Tattoo Tuesday V.66

Name and blog name: Becca, lolitadgaf.tumblr.com

Age: 25

Occupation: Waitress/Student

Age of first tattoo: 17, I got a bumble bee on my left foot while I was still in highschool. My mom bought it for me for being on honor roll at school.

Favorite tattoo: My favorite would either be the owl on my upper arm, or the flapper-eque lady on my lower right arm.

Featured tattoo/location: Flapper lady, lower right arm.

Artist/shop/location of feature tattoo: Amanda Wamprecht at Pushing Ink Tattoo, in Mount Healthy, Ohio.

1) Tell us about your featured tattoo- is there a background story or special meaning? Why did you choose this particular piece of art?

I don't really have a deep meaning behind any of my tattoos, I just kinda get things as they come to me. With this one, I contacted Amanda who had done some work on a friend of mine, and asked her how she felt about doing a traditional style portrait of a 1920's style flapper, and she was super excited. She drew up rough sketches and would send me updates every few days until she had it perfect. She was really amazing about everything I wanted to include, like the peacock feather in her hair. She did the entire thing in one four hour sitting. It was great, she brought "Children of the Corn" in and put it on for me to watch and we just chatted while she worked. It was so fun to be tattooed by a girl.

2) Do you have any other tattoos?  If so, what do you have and where? 

I have a bumble bee on my left foot
a shooting star on my side that I have with my mom (she has a matching one)
xfiles tattoo on my shoulder
flapper lady
a treble clef
roses
compass
an owl
annnd a piece of cheese on the back of my arm that says 'Sharp' it's my best friend's last name.

3) Do you plan on getting more? 

I have a few in the works right now that I'm talking to a few tattoo artists about. I'm wanting a phonograph on my left arm, and a suitcase somewhere as well. I also really want my chest and legs done soon too, I just haven't figured out what I want to put where.

4) How do your family and friends feel about your tattoo(s)?  Have you run into any adversity or negativity because of them? Do you have a significant other? Does he/she have tattoos? 

My family has long since understood that I'm the family 'weirdo' haha, but they don't really give me any grief about it. The only thing that I've had to deal with about my tattoos is that I have to cover them at work. But at school and when I go out I just get complimented like crazy, and I get the occasional "did that hurt?"

I have a boyfriend, Steven, who I've been dating for two and a half years. He actually doesn't have a single tattoo and he doesn't plan on getting any. He says that they aren't for him, but he likes mine and I usually run my ideas by him before I get them done.

5) Any advice for those interested in getting tattooed but haven't gotten one yet?

The only advice I really have is to not be scared. It hurts, but it's obviously not unbearable. And make sure that it's something that you want to live with forever. And always think about location. I wouldn't start out by getting things in highly visible areas until you're sure that you want to commit to it.

Tattoo Tuesday V.65

Name/blog name: Hillary // hillaryanne.tumblr.com

Age: 23

Occupation: Office Manager at a Pet Food Company

Age of first tattoo: 19

Favorite tattoo: Belle gypsy head

Featured tattoo/location: "Nothing's Impossible" Doorknob from Disney's 'Alice in Wonderland' on my right outer bicep

Artist/shop/location of feature tattoo: Andy Spreeuwers at 8 Sins in Columbia, SC

1) Tell us about your featured tattoo- is there a background story or special meaning? Why did you choose this particular piece of art?

My entire right arm is all dedicated to (mostly) classic Disney animated movies. I've always loved Alice in Wonderland and I really try to live by the whole "Nothing's Impossible" phrase.

Alice:  I simply must get through!
Doorknob:  Sorry, you are much too big! Simply impassible.
Alice:  You mean impossible?
Doorknob:  No, impassible. Nothings Impossible.

It's taken me a long time to get to the point where I truly believe in myself and the that the things that I want out of life are achievable- but I'm here and I am so happy.


2) Do you have any other tattoos?  If so, what do you have and where? 

my right arm- Belle in the style of a gypsy head, mad hatters hat and doorknob with "nothing's impossible" banner as well as the dancing/singing pansies from Alice in Wonderland, "ellie badge"/grape soda bottlecap from 'Up!', dancing mouse princess toy from The Great Mouse Detective, Cinderella's glass slipper, a crown, fork with a "dingle hopper" banner from The Little Mermaid, Chip from Beauty and the Beast, poison apple from Snow White, Cinderella's bird friends, Cinderella's glass slipper, Aladdin's genie lamp, The Beast's enchanted rose, and a Prince Charming.

