The collectors: Jade Michael, USA

"It's a part of who I am," says Jade about being tattooed. Although it's no different from what any girl on this blog would say, to Jade it truly means a lot, as she's found herself completely immersed in the tattoo world, and it is a pleasure to me to feature the story behind her beautiful collection. 

"I'm actually on a plane home to Brooklyn, NY from the Bay Area Tattoo Convention as I write this.  My boyfriend was tattooing there, so I went for a few days to help him set up and to hang out with a good amount of our friends who also flew in to work the convention. Right after this convention he is headed to the New Zealand tattoo convention for close to a month, so this was a way for us to spend some time together before he left again. And in that sense, tattooing has a bigger role in my life than most people's and that I ever expected it to have.

Rewinding a bit, my first spark with tattoos came from my dad I suppose, who in his day was a badass punk with a mohawk and a flaming skull tattoo on his shoulder. When I was old enough to get my first tattoo at 18, I was living on my own, unable to live any longer under the extremely conservative, christian rules of my mother and step-father, and definitely channeling my dad's younger spirit. At this time I was very close with a tattoo artist and decided, after spending some time playing with the idea, that I would go to his mentor to get my first one done. It was a decent sized anchor on my thigh.

My first couple of tattoos were a stretch towards symbolism in my life at the time and were more specific, but the more I got tattooed the more my understanding of the art and culture of it broadened. As I matured so did my taste in tattoos. I never intended to be heavily tattooed and I still don't think of myself as having that many, especially not when I see people working on entire full body pieces. But I've always been an all or nothing individual, so once I got one I had to get more. I tell people with no tattoos all the time to never get one because of that very reason.

Jade's arms and legs adorned with ink // Reaper tattoos on the back of her thighs are by Jacob Neumann

Most of mine were done after I moved from California, back home to Vegas when I was 19. I was going to school to be a hair stylist and looking for an artist that specialized in American Traditional, but I kept finding artists that were tracers or that tried to pass off extremely simple, screwy designs as "American Traditional." Then I found Ross Henry. We immediately clicked, and he and I came up with designs together that we thought were rad and fun and just did them. At this time I was working at a very corporate job that didn't allow me to show any of my tattoos, so I wore makeup over them every day to hide them. It was this job that helped me decide that I wanted more visible tattoos and that I never wanted to work somewhere again that didn't accept me for the person that I was, tattoos and all. I had to take a break from getting tattooed for a bit here because my priorities were to pay off my schooling and remain debt free. As soon as I was done I was back to going on road trips, exploring the wilderness, and attempting to see the whole country. This enabled me to get tattooed by friends while I was traveling or while they were guest-spotting near me.

It was around this time that I met my other half, Beau Brady, who happens to be a tattoo artist. He was living in New York and working at Invisible NYC in the Lower East Side. It wasn't even six months after meeting him that I moved to New York (a place that seems to be the center of passion and talent for artists especially). Because my boyfriend has been fully submerged in the tattoo culture for most of his life, his knowledge on tattooing has greatly influenced my newer pieces and the artists that I've chosen more recently.

Snake by Eric Zona // Lady by Claudia De Sabe // Eye by Beau Brady

Collectively I've been tattooed by Ross Henry, Jacob Neumann, KC Lange, Nick Colella, Eric Zona, Claudia De Sabe, Brad Stevens, Mina Aoki, Grez, Rose Hardy, Bryan Lavish, Adam Warmerdam, and of course Beau Brady.

Every time I get a new tattoo, it's my new favorite, and currently that would be an eagle I had Grez do on my leg at Kings Avenue.

Getting tattooed by Grez at Kings Avenue // Eagle by Grez

My back piece is a tiger that is about four sessions in. It's been an interesting experience having Beau do it for me. It's awesome because he knows me very well, I trust him, I'm comfortable with him, and he knows what I like and what I don't like. On the downside though, because of how well he knows me, he definitely pushes my pain tolerance. It's pretty hard to find time to get it worked on because Beau is always traveling and when he is home his schedule is pretty packed, so my piece definitely gets put on the back burner. I'd potentially like to finish it before next year though.

