Decorated Skin

Tattoo Tuesday Break - Looking for new people to feature!

As some of you have noticed I didn’t do a Tattoo Tuesday this week. I’m taking a little break to find new people who want to be featured!

Requirements:

- Men or women over 18

- Medium to heavy coverage with good tattoos (If you only have a couple of big, good, pieces, you also qualify. If you have a body full of little scribbles I’m sorry but that’s not what I’m going for with this particular series)

- You don’t have to have a tumblr.

You can always email me some pictures if you’re not sure you’re suitable for this.

Do you want to be featured on Tattoo Tuesday? Or do you know someone who does? Email me at decoratedskinTT@gmail.com ! (Tumblr eats a lot of my asks so it’s safer to email me)

Spread the word!

(Also, there are still quite a few people who have received the questions/info but haven’t sent in their answers yet, if you read this, please do so I can start making your drafts!)

Friday May 5 @ 08:00am

Tattoo Tuesday - v.18

Name/Blog name: Jordyn Michelle … Instagram: @airjordy_

Age: 22

Occupation: Server/Bartender and student

Age of first tattoo: 19

Favorite tattoo: My Dr. Seuss half sleeve.

Featured tattoo + name of artist/shop where you had it done:

Dr. Seuss half sleeve.

Done by David Maynard at Couture Tattoo in North Canton, OH.

Tell us a bit more about your featured tattoo, does it have a special meaning to you, background story,..?

“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.” I got the Dr. Seuss tattoo to go with a certain quote that in a way I live by. I also love Dr. Seuss books and movies— they were a large part of my childhood.

Do you have any other tattoos, if so what do you have?

Yes. I have an outline of a horse and rider on my back with the date I got my first horse. I have the popular “infinite love” symbol on my left forearm. My right wrist has an Edgar Allan Poe quote. My left thigh has a large carousel horse and my right thigh has an anchor with a heart through it. Also, my right calf has an [unfinished] frame with Bast (the “Egyptian cat goddess”) inside it.

Do you plan on getting more? Of course! When I have the money.

How do your family, friends and surroundings feel about your tattoos? Most of my friends have tattoos and so they are “all for it”, of course. My mom does not hate tattoos and likes some of them but does not understand the amount. My father is very much a ‘business man’ and hates them… so that’s a little frustrating. I have to cover up for that side of my family.

What’s the most interesting experience you’ve ever had in regards to your tattoos?

I wouldn’t say I’ve had any!

What or who made you interested in tattoos to begin with?

Growing up, I was always “outside the norm”. In middle and high school I was a big ‘scene kid’ and went to a lot of hardcore and metal shows. I always thought tattoos were really neat and had interest in them. I’m terrified of needles so I never thought I would get any… but I gave in.

How do you answer the cliché questions: “Did that hurt? and What will you do when you’re old?”

Of course, it hurt. Tattoos always hurt; but if you want one that badly then it’s worth it in the end. My thighs definitely were the most painful and I hated my wrist as well. I have two thoughts on growing old with them: (1) If I hate them, they will probably eventually have a cream that you rub on and it takes them right off! or (2) I’ll be one badass old lady.

What do you feel about tattoo acceptance in the workplace? What’s your personal experience with it?

I think it definitely depends. I currently work in a corporate restaurant and only small tattoos like the ones on my forearms can be shown. I think it’s absolutely ludicrous. I always get compliments from customers and them asking to see my other ones. I also don’t know how they expect us to be “unique” if we can’t show our true selves. I think if you want to be a business person, sales person, etc. then you should be careful about tattoos. Me? I’ll be in Media Production behind a computer for life, so it’s not really a concern.

Any advice for those interested in getting tattooed?

Think your tattoos through and make sure you are getting something that you will want for life. Tattoos with stories behind them are the best tattoos! If you’re nervous; stay calm. I can never eat before I get tattooed (which is very important), so I always grab the largest smoothie I can find before hand and it keeps me from getting light headed. It helps a lot and it tastes wonderful!!!!

Thanks so much for your time !

If you want to be featured here, send me an email: natachadv1987@gmail.com

*For the previous editions of Tattoo Tuesday, on Sometimes Sweet, go to: http://sometimessweet.blogspot.com/search/label/Tattoo%20Tuesday

Tuesday Apr 4 @ 05:27pm

Tattoo Tuesday - v. 17

Name/Blog name: Laureline / http://madamexloutre.tumblr.com / loutredubretzel on IG

Age: 28

Occupation: Communication officer for an industrial furnitures supplier

Age of first tattoo: 23

Favorite tattoo: It’s hard to pick one. But one of my favorite is the portrait of my dog, Elvis. It’s has been done by Tristant Bubble Ink when he used to work in Lyon.

Featured tattoo + name of artist/shop where you had it done: My thigh tattoo, Mr. Valentine, the Romantic Fox done by Guen Douglas at Magnum Opus, Brighton.

Tell us a bit more about your featured tattoo, does it have a special meaning to you, background story,..?

One of my best friends lives in Brighton. I decided to get tattooed by Guen while visiting him. I discovered her work on the Internet and I totally fell in love with it and her way she tattoos animals. I told her that I wanted a cute fox and I had this amazing result. It doesn’t have a special meaning, just like most of my tattoos. I’m proud of it, it’s a part of me forever, it makes me feel more confident, like the others.

Do you have any other tattoos, if so what do you have?

Yes, I’ve got a full sleeve which is almost done, just need to add some small red pieces and fix one.

I’ve got my both feet : the portrait of my dog with his name and the Minor Threat’s sheep tattoo with a sweet background (background done by Fab Ing in Lyon)
A zombie hand on my calf, done by Quentin Legris, On the road
3 littles piece done by Sylvain « Pandido » on my thigh, he’s an amazing young tattoo artist, he only works since june 2012. He made my matching tattoo with my best friend, the snowflake flower, and the bee and the Good Riddance tape.

My right leg is my big project now since my arm is almost done.

I’ve got two dead unicorn flower on my chest, done by Morgane from Sour & Sweet Tattoo, Strasbourg and some others pieces on my arm and my tiny pretzel on my neck, I love it so much !

Do you plan on getting more?

Yes ! I’ve got appointments for

the back of my neck with Guen Douglas in march at Le Mondial du Tatouage in Paris
continue the stuff on my sleeve

And I’m waiting for Raphaël Trovato to confirm an appointment for my shin.

I’m also continue to have a few things on my thigh with « Pandido » from Artribal, Lyon, I’m planning to get a lighthouse by him in september on the back of my thigh and some others stuff like a croco on my shoulders and some others animal. I love animal tattoos.

How do your family, friends and surroundings feel about your tattoos?

