The collectors: Stephanie Reid, UK

When it comes to tattoos, Stephanie is all about bold and colorful. Her collection includes works by some of the best artists in Traditional style tattooing, as well as her "tattoo wish list"--if you're looking for artists for your next tattoo, you'll find a few of the greatest names in this interview. I really loved reading this interview because I could relate to so many things she says, and I hope you all do too.

Back piece by Alex Bage // Works on Stephanie's thighs by Jonathan Reina, Fidjit, Mark McEwan 

"My name is Stephanie Reid, I am 20 years old (turning 21 this year) and I live in Lenzie, just outside of Glasgow, Scotland. I work as a customer service advisor in a call centre.

I have always loved art (despite not being great at it myself!). I could always appreciate it whenever it presented itself. From about the age of 15 my interest in tattooing began. I remember watching television programs about tattoos and the overwhelming effect they could have on people. When I first began getting tattoos, I was always under the influence they should have some sort of meaning, so when people asked me about them I should have some story to tell them. As I learned more about tattooing and got tattooed myself, I learnt this did not always stand so true.

I got my first tattoo on the day of my 18th birthday. At this point I never anticipated over the coming years I would collect them. I got a simplistic line work heart on the inside of my right arm with the phrase "What's mine is yours" in a banner across it. It's certainly a phrase that I live by and, at the time, it was also the easiest way to give me an idea of what being tattooed would feel like without getting anything too big. Looking back now, I could have definitely put a lot more thought into my first tattoo, although I have recently had it re-worked by the original artist, Roberto Poliri, to help it fit in more with the American Traditional style that most of my tattoos hold.  However, at the time, I was in love with it as it was. I couldn't believe I had managed to sit through the appointment and now I had this design on me forever.

A few months later I had started up an Instagram account for the first time and was flooded with inspiration for tattoos. Some of my inspiration I have obtained from the artists I follow on Instagram, however most of the time I'll either pitch an idea to an artist that I have wanted to be tattooed by or pick designs from their flash. Around this time I came across an artist called Kyler Martz and I fell in love with his work. I'd never seen anything like it. His designs are so clever and inventive. Kyler's work was the inspiration for my second tattoo and the beginning of my love for the American Traditional tattoo style.

Works on Stephanie's leg by Rowan Kennedy and Tom Arnison // Lady head by Joe Ellis

All of my tattoos that followed my second piece have been influenced by this style. There is something so timeless about the designs, and they can hold their own even after so many years, though it can still be revamped and stylised to look modern and up to date. I love how bold and colourful all tattoos of the American Traditional style are. I still appreciate black and grey tattoos, but I couldn't imagine not being as colourful as I am! 

I have got tattoos from artists such as Roberto Poliri, Joe Ellis, Alex Bage, AntonioRoque, Jonathan Reina, Thomas Flanagan, Ricardo Contreras, Mario Teide, Gre Hale, Rowan Kennedy, Fidjit, Mark McEwan, Edward Staples, Jen Wood, Tom Arnison, German Canalla, Sam Ricketts & Nick Mayes.

I think it is difficult for me to say which tattoo is my favourite as, as cliché as it sounds, I genuinely love them all equally. However, if I had to pick one, it would be the Amund Dietzel design I got from German Canalla. This was my first tattoo I collected from German and since then have been tattooed by him again as I love his style. I absolutely love the placement and it was a design I had been lusting over for quite some time, so I was overwhelmed that I could call his beautiful rendition of the design mine. 

Dietzel lady by German Canalla // Flower by Nick Mayes

I have an extensive list of artists I would love to be tattooed by, but to name a few, I'd be honoured to add pieces by Jemma Jones, Sway, Rich Hadley, Rich Hardy, Hannah Louise Clark, Dane Mancini, Joel Madberg, Rachie Rhatklor, Katya Krasnova, Zach Nelligan, Marcos Attwood, James Matthews, Tony Nilsson, Alessandro Turcio and Anna Sandberg to my collection. If I even had the chance to be tattooed by half of these incredible artists, I'd be happy. 

I would love to get another session on my back piece that I have been working with Alex Bage to complete, but at this moment all of my money is going into a holiday. The existing design is very nearly finished and then we are looking to extend it upwards to fill in any little spaces that are left on my back.

