tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21355836156858148002024-03-26T09:30:48.084-03:00HER BEAUTIFUL SKINA blog about tattoos and the women who collect them Heloisa Arrudahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10957290659461573506noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2135583615685814800.post-53037337059338266472016-07-31T17:29:00.005-03:002016-07-31T18:02:11.117-03:00The collectors: Faridah, UK<div style="border: 0px; color: #383838; line-height: 1.571428em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.571428em;">"Hello! My name is <a href="https://instagram.com/tendervegan">Faridah</a>, I'm 28 and live in Manchester, UK, with my partner Dom and our cats, Taco and Salem. Together we run </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/vrevolutionyeah/" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.571428em;">V Rev</a><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.571428em;">, a vegan diner in the Northern Quarter of the city... Well, Dom and I do - the cats mostly just sit about. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I first became aware of tattoos as something I could indulge in when my older brother Tom got his first from Louis Molloy at Middleton Tattoo Studio for his 18th birthday back in 2000. When I was ready to get my first at age 19 - my name in its original Urdu - I too went to Louis. My Mama drove me there and both my parents were very supportive. I thought about this piece a lot, and had it printed out above my desk at Oxford University to look at for 6 months to make sure I wanted it permanently just below the crease of my inner left arm. At this point I assumed I would become a Clinical Psychologist, or some other profession which would be difficult to navigate with visible tattoos. I thought I might get a few more small, easy to hide pieces, but had no idea I would go on to collect tattoos to the extent that I have today.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">To date I have been tattooed by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/loumolloy/">Louis Molloy</a>, Sarah Schor, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/andreafurci/">Andrea Furci</a>, Lele, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tuttiserra/">Tutti Serra</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/xamthespaniard">Xam</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ryanscapegoat/">Ryan Mason</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/cassandra_frances">Cassandra Frances</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lonerosetattoo/">Harriet Heath</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/hlctattoo/">Hannah Louise Clark</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/claudiadesabe/">Claudia De Sabe</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/wolfspit">Jemma Jones</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/cooleytattooer/">Matt Cooley</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/scottmove/">Scott Move</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/danmorristattoo/">Daniel Morris</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kellysmithtattoos">Kelly Smith</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/antonioroque">Antonio Roque</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><i>Tattoo by Kally Smith // Tattoo by Jemma Jones</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's hard to pick a favourite tattoo: I love them all for different reasons and wouldn't change anything about them. Having said that, I think my most recent - a 420 tattoo from my good friend Harriet Heath - might well be the one I'm most fond of to date, but this feeling is the same with every new tattoo and I guess why I keep going back for more. I got this recently on the 20th April this year: a Japanese woman painting her eyebrows while smoking a spliff. I took a couple of days off work to visit Harriet and her partner Sam, and had some much needed and soul replenishing time whilst also getting totally baked of course. Harriet had initially drawn the design with chain print instead of weed leaves, and with a cigarette. We were chatting via text while she was doing this and I was already pretty gone when I made the suggestion of these edits. It was Harriet's idea to book me in on 420 and to aim to be finished just in time for a 4.20pm smoke. I had thought I would maybe get this piece a few inches big on the inside of my right thigh, but when I saw it drawn up large it made so much more sense with all the details. Harriet was keen to tattoo it big too, and the drawing fit the free space on my outer left thigh perfectly so we went for it. My outer right thigh by Claudia De Sabe took two sessions of three hours to complete, but Harriet knocked this out in an astounding 3 hours. The details and face in particular are so beautiful, and I really hope this attracts more clients looking for Japanese designs and bad girls, which I know she loves to do and totally slays at.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><i>Faridah's favorite tattoo by Harriet Heath</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm in no rush to fill up but still like to treat myself a few times a year if I can. In the past 9 years I've collected over 30 pieces from just over an inch big to the length between my knee and hip. I still have plenty of space though, and hope to still have enough to play with well into my 50s. My Dada started getting tattooed for the first time last year in his 60s and has work from a lot of the same artists as me. Seeing him enjoy the process into his retirement inspires me to look after my skin so I can do the same. I wouldn't rule out getting some sweet blackwork blast-overs, and am keen to cover visible areas such as my hands and neck in a few years, hopefully when I'm more confident in my self-employed life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><i>Faridah with tattoo artist Hannah Louise Clark // Tattoo by Hannah Louise Clark</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I have a few half-formed ideas for new pieces floating round my head right now. I've been hankering for a pair of Bert Grimm girls on the tops of my feet for yonks, and hope to start on my torso this year. As well as re-visiting old favourites, I hope for the opportunity to sit with artists such as <a href="https://www.instagram.com/laurayahna/">Laura Yahna</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/cecilepages">Cecile Pages</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rachierhatklor">Rachie Rhatklor</a> in the future, and would love to travel more one day for work.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><i>Picture by <a href="http://fiayaqub.com/">Fia Yaqub</a></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Tattoos are no biggie in my day to day, and if anything get positive comments from customers and are even mentioned in reviews of our diner. We aim to create an inclusive and welcoming space for all people, so we're a no-judgement zone on aesthetic and my being visibly tattooed fits with that I guess. I dunno, I haven't really given much thought to it until now, we just are who we are and we do what we do. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Until last year I was a Political Advisor, wearing my hair down, long sleeves and trousers or thick tights to work at all times. I couldn't cover them all completely however and I did receive some negative comments from senior management which were presented in a jokey manner but which I could tell there was some underlying truth to. More generally in public I do feel that being a visibly tattooed woman presenting as femme does increase negative interactions, particularly in the form of cat calling. I think it may well increase the frequency, which sucks, but some gross dudes have weird ideas about tattoos as a symbol of promiscuity or whatever which is of course totally untrue. Even if it were, that certainly doesn't give them the right to shout comments about my body in the street. Summer is the worst for it, so I'm bracing myself for it more already. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHOODRomuQ5yiyz_-utgj9n1nf3pw_UfIJAomUhhNBUwebV9a3dhd2dKylZZb8YQPocfqTmxsn7SA-E3PHYcpFT_28_knN4F3PxMVOX37aT5eYRAkSWwTcq1L10sBPNOg0Fdc-ZaFm3Jiq/s1600/collage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHOODRomuQ5yiyz_-utgj9n1nf3pw_UfIJAomUhhNBUwebV9a3dhd2dKylZZb8YQPocfqTmxsn7SA-E3PHYcpFT_28_knN4F3PxMVOX37aT5eYRAkSWwTcq1L10sBPNOg0Fdc-ZaFm3Jiq/s1600/collage2.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Pictures by <a href="http://fiayaqub.com/">Fia Yaqub</a></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">What I love most about my tattoos is that my body is a constant work in progress. I like being able to add to my aesthetic over time, and mark moments forever. My tattoos are a mix of the deeply sentimental, traditional flash and the downright dumb. I'm a walking contradiction and that suits me just fine."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Thank you so much, Faridah! It is an absolute pleasure to have you on the blog!</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Follow her on Instagram <a href="https://instagram.com/tendervegan">@tendervegan</a></i></span></div>
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Heloisa Arrudahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10957290659461573506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2135583615685814800.post-57265608494930982612016-06-24T17:50:00.000-03:002016-06-24T17:50:56.252-03:00The collectors: Jaime, USA<span style="color: #383838; font-family: inherit; line-height: 21.9999923706055px;">"Hello! My name is <a href="https://instagram.com/condolore">Jaime</a> and I have lived in Michigan my whole life. I do marketing work for a local commercial real estate company and in my free time I really like to make embroidery patches by hand based on tattoo flash. I love this project you’re doing, and the idea behind it. Any platform for women to express themselves is an A+ in my book. Girl power!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br clear="none" style="color: #383838; line-height: 21.9999923706055px;" /><span style="color: #383838; line-height: 21.9999923706055px;">When I got my first tattoo I wasn’t super into tattoos, and I always thought they had to have some super personal meaning to them. A little later in life a friend I’d had since middle school (Alex Boyko, who I have about 25 tattoos from now) started making traditional tattoos, and I started getting work by him more and more often. Through him I met my boyfriend, Brandon, who really showed me a whole world of tattooists that I never knew existed. I was instantly hooked on the culture and the community. I would say my love for artwork in general sparked my interest, and the fact that I could collect art from all my favorite artists and keep it with me forever.</span><br clear="none" style="color: #383838; line-height: 21.9999923706055px;" /><br clear="none" style="color: #383838; line-height: 21.9999923706055px;" /><span style="color: #383838; line-height: 21.9999923706055px;">My decision to get my first tattoo was very spur of the moment. I was sixteen, and just wanted something. Like I said, I always thought tattoos had to have some personal meaning, and I loved literature and I loved elephants, so I got an elephant calligram. It’s half blasted over now, and will hopefully be fully covered soon. Back then I never thought I’d become a collector, I don’t think I even knew that was something people did. </span></span><br />
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<i style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Overall view of Jaime's colorful legs</i></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br clear="none" style="color: #383838; line-height: 21.9999923706055px;" /><span style="color: #383838; line-height: 21.9999923706055px;">I’ve gotten most of my tattoos in the past three years, and I found out about all the artists I have work by through the internet & through suggestions via Brandon or artists I already have been tattooed by. There is such a strong tattoo community on Instagram, and that has definitely aided me in curating my collection. I normally try to choose a design that I think the artist would specifically enjoy doing. As for placement, I just put them where I have room. As of now I only have tattoos on my legs, save for one on my stomach and one on my back. My arms are bare for the time being. It normally doesn’t take much planning, aside from travel planning.</span><br clear="none" style="color: #383838; line-height: 21.9999923706055px;" /><br clear="none" style="color: #383838; line-height: 21.9999923706055px;" /><span style="color: #383838; line-height: 21.9999923706055px;">So far I have tattoos from<a href="https://www.instagram.com/_eyethief_"> Josh Adams</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jeremyrossarmstrong">Jeremy Ross Armstrong</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/michaelaul">Mike Aul</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tylerbaker">Tyler Baker</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/erik_von_bartholomaus/">Eric Von Bartholomaus</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mattbivetto/">Matt Bivetto</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/alexboykotattoo">Alex Boyko</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/korikinz11995">Kori Brown</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/boxcartattooer/">Craig Chazen</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gregchristian4130">Greg Christian</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/chipdouglastattoo/">Chip Douglas</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/abouttruth">Cole Dunn</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tomas_garcia/">Tomas Garcia</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/hhablak/">Henry Hablak</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/max_kuhn">Max Kuhn</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/akira_latanzio/">Akira Latanzio</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ameliamartin/">Amelia Martin</a>,<a href="https://www.instagram.com/threejenbirdmun/"> Jen Munford</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/eli_quinters/">Eli Quinters</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/djrosedna/">DJ Rose</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/robertryan323">Robert Ryan</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ivansoyars/">Ivan Soyars</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/joshstephenstattoos/">Josh Stephens</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ryanstout_/">Ryan Stout</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/frank__william/">Frank William</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/leozuluetaspiraltattoo/">Leo Zulueta</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/joenickley">Joe Nickley</a>, and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/l0wercasej/">Lowercase J</a>. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiobKOuwti7vzlzkKZUHA6IUG_i7N21ATEidmCsdOD0oNFoFd-9cda49Lz8B0vXqrp3MVD1Hg-iVYp8FR5vPRLiib22j4Hl73rTx1YJjv7DM02cL2YUerszbE3xb1cQLfn_GTWENqSNT6A/s1600/collage4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiobKOuwti7vzlzkKZUHA6IUG_i7N21ATEidmCsdOD0oNFoFd-9cda49Lz8B0vXqrp3MVD1Hg-iVYp8FR5vPRLiib22j4Hl73rTx1YJjv7DM02cL2YUerszbE3xb1cQLfn_GTWENqSNT6A/s1600/collage4.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br clear="none" style="color: #383838; line-height: 21.9999923706055px;" /><br clear="none" style="color: #383838; line-height: 21.9999923706055px;" /><span style="color: #383838; line-height: 21.9999923706055px;">I would have to say my favorite tattoo is the tribal on my foot done by Leo Zulueta. Leo has the best, most positive energy, just being around him is blissful. He has the best stories to tell. Aside from just getting to enjoy his presence. Spiral Tattoo is also one of the most comfortable shops I’ve ever been in, such a great atmosphere. Close second would be the heart vessel I have from DJ Rose or the sacred heart from Thomas Garcia (it’s really hard to choose ok!!).</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5C3mWILtec5fv0UF2qdFTnmNouzXutDaidosbz3C2qTdzLR6XcQXpQxveIpjv_QD7GlGPB2zzfLo47mi9Tl6qG8OTvW6MFuLVV2BPH403SiGTFix883ueL03KASwZruZ4HxvmXKwXTzII/s1600/download+%252860%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5C3mWILtec5fv0UF2qdFTnmNouzXutDaidosbz3C2qTdzLR6XcQXpQxveIpjv_QD7GlGPB2zzfLo47mi9Tl6qG8OTvW6MFuLVV2BPH403SiGTFix883ueL03KASwZruZ4HxvmXKwXTzII/s640/download+%252860%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Tribal tattoo by Leo Zulueta</i></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br clear="none" style="color: #383838; line-height: 21.9999923706055px;" /><span style="color: #383838; line-height: 21.9999923706055px;">At the moment my only planned tattoo is being done in May by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ihaveadeathwish">Joe Chatt</a>. There are sooo many artists I want tattoos from, some of them being <a href="https://www.instagram.com/chadkoeplinger/">Chad Koeplinger</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/chrissdettmer/">Chriss Dettmer</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/saltywalt">Walter Mcdonald</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dawnmariecooke/">Dawn Cooke</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jeffzuck">Jeff Zuck</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/apshrewsbury">Adam Shrewsbury</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/chadhunttattoo/">Chad Hunt</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/excelsiorrr/">Josh Mason</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tomek1906/">Tomek Szumiec</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dan_santoro">Dan Santoro</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/oddsnendstattoo/">Andrew Stickler</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kojiichimaru">Koji Ichimaru</a>,<a href="https://www.instagram.com/jaredleathers/"> Jared Leathers</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lmknight/">Lee Knight</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/hollsballs1">Holly Ellis</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mariodesa/">Mario Desa</a>, and just wayyy too many more to name!</span><br clear="none" style="color: #383838; line-height: 21.9999923706055px;" /><br clear="none" style="color: #383838; line-height: 21.9999923706055px;" /><span style="color: #383838; line-height: 21.9999923706055px;">I get inspiration mostly from tattoo books. I love all the <a href="http://www.hardymarks.com/books/">Hardy Marks Publications</a> a lot. Cindy Ray is a huge source of inspiration, anyone who says chest tattoos aren’t feminine need look no further than her to be disproven. I also love looking at all the photos of the tattoo community that <a href="https://www.instagram.com/photodianne">Dianne Mansfield</a> posts. She has seen so much and I’m so grateful to have her share that with us all! There are so many influential people in the community.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhassMzwECYB9IYY26pBtTqZPf_SvclWOCoORHxBv6tQL_ttvtvS51UC2RU7YCQHEplBm1uKbTEhYXPChl6oHtUu17hzUiQxwDG88XdMN5kRyQlit7QR_G2rNgf7YtsuCJq0a89_FCU1hUq/s1600/collage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhassMzwECYB9IYY26pBtTqZPf_SvclWOCoORHxBv6tQL_ttvtvS51UC2RU7YCQHEplBm1uKbTEhYXPChl6oHtUu17hzUiQxwDG88XdMN5kRyQlit7QR_G2rNgf7YtsuCJq0a89_FCU1hUq/s1600/collage2.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br clear="none" style="color: #383838; line-height: 21.9999923706055px;" /><br clear="none" style="color: #383838; line-height: 21.9999923706055px;" /><span style="color: #383838; line-height: 21.9999923706055px;">Being a tattooed woman definitely affects my everyday life, and more so than my tattooed male counterpart. People seem to walk right by him to ask me about my tattoos, to touch them, to ask me about my “tights.” As a woman, society already feels that my body is public property and I feel that the public holds my tattooed body to different standards than men’s. Usually the comments I receive are harmless and positive, and I usually don’t notice dirty looks until Brandon points them out to me. I don’t let it bother me or lead me to cover up. Once a woman came up to me at the grocery store and told me she liked my socks, to which I replied “thank you!”. At work I always wear black tights, but everyone I work with is aware of my collection. I’m constantly asked about them even though nobody sees them. As for my family, my mother isn’t super enthusiastic about my tattoos and is constantly begging that the most recent be the last, but it hasn’t affected our relationship at all. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnrb86en8aLmkXdVmWb3jC2r5B1ipUQIFHc58YhGB9YltgygcyAWiugohosbIemYq20lSKTu2ntazw4DQ4XXmjEq_vZ0uVBx6szDkenZCMEq8MZT8UqZwhcMGElUOX6nY48PjKFiDnBpxa/s1600/collage1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnrb86en8aLmkXdVmWb3jC2r5B1ipUQIFHc58YhGB9YltgygcyAWiugohosbIemYq20lSKTu2ntazw4DQ4XXmjEq_vZ0uVBx6szDkenZCMEq8MZT8UqZwhcMGElUOX6nY48PjKFiDnBpxa/s1600/collage1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">The super cool tattoo-inspired embroidery patches made by Jaime</i></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br clear="none" style="color: #383838; line-height: 21.9999923706055px;" /><span style="color: #383838; line-height: 21.9999923706055px;">I feel more and more confident in myself each time I get a tattoo. That’s not to say I wouldn’t be confident without my tattoos, but who wouldn’t love looking at beautiful artwork by their favorite artists on themselves every day? </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br clear="none" style="color: #383838; line-height: 21.9999923706055px;" /><span style="color: #383838; line-height: 21.9999923706055px;">I would say the thing I love most about tattoos is the people they have led me to meet. I am forever grateful to know the people I have met through collecting, and all of the people I will meet in the future."