Jade's back piece // Getting her back worked on by Beau Brady at Invisible NYC

I'll be going to Italy with Beau in April to go to the Bologna convention and then in May I'm hoping to get tattooed at Blue Arms in Norway. I'll hopefully have Grez do a few more fun things on me as well, and I'm saving my right arm for a specific style in the future. I don't really have too many people that I'd like to be tattooed by specifically, but rather artists that do work that stands the test of time. I don't see myself ever getting my chest tattooed, or my hands, as I feel it's more of a feminine attribute to have them clean and bare.

Being a lady and being tattooed is unfortunately an easy way to receive a lot of unwanted attention. I think that being tattooed is becoming more acceptable socially and more common, but I still get those strangers that come up to me and try to touch my arm or that stare at my legs on the subway, and it sucks. I'm also quite the introvert, so I don't like any attention usually. As a hair stylist, my clients always tend to ask me about them and it definitely gets old answering the same five questions, but I'm polite and nice about it and I'll answer their questions to an extent. Typically when someone randomly brings them up it takes me a second to understand what they're referring to because I don't even see them anymore. I'm so used to tattoos, all of my friends have them, and my boyfriend is a tattoo artist, so I'm surrounded by them. It's a part of who I am.

I think covering parts of my skin with adornments in any form does, in a way, improve my self-esteem because it pulls the focus away from other aspects that I don't exactly like about my body. I also think that it's a day and age of comparisons. Everyone is always comparing their life or how they look with the person next to them. It's a black hole of personal negativity, but I'm confident enough in the person that I am that I try to avoid falling into that. When I get a new tattoo, it always helps me feel more like an individual, more like myself.

So here I am presently, a 23 year old lady with some tattoos by amazing artists, but more importantly, I've managed to make a few awesome memories on the way with more friends than a girl could ask for.

Thank you so much, Heloisa, for thinking of me for this blog! It was a pleasure getting to share my experience."

Thank YOU, Jade, for such a great interview!

Follow Jade on Instagram @dominafortuna and see more of her incredible tattoos.

The collectors: Ilaria Pauletti, Italy

Ilaria's love for tattoos is evident and true. For this reason, I immediately related to her, and I knew she would have great things to say if I had her on my blog. So here she is, dear readers: meet my friend Ilaria, a sweet Italian girl who has the loveliest tattoo collection. Spreading tattoo love!

"I am Ilaria Pauletti, a 24 year-old tattoo lover from Italy. I work as a Web Marketing Executive for a hotels group. I also collaborate with Things&Ink Blog, and thanks to Alice Snape, the editor, I understood this is what I love the most. In fact, I have just launched my brand new website called I am Not a Tattoo Blog, where my tattoo world biggest inspirations will be featured together with the readers' stories.

I am sure that my love for tattoo began uncounsciously, because I remember that as a kid (I was 4 years old) I used to cover my arms with temporary tattoos. My parents bought me new 'stickers' every summer and I just couldn't wait to wear them, ah! Everytime I saw tattooed people, I stared at them in a magnetic way, I just couldn't stop! Growing up, at 13, I began collecting every sort of tattoo magazines and tattoo books. I was always so excited to find out what was going on and how tattoo perception changed along the centuries.

Ilaria's collection includes works by Miss Arianna, Amy Savage, Mike Adams, Dap and Morg Armeni

I also remember that my bible was the Tattoo Artists Yearbook, and I used to choose my top ten favourite artists. This happened every year, until I was 16 years old. During that year, I decided that my first tattoo would be done by Morg Armeni. I was and I still am so IN LOVE with her style. I asked my dad if he was willing to make the trip with me (my Christmas present request), as I was minor and Morg had previously asked for a signature by one of my parents. So, the year after, on April, we went to Genova (400 km from where I lived) and I got tattooed by Morg! I only have good memories about that day. Morg is the sweetest person ever, and during that special day, she made everything perfect. She tattooed on me a beautiful heart locket with a key and the initials of the names of my mother, father and sister.

From that day on, my love for tattoo art has only become bigger. At that time, I didn't know what a tattoo collector could be, but I sure wanted more tattoos. A lot of ideas were running in my mind and in my heart: feelings, memories, beliefs. Everything was waiting to be discovered. One year later, at 18, I got tattooed by Miss Arianna, at the Milan Tattoo Convention, my first convention (yes, Arianna was always on that famous list). 