Birds by Tom Arnison, Rowan Kennedy and Gre Hale

Being a heavily tattooed lady certainly has attracted some attention, both positive and negative. On one hand I've had tourists approach me from other countries looking to take photos of my tattoos and admire the artwork etched into my very being. On the other hand some people feel it is necessary to sneer and whisper whenever they walk by. This sort of behaviour has not come as a surprise to me. When I first decided to begin my collection, that was a risk I took into consideration, however I then realised if it makes me happy, then why should I worry about what anyone else thinks? I decide to get artwork tattooed because I want to look at it for the rest of my life. I am not subjecting anyone else to do the same, and if they have nothing nice to say about it, then I'd much rather they kept their opinions to themselves. 

I have a telephony based job, so we are not customer facing. In my workplace there are a diverse mixture of staff so, once again, there are people who respect and appreciate the tattoos I have, and others who don't quite understand or agree, but no problems have ever arisen from this in my work. There are many people who are curious and ask the 'typical' questions like "Does it hurt?" and "How much did that cost?". I don't think they realise sometimes how these questions can come across, however most of the time it can be put down to genuine curiosity and I am more than happy to provide answers. 

Tattoos by Tom Arnison and Sam Ricketts

No one in my family has ever been tattooed up until I began collecting. My parents have never really liked the idea of tattoos, so when I came home with my first one, they were not best pleased. Over time they have become more accepting of it, and I am grateful for that. They have accepted that it is something that makes me happy and support me in the decisions I make. I also have a twin sister, Jennifer, who has also been collecting tattoos for about the same time I have. It's great having someone else in my family that is equally as passionate about tattooing and being tattooed as I am. Jennifer is more into traditional Japanese style tattooing and has a very enviable collection in my opinion. Everyone we meet finds it amusing that we love two totally different styles of tattooing, but I like that we are on two different ends of the spectrum. As Jennifer's collection has grown, I have grown more fond of the Japanese artwork often used in tattooing and I have learnt a lot about the history of it.

I consider myself lucky when it comes down to relationships that my tattoos have never held me back. My boyfriend has embraced my tattoos and accepts that they are a part of me. He is very supportive in everything that I do and I am eternally grateful that I have someone as accepting as him by my side. It has even sparked an interest in him as he is now wanting to get tattooed for the first time! However, it's trying to convince his mother that it wasn't my influence that is the tricky part haha! 

Lady heads by Joe Ellis (top), Antonio Roque and Ricardo Contreras (bottom)

I have never been a confident person. The thought of someone taking a photo of me sends me into a blind panic, and a selfie is an once in a blue moon occurrence in my life. Getting tattooed has definitely altered my body confidence. I'm still not 100% comfortable with the way I look, however, when it comes down to my tattoos, I have no shame in showing them off. I am proud of my skin now that I have such wonderful artwork to display. I just won't be stripping down to my undies any time soon! 

Even emotionally I feel more confident than I used to. Sharing these experiences with the incredible artists that I have has made it easier for me to open up to people and I have made some wonderful friends along the way on this journey, all thanks to collecting tattoos. I think it is safe to say I've never met a bad soul in the tattoo community. Everyone is so welcoming and friendly, and I think that has also helped me to become more social and strive to be a better person whom people will actually want to interact with. It is a work in progress, but I'm taking steps in the right direction.

I am so glad that I have got as involved with tattooing as I have. I wouldn't change it for the world. I hope my collection can take me to further corners of the world as I would love to collect some more pieces from people farther from the shores of the UK! There are so many unbelievably talented people out there, and it is just trying to save enough skin for all of them!

Once again I really appreciate your interest in my collection and that you have invited me to share my story along with the many other wonderful ladies you have interviewed. I am honoured to have had this opportunity and I cannot wait to see your blog grow with more interesting stories of our fellow collectors!"

Thank you so much, Stephanie! It is great to have you on my blog! I wish to have a collection as cool as yours one day :)

To see more of Stephanie's collection, follow her on Instagram @sleeptightfistfight

The collectors: Dominique, New Zealand

Dominique has managed to pull off such a stunning mix of Japanese, mendhi and traditional style tattoos, I knew I wanted her on the blog since the beginning, and it is with great pleasure that I now feature her.

"I was born in South Africa and moved to New Zealand 7 years ago. I have been an artist all my life, focusing on realistic drawing with graphite and colour pencils, but chose to study my second passion, natural medicine.

I was  always surrounded by tattooed people growing up. I loved going into the local tattoo shop and watching them work. I knew that when I was old enough I would definitely invest in a few tattoos.