</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #383838; line-height: 21.9999923706055px;"><i>Thank you so much, Jaime! I'm so happy to have you on the blog <3</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #383838; line-height: 21.9999923706055px;"><i>For more, follow Jaime on Instagram <a href="https://instagram.com/condolore">@condolore</a></i></span></span>Heloisa Arrudahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10957290659461573506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2135583615685814800.post-42985481277393055282016-04-20T15:55:00.000-03:002016-04-20T15:55:15.800-03:00The collectors: Carolyn Schoerner, USA<div style="border: 0px; color: #383838; line-height: 1.571428em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="line-height: 21.9999923706055px;">All of the times I've read the interviews of the women I've featured on the blog, my love for tattoos has been reassured. And thanks to this project, I met <a href="https://www.instagram.com/carolyn_schoerner">Carolyn</a>. She wanted me to know the story behind her tattoo sleeve, and what a wonderful surprise it was. I feel so lucky and honored that she wanted to share it on my blog, and I'm sure all of you will love to read this moving story about tattoos and friendship.</span></i></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzmAzUBNwsAuutZ_6xj3kSByGXba6VAd87MbV1CeuD7Jk2K_EeMYmPwq5Eukt8SGRJzmzaoQJeySGDjZJc6ISud9jnhJUfml41Fk4cxTjsK1Kp2uD2v_l6LotDjvGhJS7D2Jid1Ebshuhm/s1600/IMG_9449E.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzmAzUBNwsAuutZ_6xj3kSByGXba6VAd87MbV1CeuD7Jk2K_EeMYmPwq5Eukt8SGRJzmzaoQJeySGDjZJc6ISud9jnhJUfml41Fk4cxTjsK1Kp2uD2v_l6LotDjvGhJS7D2Jid1Ebshuhm/s1600/IMG_9449E.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"My name is Carolyn Schoerner and I am a freelance ballet dancer along with the director of a nonprofit called <a href="http://www.bfapress.org/">Books for All</a>. I publish artists books solely with artists with mental illnesses and developmental disabilities.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br clear="none" />As a ballet dancer it was a bit rebellious of me to get my first tattoo. I had always been the traditional bunhead and never even did something like dye my hair. But I was in college and taking a break from dancing and as my friend was getting one I decided to get a tiny little dancer I used to always draw on my hip. It was so small and I ended up covering it up. It was about 12 years ago. I had no intention of getting anymore, but then ended up getting a side piece in of an Egon Schiele drawing that I loved. It never really occurred to me to seek out artists to do original work on me, I just knew so little about tattoos. After that piece I decided I was completely done.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br clear="none" />It wasn’t until about 6 years ago that I decided to get a small little lock heart on my arm (my first real visible tattoo) because my maiden name is Lockhart. It was through this that I ended up dating the artist who did it. The relationship wasn’t very great, but he knew <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sweetsuetattoo/">Sue Jeiven</a> and the whole crew at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/eastrivertattoo/">East River Tattoo</a> and introduced me to them. The shop was on my way home from work, so I started stopping in there frequently to say hi to Sue because she just had this amazing energy about her. We would watch Soul Train videos and try to imitate them in the shop and it just felt like home. It was also around this time that we learned that Sue had breast cancer. A lot was going on and I decided I wanted to get a tattoo to honor my grandparents and decided to have Sue do it. It was small and on my back - a tree with two love birds. Next I had her do a portrait of my late dog smoking a pipe and wearing a derby hat. I was hooked!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNv6n8_f3Wbj-SsIGUEwvgt3uOuBcbWdZwAOoaEiCgUlmGFDSlKOhUotXmg-Dq2EUzHvwQjhMIuAq9DVGQMsKGv9_8n948gR3CHr3F2fnn4p1aKy9rFEG_fs2V9vUFyxMohQqg30lt24V9/s1600/collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNv6n8_f3Wbj-SsIGUEwvgt3uOuBcbWdZwAOoaEiCgUlmGFDSlKOhUotXmg-Dq2EUzHvwQjhMIuAq9DVGQMsKGv9_8n948gR3CHr3F2fnn4p1aKy9rFEG_fs2V9vUFyxMohQqg30lt24V9/s1600/collage.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><i>Tattoos by Sue Jeiven</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br clear="none" />Over the course of six months Sue and I rapidly became best friends. I would just hang out at East River Tattoo during most of my free time and then started to become more interested in other artists such as <a href="https://www.instagram.com/liamsparkesok">Liam Sparkes</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mxmttt">Maxime Buchi</a>, and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mark__cross">Mark Cross</a>. I started to get the itch to get more work. But I still stuck with Sue. I felt so comfortable with her and it felt like a real bonding experience. So the next thing that I got and it is my favorite tattoo of all time is a woman inside a tiger’s head. Sue would draw flash sheets and just give them to me every time I would come in. I saw this and it immediately reminded me of the struggle she was going through. It looked hopeful yet scary and I knew I had to get it. It said “Fight the Good Fight”, but once I told Sue that I wanted it, she said it was her version of the pink ribbon. At this point I still did not have any intention of getting a full sleeve, but wanted it in a prominent place where everyone could see it.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWgadzrkLhAtmdYN6G_y7TR9Oc12YOEWjdZA2P5z5OvqRKOdd6hxlC_bSnuYtnEI5a7vO5N-glQJpwLOyXmYDSJSrPKQF4cXLoA45IObW8vR0hmVcrDzxiJ9_FEFFtVIrW8p_vcZ97Mao4/s1600/collage3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWgadzrkLhAtmdYN6G_y7TR9Oc12YOEWjdZA2P5z5OvqRKOdd6hxlC_bSnuYtnEI5a7vO5N-glQJpwLOyXmYDSJSrPKQF4cXLoA45IObW8vR0hmVcrDzxiJ9_FEFFtVIrW8p_vcZ97Mao4/s1600/collage3.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>All tattoos by Sue Jeiven</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br clear="none" />It wasn’t until that summer when Sue had major surgery, and I was sitting with her while she was recovering, and we were talking about tattoos and her wishes that she said she never had done a full sleeve on anyone with work that she really wanted to do. She said people usually already had some work on the arm or it was stuff she wasn’t as into. So it was then and there that I decided to give her my whole left arm. Life is short, I didn’t know how long she would be around and I thought I have to do this now.