 

 

 

 

 

 

"half agony, half hope" in Jane Austens handwriting on my right rib (from 'Persuasion')

'Moppelein' and poinsettias on my left wrist which means 'little one' in german and was my Opa's nickname for me. I got this tattoo a little bit after he passed away back in 2006, it's been re-done since then because it was a cheap and terrible quality tattoo, but I'm happy with it now.

I also have a little heart on my foot that I got the day my best friend moved to Portland. Cheeeesy!

3) Do you plan on getting more? 

I have an appointment to get the rest of my arm outlined and one for color coming up! and after that I have plans for my left thigh (a Harry Potter piece) and right calf (I am seriously getting a Days of Our Lives piece in honor of my Granny.) I've promised my Mom I won't venture onto my other arm (well... yet... I really want to do a Greek Mythology sleeve..)

4) How do your family and friends feel about your tattoo(s)?  Have you run into any adversity or negativity because of them? 

My mom and my aunt and uncle are the only people in my family that know about my arm and they aren't necessarily happy with it- but I don't really catch any flack from them very often, if at all. My grandmother is a little old German lady who is very traditional and definitely against tattoos and only likes the one shes seen on my wrist because it is for my grandfather. I live in a smaller city and there isn't really a surplus of tattooed folks here, but I don't really get too much negative attention. I had an old man tell me while I was getting my oil changed that I've ruined my natural beauty.. pfft.. and I've had some non-tattooed friends joke about things like I will never find a husband or be in their wedding party, but I really don't take any of that to heart and it doesn't offend me if someone is negative. Its my body, I love the art, and when it comes down to it- there's nothing anyone can say to discourage me from doing what I want to do.

5) Any advice for those interested in getting tattooed but haven't gotten one yet?

Really put some thought into it, but go for it! Just do your research and go to a real artist. Don't go to someone because they will "cut you a deal" because most of the time, like a million other people have said, good tattoos are not cheap tattoos. I know that firsthand! And for the people who say to you "think about what youre going to look like at 60!" ... You'll look old, wrinkly, very colorful and totally awesome.

Tattoo Tuesday V.64

Name/blog name: Ari Oh (no seriously, that’s my whole name) // aryeo.tumblr.com

Age: 20

Occupation: Coffee bar manager, photographer, and graphic designer

Age of first tattoo: 18

Favorite tattoo: I don’t want to cop-out, but I don’t know that I could pick a favorite. What’s really cool is they all serve such different purposes and garner completely different reactions. I have a unique fondness for each of them.

Featured tattoo/location: Being the largest and most colorful tattoo I have, my half-sleeve gets a lot of comments and attention. It’s a girl in a row boat with the words “Bold is the heart that steers her through the night.”
 
Artist/shop/location of feature tattoo: I got my half-sleeve done by the wonderful Dusty Neal at New Republic Tattoo in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He’s an amazing artist.

 

{photo of the book Word Made Flesh, where this tattoo was featured}

 1) Tell us about your featured tattoo- is there a background story or special meaning? Why did you choose this particular piece of art?

The inspiration for the tattoo came from a novel called “A Hero of Our Time” by Mikhail Lermontov. The main character hears “an odd tune, slow and melancholy, then quick and lively” coming from a young girl that he described as “a veritable mermaid”:

            “Tall ships sail o’er the deep green ocean,
            White sails set on the billowy wave.
            My little boat sails there with the tall ships,
            Sails has she none, just her two good oars.
            Storm winds will blow and the old tall ships
            Will lift their wings and fly over the sea.
            Then I’ll curtsey and beg so humbly:
            ‘Have pity on my boat, oh wicked sea.
            Precious are the goods that my boat carries,
            Bold is the heart that steers her through the night.’”

She’s a mysterious girl, wild and elusive, with bright and penetrating eyes that have a magnetic power. I felt like Lermontov was describing me (or at least the girl I dare to think I am). Plus, the meaning of the passage is truly inspiring- I may not have the means that others have, the sea of life may try to drown me, but my heart is strong and it will guide me through.

2) Do you have any other tattoos?  If so, what do you have and where?

My first tattoo is an Oscar Wilde line from “Lady Windermere's Fan": “We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.” For me personally, it meant that we all face hardships and challenges in life, but we can still have dreams and follow our hearts. It’s the one on my ribs. When I was at the shop, all the artists were like, “This is your first one?? Going big, huh?” I was nervous, but the worst part was when the guy with his entire skull tattooed told me I was crazy. Dude, your head is tattooed. I’m the sane one.