I was 15 when I got my first tattoo. My dad went with me and I got about 6 cherry blossoms around my chest/shoulder/back. I thought I would only have a few tattoos that would be easy to cover. I was so unsure of my career path back then I didn’t want to have any tattoos that were obviously visible.

I don’t really plan my tattoos too much. The only thing I have planned is that I will have a Japanese/traditional/mendhi theme throughout. I would like to stick to these styles if I can help it, and eventually link them all together somehow. I'm not too worried about how these different styles look together. I feel like if you are confident and comfortable in your own skin, then mixed styles naturally look good together. Because my Japanese is quite large scale, I make sure my traditional and mendhi are also slightly larger than what they would usually be. Also I have a lot of flowers throughout my collection in both japanese and traditional and I feel like no matter the style of the flower, it’s a point of similarity and therefore gives flow.

Bigger pieces like my chest, sleeves and shins took some time to think about, but everything else I usually think about the day before or so. As long as there is a positive vibe with the picture of what I’m getting, then I’m happy. In terms of choosing artists, I only have two people do my work. I trust them fully with my body and always know that I'll be getting exactly what I had envisioned.

Shin tattoos by Fabian Bidart

My Japanese work (right arm sleeve, left arm half sleeve and chest) is all done by an artist named Liesje from The Tattooed Heart in Auckland. All my traditional and mendhi shins are done by Fabian Bidart from Sunset Tattoo in Auckland. The “traditional” Geisha on my calf is also done by Fabian.

I love all my tattoos. Every time is get a new one, it's my favorite until the next one. But overall I’m extremely proud of all my tattoos.

Next on the list is my right thigh by Fabian. A year ago he painted the most beautiful traditional snake and peonies, and from the day he painted it I said I wanted it. So a year later I will hopefully have it on me. That will happen in the next 2–3 weeks. I would like to finish my chest before I start something that big. After that, I'd like to do my entire stomach in “mendhi” style like my shins.

I think like a lot of people, I'd love to have a tattoo done by Guy Le Tatooer. But someone’s work I’ve loved for quite some time is Aimee Cornwell from London. Her tattoos are extremely rich in color and show a lot of emotion and expression.

Traditional style tattoos by Fabian Bidart

On a day to day basis, being tattooed is not an issue at all. Most people embrace it and are often very intrigued and interested in a positive way. I am lucky enough to work in an environment where my colleagues are totally accepting. I work with the public and so therefore once in a while I'll get a rude customer who has something nasty to say. I am also lucky to have parents who have always loved, embraced and encouraged my personal expression. Extended family is another story. I come from a culture where tattoos in general are frowned upon, so to have parents and siblings who see me for who I am and not what I look like is amazing. In my previous relationship, my ex was not happy about my growing collection of tattoos, however it wasn’t the reason we split. So now that I’m single, it's interesting to see how I am perceived by the opposite sex.

I do feel like people put too much emphasis on being a “tattooed woman”. I’m just like everyone else and feel like whether the attention is good or bad, most people treat me as if I’m “outside the box” of society, when really I’m paying taxes and going to work and uni like everyone else. So although I like it when people embrace me, I feel like in this day and age, it shouldn’t matter what people decide to put on their skin. When people do give me negative attention, I tend to feel nothing but sadness for them and the fact that they can't see past the physical. I’ve come to realize that what people think about me is none of my business.

I don’t think tattoos have affected my self-esteem. Self-esteem comes from within, and no matter how many tattoos I get, I’m sure I’ll always have small insecurities that a tattoo will never be able to cover up. But in saying that, I do feel more “myself” with all my tattoos. It’s a big part of how I express myself mentally, spiritually, emotionally and physically. Tattoos can be a great reflection of what’s going on in someone’s mind, including mine. I look back at pictures of myself without any tattoos and it sure does look weird, but it's also amazing to see how drastically my appearance has changed.

I’m just very at peace with who I am. I love and respect the artistry and craft of tattooing and tattooers who put their all into creating beautiful tattoos."

Thank you so much, Dominique!

Follow her on Instagram @dominique_cara

My tattoos: knife by Ignacio

This is my most recent tattoo, done in the beginning of August by Ignacio at Luna Negra Tattoo in Buenos Aires. I love the knives Ignacio does and had been wanting to get one from him for a while. Check out his work if you are into black traditional tattoos.