Diamond by Morg Armeni // Airplane by Dap // Mermaid by Alessandro Leme // Beehive by Paul Dobleman

My decisions have always been very instinctive. It just happens I wake up and realise the concept of what I want to get tattooed. All of my tattoos have a meaning, but I also love them because they remember me of good experiences (travel, friendship, big values) and the revolted face of my lovely granny, ahah. I am really happy about my choices.

Five/six years ago Instagram or any other social medias weren't so popular yet, there wasn't much knowledge about tattoo communities I could relate to. It was just me and my monthly magazines. My friends didn't understand why I had to go so far to get tattooed, but I had very clear ideas about it. My tattoos will stay on my skin forever, I don't care about the distance. I was determined to wait and save money, so I did.

I also got tattooed by Amanda Toy, Roger Tattoo, Amy Savage, Dap - Skingdom Tattoo, Paul Dobleman, Alessandro Lemme and Guen Douglas. And then again by Morg!

My list of artists I wish to get tattooed by is basically never-ending! And I'm happy to say my next tattoo session will be in Paris, at Le Mondial du Tatouage. I will get a peony by Rodrigo and I can't contain the excitement!

Rabbit by Amy Savage // Ship by Miss Arianna // Umbrella by Dap // Script by Roger Tattoo

Only during the last 2 years I realised I was a tattoo collector, as I travel to get tattooed and I love to research new artists. I basically save money only for my next tattoos (and related travels), and now that I live on my own it's even more complicated! Personally, I wouldn't be able to get something every month. I need to experience my life and then raise memories and thoughts. From this 'process', I understand what matters to me and what will be on my skin. I have to wait more than others to get new tattoos, as I love many artists that work abroad, but I always hope (and also ask them if) they will visit Italy.

Even though I'd love to get tattooed by a lot of artists in the next years, I know we will still be alive in 10/15 years, and they will still be working, improving their styles. There is no hurry. Plus, at my work place I am not allowed to show my tattoos. This has stopped me from getting tattooed in visible spots, like my forearms. I always wear trousers and then very long skirts as soon as I get a new tattoo. My colleagues have learned my 'strategy' and always ask what's new on my legs.

I have this love/hate relationship with my job and the general situation in Italy. It's very stressful when people look at you like you are an alien. I mean, it's my body and it's my passion. In Italy we are quite retarded regarding tattoos. It's full of amazing tattoo artists, but if I work in an office, most of the times tattoos have to be hidden as they are considered vulgar. Most of the people I know affirm that a tattoo is cute only if it's small and not too visible, so I always feel like a fish out of water. I like my job and I hope to be able to instill my passion as long as I'll be there (so hopefully I can get my whole forearms tattooed!). After all, sometimes people are just too prejudiced and some kindness may open their mind.

Heart lady by Amanda Toy // Leg tattoos by Morg Armeni, Dap and Alessandro Leme

My friends often don't approve my new tattoos, but some of them try to understand why I'm so passionate about it. My whole family (except my grandmother, as tattoos are like hell for her) has always supported me, and I'm very lucky about how they handled my love for tattoos. My mum actually came with me to the last London Tattoo Convention, and will be in Paris too! Her favourite artist is Rodrigo, so it's gonna be cool being there together. My father doesn't like some, but then he gets used to my colourful skin. My lovely little sister is my first supporter and we got a matching tattoo by Mike Adams.

I use Instagram, a LOT, to connect with my favourite tattoo artists, to know their next guest spots, but also to know a little more about tattoo history. I have some books about this topic, but now, thanks to social medias, we can read amazing testimonies and experiences (for instance, in @americanatattoos page). At the same time, social media has contributed to that 'I want it, I get it' thing. I mean, many tattoos are now copied, many 'tattooists' are not artists at all, and a lot of young people get shit done.  Working on the web, I realise that this constant change brings everything faster and sometimes the inner passion gets lost.

Luckily, there is also the other side of the coin. This continuous rush of posts and info means we don't have to wait a whole month to find out the latest news or creations. I've also met a lot of great people through this media (like you!), and there is an amazing artistic evolution out there.

The ritual in the tattoo itself is what I love the most about it. The pain is necessary to assimulate the tattoo, and it's a part of the whole experience. What comes out is beautiful and meaningful, so It's always worth it. Do not homologate, do not ask your tattoo artist to copy those customised designs, do your own research and study some tattoo history. We can always learn from the past, and it will make you feel even happier about being a tattooed person.

Thank you so much, Heloisa."