My mom and I went and got matching stars tattooed on our wrists together. Ever since I was little, my mom called my brother, sister, and I her sun, moon, and star. I was the star. She painted stars on my walls when I was little, drew stars on my Christmas presents, and called me “her star”.

 

I have a piece on my left wrist and surprisingly few people understand the reference, which is both kind of fun and also slightly depressing about my generation. It says “A New Hope” and the emblem in the center is the Jedi emblem! I love love love Star Wars (especially the old trilogy) and kind of spontaneously decided to get it done, but I don’t regret it in the least.

On the side of my right hand, I got my dog’s name, Windsor, tattooed on the day he died. I grew up with that boy. We got him when I was seven years old and he lived for thirteen wonderful years before passing away of natural causes. Growing up is hard and he loved me more every day, regardless of what changes I went through. I always say I loved him more than I like most people.

3) Do you plan on getting more?

I will definitely be getting more. I have plans for a Deftones-related tattoo, the word “Wildflower” on the side of my left hand for my mom, and I’m playing with some other ideas as well.

4) How do your family and friends feel about your tattoo(s)?  Have you run into any adversity or negativity because of them?

My mom was a little wary of the first one, but she’s been really supportive through all of them once she got used to the idea of me permanently changing the body she gave birth to, which I think is a very valid concern. And my friends have all been really cool about it as well, which is an advantage of being a part of my generation. We tend to be more open-minded about it than older generations and view it as body art rather than this thing associated with guys who would go off to war and get their buddy to tattoo them with something vulgar or violent. Mostly people are just interested and ask me what they mean. I have been the subject of some sidelong glances and whispered conversations, but nothing outright.

5) Any advice for those interested in getting tattooed but haven't gotten one yet?

I think you should understand that you’ll get a lot of advice from a lot of different sources, but the most important thing is that you should establish your own personal beliefs about tattoos and take everything else with a grain of salt. Just decide how you feel rather than trying to feel how you think you're supposed to feel, which goes for everything else in life too. Follow your heart and be brave.

Tattoo Tuesday V.63

 

Name and blog name: Ayden / The Little Blog Of Horrors (www.mydollface.blogspot.com)

Age: 21

Occupation: Freelance Applied Artist for Film, Television and Theatre

Age of first tattoo: 18

Favorite tattoo: My swallows (chest)

Featured tattoo/location: Pocket watch and tiger lillies (side)

Artist/shop/location of feature tattoo: Stephen Kelly at Irezumi, in Glasgow, Scotland. Stephen also did the swallows on my chest, but I lost track of where he was working after then. So, when I found him a couple of tattoos and years later, I knew he was the perfect person to do this piece for me. I sat in on a session while he tattooed one of my best friends at the end of December just there, and promptly booked myself in for his first slot in January!

1) Tell us about your featured tattoo- is there a background story or special meaning? Why did you choose this particular piece of art?

I wanted an image designed round the quote 'remember to live'. I gave Stephen this quote, along with some photographs of old, ornate pocket watches and tiger lillies and this is what he came up with. We only have one life, and living it to the fullest is my number one priority. The lilies in full bloom, and open pocket watch displaying the time of my birth is my representation of this. I feel like we sometimes spend too much time waiting for our life to 'begin', constantly making resolutions and plans but never doing anything about them. Time waits for no one, and for me, this tattoo will always remind me that if I want something enough in life then I should always have the motivation to go out and get it.

2) Do you have any other tattoos?  If so, what do you have and where?

My very first tattoo was a heart shaped locket and key on my forearm. I was 18, and although I knew exactly what I wanted and how much it meant to me, I didn't realise different tattoo artists have different strengths, weaknesses and specialities. I now completely understand what people mean when they say 'a good tattoo ain't cheap, and a cheap tattoo ain't good! A girl who I knew from school many years ago was in her apprenticeship tattooing, and I always knew she was a talented artist so jumped at the chance to get tattooed by her. But unfortunately my first one was far from perfect, and a year later I approached another artist to patch it up a bit, and add 'Irie' underneath. I'll never regret my first tattoo, as it reminds me of turning 18 and a time in my life which I always want to remember.  Adding Irie underneath, reminds me to always stay positive. To respect yourself, and be happy with who you are.

On my 19th birthday I got my Swallows. This caused a bit of an uproar amongst my family and mixed opinions from friends. Lets just say in hindsight, I'm glad my 1st and shaky tattoo is on my arm, and not on my chest!