My mom doesn’t like them but she gave up telling me to stop. My sister is also heavilly tattooed and my friends like them too. I feel weird with strangers on the streets sometimes, some stare at me in the street or touch my arm, it’s really disturbing ! Once, a woman told me I was awful in the supermarket… France is not friendly for tattooed people…

What’s the most interesting experience you’ve ever had in regards to your tattoos?

I like to share experiences with tattooed people, discover new artists and feel like being in a big family. I like the confidence I got with my tattoos, I’m proud of my body, with what I am.

What or who made you interested in tattoos to begin with?

As far as I remember, I’ve always seen myself with tattoos. But when I was 18, I met a guy who introduce me with artistic tattoos, I discovered the different styles and artists. I don’t see him anymore but I thank him for that !

How do you answer the cliché questions: “Did that hurt? and What will you do when you’re old?”

Yes, it hurts like hell !!! But as soon as it’s done you forget it ! And nevermind when I’ll get old, I’ll be ugly and creased anyway !

What do you feel about tattoo acceptance in the workplace? What’s your personal experience with it?

Well, in my job it’s weird, it’s OK that I have tattoos cos I’m in the communication team, but I always have to have a jacket/sweater with me to hide them when I go to another service. They call me the Suicide Girl of the firm,

I’m still considered as « strange » at my work place but my collegues stop asking me about my tattoos, the first months were boring for that, I was called the « Suicide Girl » of my firm,I don’t like this comparison…

Any advice for those interested in getting tattooed?

Choose your artist on his/her work, not on his/her price and don’t go too fast !

Thanks so much for your time !

If you want to be featured here, send me an email: natachadv1987@gmail.com

*For the previous editions of Tattoo Tuesday, on Sometimes Sweet, go to: http://sometimessweet.blogspot.com/search/label/Tattoo%20Tuesday

Tuesday Apr 4 @ 05:56pm

Tattoo Tuesday - V.16

Name/Blog name: Belle

Age: 30 (ouch…)

Occupation: stay-at-home-mom of 4 girls

Age of first tattoo: 22

Favorite tattoo: sterntaler fairytale piece on left shoulder/arm

Featured tattoo + name of artist/shop where you had it done: sterntaler fairytale piece Eva ‘Candy Cane’ Dekkers @ Lady Luck Weert (soon Desperado Tattoo Eindhoven) All my tattoos are done by her (except for two small ugly pieces I got on my wrists when I was 22, which Eva later wonderfully covered).

Tell us a bit more about your featured tattoo, does it have a special meaning to you, background story,..? It was my first big tattoo. I got it at age 28, a few months after the birth of my fourth daughter. I love my tattoos to be little fairytales. The Sterntaler story by Grimm is a very little story, but it has a beautiful meaning and I really loved the image of the girl with the stars, growing up. It is about giving and receiving. That when you are humble and give everything you can, you receive more than you gave.

I loved the idea of my tattoo being a kind of shadow or ‘cutting’. I explained the idea to Eva, my tattoo artist, and she understood me immediately. She did such a wonderful job.

Do you have any other tattoos, if so what do you have? I do. I have a girl with deer on my right shoulder/arm, some blackberries with a bumblebee on my right wrist, a swallow on my left wrist and my latest piece is a fox and a tiny hare on my back.

Do you plan on getting more? I do…

How do your family, friends and surroundings feel about your tattoos? My husband and daughters love them. My mother hates them, haha. Most people think they are beautiful and fit me, even if they don’t like tattoos in general. At least, that is what they tell me ;)

What’s the most interesting experience you’ve ever had in regards to your tattoos? A lot of people ask me if they are real??! I wonder why they do that, haha! I guess I don’t seem like the tattoo type ;)

What or who made you interested in tattoos to begin with? My husband actually. He got a wonderful tattoo when our first daughter was born, which symbolises her. He met his artist through a colleague with a lot of connections in the tattoo world and that’s how I met Candy Cane too.

My husband still only has that one piece, actually. While I might have got a bit addicted, I assume ;)

How do you answer the cliché questions: “Did that hurt? and What will you do when you’re old?” “Yes it did. But so did giving birth to four children” and ”Then I’ll just be an awesome old tattood lady. I think when I’m 60 I will dye my hair pink and will wear loose purple dresses to go with them.”

What do you feel about tattoo acceptance in the workplace? What’s your personal experience with it? Well, since I’m a stay-at-home-mom at the moment, I don’t have many experience with it. I guess I would have to wear long sleeves for some jobs, but I hope there are enough creative jobs out there , where having tattoos isn’t a problem.

Any advice for those interested in getting tattooed? Don’t be hasty. Find a good artist, which work you absolutely love. A tattoo will be with you

for the rest of your life. It will be worth the waiting.

Thanks so much for your time Belle!

If you want to be featured here, send me an email: natachadv1987@gmail.com

*For the previous editions of Tattoo Tuesday, on Sometimes Sweet, go to: http://sometimessweet.blogspot.com/search/label/Tattoo%20Tuesday

Tuesday Apr 4 @ 04:28pm

Tattoo Tuesday - v.15

Name: Bram Elstak

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bram.elstak https://www.facebook.com/bramelstakart

Instagram: @bram_elstak

Age: 28

Occupation: Graphic Designer for IKEA and in april i’ll start my tattoo apprenticeship at Candy Cane’s new tattooshop ‘Desperado Tattoo’ in Eindhoven (NL)

Age of first tattoo: 22

Favorite tattoo: Can’t choose … it’s like choosing your favourite child when you have more than one :-)

Featured tattoo + name of artist/shop where you had it done: Lower leg + foot, black/grey/red old school. Done by my brother Sjoerd Elstak – Wooden Anchor Tattoo. He works at Playersclub Tattoo in Maastricht (NL)

Tell us a bit more about your featured tattoo, does it have a special meaning to you, background story,..?

I got interested in tattoos at a young age because of my older brothers who got their first ones done, but I waited a long time before getting my first tattoo. When my brother started tattooing I definitely knew that he was the one to tattoo me for the first time. It still took a while before he was ready to take the step to tattoo his little brother, but this featured tattoo is the result of one of my first tattoos done by him. So that’s what makes it special for me; not the tattoo itself but the whole trip towards it and the fact that it’s done by my own brother… that’s what makes it special for me

Do you have any other tattoos, if so what do you have?

Yes, I think I can say that I have a lot of tattoos right now. Both my legs are covered from toes to upper leg by various artists (Sjoerd Elstak, Jan Netten, Candy Cane, Jelle Nelemans, Robert Brekelmans, Mike Suarez and some shitty things I tried myself :-)). Both sides of my ribs are done by Sascha Sevic from Dragon Tattoo. My chest was done by El Bara at the London Convention a couple of years ago. My left arm full sleeve by Darko Oneness and my right arm sleeve is in progress right now.

Do you plan on getting more?

