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!