word tattoo or complain about them, but why would a judge admit that. It would be considered stereotyping in most peoples opinion and they could get in trouble with saying such things... but that doesnt mean it doesnt affect their vote.

I agree, i like your tats and youre gorgeous, but if a higher placing lies on the opinion on a particular biased judge....well Im sure you wanna win. Thats why you're up there.

 

[Presser]

Im the dissenting opinion here. I say cover them.
The reason being is that if one judge is gonna stereotype you in anyway, it could be the difference in a higher placing or low placing.

Press said he never heard a judge mention the word tattoo or complain about them, but why would a judge admit that. It would be considered stereotyping in most peoples opinion and they could get in trouble with saying such things... but that doesnt mean it doesnt affect their vote.

I agree, i like your tats and youre gorgeous, but if a higher placing lies on the opinion on a particular biased judge....well Im sure you wanna win. Thats why you're up there.

lol, believe me bro much worse things are said at the judges table, and honestly who would the judge get in trouble with? lol. were not talking about the olympia my man, were talking about a show in a stinky ass highschool gymnasium. another words im sure a judge would mention if they didnt like tats or not, they cant get in trouble for that

 

[steph]

Well, I dunno guys... this might have just sealed it for me right here!

NO LINKS TO OTHER BOARD IT TAKES TWO MINUTES TO POST THAT PIC HERE, NOW YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED! ONE MORE TIME AND UR BANNED! LMAO, GOTCHA, BUT FOR REAL PLEASE TAKE TIME TO BRING PICS HERE AND NOT SEND OUR MEMBERS TO OTHER SITES PLEASE.? WE PAY THROUGH THE NOSE ON GOOGLE TO BE LISTED SO PLEASE DONT SEND THE MEMBERS WE PAYED FOR TO ANOTHER BB SITE


I'm following Jr. Nats coverage and Christina Taylor supposedly just rocked the stage in the LW category. She didn't cover up and I don't think it takes away from her physique at all... this just gave me a little bit of hope...

And thanks again for all the opinions. I still have to give it some more thought. Maybe I'll keep them, but cover up if/when I get to figure? I don't know... decisions, decisions.

 

[Pharm_Fed]

I like tattoos. Personally I don't think they take away from someone's physique at all. I say be yourself.

 

[saudades]

Hell no, don't cover them up. You look great with them. I think they give you personality.

 

[dorian123]

leave the tats you look awesome with them-if the judges detract because of them then they are fools...it's a matter of opinion

i say you look great don't change anything:thumbsup:

 

[steph]

Thanks again guys!

By the way... Christina Taylor won her class!! So that made me even happier! She looks damn good and I don't think they take away from her at all... very exciting progress, I think. The times are changing... I don't see why someone can't have tattoos AND an impressive physique.

NO LINKS, I WAS OBVIOUSLY KIDDING ABOUT THE BANNING YOU HUN, BUT WAS QUITE SERIOUS ABOUT ASKING MEMBERS NOT TO POST LINKS TO OTHER BODYBUILDING SITES HERE, THANK YOU

I think I'll rock them. I'm looking a bit tighter in my lower body than I was two months ago and I plan to change my posing up, so I think with all those things combined, I have a shot at doing better this time... so I've decided not to even worry about the ink for now.

6 days to goooo... can't wait to eat something BAD!! lol.

 

[Presser]

Please do not post links to other bb sites, IF ITS AN ARTICLE THE CUT AND PASTE IT HERE, IF ITS PICTURES THEN POST THE PICS HERE, THANK YOU....ONCE AGAIN!