Oh yeah! Right now I’m getting my second sleeve done by Sascha Sevic from Dragon Tattoo in my hometown Eindhoven, so that’s the running project for now. After that I’ll start thinking (and saving money ;-)) for my back piece but I don’t know yet what kind of design that will be. I like to think about those things when the time is ready.

How do your family, friends and surroundings feel about your tattoos?

Almost all of my friends are tattooed as well so they like it just as much as I do. My parents didn’t like it at first, but since my brother became a tattoo artist they started to accept it and sometimes even like my tattoos. My mom got tattooed herself (at age 60!) by my brother, so my nearest family is cool with it too. I’m glad I can say that I’ve never had a bad experience caused by my tattoos. Even at my job at IKEA it’s fully acceptable to walk around through the store with my sleeves showing.

What’s the most interesting experience you’ve ever had in regards to your tattoos? My passion for tattoos brought me a lot of cool experiences through the years. I met a lot of great people in the business; some of them have become close friends. I’ve been to great national and international conventions where I got tattooed and saw a lot of artist that I like. But one moment I’ll never forget: we all know how people in thestreets can react in summertime when everything is exposed. Especially parents with young children are somehow very protective, but one time I ran into a dad with a young daughter (age 5 I think) and I saw the little girl stare and point at my legs. Daddy took his girl by the hand and walked towards me and asked me nicely if they could have a closer look. He explained to the girl what tattoos are and how they get into the skin and she was totally flabbergasted by it. When they were done, he looked at her and said: ‘It’s great huh?’ I don’t know why I keep remembering this, but it was a special moment at that time maybe because it’s usually the other way around.

What or who made you interested in tattoos to begin with?

Like I said before it started with my older brother(s). They are 8 and 10 years older than me and they started getting tattoos when I was still a young boy. But when my eldest brother started tattooing himself it definitely started for me. Especially when I got my first one done…

How do you answer the cliché questions: “Did that hurt? and What will you do when you’re old?”

My answers are just as cliché as the questions are. I’m just honest, you know. I just tell them that it hurts indeed and I tell them that I’m not worried about what will happen when I’m old. I live in the now and I do the things that I want to do now.

What do you feel about tattoo acceptance in the workplace? What’s your personal experience with it?

At my job it’s totally accepted to walk around with tattoos and that’s a good thing of course. Last year I had a presentation for 15 executives and it was hot outside so it wasn’t really pleasant to wear long sleeves. I doubted one moment, but then I thought hey, this is who I am and my tattoos won’t affect any of my presentation abilities so fuck it. And what do you think? Not a word about it… and that’s how it should be!

Any advice for those interested in getting tattooed?

Think, think, think… and when you’re really sure about it… think again! I see a lot of (young) people getting tattooed out of peer pressure or for some other shitty reasons and that’s the worst thing what’s happening right now I think. So that’s my main advice … and of course: go to a decent shop and pay good money for good work. It’s worth it!

*Thanks so much for your time Bram!

If you want to be featured here, send me an email: natachadv1987@gmail.com

*For the previous editions of Tattoo Tuesday, on Sometimes Sweet, go to: http://sometimessweet.blogspot.com/search/label/Tattoo%20Tuesday

Tuesday Apr 4 @ 03:29pm

Tattoo Tuesday - v. 14

Name/Blog name:

My name is Johan and my Instagram is @wakeupinhell

Age: 30 years young ;)

Occupation: single satanist haha

Age of first tattoo: I was 18 when I got my first one. Got it as a gift from my dad. I was tattooed by a shady dude in a dark & scary shop. The tattoo was a classic barb wire tribal but it’s covered up now!

Favorite tattoo: definitely my neck tattoos! I love to cause reactions so I got satanic tattoos on the neck. One is a satanic priest and the other one is a goat

Featured tattoo + name of artist/shop where you had it done:

neck tattoos. Made by a guy called Tommy and his shop is called Tattoo Inkarnation and is located in Malmö Sweden

Tell us a bit more about your featured tattoo, does it have a special meaning to you, background story,..?

Well I don’t believe in god/Christianity or any other religion. Satanism is what lies close to my personal beliefs. Satanism is about respect and to never turn the other cheek. I am also my own “god”. The way my life is set is made by me only and not by any god. I choose my own destiny. So that’s why I chose to have the satanic influenced tattoos on my neck.

Do you have any other tattoos, if so what do you have?

I have many tattoos all over my body. Everything from realism to old/new school

Do you plan on getting more?

Every day haha

How do your family, friends and surroundings feel about your tattoos?

My family has always been very supportive in everything I do. Okay, they don’t always agree with all of my decisions but they respect them and they respect me as an adult.

What’s the most interesting experience you’ve ever had in regards to your tattoos?

Every experience has been interesting basically. I get to meet a lot of nice people and I’m an easy going guy so we always have fun doing my tattoos.

What or who made you interested in tattoos to begin with?

Well to me it’s was a lot about finding myself. It’s not very common to stand out in this country. And I also like to create reactions based on how I look. People always ask if I get negative reactions, I say all the time but to me all these reactions are positive. Which means that I’ve done something to them and their thoughts without really doing anything. It’s very satisfying to me haha.

How do you answer the cliché questions: “Did that hurt? and What will you do when you’re old?”

I get those questions Every day! And I always say of course it hurts! It’s needles stabbing you thousands of times per minute. But I find pain a very satisfying feeling because I now how cool it’s going to look when I’m done.

The part of getting old… I always say: I will look fucking cool when I’m old then won’t I!? Haha

What do you feel about tattoo acceptance in the workplace? What’s your personal experience with it?

My personal experience with it… To be honest, I don’t care what people think. If people want to judge me or look down on me because of my tattoos, go for it! Be small minded and judgemental… Good luck with your miserable life… I have one life on this planet and I will do all it takes to make myself feel happy and comfortable with myself. Then I can die happy and covered in my tattoos

Any advice for those interested in getting tattooed?

Always, always make sure you go to a professional! Don’t let the price decide! A good tattoo costs money! You get what you pay for! Plus, professionals work in a safe environment. A shady dude sitting at home in the kitchen does not! Do you really wanna put your life at risk just because the tattoo is 10 dollars cheaper? Think about it…

*Thanks so much for your time Johan!

If you want to be featured here, send me an email: natachadv1987@gmail.com

*For the previous editions of Tattoo Tuesday, on Sometimes Sweet, go to: http://sometimessweet.blogspot.com/search/label/Tattoo%20Tuesday

Tuesday Mar 3 @ 01:06pm

Tattoo Tuesday - v.13

Name/Blog name: Jaemi Leigh/mysavageheart.tumblr.com/mysavageheart instagram

Age: 24

Occupation: Mountain Climbing wanderer

Age of first tattoo: 18

Favorite tattoo: My Wanderlust hiking boots

Featured tattoo + name of artist/shop where you had it done: My siamese owl stomach piece done by my best friend, Veronique Gray at Tantrix Body Art.