Thank you, Ilaria! It is a great honor to have you on my blog! 

Check out Ilaria's Instagram account @_illumila_ and her wonderful website I am not a tattoo blog.

The collectors: Megan Foster, UK

There is something so enthralling about Megan's delicate frame being adorned by her collection of dark themed tattoos. And to prove that one can have whatever they like on their body, she also has the cutest little tattoos, which add an interesting contrast. More than her gorgeous tattoos, though, Megan has a touching story to share, and I'm so happy to have her on my blog.

"I’m 20 years old, hailing from Manchester UK, a collector of tattoos and books, foul-mouthed, and the biggest lover of dogs.

I don’t think there was any one definite thing that made me want to start getting tattooed. No members of my family or friends had any; the idea just sort of resonated with me. I’d like to think I have a good eye for art, and the prospect of having something beautiful on me permanently was exciting. I felt like I would regret not going to get tattooed, contrary to what most people say.  If I didn’t go for it, down the line I’d think, ‘Shit. That would have been cool’.

I had my first tattoo appointment booked for my 18th birthday months in advance. I did proper research on artists around my area and when I found Rain City’s website I knew I wasn’t going to go anywhere else. I got a traditional stag piece in full colour, and whilst other artists there specialise more in that style, something drew me to Danny Rossiter’s work. I think it was the level of detail in his work and the heaps of experience he had. I felt very safe having him do my first tattoo.

Thigh piece by Danny Rossiter // Sternum tattoo by Sarah Whitehouse

When I first started I remember thinking I’d only have a thigh piece and a sleeve but it didn’t turn out that way and I’m so glad it didn’t. The coverage I’ve accumulated is a fair bit for someone who’s only 20, but I’m saving body parts for artists whom I know I want something from.  Nothing on me has been heavily planned or thought out. It’s all cropped up organically, and I feel as though it gives a true reflection of myself.

On a very personal level my tattoos have become a sort of visible achievement for me. I suffer from chronic anxiety, panic disorder and agoraphobia since I was 8. I was forced to drop out of school, which really was heartbreaking for me because I was very academic and was put forward as an Oxford/ Cambridge university candidate. At my very worst point I was bed-ridden by it for a few months and unable to even walk down my road. The severity of my anxiety and the many years I’ve had it has taken its toll on my body and I now have a plethora of complications from the sheer strain it’s been put under. Most of my time is spent battling my own mind and body. In theory sitting through a tattoo is probably one of THE most stressful things I could put myself through. Sometimes I struggle even sitting at a restaurant or cinema, never mind hours of a needle being jabbed onto my skin.  But being tattooed is something I really wanted, so I pushed myself. Now every time I have a new tattoo it feels like I’ve conquered the main vice in my life that’s always held me back. It’s a badge of my inner strength and reminds me that if I really want something to keep pushing. Tattoos do hold a very special personal and empowering meaning for me.

Tattoos by Dan Morris

A large proportion of my work has been done by Dan Morris. His work is instantly recognisable from the strong black lines, wood cut style. As long as I have space on my body I will always go back to Dan. He’s not only an incredible artist, but has also become a good friend to me and someone I admire. I’ve almost completed my sleeve with him now it’s become a mix of cute fluffy creatures and then really evil dark images. For the more sinister designs I feel like a lot of inspiration comes from the music I listen to. I love black/sludge/doom metal. I’m very petite so I think it’s pretty rad to have such dark pieces on a feminine canvas. It’s a nice contrast.

The other artist that has tattooed me the most is Sarah Whitehouse. In all honesty dot work never interested me until I saw her work; it’s beautiful. Most of the time she’ll be tattooing me and we’ll just bounce back ideas, or she’ll post something on her Instagram that will just melt my heart and I’ll have to have. Aside from her being an incredibly talented lady, she is one of my favourite people and our friendship is now invaluable to me.  That’s one of the best things about dipping your foot in the industry. You meet some of the most incredible and interesting people.

Tattoos by Sarah Whitehouse

I have been tattooed by Danny Rossiter, Dan Morris, Sarah Whitehouse, Enrico Grosso and the mega babe Hannah Louise Clark. I would get tattooed by them all again.