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br clear="none" />So over the course of the years she has created the most beautiful sleeve. Each piece I can remember exactly what we talked about, were going through, laughing about, and the pure joy of getting to spend this time with her. Sometimes she draws something and says, “you have to get this!” and I do, and other times I will wake up and think, “oh I want a goat,” and I text her and she is just as excited about it as I am. She has created an artwork of memories for me from silly things like a palm tree that says "vacation" to a heart for my dog when he passed away almost three years ago. Every time I look at my arm I laugh, smile, and feel so honored to wear her art.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2DLhhEL82tLlP-stdQQmgYOPernmpXc9ULYMI5TeeBXZBcP2ps-SZ8N7U6jtwpl8cCVRTs6fkqOpjVQ5hzv5LfAFDoktrVMsBQW0VeCyVfwG_9dpc_48fbudc9JSGdODK1IOmt7VWe-NH/s1600/collage4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2DLhhEL82tLlP-stdQQmgYOPernmpXc9ULYMI5TeeBXZBcP2ps-SZ8N7U6jtwpl8cCVRTs6fkqOpjVQ5hzv5LfAFDoktrVMsBQW0VeCyVfwG_9dpc_48fbudc9JSGdODK1IOmt7VWe-NH/s1600/collage4.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><i>Tattoos on Carolyn's sleeve by Sue Jeiven</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br clear="none" />I think this project has made our relationship even stronger. Just through the amount of time I get to spend with her and those sessions of just talking about dogs and the silliest things that no one else in the world would get, to real serious issues that turn into an amazing therapy session. I never really believed in the idea of having one person as your best friend, but now I totally do. She is my soulmate.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh0I46TiOjchbwUdxVdqcdFcDgmdr8931qrrS9-dOF-_SP48AVzti-RZO66Lgrh5Xhh6qkUe2qe4lhofqWqX3FJCTuZ8BDbUaHdWFVAuL19j_pZ_C9HGj0r0g6XvxynMch5NqwrWL5RaWH/s1600/collage1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh0I46TiOjchbwUdxVdqcdFcDgmdr8931qrrS9-dOF-_SP48AVzti-RZO66Lgrh5Xhh6qkUe2qe4lhofqWqX3FJCTuZ8BDbUaHdWFVAuL19j_pZ_C9HGj0r0g6XvxynMch5NqwrWL5RaWH/s1600/collage1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><i>Carolyn's sleeve by Sue Jeiven // Carolyn and Sue</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br clear="none" />I also have work by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/liamsparkesok">Liam Sparkes</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mark__cross">Mark Cross</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/spidersinclaire/">Spider Sinclair</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/robbanksofamerica">Rob Banks</a>, and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jessiprestontattoos/">Jessi Preston</a> (she did a friendship tattoo on Sue and me of a horse with a horseshoe). I actually have gotten all my tattoos in New York, except for one, at East River Tattoo. That place feels like home. I really want a tattoo from <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mikeadamstattoo/">Mike Adams</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/disintegrationxvx/">Alexis Hepburn</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/christianlanouette">Christian Lanouette</a>, and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/slowerblack">Jenna Bouma</a>, and many many more. My right arm still needs work but that is the one that I am collecting other people’s work on. Most of the time Sue will text and say that a guest artist has an opening or cancellation and that I should come in. So I’ll run to Greenpoint and pick something from the artist’s flash and get a spur of the moment tattoo, and I love it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><i>On her right arm, Carolyn collects pieces from other tattoo artists // Horseshoe by Jessi Preston</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br clear="none" />At first my family was hesitant about me getting so much work done but now they totally accept it, and I think even like it. Since I work in the art world it hasn’t had much of an impact on my work life, but it is very interesting with ballet. I have been mostly doing my own work lately, but other things I do I usually have to wear long sleeves. I think its beautiful seeing the arms move in graceful ways with the tattoos.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br clear="none" />One thing I did not expect was the amount of attention I would get from strangers because of having so many tattoos. Everyone makes comments, some sweet and very welcomed, others I could do without. There is this assumption that since you have tattoos that you should want to talk about them to every stranger and that I do not like. However, I wouldn’t trade them for anything.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br clear="none" />This process of getting tattoos, and especially from Sue, has been the most amazing experience. I have met people who will be friends for life and I feel very honored to wear such amazing pieces."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Thank you so much, Carolyn!</i></span></div>
Heloisa Arrudahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10957290659461573506noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2135583615685814800.post-24162099226181092342016-04-13T16:51:00.000-03:002016-04-13T17:48:06.473-03:00The collectors: Ashley Adams, USA<div style="border: 0px; color: #383838; line-height: 1.571428em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>It is with great pleasure that I bring to you an interview with the lovely <a href="https://instagram.com/a.e.adams">Ashley Adams</a>. Tattoos are such a meaningful part of her life, I'm sure all of you will be fascinated by her testimonial</i></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #393939; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 37.7952766418457px;">—</span><i style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.571428em;">as well as by the beautiful pieces that adorn her body</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #393939; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 37.7952766418457px;">—</span><i style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.571428em;">and relate to her love for tattoos.</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"</span><span style="line-height: 21.9999923706055px;">My name is Ashley. I'm 26 years old and live on a farm in Maryland with my husband, Mike and pup, Jack.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.571428em;">I'm not sure how I first got into tattoos exactly. Growing up I loved punk and hardcore, and was pretty involved in the music scene at that time. I remember going to shows, seeing people with beautiful tattoos and thinking I would eventually have some too. I was always finding ways to "express myself" and eventually I think tattoos just became a part of the equation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">My first tattoo was a small "forget me knot" on my finger. It was a friendship tattoo, and a small reminder to not forget things. I think I may have been twenty years old at the time. I always knew I wanted to eventually have a collection of tattoos, but I didn't rush out right at eighteen. I waited until I was sure of what I wanted, and luckily it's prevented me from having any tattoos that I really regret.