Tell us a bit more about your featured tattoo, does it have a special meaning to you, background story,..?

It has poppies and snowflakes incorporated into it. It is probably the most meaningful tattoo that I have but would never allow anyone to know that much about me, haha.

Do you have any other tattoos, if so what do you have?

Holy hell…Where do I start. I have a View Monster on the back of my neck, a heart with an anchor through it on the side of my neck, my skull and snowflake chest piece, my zombie war cemetary sleeve, my lighthouse on my left arm, sugar skull storm trooper on my left arm, Wanderlust hiking boots on left arm, traditional rose on my left arm, traditional lamp with a fox and parasols half sleeve, fishnet seams with skull bows on the backs of my legs, satanic goat head with tentacles coming out of it’s mouth on the inside of my left thigh, Molotov cocktail with moth wings on the side of my left thigh, preying mantis with venus flytraps on left shin, shark eating lady’s leg on left foot, portrait of Elizabeth Short on right calf, wolf with noose in it’s mouth on right foot. I also have “Hard Work” on the inside of my hands.

Do you plan on getting more?

I won’t stop until I’m dead.

How do your family, friends and surroundings feel about your tattoos? Most think I am just a breathing canvas and some just forget they are even there.

What’s the most interesting experience you’ve ever had in regards to your tattoos?

My best friend tattooing my stomach and causing me the most pain I’ve felt in my life all the while, laughing and drinking beer. The worst was the top of my ribs on that one, I could feel the machine in my teeth.

What or who made you interested in tattoos to begin with?

My other really good friend Kurtis was going to get a tattoo on Halloween and said I should finally get one too since I was finally 18, so I did.

How do you answer the cliché questions: “Did that hurt? and What will you do when you’re old?”

As calmly and politely as possible. Unless someone is being a real d-bag about it.

What do you feel about tattoo acceptance in the workplace? What’s your personal experience with it?

I’ve always worked within professional offices and I have always been accepted within these types of places because I dress accordingly. I think if you do that then tattoos should really just be considered in the way skin color does. It shouldn’t matter anymore, it’s 2013.

Any advice for those interested in getting tattooed?

Unless it’s something timeless for you, don’t bother. This is the only canvas you will ever have and leave behind. Don’t make a mess, it’s your body, not a bathroom stall.

*Thanks so much for your time!

If you want to be featured here, send me an email: natachadv1987@gmail.com

*For the previous editions of Tattoo Tuesday, on Sometimes Sweet, go to: http://sometimessweet.blogspot.com/search/label/Tattoo%20Tuesday

Tuesday Mar 3 @ 12:31pm

Tattoo Tuesday - v.12

Name/Blog name: Laura! My tumblr is laurajackieee and my instagram name is laurajackieee as well!

Age: 21

Occupation: Former cosmetologist turned full-time engineering student!

Age of first tattoo: 18

Favorite tattoo: Ahhhh! I can’t pick a favorite because I love them all. But I’ll go with my spirit wolf, done by AJ Lingerfeldt at Blood, Sweat, and Tears Tattoo in Charlotte, NC.

Featured tattoo + name of artist/shop where you had it done: Hmmm, I guess I will go with my knuckles on this one. Done by Jenn Small (http://littlejennsmall.tumblr.com) at Blood Sweat & Tears Tattoo in Charlotte, NC.

Tell us a bit more about your featured tattoo, does it have a special meaning to you, background story,..? It does! When my grandmother passed away at 90 a few years ago, a video was played at her memorial service. My cousin, a TV producer, had interviewed her about her life. When he asked her if she had any regrets she replied “No, because all I can do is look forward to the next thing in life.” Since then, I’ve tried to focus my life around moving forward and staying positive. I used to surround myself with a lot of negativity and regret and it only made me unhappy. Since I’ve let go of the past and learned to actually “look forward” to every day, I have found that I am much more at peace with myself!

Do you have any other tattoos, if so what do you have? I have several more, equaling almost 60 hours of work total. Some of my main pieces are my owl with a monocle, clipper ship and stormy seas thigh piece, seahorse, and tea cups.

Do you plan on getting more? Of course! However, school comes first so getting tattooed has taken quite the back-burner. It’s actually been over 6 months since I got tattooed which is the longest I’ve gone since I turned 18.

How do your family, friends and surroundings feel about your tattoos? My parents were always very against them when I was younger. My mom didn’t find out until I had about 7 tattoos in various places because she found my Model Mayhem. She wasn’t mad but I could definitely tell she was disappointed. Now she is very respectful about them and sees them as artwork. Her only concern is the money spent and limitations for job opportunities.

What’s the most interesting experience you’ve ever had in regards to your tattoos? Hmmm…interesting? I’m not quite sure. I travel a lot so it’s interesting to see how different regions react differently. Sometimes, I’m treated like a one-woman traveling circus and sometimes, people are very respectful and polite. I did, however, have a little boy come up to me and tell me that my tattoos were “too colorful” but he liked my wolf. Then he proceeded to tell me that he likes Lil Wayne’s tattoos. Le sigh!

What or who made you interested in tattoos to begin with? Honestly, I can’t remember. Around 13 years old, I started listening to “alternative” music and wanting to dye my hair/get piercings. My mom always said it was a phase and that I’d grow out of it (I never did)! No one in my family has tattoos so it was kind’ve a taboo subject until I got them.

How do you answer the cliché questions: “Did that hurt? and What will you do when you’re old?”

It depends on who is asking. If someone who is honestly interesting in getting tattooed, I’ll tell them about my experience. However, I always make sure to say that everyone handles pain differently. Everyone has a different pain tolerance level! When people ask me about my future, I tell them that I’m 21 with two career paths that both generally accept tattoos. I also tell people that I’ll look exactly the same as I would without tattoos, just a bit more colorful.

What do you feel about tattoo acceptance in the workplace? What’s your personal experience with it?

This is somewhat a controversial subject for me. I went to cosmetology school and worked in a salon and swore up and down that was my lifetime career. But then I changed my mind due to financial and health reasons. I decided to go into engineering which is much more accepting of tattoos than most other majors. Unfortunately because I have my hands tattooed, part-time jobs that pay well (because of my experience) are hard to come by. Right now my focus is getting through school and settling into a career. Females are not very common in the engineering field so regardless, I will be guaranteed a job after graduation. *On the other hand* one of the career paths that I am currently seeking requires that I undergo laser removal on the tattoos behind my ears. It is very painful and costly so please, please keep this in mind when you commit to get tattoos in place that will limit job opportunities!