Script below is not by him. It was actually the first tattoo I ever got :)

The collectors: Katie Grimes, UK

I fell in love with Katie's collection when I saw a picture of her legs on Pinterest. Later I found her Instagram account, and since then I've been getting ever more amazed at how perfect her collection is, with every new addition she gets. With this interview, I've learnt that Katie not only has a beautifully decorated skin, she is also beautiful on the inside.

"I’m 22 years old and I live in Manchester, UK. I am currently studying Fashion Marketing at the University of Manchester, whilst working part time in retail. Whatever money I make, usually goes towards a new tattoo.

It is hard for me to pinpoint the exact moment that I knew I wanted to be a tattoo collector, but I know it was from an early age. My aunty has always been a talented artist, and when I was a child I would constantly ask her to draw for me; mermaids, princesses, beautiful ladies with long flowing hair, which can be seen in the work I have to this day. I think I have always had an eye for art, and as I was growing up I always felt like my skin was so empty, it didn’t sit right with me. That feeling never really left until the day I got my first tattoo. I think with those things combined, I was always destined to be tattooed. Although I toyed with the idea from about thirteen years old, I didn’t work up the courage to take the plunge and get my first tattoo until I was 20. I was quite lucky that I was so sensible about the whole process, and that I found the artists that I did from day one.

My first tattoos were the pair of butterflies above my knees, which I got in September 2013. Gre Hale did them for me, and he definitely set the ball rolling for the symmetrical nature of my tattoos. If I hadn’t spoken to Gre before starting my leg project, I doubt they would look the way they do now. He was hugely influential in the layout of my leg tattoos, as I basically went to him with a head full of ideas, a body full of empty space and a year’s worth of savings, without the knowledge of how to marry all that together. He definitely pointed me in the right direction.

Katie's legs, with works by Gre Hale, Jemma Jones, Sway and Philip Yarnell

I went into the tattooing process with all guns blazing, and booked as many sessions as I could for months on end. In 2013/14 I was getting tattooed fortnightly. I had worked and saved for over a year to give me a huge head start in beginning a project. I always knew that I wanted to decorate my skin, there was never an end for me at that point. There still isn’t an end. It’s such a big part of who I am.

I have works from Guy LeTatooer, Jemma Jones, Sway, Philip Yarnell, Gre Hale and Hannah Pixie Sykes.

Tattoos by Philip Yarnell

Tattoos by Jemma Jones

My collection has been divided by style. So for traditional tattoos I like to be coherent and stick to my legs, then it’s really just a battle for space at this point. Whereas with the work I’ve had from Guy Le Tatooer [who has done Katie's arm tattoos] it’s nice that it can stand on its own, as I like the contrast between the two. I usually have a vague idea of what I want, and I’ll have a little chat with the artist and just let them take what they want from that and just know that they’ll absolutely kill it. Sometimes I’ve gone into a tattoo appointment with the knowledge that I really want something from that person, but absolutely no clue what I’ll come out with that day, but I kind of love that. It’s so much more exciting when the artist has that kind of freedom, they always do so much more with an idea/concept than I could have ever imagined myself.

I get quite emotional when I think of how amazing it has been to work so closely with Jemma on my legs. I always say to her how sad I’ll be when there’s no more space left, because it has honestly been such an honour and a pleasure!  She is the most humble, genuine and caring person I could have ever hoped to get tattooed by. It’s actually her work that made me take the plunge into getting tattooed in the first place. I had been researching artists before I ever really knew about where or who to go to, and as soon as I spotted her drawings I knew she was the one I had to go to! I feel like she knows my collection better than anybody, and that she knows exactly what I will like, and how to enhance what is already there in the best possible way. I feel very indebted to her when it comes to my skin.

Arms done by Guy Le Tatooer // Katie at Sacred Electric Tattoo

It is honestly impossible for me to choose a favourite tattoo, because I fall in love with them all over again each day. There isn’t a single one that I regret or don’t like. But the tattoos I am most proud of are my arm tattoos. They took me to three different countries, and I endured some intense pain with them. I’m the kind of person who will flinch if a fly brushes my skin, so tattooing really has shown me that I can endure so much more than I ever really knew.