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><i>Several tattoos by Antonio Roque</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I don't feel that my tattoo collection has much rhyme or reason, however they all go together in some way. I usually choose the artists because I feel drawn to their work. I feel that anyone can simulate or replicate a style or tattoo, but only few can really evoke an actual feeling or unique style in their work. My inspiration for tattoos usually comes from the past. I have an immense amount of respect for the tattooers who really paved the way for modern tattooing. I like to reference a lot of classic imagery, wether it be from old flash, or from an old painting, book, postcard, etc. As far as placement goes, I just like to put things where they fit best. If it flows with the body or won't look too odd when I'm bending a limb then it works. I don't plan on having my chest or face tattooed- I just like the way they look bare. I do plan on having the tops of my hands tattooed, once I feel truly successful being self employed, as a gift to myself. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I've been tattooed by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/antonioroque/">Antonio Roque</a>, Christian DiMenna, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/garyroyaltattoo/">Gary Royal</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/christianskypeters/">Christian Peters</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/disintegrationxvx/">Alexis Hepburn</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/cathedraloftears/">Heather Bailey</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ivanantonyshevtattoo/">Ivan Antonyshev</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/joshuaxsolomon">Joshua Solomon</a>, and of course by my husband, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mikeadamstattoo/">Mike Adams</a>. I may be missing a few but I'm currently wearing long sleeves and pants. I'm basing this list off of memory and if I forgot someone it was not intentional. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><i>Ashley's favorite tattoo of her pup Jack</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">My favorite tattoo of all time is a very small portrait of our dog, Jack. This tattoo was done by my husband.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I met Mike about five or six years ago, when he was doing a guest spot at Thicker Than Water in NYC. I was living in New York at the time and he was living in Michigan, where he had a private studio. I had emailed him about getting tattooed and of course he was already fully booked. Months went by and I suddenly got an email out of the blue, he had a cancellation! Of course I jumped at the chance to get tattooed by him. He did a tattoo of a Maryland blue crab on my right leg. Maryland is famous for blue crabs, and it's my home state so I had always wanted to get this as a tattoo. I was just waiting for the right person to do it, and I'm glad it was him. We didn't hit it off, we didn't flirt, actually I think we barely even spoke during the appointment. Several years went by and eventually we reconnected on Instagram. One day we realized we had a lot in common, and began to chat a little. Suddenly a little became a lot and I couldn't get enough! We decided to get dinner one night and the rest is history. We were quickly engaged and got married a few months later. I'd like to thank the person who cancelled on him for that day in December years ago, because if it weren't for that person I may have never gone on a date with Mike a few years later. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Being married to a tattoo artist... well it is definitely interesting. He has to travel quite a bit, and I try to go with him as much as I can, but I've been spending the past year or so turning my side hustle into my full time gig. I have always loved sewing, and I make handmade bags, clutches, wallets, etc. It truly is my passion and getting to share that with other people is amazing. We also have an elderly dog at home, so I skip out on a lot of trips in order to take care of our little pup. Mike is definitely a perfectionist (as most tattooers are) and I'm sure it's nerve wracking to tattoo your wife. The tattoos that he has done on me have so much sentimental value, and are just totally irreplaceable. It's a testament to our life together, to the memories we've made, and the journey we're on together.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><i>Ashley getting tattooed by Mike Adams // Ashley and Mike's marriage</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><i>Ashley's tattoos done by her husband Mike</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Some artists I hope to be tattooed by in the future are <a href="https://www.instagram.com/davehalseytattoos/">Dave Halsey</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/daniellerosetattoo/">Danielle Rose</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/slowerblack">Jenna Bouma</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ariannafusini">Arianna Fusini</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/zachnelligan/">Zach Nelligan</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lonerosetattoo">Harriet Heath</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jack_ankersen">Jack Ankersen</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rachelhauer/">Rachel Hauer</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/chrisfernandeztattooing">Chris Fernandez</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/justinoliviertattoo/">Justin Olivier</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/floriansantus/">Florian Santus</a>, and a lot more. Didn't even realize how many people I'd like to be tattooed by until I started forming this list! Unfortunately many of them are international artists so I need to start traveling more I guess.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The next tattoo I'll be getting is from <a href="https://www.instagram.com/myraoh/">Myra Oh</a> at the tattoo convention in Scranton, PA in a few weeks. She's so talented and I really admire her style, I'm looking forward to getting a piece from her. I'd also like to finish my back tattoo this year, with Antonio Roque. He is easily one of my favorite tattooers. He is extremely talented, but also a great person and very humble. He has done many of my other tattoos and it has been quite an awesome journey over the past few years. I plan to get some other smaller tattoos from him in the future once we've completed my back. Some other future projects include finishing my right arm, which will all be tattoos from Mike Adams (although I had a few preexisting tattoos on that arm when we began the project). I think overall I will be sticking to somewhat traditional tattoo styles, although I love Japanese style tattoos.