Any advice for those interested in getting tattooed? WAIT. Seriously. If you think you want a tattoo right when you turn 18, then wait. The things you want when you are 18 are vastly different from what you want at 21, 25, or 30. So I recommend waiting and thinking about the things you hold closest to you rather than getting a tattoo that doesn’t hold any meaning. Also, you get what you pay for. Good work is NOT cheap and cheap work is NOT good. You are permanently marking your body so ask yourself: would you rather be covered in poor quality work or have several well-done pieces? My last piece of advice is this: you will change your mind about your career at some point in your life. Be careful when getting a tattoo in areas that cannot be hidden (hands, neck, behind ears, etc) because like me, you may change your mind and have to undergo a lot of painful and expensive laser removal!

*Thanks so much for your time!

If you want to be featured here, send me an email: natachadv1987@gmail.com

*For the previous editions of Tattoo Tuesday, on Sometimes Sweet, go to: http://sometimessweet.blogspot.com/search/label/Tattoo%20Tuesday

Tuesday Mar 3 @ 10:49am

Tattoo Tuesday - v.11

Name/Blog name: Inkie May (http://www.flickr.com/photos/inkie-mummy/) facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Inkies.Sunshine.and.Lollipops

Age: 29 (eeek)

Occupation: Full Time Carer for my son

Age of first tattoo: 20

Favorite tattoo: Alice matryoshka doll

Featured tattoo + name of artist/shop where you had it done: Andy Paris Tattoo Gallery South Australia

Tell us a bit more about your featured tattoo, does it have a special meaning to you, background story,..?

My Alice is/was the start of my Alice in Wonderland sleeve. So many of my other tattoos have quite long winded meanings, so it was nice to start a piece that just shows a passion from my youth. I cannot wait to get my other pieces colored and more added to it.

Do you have any other tattoos, if so what do you have?

I have lots! A full right sleeve of sorts for my children I hold and the child I lost. A big pink bow on my back, a lock on my neck which my husband has the matching key to, a sewing garter on my left leg, wings on my ankles, a cup cake on my ribs and a few bits in the work on my Alice sleeve.

Do you plan on getting more? Yes! I plan on finishing off my left arm and then I have one more special piece planned for my right leg.

How do your family, friends and surroundings feel about your tattoos?

At first my mother hated them, she doesn’t love them but she has come to expect more. My husband has a few but has no plans to be as covered as me and likewise with my friends.

What’s the most interesting experience you’ve ever had in regards to your tattoos?

I have no regrets when it comes to my tattoos, I am constantly surprised how many people come up and talk to you about it, which I find very difficult because I’m a naturally shy person. Often it is mostly nice comments or people constantly asking where I got them, however, I am also sadden by how badly I am often treated because of them too, ignored, abused verbally and often given the down nose look.

What or who made you interested in tattoos to begin with?

That’s a good question, I really have no idea, just a feeling that I’ve always had for as long as I can remember. It was probably my best friend in high school who made the feeling into a possibility. We were heavily into punk in the 90’s and always talked about getting tattoos. Just a natural progression for me I guess.

How do you answer the cliché questions: “Did that hurt? and What will you do when you’re old?”

They do get old fast don’t they? My answer really depends on how many times I’ve been asked that day. I usually tell them it hurts and that I don’t really mind.

What do you feel about tattoo acceptance in the workplace? What’s your personal experience with it?

Before my son needed more of my care (he has Angelman syndrome http://www.angelmansyndrome.org/home.html) I worked in retail and had to cover my arms. It started to change just before I had to quit. I’ve been really lucky that most of my bosses were very nice about it and as long as the customers weren’t complaining they really didn’t mind.

Any advice for those interested in getting tattooed?

Take your time there is no need to rush, work with an artist you love on a piece that is right for you. I love that with each I sat down and really worked with my artist to make something I am happy to wear for the rest of my life. You are going to get staired at and talked about, best be it for something you are proud of rather than something you rushed and regret.

*Thanks so much for your time Inkie! If you want to be featured here, send me an email: natachadv1987@gmail.com*

For the previous editions of Tattoo Tuesday, on Sometimes Sweet, go to: http://sometimessweet.blogspot.com/search/label/Tattoo%20Tuesday

Tuesday Mar 3 @ 01:39pm

tattoo tuesday - v.11

Name/Blog name: Caitlin, http://becomingalaska.tumblr.com

Instagram - becomingalaska

Age:21

Occupation: I am currently working as a Recruitment Coordinator and studying a Bachelors of Education as well.

Age of first tattoo: I was 16 when I got my first tattoo, which sounds pretty silly now. I had my anchor done, which is on my collar bone.

Favorite tattoo:

It’s a toss up between my Ariel and my Cinderella dress.

Featured tattoo + name of artist/shop where you had it done:

Sweet as Sugar Milkshake created by Toby Gawler (http://tattoosbytoby.tumblr.com) who works at Shanghai Charlie’s in Sydney, Australia.

Tell us a bit more about your featured tattoo, does it have a special meaning to you, background story,..?

I am a huge sucker for sweets and seeing Toby’s worked inspired me to go ahead and get a food inspired piece done. I don’t have any specific meaning behind it, just the fact that it is adorable.

Do you have any other tattoos, if so what do you have?

I have plenty of other tattoos! A few of my favourites being Ariel, my Minnie and Mickey candy hearts, my Perks of Being a Wallflower quote and a key on my ribs which is matching with my best friend who lives overseas.

Do you plan on getting more?

Definitely! I’m getting a Chinese inspired fan in the same style of my half sleeve on my collar bone in March.

How do your family, friends and surroundings feel about your tattoos?

My brother has a fair amount of tattoos so he kind of broke the ice with my parents views on tattoos. My mum is okay with them but she doesn’t love the fact I have them. My dad likes to ignore the fact they are there. Most of my friends have tattoos as well so it’s not a major thing when it comes to my friendship circle.

What’s the most interesting experience you’ve ever had in regards to your tattoos?

I actually have a finger tattoo which is a moustache (very dumb decision) and it had completely smudged my finger to the point where the whole thing looks bruised.

What or who made you interested in tattoos to begin with?

I guess my brother influenced me pretty heavily, he started my love for tattoos and it basically blossomed from there.

How do you answer the cliché questions: “Did that hurt? and What will you do when you’re old?”

I had a tattoo artist once tell me I had wolverine skin because I’m pretty unphased by tattoo pain. I don’t really get the question about when I am old though!!

What do you feel about tattoo acceptance in the workplace? What’s your personal experience with it?

I’ve never had a bad experience within my workplace with my tattoos. I know when it’s suitable to cover up, if I have a meeting to be in with a client of course I am going to wear a blazer anyway, if I’m just in the office working its not necessary for me to hide my tattoos. I guess it depends on the kind of environment you work in. I personally don’t feel the need to have my tattoos out in every situation I am in so I don’t have an issue hiding them.

