I’ve been looking at getting my first bit of ink done over the last few months. The definite things I have is that I am getting it inside my right bicep & I want a quote surrounded by a design of some sort. The type of design I’m chasing is sort of a vine/floral thing that starts at the armpit end of my bicep and trails off towards my elbow.

http://stammo.deviantart.com/art/Carpe-Diem-ta2-Commish-2-141432605

That is a design someone came up with. Although I really like these other ones too.

http://mocorock.deviantart.com/art/My-moor-137002110

http://canucks13.deviantart.com/art/Carpe-Diem-rough-40819524

I really like the 2nd carpe diem one but apparently its too busy for a tattoo.

Originally I was set on getting Carpe Diem, but recent events have made me change my mind. You see I am a recovering gambling addict. It was a very rough time in my life and I want to get some sort of quote that represents that and reminds me of how shit things were and how far I’ve come. Any suggestions of a quote or passage that you think would suit this would be great.

Also any suggestions or examples to suit the design would be a great help as well. If possible I would want the writing to blend in with the design as it does in the 2nd carpe diem link. Do you think having something like that but with the writing in a bolder colour then the design would look OK?

Cheers,
Rod.

EDIT: I’m also happy for people to suggest some sort of animal or symbol instead of a quote or writing. I just want something to symbolise the struggle I had with my addiction.