Just before my 21st birthday, I got a little anchor and diamond on the bottom of each leg. 2010 was a big year for me, and amongst graduating from university, registering as self employed and securing my first contract, turning 21, going travelling around europe over the summer, and moving away from home for the first time... it seemed appropriate to get a little memento to remind me to stay strong and always keep my feet on the ground (amongst the madness and a real year of 'growing up')

3) Do you plan on getting more?

I'm not in the sort of industry where I need to wear smart clothes to work every day and keep a formal appearance, so I guess I'm not limited/restricted in that sense! Sometimes I can imagine myself being covered in tattoos, and then other days I think I'm done with them. I got my first piece of 'hate' on my blog last week, and it was over my tattoos. But other peoples opinions do not hinder me in the slightest - getting tattooed is something I do for MYSELF, and no one else. So I think I will only get more if an idea comes to me which I genuinely feel really excited and inspired about. Hells no to a tattoo just for the sake of it. That's dangerous/regretful territory when it comes to my character... I change my mind like the weather! I do have a couple more ideas in the pipeline, so if I still have them in my head in a year or so, we'll see what happens.

4) How do your family and friends feel about your tattoo(s)?  Have you run into any adversity or negativity because of them? Do you have a significant other? Does he/she have tattoos? 

I really don't like the fact that people assume you are a certain kind of person because you have tattoos. It sucks to be judged in that way, but I guess that's just our society. The only adversity I have experienced because of them is through my blog, which is absolutely ridiculous, and doesn't offend me because the anon who wrote it clearly doesn't know ME. I don't mind folks having an opinion on them, but I don't think I need to justify my taste or reasoning to anonymous haters on the internet! But luckily the people whose opinion I do really care about, my friends and family, has always been a positive/supportive one. Yeah the initial 'HOLY CRAP!" from my parents - but even my grandparents admitted they like them and couldn't imagine me without them now. My boyfriend doesn't have any tattoos, but he does appreciate a nice tattoo and has always been supportive and honest about mines.

5) Any advice for those interested in getting tattooed but haven't gotten one yet?

Don't rush into anything! I know its so easy to get caught up in the excitement and rush of booking your first (or even fifth or sixth!) tattoo. But you really need to take your time, and don't sign up to such a big commitment until the idea has been in your head for at least 4-5 months (that's just my opinion!) So you know that you are positively sure about it. I figure that even if I regret the overall design or look of my tattoos one day when I'm grey and old, they will still mean something to me because they remind me of a certain time in my life that I want to remember. Different artists have different areas of expertise, so do your research and try to find someone that would be perfect for the piece you're looking to get done.

Tattoo Tuesday V.62

 Name/blog name: Amber – www.bebebirdbeck.blogspot.com

Age: 23

Occupation: Police Dispatcher/ Student

Age of first tattoo: 18

Favorite tattoo: I’m the worst at picking favorites. If I was forced to pick I’d say the word lovely on the inside of my right bicep. It makes my heart swell every time I see it. It’s the first tattoo I got that really meant something big to me. In short, I got it because my God has called me lovely. There was a point in my life that I definitely didn't love myself or even really like anything about myself. I wasn't in a good place at all. I figured there was no way that I could be pleasing to God. Through several people that I looked up to most in my church, my Bible, and quiet times with Him He called me lovely. I felt a peace deep down and knew that my God delighted in me, He has called me lovely (which is actually my right sleeve theme is). My heart was flooded. I never felt as beautiful or as sure about life. It's such a sweet reminder every time I see it, especially on those days when I tend to be too hard on myself. I'm lovely. 

 

Featured tattoo/location:  Initials AB on my left rib panel.

Artist/shop/location of featured tattoo: Mike Tweed at Inkfluence Tattoo in Lubbock, TX.

 

1) Tell us about your featured tattoo- is there a background story or special meaning? Why did you choose this particular piece of art?  

I’ve wanted to get my husband’s initials since the day we met got married. We ended up getting ring finger tattoos of a favorite scripture instead. I decided to get the tattoo without him knowing as a present. I wanted it to be as girly and fancy as possible. It was the hardest secret I’ve ever had to keep.  I showed it to him on Valentine’s Day (corny… but cute nonetheless ;] )  He was completely shocked, but he adores it too! 

2) Do you have any other tattoos?  If so, what do you have and where? 