Any advice for those interested in getting tattooed?

Make sure you plan ahead. Find an artist who’s work impacts you and study their portfolio before going ahead with them. Finding the perfect artist for you is just as important as deciding on a piece you want on your body forever.

*Thanks so much for your time Caitlin! If you want to be featured here, send me an email: natachadv1987@gmail.com or send me your email via pm*

For the previous editions of Tattoo Tuesday, on Sometimes Sweet, go to: http://sometimessweet.blogspot.com/search/label/Tattoo%20Tuesday

Tuesday Feb 2 @ 03:27pm

*important message about tattoo tuesdays*

To all those of you who’ve been in contact with me in regards to Tattoo Tuesday, if I already sent you the questions/info email please reply with your answers! I only have about 2 features lined up and ready, after those I have no one anymore.

So I need your replies asap!

To all people just seeing this: if you want to be featured as well, please message me your email address (via fanmail) and I’ll let you know all the details! (please only people with a good amount of coverage <3)

Tuesday Feb 2 @ 02:42pm

Tattoo Tuesday - v. 10

Name/Blog name: Amanda/ Instagram: @amandafincher

Age: 27

Occupation: SAHM/Part-time counter person at La’Rox Tattoos

Age of first tattoo: 18

Favorite tattoo: Roses and love letter on my left hand

Featured tattoo + name of artist/shop where you had it done: Deer with flowers and a banner with my daughter’s name in it. The artist is Blair Atom at Art Bomb Tattoos in Massillon, OH. I’ve been tattooed by a lot of people, but he has done the most work on me by far. I highly recommend him.

Tell us a bit more about your featured tattoo, does it have a special meaning to you, background story,..?

While I was pregnant with my daughter, Scarlet, I had a lot of time to think about what I may end up getting tattooed for her. It snowed the morning my son was born, and shortly after I had Blair do a bunch of snowflakes and a banner with his name. So, I wanted to get something just as special for her as well. I ended up deciding on the deer because of her eyes. She was born with the biggest doe eyes I’ve ever seen. She was also born in the spring, so it seemed fitting to add the wildflowers around it. We also decided to give the deer blue eyes like my daughter’s. Luckily they stayed that way!

Do you have any other tattoos, if so what do you have?

I have a lot more. I have some Angelique Houtkamp flash on my left shin, which is actually my most recent tattoo, a sugar skull on my foot, bows on the backs of my legs, three roses on my chest, and a portrait of Audrey Hepburn, to name a few. Honestly, I have too many to list!

Do you plan on getting more?

Absolutely! I love everything about tattoos, and I definitely plan on getting as many as I can fit on my body.

How do your family, friends and surroundings feel about your tattoos?

My family has come around. Sort of. My parents were pretty upset about the first few, and they still ask me when I’m “going to stop,” but they’re never mean about it. I think they’ve accepted it. The rest of my family either doesn’t care, or they’ve politely ignored them. No one really says anything about them. I think they’ve just been accepting of who I am, which I am very grateful for. Most of my friends are also tattooed, and the ones who aren’t will probably end up with a few of their own someday. I’m lucky enough to be able to stay at home with my kids most of the time, and needless to say, the tattoo shop I work for doesn’t mind them too much.

What’s the most interesting experience you’ve ever had in regards to your tattoos?

I think overall what is most interesting about being heavily tattooed is how strongly people react to it. The amount of people who ask me about them is overwhelming sometimes, and their reactions to my skin can be somewhat off-putting. I’m a pretty shy, quiet person, and most of the time being ogled and/or touched by strangers is…overwhelming, to say the least.

What or who made you interested in tattoos to begin with?

I became interested in body piercings when I was about 16 or 17, but my parents wouldn’t let me pierce anything other than my ears. So, the day I turned 18 I ended up at Art Bomb to get pierced. And a couple months later I was back for another one. And a couple months after that I was there for my first tattoo. It just kind of happened. I never planned on being this heavily tattooed, but I fell in love with it, the whole process, and I don’t regret any of them. Not even the bad ones, haha.

How do you answer the cliché questions: “Did that hurt? and What will you do when you’re old?”

I remember the first time someone asked me what I was going to do when I was old. I was 18, and in true teenager, smart-ass fashion, I told them that I didn’t plan on living that long. That shut them up pretty quickly. I don’t say that anymore, of course. Now I just tell people that I love my tattoos and I don’t ever see myself getting to a point in my life where I wouldn’t love them anymore. And as for “Did that hurt?”, I always tell people the truth. Yes. Yes it did hurt to get stabbed repeatedly with several needles for 2 hours. I think a lot of times people just want to comment on them or ask about them, but they don’t know what else to ask aside from the obvious.

What do you feel about tattoo acceptance in the workplace? What’s your personal experience with it?

I haven’t had to deal with any discrimination in the workplace, and my whole philosophy on that is that if an employer is going to treat me differently because of my tattoos, then I probably don’t want to work for them anyway.

Any advice for those interested in getting tattooed?

It’s been said a hundred times, but I will say it again: Do your research. Find a reputable shop, and choose an artist based on a strong portfolio. Another thing I look for is a good personality. Although Blair’s work is the main reason I keep going back to him, his personality is the second reason. If you’re going to be spending that much time with someone, it’s nice to know they’re not going to be a total asshole. Also, good tattoos aren’t cheap, and cheap tattoos aren’t good. Don’t try to haggle with an artist over the price. I’ve seen this so many times. If you truly feel that someone is overcharging for their work, then simply don’t go back to them. But don’t try to get them to come down. Prices are set based on size of the piece, where it’s located on the body, the amount of detail in the piece, and how long it’s going to take to do it. The artist knows what they’re doing, and they price accordingly. Last, but not least, enjoy the experience!

I also want to give credit to some of the other artists whose work is pictured.

Audrey Hepburn portrait - Rich Helton, Couture Tattoo Co. in Canton, OH

Angelique Houtkamp flash (mustached sailor), and “Luckys” clover - Ed Smith, Luckys Tattoo in Orville, OH

Roses and love letter - Blair Atom, Art Bomb Tattoo in Massillon, OH

*Thanks so much for your time Amanda! If you want to be featured here, send me an email: natachadv1987@gmail.com or send me your email via pm*
For the previous editions of Tattoo Tuesday, on Sometimes Sweet, go to: http://sometimessweet.blogspot.com/search/label/Tattoo%20Tuesday

Tuesday Feb 2 @ 02:27pm

Tattoo Tuesday - v.9

Name/Blog name): https://www.facebook.com/barney.gerollheimer.71 ; 3dirtbag3 on isntagram

Age: born in 1991 (21 years)

Occupation: Mechatronik

Age of first tattoo: 18

Favorite tattoo: My whole sleeve and my thigh

Featured tattoo + name of artist/shop where you had it done:

Hardcore ink. (Kassel - Germany ; Artist: Alex dörfler (most of them)

Tell us a bit more about your featured tattoo, does it have a special meaning to you, background story,..?