If I was really pushed to choose my favourite single tattoo, it would have to be the tiger on my belly by Enrico or Big Henry as most people know him. I feel unbelievably lucky and smug to have that piece of work on me. Honestly, I’ve never seen a tattoo I’ve liked more than my stomach and I don’t think I will. His tigers will blow your goddamn mind. Even my mum loves it. Next year I’ll be going back to him to get more added around my stomach to properly frame it.

A few artists I would love to be tattooed by are Bob Geerts, Luke Jinks, Austin Maples, Olivia Dawn, Danielle Rose, Joe Ellis and the king Duncan X. I also have a small collection of art work by Cezilia Hjelt, so it would be amazing to get a piece off her.

Tiger tattoo by Enrico Grosso // Megan's thigh tattoos by Danny Rossiter and Dan Morris

I don’t have any tattoos currently booked in as I have an on-going illness and it's affecting me quite badly at the moment, so I’m being very strict with my money. However, in the New Year hopefully I’ll start snapping up some more appointments.

The coverage I’m planning depends on where my future takes me I won’t be getting anything that can’t be covered with clothing until I know for sure although so far my tattoos have never affected my jobs. The only places I feel like I’d never get tattooed are my face, and feet because that would freak me out.

Body coverage // Tattoo by Dan Morris

I think being a heavily tattooed female attracts a lot more attention than a guy because it’s still seen as unsual. If I have my legs or arms out I will always get stares and a lot of the time strangers will strike up a conversation asking me about the work. I don’t get bothered by the stares because you come to see yourself as a walking collection of art, especially when you have work by quality artists. Also, I’ve learned not really to care what strangers think. I find if I receive any criticism, it’s normally from the older generation. I used to get told at work by customers all the time, ‘oh you’re such a pretty thing, why have you done that to yourself’ or the one time an old lady eyed me over a clothing rail and just whispered ‘you’ll regret that’ and walked off.

The main thing that makes me uncomfortable about being a tattooed woman is how we get sexualized and fetishized, and assumptions are made that we’re sluts or into really hardcore sexual acts. I’ve even heard a fair few people say they’d fuck a tattooed girl because it’s hot, but they’re definitely not girlfriend/wife material. These sorts probably aren’t the ones you’d want to engage in any sort of romantic activity with, though.

Painting by Megan

I take a couple hours out of every day to do some drawing,sketching and painting. I find it enjoyable and relaxing (if it goes well) and because one day I hope to pursue a career in tattooing myself. I’m still in the early stages of painting tattoo flash, but I’m really enjoying the process and pushing myself to improve all the time. So far I’ve just been using promarker pens, but I’ve actually just ordered some inks to give the traditional spit painting a proper try. Being a tattoo artist is a career I know that would make me truly happy and that’s what I’m going for in life to be really, really fucking happy.

Thank you so much for including me in your project, Heloisa. It’s been a pleasure talking to you and fascinating to read the stories of other ladies."

Thank you so much, Megan! It is my pleasure to have you on my blog. I loved reading your story, just as much as I love your collection of tattoos.

Follow her on Instagram @megan__foster for more!

The collectors: Céline, France

Céline not only has her body adorned by the most magnificent artwork, she is also someone whose strength and passion for tattoos has been an inspiration to me. Now at 27 years old, she's been collecting tattoos for a few years, but as she says, her world was "turned upside-down" when she met Guy le Tatooer. Here she talks about the project with Guy, and I guess it's safe to say that reading about their journey is as fascinating as looking at her pictures.

"I think tattoos are such an inherent part of human beings that there is no need to explain why we are so driven to it. Tattoos are as old as the human kind, so I think it’s just part of who we are. I guess for me the attraction was always there, without really thinking about it. I got my first tattoo when I was 15. At the time I was in a rush to experience things. It was actually a good experience, but I didn’t think about getting another tattoo until I was 21 and moved temporarily to the U.S for my Master.

I ended up hanging out with a piercer when not in class and therefore spent a lot of time in the tattoo shop he was working at. At first I just felt incredibly comfortable in that environment. I found it peaceful. I was there watching the guys work. It was like entering a strange new world. It was kinda scary at first, but I quickly developed a strong interest in body modifications. The owner of the shop was heavily tattooed, I couldn’t stop looking at him. Black sleeves, huge pieces in progress and amazing face tattoos. He was fascinating. I was hooked.