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><i>Tattoos by Heather Bailey, Ivan Antonyshev and Alexis Hepburn</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">My everyday life has definitely been affected by being tattooed. I've had people grab me in public, startle me, cat call me, etc. One of the most defining moments that I can remember was after I had my back outlined. I was sitting in a cubicle (I used to work a 9 to 5 in an office atmosphere) and a male coworker grabbed the back/neck of my shirt and pulled it all the way back so he could see inside- to "look at my tattoo". I felt absolutely violated. In what scenario would that have been alright? You wouldn't peer down a woman's shirt who wasn't tattooed so why is it suddenly justified because you're "looking at a tattoo"? It isn't any different. I've had a lot of unnecessary conversations about my tattoos while I'm trying to do basic tasks like get an oil change, go to the bank, etc. Sometimes I feel like I can't go through a normal task without someone wanting to discuss the tattoos (even if I'm wearing long sleeves and you can barely see any of them). I realize many people would say "Why get tattoos if you don't want the attention?" I didn't get tattooed to gain any attention. I got tattooed because I love art. I love tattoos. I love supporting tattooers and their work. I love the confidence getting tattooed has given me, but I don't love the people trying to touch me, grab me, yell at me, etc.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><i>Collection of leg tattoos // Back piece by Antonio Roque</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Being tattooed has changed my life completely. Although of course I am just a normal person like everyone else, I have found an extraordinary confidence through my tattoos. I had been in several emotionally and mentally abusive relationships in the past, and found my self esteem just totally depleted. I hated my body and the way I looked. I felt worthless. Over time, and through a lot of self care and with the help of tattoos I felt like I was taking control of my own body, of my own skin. I felt comfortable in my skin for the first time in years. Every time I get tattooed I feel more beautiful, and more confident. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Thank you so much for thinking of me for your blog, Heloisa! I enjoyed the opportunity to share some of my experiences. I hope that you all have enjoyed reading what I had to say. Feel free to follow me on my personal instagram <a href="http://instagram.com/a.e.adams">@a.e.adams</a> or check out my vintage and handmade shop <a href="https://instagram.com/adamstradingco">@adamstradingco</a>. Thanks!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Thank you so much, Ashley!</i></span></div>
Heloisa Arrudahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10957290659461573506noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2135583615685814800.post-5032591573366946742016-04-03T15:22:00.001-03:002016-04-03T15:24:27.997-03:00The collectors: Vera Delgado, USA<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><a href="https://www.instagram.com/vera_d_">Vera</a> is a gorgeous girl from California, whose traditional tattoos perfectly complement her style. I hope you guys enjoy the interview and her beautiful pictures. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #383838;">"My name is Vera, I am 25 years old and I am a barber in San
Diego, CA.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #383838;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">When I was about 16 I had plans of waiting
until I was in my late 20's to start getting tattooed because I figured by that
age I would be able to make conscious decisions. Obviously, I did not wait
until my late 20's like I had planned. I got my first tattoo when I was 18. I
was working at Starbucks and wanted to get a traditional style "Mom"
tattoo on my wrist, but I wasn't allowed to have any visible tattoos at work,
so instead I got a big piece on my ribs. It's a girl head with wings and a weird
bird head. I never finished it and I plan on covering it up someday. When I
first started getting tattooed I told myself, "Oh, I'm only going to do
this rib piece." And then it was, "I'm only going to do my right
arm." And so on and so on...<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #383838;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Some of my tattoos are planned and some
are spontaneous. I knew I wanted a crow on my chest for the past 5 or so years
and I finally had it done by Chris Conn last year. If I'm getting a smaller
piece, I think it's fun to just pick something off the wall.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #383838;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I've got works from <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sekretcity">Chris Conn</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rottingshark">JasonStewart</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jakemillertattooing">Jake Miller</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/colestremtattooer">Cole Strem</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/joshuablatchley">Joshua Blatchley</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/milford13">Milford Barnes</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lordzep">Mykil Zep</a>,
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/beexgood">Britney Goodman</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jacobdoneytattoo">Jacob Doney</a> and Thor. My favorite tattoo is one of the
matching tattoos my boyfriend and I have on our hands. It's two hearts with an
arrow done by Jason Stewart.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #383838;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I'd love to be tattooed by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/pauldobleman">Paul Dobleman</a>,
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/swaytattooer">Sway</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/benrorketattoo">Ben Rorke</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/steve_byrne_tattoo">Steve Byrne</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tonybluearms">Tony Nilsson</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jess_swaffer">Jessica Swaffer,</a> <a href="http://www.kingsavenuetattoo.com/artists/grez">Grez</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/javierbetancourt/">JavierBetancourt</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mariesena">Marie Sena</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/eli_quinters">Eli Quinters</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/andreagiulimondi/">Andrea Giulimondi</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/alixge">Alix Ge</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/stizzotattoo">Stizzo</a>,
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/spidersinclaire/">Spider Sinclair</a>, the list could go on forever. I think I'll always try to
squeeze a new one in if I can. Sometimes getting a tattoo is like my own little
souvenir.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #383838;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">My family doesn't even notice them
anymore. At work I get a lot of clients that want to talk about them, usually
it's the same questions every single time, "does it really hurt?"