It has kind of a special “meaning” to me. I feel like my tattoos belong with me, I don’t feel complete without them. Don’t know how to describe it - it’s like love. You dont know exactly why you love someone. its just there. That feeling. - same feeling I have about my tattoos, I just wanted those tattoos I’ve got !

Do you have any other tattoos, if so what do you have?

Dimebag darrell on my leg. Two women faces in the style of dia de los muertes on my other leg. Sandclock on my leg. A big anchor on my thigh and a shipwheel on my other thigh.

Do you plan on getting more?

Yes ! my second sleeve is in process and I want my whole body done !

How do your family, friends and surroundings feel about your tattoos?

Good. Many people ask me about my awesome tattoos.

What’s the most interesting experience you’ve ever had in regards to your tattoos? i Was hanging around with some heavily tattooed guys in the sun and a VERY OLD woman came to me and told me that her husband was a sailor …. with a bunch of tattoos. Then the woman told me some stories about his life. It touched my heart. The old woman loved our tattoos.

What or who made you interested in tattoos to begin with?

My whole life. As a child I was a big fan of mike nass. And was always listening to “rock” music. Tattoos were around me my whole life.

How do you answer the cliché questions: “Did that hurt? and What will you do when you’re old?”

” No it doesn’t hurt, and the good thing is: On the tattooed skin there are no more hairs ever. They dont grow again”….

The 2nd question I’ll answer like this: (saw it on a picture online) “Probably going to grow an epic beard and hang out with other badass tattooed dudes and generally look awesome. What are you going to do when you look like every other old bastard ?!”

What do you feel about tattoo acceptance in the workplace? What’s your personal experience with it?

Very positive. But I’m working in a very social place. I think in other companies there might be more problems. Maybe I will find out in the future..

Any advice for those interested in getting tattooed?

Getcha’ Pull !

*Thanks so much for your time Alexander! If you want to be featured here, send me an email: natachadv1987@gmail.com*
For the previous editions of Tattoo Tuesday, on Sometimes Sweet, go to: http://sometimessweet.blogspot.com/search/label/Tattoo%20Tuesday

Tuesday Feb 2 @ 03:11pm

Tattoo Tuesday - v.8

Name/Blog name: Cassie! teaplusbeardspluscake.tumblr.com

Instagram - teabeardsandcake

Twitter - TeaWithCake

Age: 25

Occupation: I work for a Students’ Union, supporting representatives, campaigners and upholding democracy!

Age of first tattoo: 18

Favorite tattoo: Oooh this is so tough! I’d have to say either my dagger by Kim-Anh Nguen, the wolf’s head on my knee by Kris Manyana or my upper arm by Joe Ellis.

Featured tattoo + name of artist/shop where you had it done:

Upper arm, pocket watch, bird and roses by Joe Ellis at Cock A Snook Tattoo Parlour, Newcastle, UK. He now works at Lab Monkey in Stirling, Scotland.

Tell us a bit more about your featured tattoo, does it have a special meaning to you, background story,..?

I’d always wanted a pocket watch of some kind and I decided to have it incorporated into a large piece on my upper arm as part of my sleeve. I love birds so I had a chat with Joe about what we could do. I loved his style so I was happy to leave it to him! The time on the pocket watch is the time of my birth, 11.13am.

Do you have any other tattoos, if so what do you have?

I do! I’m working on my left arm at the moment; my sleeve has been in the making for a fair while. I have a tea cup that says ‘Tea Fixes Everything’ within it because it reminds me to take a break when I get stressed, have a cuppa and calm down. I have a couple of pieces by Kim-Anh Nguyen, a lock and key, a dagger and a strength arrow. The wolf on my knee is done by Kris Manyana at The Great Western Tattoo Club, Swindon and I also have a couple of pieces by Bryony Edwards at Alzone Tattoo, Gloucester UK. I have awful tattoos on my feet that will be covered in the near future!

Do you plan on getting more?

Yes! I love getting tattooed and it’s a very personal experience for me so I definitely plan on continuing! I have an all day session with Kris Manyana booked in February where I’ll be having some more work done on my sleeve! I’m getting my ditch, elbow and right knee tattooed. Planning on covering my feet this year too as well as getting the back of my thighs tattooed with ‘Honesty’ and ‘Loyalty’ (how original!) And after that, who knows!

How do your family, friends and surroundings feel about your tattoos?

My mum absolutely hated all my tattoos for a long time. We had a very difficult period where she felt that I was making myself ugly and she really disapproved. It took her a long time to accept that I wasn’t going to stop getting them and that I was just being the person that I wanted to be. My dad doesnt know I have as many as I do! The rest of my family are ok with it, my friends love them and generally I don’t have any problems :)

What’s the most interesting experience you’ve ever had in regards to your tattoos?

I don’t know if i’ve really had any interesting experiences. I mean, i’ve met some of my best friends through getting tattooed so that’s a great experience. I get stopped in the street sometimes but that’s not interesting, it’s rude! Just because I have tattoos doesn’t mean you have the right to touch me! Ummm…I guess the weird thing is that every time I get tattooed, someone else in the shop getting tattooed will faint…That’s happened a few times! Weird!

What or who made you interested in tattoos to begin with?

I honestly have no idea! I just remember really wanting one as soon as I turned 18 and never looking back. I just couldn’t get enough of the art and the culture and the way it made bodies change. I thought it was all awesome!
I went to my first tattoo convention when I was 18 too, and everything about it was amazing.

How do you answer the cliché questions: “Did that hurt? and What will you do when you’re old?”

Of course it hurts! It’s going to hurt no matter where you get tattooed so just do it!
When i’m old i’ll just look more interesting that everyone else :)

What do you feel about tattoo acceptance in the workplace? What’s your personal experience with it?

I am so lucky that I work somewhere where my tattoos are accepted and my colleagues have no issues with how many I get or where. I do however cover up if I have an important meeting or conference or something; but I think it’s disgusting that I feel the need to do that!
Tattoos make no difference to the way a person can or cannot do a job; they don’t say anything about my character or personality other than the fact that I like tattoos! It really bothers me that in 2013 we’re still having conversations about whether tattoos are respectable or not. Some of the best, nicest and most awesome people I have ever met are very heavily tattooed and I don’t see them any differently to my non-tattooed friends.

Any advice for those interested in getting tattooed?