When I got back to France I knew I would want to get my entire body covered in tattoos and build a collection. The tattoos I got when I was in the U.S were just a foretaste. I got a few more pieces in my hometown, but I had no idea what I was doing. I then moved to Paris and discovered a more refined aspect of tattooing and met incredible artists. I started taking wiser decisions in terms of placement and projects and I think my collection really began with the two portraits I have on my thighs. Edward Scissorhands and Betty Grable, two different views on beauty by my long time friend Roberto. But at the time I was still a broke student and I had to put my tattoo projects on hold until I could really afford it. As soon as I got a job I started getting tattooed by different artists each and every month and I haven’t stopped since then.

Leg tattoos by various artists // Peonies sleeve by Rodrigo Souto Bueno

I collected pieces from a lot of people. I’m really intuitive when it comes to picking up a style. But the process is always the same. I go to an artist because I want a piece of his art on me. I can’t name everyone, but I have tattoos from Cokney, Mikael de Poissy, Gotch, Jondix, Jean-Philippe Burton, Sway, Rodrigo Souto, Raphaël Tiraf, Damien J Thorn… But everything changed after I met Guy le Tatooer. He literally turned my world upside-down, in a positive way, and radically changed my view on tattoos.

We met in person for the first time in November 2013 and I started getting tattooed by him in July 2014. I contacted him in the first place to get a back piece. We agreed on getting it done in 3 sessions in a row. That was challenging. For both of us. But it was a lot of fun. Watching him work is fascinating. He is special. And everything started from there. He offered to extend the project to the rest of the body and that was it. We never stopped.

Guy tattooed pretty much the largest areas of my body including full back, full front (in progress), armpits all the way down to the back of my knees, I can’t even make a list, his work is gradually spreading everywhere on my body. In fact the project is in constant evolution. We keep adding new ideas to develop it. It’s really exciting as I’m never sure what to expect. At that point I feel like I’m restarting everything with him. As he likes to say, he’s reorganizing my body.

Bodysuit by Guy le Tatooer and layer details // Sleeve by Cokney

Guy le Tatooer’s work is really powerful. I think his personality just reflects on his tattoos. He’s authentic and that’s what I like about him. He’s always experimenting new things. His creativity is honestly mind blowing to witness. As he draws directly on my body on the day of the session I never know what to expect because depending on his mood it could take a very different direction from what we talked about. And I’m always open to his ideas. We discuss everything, but things are easy between us. It flows. I think that’s also why we were able to push this project so far from the original idea.

I’m very driven when I get tattooed, so even if it hurts like hell I’m going to stand there like nothing is happening until it’s done. Most people say that he’s heavy handed, and even though he’s more gentle than most tattooers, his technic fucking hurts. Although, he always knows what I’m going through as his entire body is tattooed in successive layers, so I feel like he’s with me when it happens. He knows.

We are both perfectionists. His goal is to create a strong suit that is visually 100% coherent. So basically I’m getting rid of a lot of old pieces, 12 so far… I decided to entrust him with my entire body. So it means he will keep working on my suit until he completely runs out of ideas and possibilities. It’s not easy to give that much responsibility to someone, but I trust his genius. His art moves me like no other. It’s scary but I’m in good hands. It’s definitely the most intense and exciting experience I have ever had and I’m always looking forward to see what he does next with his other projects.

Palm tattoos by Jondix and Jean-Philippe Burton // Feet tattoos by Jean-Philippe Burton

I think my tattoos are revealing a lot what’s inside me. They reflect the intensity of my feelings. I've actually never been afraid of the commitment it implies. Of course it’s challenging. It takes a lot of mental and physical energy. And it’s hard at times, but if you’re driven enough you’ll achieve your goals. Some people would say that I’m crazy, but I call it love.

My family was against it. My grandparents still have no idea about my tattoos. I had many arguments with my dad, and honestly it was really difficult at times, but I always chose to be who I am. I don’t see why I should fit other people’s standards. Even if they are family. I have one life and I want to make it special. After getting tattooed for 6 years, my parents finally accepted it. And it’s a big relief.

Back piece by Guy le Tatooer // Mix of tattoo styles on Céline's legs

I worked 2 years on a blog I created called Inspired: Tattoo Portraits as a photographer (analog only) and writer. This platform is dedicated to heavily tattooed people collecting work. My goal is to understand their individuality and approach to life. I then developed another series on tattoo artists focusing on the projection of their personality in their work. That’s  also how I got to shoot the cover of Things & Ink magazine featuring Brian Thomas Wilson.