Getting tattooed by Guy was intense. There is no other way of saying it, aha! That man is incredible, he has such an aura about him, and he’s honestly one of the most inspiring and talented artists I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. I must have emailed him back in late 2013, never anticipating that I would actually get a response, since he is so sought after. But luckily he was really interested in the project I had in mind, and we eventually settled on New York City as the starting location, since he would be guest spotting in East River Tattoo and I would be visiting for my 21st birthday in the summer. I remember when I first walked into East River I had no idea what to expect, but all I knew was I had so much trust in the fact he’d come up with something amazing, and he did, I was honestly blown away. Each session on my arms was tough for me, I hadn’t really considered how much jet lag and heat and attempting to heal myself in a different country would affect me, and although he refuses to admit it, he bloody well hurts! We did two more sessions, one in Toulouse, followed by Amsterdam a couple of months later.  It’s honestly been such a blessing that these tiny arms took me to such beautiful places, I’m so proud that I have different parts of the world etched into my skin.

Katie being tattooed by Guy Le Tatooer at East River Tattoo, NYC. Pictures by François Lebeau.

I have a very fast approaching appointment with Jemma on Tuesday to work on my other knee, which I’m incredibly excited for! After putting off my knees for such a long time it will be so nice to finally have that space filled in beautifully [update: she's already got her knee done; see pics below]. I also recently booked in with Guy to extend my shoulders at the end of September, and if I sit well enough, to begin my stomach piece.  I’ve got an appointment in October with Jemma to hopefully fill some space on my inner thigh and Phillip Yarnell soon after for some fun gap fillers on my legs. I will also be booking in with Sway to complete my ankles as soon as I grow a pair of lady balls (there’s something about ankle/foot tattoos that really, really freaks me out).

I feel insanely lucky that I’ve managed to get tattooed by my all-time favourite artists at this point, and I’ll probably never stop wanting to be tattooed by those people. However, there’s definitely artists I love the work of and would like something from. I’d definitely like to get something from Abby Drielsma (her ladies knock me for six) Joe Ellis, Cezilia Hjelt, Matty Darienzo, and there’s most definitely more.

Katie's knees recently done by Jemma Jones

Although I knew that being tattooed would affect my life, I don’t think I quite anticipated just how much. From the very beginning, my immediate family (my parents and my sister) have been incredibly supportive. As has my aunty and her family since she can appreciate the art and talent involved. Although they aren’t tattooed, nor do they have much interest in tattoos, they have tried their upmost to be on this journey with me, and to support my decisions along the way, which I am so grateful for. I actually hid my tattoos from virtually every other member of my family that I had contact with up until just over a month ago. My Nan and Grandad in particular, since they are religious and have always disagreed with them. I sat my Nan down after my Grandad passed away and I told her that I didn’t want to hide them anymore, that I am covered in lots of pictures and I hope she will still love me. She pulled up my jumper sleeve, gave my arm a little kiss and told me she had known all along, and that she would love me no matter what, and that my Grandad would have felt exactly the same. That was a great day for me. I’ve had negative comments from other members within my family, but I try not to dwell on that. I’m so proud of who I am, and if anyone is willing to write me off because my skin is a little bit different to theirs, then I can deal with that, as long as I’m being true to myself.

I think that getting attention just goes hand-in-hand with being heavily tattooed. Even more so if you’re female (it just has even more of a shock factor for some people). It can go from one end of the spectrum to the other within minutes. Since I work in retail I’m kind of thrown in with the sharks a little bit, as it definitely reverses your power in that kind of situation. I’ve had many rude comments, questions and disgusted stares. But on the complete opposite end I’ve had people come into the shop to take a picture of them or tell me how beautifully done they are, or just ask genuinely curious questions. I deal with it the only way I know how, to kill the rude comments with kindness. I like to show people that no matter what they might think of me, I’m a good person, my tattoos don’t change that.

My tattoos have given me a confidence that I never, ever had before. I always had such a problem with my skin, and my body in general. But decorating it with so much beauty made me appreciate myself so much. I don’t hide myself away now, I’m so proud of every single bit of ink, and I couldn’t imagine myself without it. The process of tattooing is honestly so invigorating, it makes you appreciate how much your body loves you, to heal you each and every time, and show you how much pain you can actually withstand.

Tattoos changed my life for the better. I found them when I was a little bit lost and I ended up discovering so much about myself along the way. It’s an exciting journey, full of amazing people. For instance, the fact you wanted to hear my story. That to me, is amazing. Thank you so much."

Thank you, Katie! I'm so glad my blog has brought me the opportunity to know you better.

Follow Katie on Instagram @whatxkatiedid and like the blog's fan page on Facebook.