I have most of my right arm done. It contains script that reads, “I delight in you my treasure my bride,” an owl, the word “lovely”, a little birdie, daisies,  floral/girly designs, an Indian girl, 2 more owls, a fox, and the word “beloved” in Hebrew. My left arm has a cherry blossom tree and Japanese waves. I have 1 Cor 13:4 and a bow tattooed on my ring fingers, a diamond on my left upper chest/shoulder area, and a fleur-de-lis on my left hip.

 

3) Do you plan on getting more?  

Definitely. I’m not sure what my stopping point will be. I do believe I’m done with the cherry blossom/wave arm. I like the way it looks with my upper arm blank. I will definitely complete my right arm. I go back and forth between wanting a chest piece, so far I can’t dream up anything substantial enough to get there. I want my thighs done and feet also. I’d like to think someday I’ll be mostly covered. Strangely enough, I even love being tattooed. So to answer the question that everyone and their mom (literally) asks, No it doesn't really hurt that bad. I kinda like it. ;]

 

 

4) How do your family and friends feel about your tattoo(s)?  Have you run into any adversity or negativity because of them? Do you have a significant other? Does he/she have tattoos?

My family wasn’t super stoked on my tattoos at first, but I think they have all mostly come around and accepted that they are part of me and that I will continue getting them. My mom took the longest. She just couldn’t figure out why I wanted to have something so permanent on my “beautiful skin.” She cried when I got my first tattoo (and probably 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th and so on) Granted I got my first against her wishes when I still lived at home and hid it from her as long as possible. I would have done that differently for sure and waited till I was on my own.  She has come around and even thinks some of them are pretty now.  She never treated me any differently because of them, just couldn’t understand why I wanted them. She loves me all the same though, which is awesome. :]

I actually don’t have any heavily tattooed friends, but they all love them.

As for random strangers, I live in a highly conservative town, so I’ve come across plenty of negativity. A woman recently told me, “You might have been pretty if you didn’t completely ruin your skin.”  I guess being visibly tattooed makes strangers think they have a right to approach you with their opinion. I just smile and walk away, usually. Sometimes I accidentally let out a sharp sentence or two and then smile as I walk away. However, I try to just respond kindly no matter the situation; it makes me happy and them just feel like a bigger jerk.  With that being said, I am approached by plenty of strangers who love my “ink, tatz, sleeves, or work.”  My favorite is when old little women tell me how pretty they are.

My husband has a quarter sleeve, loves tattoos, and adores all of mine. He loves dreaming up new tattoos with me. He's about to get another one this week actually. Yay!

  

5) Any advice for those interested in getting tattooed but haven't gotten one yet?

It’s been said plenty of times before, but really, find an amazing tattoo artist. I’ve had my fair share of bad tattoos, luckily easily fixed by my tattoo artist. I got one out of town, on my honeymoon, from a random tattoo shop. His portfolio looked pretty rad, but his work was not up to par. I don’t know if it was a stolen portfolio or what, but the tattoo was horribly HORRIBLY done. The lines weren’t straight or connected and the shading was ridiculous. I made him fix a few things but then just realized every time he went back to work, he made it worse.  I didn’t think it would be fixable, but luckily it was! It’s the diamond on my shoulder. It always sounds like such a brilliant idea to get a tattoo as a souvenir, but I definitely won't be doing that anymore unless I already know the tattoo artist is amazing beforehand.  I also accepted a tattoo as a gift once. Never a good idea, unless it’s from the shop/artist you already know and love. 

Also, be prepared to have random strangers approach you EVERY day about your tattoos. I’m probably asked a minimum of eight times a day if my tattoos hurt.  A lot of people just really are intrigued by them. It used to bug me pretty bad when strangers would grab my arms and rub them, but I’m pretty accustomed to it now. I try to take it as a compliment and move on.  An older lady even told me once, “I’ve found that people who are tattooed are very affectionate and loved to be touched.” Apparently she has done her fair share of touching tattooed folk.

I usually wear a cardigan if I'm not feeling extra friendly that day. Can't a girl go grab some milk in peace?!  And don’t get me started about being a tattooed lady in a gym.

Lastly, tattoos are lifelong commitments, duh, but get something that you really want. Whether it's because it means something super important, or because it's just too dang pretty not to have on your body; make sure you love it. Don't accept whatever the tattoo artist draws up IF you don't like it. I've had my tattoo artist change things after he has it completely drawn it up if I just don't feel right about something. He doesn't ever care and gladly changes it. If he did care, I would have found someone else. The art is going to be on you forever. Now, I completely trust my tattooist's artistic vision and how well he knows me. He knows what I like and can tell what sort of style I want my tattoo to be. I think that's super important.

OH, and tip. :]