For further details and evolution check my Instagram account that I update daily. It’s a never ending journey for me…"

Thank you so much, Céline! It's always exciting to see and read about someone who loves tattoos as much as you do.

Follow her Instagram account @inspiredtattooportraits

The collectors: Lauren Cody, USA

After Stephanie's colorful tattoos, I present to you Lauren and her flawless black and grey collection. Her tattoos are not only undoubtedly beautiful, Lauren's testimonial is a great read for anyone who loves tattoos. I hope you all enjoy it! 

"My name is Lauren Cody, and I'm 30 years old. I enjoy life with my husband, Michael, my cat, Cleo, and my golden retriever, Kingsley. I'm a New Mexico native, but I've called California, Italy, and now currently, Virginia, my home. I studied Graphic Design, and I'm currently a buyer for a local consignment shop in a quaint, historic area in the city I live. Veganism, travel, and tattoos are just a few of the things that make me happy.

I have adored tattoos ever since I can remember. In my childhood, I was drawn to tattooed people for their beautiful skin. In my youth, there was a time I went to this little shop with my mom, and the counter girl had this large snake tattoo on her shaved head and I thought, "I love the way she looks." I used to spend a lot of time in high school and college in photography dark rooms, and often, I photographed heavily modified and tattooed people. My interest in tattoos grew through my teenage years as well as a love for piercings, which took precedent over tattoos when I first turned 18 for a few reasons. I didn't know a lot about tattoos, what I wanted to get or more importantly, who I wanted to do my tattoos. So, I put my first tattoo on hold and delved into the world of piercing. I went with friends when they got tattooed, but I always felt a little apprehensive about getting tattooed myself. During that year, I met one of my best friends, Sophia, who is funny, beautiful, and heavily tattooed. We talked a lot about tattoos when we first met, and we even got friendship septum piercings. She was with me when I got my first (tiny) tattoo from her husband and was greatly supportive from the start.

I got my first tattoo in 2004. It was a little heart outline on the back of my neck. I thought it was going to be so painful, but I was relieved by how little it hurt. I have a high pain threshold, and I've breezed through most of my tattoos. Most people think I'm a little peculiar when I tell them I think the healing process is worse than getting tattooed. When I first started getting tattooed I got several tattoos that are somewhat regrettable now, but I think that's pretty commonplace. Many people have confided in me that they have at least one disappointing tattoo.

A couple of the first tattoos collected // Friendship Friday the 13th tattoo

When I first started getting tattooed, I wanted to be heavily tattooed, but I thought, eventually, I'd reach a finite point. Now, I feel like I won't ever stop. I thought I'd have more coverage by now, but I'm glad I've taken my time. I hope to get most of my coverage in the next ten years, but even once I'm mostly covered, I think I'll still be squeezing in little sentimental pieces. Honestly, I hope I never stop getting tattooed.

There were three years my husband and I lived in Italy, and during that time, I was only tattooed once. Those were years of tattoo contemplation for me. It gave me time to think about what was really important for me, what kind of tattoos I wanted, and what tattoo artists I liked. I had gotten quite a few tattoos in my teenage years that weren't meaningful or that I even really liked much, and I wanted that to change.

These days, I think concept and artist are most important to me. I have general ideas and placements in mind I'd like to have tattooed. I choose an artist whose work I like, and then I decide on a tattoo that I know will complement their style. There's a lot of spots I'm "saving" for different artists, waiting for our paths to cross at some point. I know a lot of people prefer to work on a certain body part until they have full coverage, but that's not how things have unfolded for me. Most of my tattoos are spread out on my body, but I know someday, it will all come together. I do think about placement because of aesthetics, but also because I try to leave adequate space for future projects. 

Butterfly and strawberries by Mike Adams // Beach babe by Marie Sena // Vintage camera by Tony Talbert // Flower by Jacob Neuman

I've always loved the look of black and grey tattoos. When I first started getting tattooed, I got a couple black and grey tattoos, but the artist that worked on me preferred color so I got talked into quite a few color tattoos. Once I branched out and started getting tattooed by other artists, I went back to black and grey, and I'm so happy I did. Once I get more coverage, I'll probably end up lasering or blasting over all those old color tattoos. I have had quite a few people, including tattoo artists, tell me that if they could do it all over they'd do all black and grey. I know I would. However, while I enjoy black and grey for myself, I do like color tattoos on other people. 

