I've been wanting this tattoo for ages - it's a picture I found and edited slightly from the anime movie "My Neighbor Totoro". I really really like it and had plans to get it put on my arm. But just the other day, I stumbled into a mama who already has pretty much the same exact tat! Now I'm unsure what to do. Part of what I liked so much about that one was it's uniquness - but that was only a part. I definitely still want to get a totoro tat, and that one was cute and kinda girly, with a little Totoro holding a flower and a butterfly flying over to it. It seems so perfect for a tattoo. I don't want either her or me to be disappointed down the line, though, that it's not totally unique. What should I do? Should I get the one I wanted anyway? Or should I try another redesign, that'll look like something else entirely? I still want my Totoro tat, damnit!
is this a mama you will be around a lot? if not, do what you planned. Her happiness with her tat is not your concern. If however you can continue to modify (what is basically a stolen idea from the film anyway) the art, do so. is there something you can add that would bring great meaning to you?
I'd say take the idea and rework it. I have flowers and koi, whic have been done 1000 times before, but mine are a totally unique peace, which makes it cool. Peace
^I think far more than a thousand times. Great suggestion. Always rework a design if you're concerned about uniqueness. Though you know, if a totoro cat looks a certain way and is a trademark, so to speak, then you may want to stick with the original design. Remember that taking something off a show/movie/cartoon/place/famous or semi-famous person/thing no matter how obscure isn't going to mean it's unique. There are probably many who have the same idea.