DO YOU RESEARCH!!!!!!!!! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!!!
Research the best artists for the style that you want and look for nice clean lines and colours. Research the studio that they work out of; is it clean? Do other people recommend it?
Ask questions, don’t be scared to discuss in detail with the artist. Don’t be scared to say if you’re not sure about something on the stencil/drawing…It’s your last chance to say something!
Don’t go hunting for the cheapest artist and grumble about the expense…It’s going to be on your body forever so it’s worth paying out for something unbelievably amazing!
And as they say, cheap tattoos aren’t good, good tattoos aren’t cheap!
But above all, enjoy it :)

*Thanks so much for your time Cassie! If you want to be featured here, send me an email: natachadv1987@gmail.com or send me your email via pm*

For the previous editions of Tattoo Tuesday, on Sometimes Sweet, go to: http://sometimessweet.blogspot.com/search/label/Tattoo%20Tuesday

Tuesday Feb 2 @ 02:46pm

Tattoo Tuesday - v.7

Name/Blog name: Hi! My real name is Sara, blog is called flowersandabird, Instagram name is vespertineview =)

Age: 24

Occupation: secretary at a law firm

Age of first tattoo: 21

Favorite tattoo: the Alphonse Mucha inspired lady on the lower part of my right arm

Featured tattoo + name of artist/shop where you had it done:
My latest piece, the hourglass with the banner, was done by Younes at Brabo’s Hand, Antwerp (Belgium) - as are most of my other tattoos.

Tell us a bit more about your featured tattoo, does it have a special meaning to you, background story,..?
I’d been toying with the idea of an hourglass, because of the link with time being fleeting, making the most of your life, doing what you love,… Things like that. Plus, it’s an aesthetically pleasing object, and very feminine as well. The banner says ”don’t ever let life pass you by”, whichbrings across the same sentiment. They’re also lyrics from one of my favorite songs by my all time favorite band: Warning, by Incubus.

Do you have any other tattoos, if so what do you have?
Why, yes I do; in chronological order:

- on my left forearm: “make yourself” in simple script (also inspired by an Incubus album/song)
- on my upper right arm: lilies (based on a painting by Japanese artist Hokusai), a poppy (inspired by the cover of the Incubus album called A Crow Left of the Murder - the inner circular lines actually say ”from here on it’s instinctual”) and a small abstract bird
- also on my upper right arm: a floral themed lady head inspired by art nouveau/a specific Mucha piece (called “Bières de la Meuse”)
- on my lower right arm: a little sailboat floating in the sky, based on the ship that sails to Neverland in Peter Pan

Do you plan on getting more?
Ohhh yes, definitely! I think it’s safe to say I’m addicted. Ideas are constantly popping up in my mind and I’m always excited about the idea of getting something new. It’s genuinely one of those things that make me really happy in life.

How do your family, friends and surroundings feel about your tattoos

?
I’d say about 80% of my loved ones are against them, and wish I didn’t have them. My family and my best friends are definitely not ‘tattoo people’. They don’t like the stigma that’s still attached to them, and before I had any work done, they were probably the kind of people that would go ‘oh my god, look at that! who does that?!’ They’ve of course learned to live with it now, but my mom will always tell me: “Please say this is the last one”, which I can’t ever promise. Because I know that would be far from true!

What’s the most interesting experience you’ve ever had in regards to your tattoos?

I’m actually surprised by the amount of good reactions I get in relation to my tattoos. Going in, I was prepared for backlash, stares, people not getting it, negativity… And all of those things have happened and they still do, but the positive reaction far outweighs the negative one. Of course, people do stare; they do gasp for air when I take off my sweater, and they do ask questions that are very personal. But most people comment on the fact that they might not be into tattoos, but they do like my drawings.

My most interesting experience had to be in Indonesia, where people apparantly LOVE tattoos. It would start off with one Indonesian dude going: “Nice tattoo!”, and then before I know it, it was all day, every day. And I was there for a month ;) After a while, it became apparant that you could show up with a turd tatooed on your chest, and they’d still love it.

What or who made you interested in tattoos to begin with?

I got my first tattoo as a tribute to my grandpa. He had passed away after battling cancer for too long a time, and I wanted something permanent to remember this amazing, wonderful man by. I also wanted to feel even a millionth of the pain he’d had to go through for years, and a tattoo seemed like the perfect way to do that.
Since then, all my tattoos are always linked to this ‘feeling physical pain as a symbol for any other kind of pain I might feel’ thing. They remind me I’ve been through some rough times, and I’m still here, still going strong. The rough times helped shape who I am, and my tattoos are daily reminders of that.

How do you answer the cliché questions: “Did that hurt? and What will you do when you’re old?”

“Did that hurt?”: I tell people it doesn’t necessarily hurt, as much as it is just uncomfortable. Of course, there’s a pain factor involved, but it’s definitely bearable. I do always specify that I’ve only ever had my arms done, so I can’t speak for the more sensitive regions like ribs or feet.When people tell me they really want to get tattooed, but are scared of the pain, I tell them to please not let that keep them from going for it.

“What will you do when you’re old?”: I really, really don’t care. Life is fluent, things happen, people change. Sure, the meaning of my tattoos might shift, or become irrelevant. But they’re relevant to me now, and I don’t think I’ll ever regret that. In fact, I’m pretty darn sure I won’t. I’ll just be colorfully wrinkly when I’m old! Can’t see anything wrong with that.

What do you feel about tattoo acceptance in the workplace? What’s your personal experience with it?
I used to always work in retail, and they were never an issue there. However, I just started working a desk job, which entails meeting lawyers on a daily basis, and it’s most definitely a problem there. I have to cover up the big ones and thus always wear a cardigan. I can see where they’re coming from, but I wish people weren’t so closeminded anymore. I’m pretty sure most people realise being tattooed doesn’t equal being a criminal or a lowlife. But alas, there are still the ones that do, and for those, we’re just going to have to fold, sometimes.

Any advice for those interested in getting tattooed?
I know a lot of people like the idea of getting spontaneously tattooed, but my personal advice would be: think about it. Be damn sure that what you’re getting is definitely what you want. Talk to your artist, like, actually talk: be specific about what you want. But, and I find this very important, let the artist do their thing. Pitch an idea, and then let them know it’s okay (more than okay!) to do their own thing with it. That way, you get a personalised piece, and a happy artist who will respect you.

Don’t let your fear of pain deter you from getting tattooed. Don’t let prejudice scare you off.
If tattooed is what you want to be, I say go for it. Sure, it’s not for everyone, but it doesn’t have to be. Your body, your skin, your life. The world could use some more of us ;)

*Thanks so much for your time Sarah! If you want to be featured here, send me an email: natachadv1987@gmail.com*
For the previous editions of Tattoo Tuesday, on Sometimes Sweet, go to: http://sometimessweet.blogspot.com/search/label/Tattoo%20Tuesday

Tuesday Jan 1 @ 09:53am