I get a lot of inspiration from the artists that tattoo me. I choose artists that I truly respect and trust. As far as subject matter, I pick things that are significant and meaningful to me. Vintage things, nature, and music have all acted as muses for my tattoos. Also, I love lady heads. I don't think I could ever have too many lady heads. I love traditional flash, but while I'm vastly influenced by those pieces, I generally get tattoos that are personal and special to me.

Picking a favorite tattoo is kind of like picking a favorite song or a favorite book. I have a lot of favorites, but I love my lady on my upper arm with the birds and laurel crown.

Lady by Marie Sena (fresh and healed)

I have work from Marie Sena, Josh Stephens, Ashley Love, Myra Oh, Marina Inoue, Tony Talbert, Jacob Neumann, Antonio Roque, and Mike Adams.

I usually travel to Albuquerque, NM annually to get tattooed by Marie Sena. It's my hometown, but I always plan my visits to coincide when she'll be there, too (she's a Santa Fe native, but currently based in Dallas). I love getting tattooed by Marie. I just visited Frederick, Maryland to be tattooed by Mike Adams and Antonio Roque. Last time I was in New York, I skipped getting tattooed in favor of having my stretched ears (1.25in) reconstructed. So, next time I'm in New York I look forward to getting tattooed. There are many other places I plan on traveling to so I can collect tattoos from all the different artists I like, but it can be frustrating waiting to make that happen. There are just so many talented artists tattooing right now; I want to get work from all of them.

Heart locket by Antonio Roque // Lady head and flowers by Myra Oh

This list of artists I wish to be tattooed by is way too long and could be much longer, but the top 10 people I'd most like to be tattooed by are Cassandra Frances, Matt Houston, Jemma Jones, Katya Krasnova, Ibi Rothe, Bob Geerts, Becca Genné-Bacon, Rose Hardy, Ryan Cooper Thompson, and Ivan Antonyshev.

I just found out I made Cassandra Frances' list for her New York visit in October. I also have plans with Josh Stephens to work on my other elbow and plan on continuing work on my stomach with him. After that, the Richmond convention is in November, and I'll definitely be collecting a couple from traveling artists there. Next year, I'd love to have Rose Hardy do a big back piece for me.

Stomach piece and elbow by Josh Stephens

As a contumacious teen, I thought my tattoos would ward off most people. I don't think I could have been more wrong. I get a lot of attention because of my tattoos, almost always positive. A lot of people do stare, but I don't necessarily think it's negative. I think a lot of people are just too shy or find it rude to talk to a stranger about their tattoos. Sometimes when I'm in forced interactions with people, like say in a doctor's office, my tattoos are generally met with surprising positivity. I get compliments from people I wouldn't expect to like my tattoos or tattoos, in general. There are the people who stop me on the street, in stores, or restaurants to tell me how much they like my tattoos or ask who did them. I occasionally get asked those cringe-worthy questions like "did that hurt?" or "how much did that cost?" or my personal favorite "are your tattoos real?" I've gotten so used to it though that it doesn't bother me. The attention can be tiresome at times, but regardless, I would not change being tattooed even if I could.

I love my tattoos so much. I love everything about getting tattooed, and I know it's unwittingly become a big part of my identity. But even though tattoos are a part of me physically, they haven't changed the person that I am intrinsically. I think there's an assumption that having tattoos changes you, and even though I may look different, I'm the same person I've always been. It wouldn't be completely honest if I didn't admit that they make me feel happy or beautiful because they absolutely do. Tattoos are one of my favorite things in this world. 

Globe by Marie Sena // Heart by Ashley Love // Girl and cat by Marina Inoue

Becoming a tattooed lady has been one of the most gratifying experiences of my life. I feel lucky to be involved in tattoo culture, even in a minimal way. It's allowed me to connect with so many wonderful, audacious, and interesting people. I'm indebted to the artists I've been able to be tattooed by thus far, and I can't wait to continue adding to my collection. I still have a long way to go. Thank you so much to Heloisa for including me in this project. I'm looking forward to reading about all the incredible lady collectors out there."

Thank you so much, Lauren! I'm so happy I've met you, and this is why I love working on this blog.  

And you, dear readers, go follow her on Instagram @heroinebunny to see her future additions.