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!