"do they all have a special meaning?" "what did your parents
think?" It gets old after a while.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #383838;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I think people with a lot of tattoos
almost always get categorized into the same group, like we're all the same
because we have a lot of tattoos, and it's not the case. I'm just a simple lady
who loves cutting hair, hanging out with my boyfriend and our two kitties, and
getting tattooed when I can."<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #383838;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Thanks a lot for the interview, Vera!</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #383838;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Follow her on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/vera_d_">@vera_d_</a></i></span></span></div>
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Heloisa Arrudahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10957290659461573506noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2135583615685814800.post-91014571849481345282016-01-28T14:51:00.000-02:002016-01-28T19:51:56.899-02:00The collectors: Lucy Molloy, Australia/UK<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><a href="https://www.instagram.com/lucy_molloy">Lucy</a> has this striking kind of beauty, which only gets enhanced by her likewise striking tattoos. Her black sleeve, the gorgeous witch on her hand, the intricate lettering on her chest, the polemical unalome on her face, they've all probably caught your attention, just like they've caught mine. I always wanted to know more about Lucy and her tattoos, and I know my dear readers wanted it too. I hope you all enjoy this interview!</i></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"My name is Lucy Molloy, I'm a 22-year-old Australian living in the UK with my husband.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I remember always wanting a tattoo,
even before I was a teenager I wanted one. Sadly when I was 14 my Mother passed
away and I thought it would be a lovely idea to get a tattoo for her. I
was terrified to ask my Dad about it, but if I remember correctly he was
surprisingly cool about it and he wrote me a note allowing me to get one. My
step mum took me one day after school and I got it tattooed. Even though I got
tattooed for a sad reason, let's be honest, I felt pretty bad-ass. I was
attending a private school at the time, so I covered it with a band-aid (it's on
my wrist) and as far as I can remember, the school never found out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">After my first tattoo I
dropped out of high school the year after (so year 10) and I went to TAFE, which
is kind of like a community college, and I got a half sleeve and a little locket
on my hip. Those where my first real bigger pieces, which are now covered up,
or in the process of being covered up. I had a part time job and every penny I
made I put towards getting more tattoos, I've been probably getting tattooed once a
month for many years now!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It was always in the back of my mind
that I wanted to get lots of tattoos, I never thought it would be this quick
and my life would revolve around them as much as it does. But since I got many
of them at a young age, I kind of knew I would end up looking like this.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><i>The witch on Lucy's hand was done by James Mckenna</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">My husband is <a href="https://instagram.com/danmolloytattooer">Dan Molloy</a>, and he has
95% of his body tattooed. Whenever I want a new tattoo, I ask him who does
he wish he could get tattooed by and what would he get, and then I'll go and
get that tattoo by that person! It sounds a bit weird, but that's what we've
been doing lately and it's really fun. More thought goes into the
placement rather than the design since I only get tattooed by the best, I'm
never one to ask the tattooist to change something on the design, if that's
what they drew, they obviously think it will look the best, and they're the
experts, not me!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I've been tattooed by <a href="https://instagram.com/danmolloytattooer">Dan Molloy</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/j__mckenna">James Mckenna</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/pari_corbitt">Pari Corbitt</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/heathcrowe">Heath Crowe</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/laurenwinzer">Lauren Winzer</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/anrijsstraume/">Anrijs Straume</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gibb0o">Michael Gibson</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/benjaminlaukis">Benjamin Laukis</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/daniellerosetattoo">Danielle Rose</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/shawntriple6">Shawn666</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/staceyanntattoo/">Stacey Ann</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><i>'Serenity' tattoo by Benjamin Laukis</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Each time I get a new tattoo that one
becomes my favourite until I get another one. Currently it's my stomach my
husband has been working on and my black half sleeve.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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I got my half sleeve when I was
young, that's what's under my black arm tattoo. It's a lady being strangled by
an octopus, with dark purples and blacks and blues, which are hard to remove with laser. I feel like if I was still living in
Australia I may have gotten it lasered by Mike Driver because he's the bomb,
but since there aren't any local laser technicians where I'm living, I decided
to get my husband to black it out. It was a boring process, we would both sit
there with our headphones on because it was so boring, but we're both stoked on
how it turned out and how it looks with the rest of my tattoos. I feel
like it's something I won't one day decide I hate, because there is nothing to
hate about it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I decided to get classic actors tattooed on my stomach in
black and grey because my chest is black and my neck is also black and
grey. There isn't too much of a story as to why I chose Johnny Depp as<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>James "Whitey" Bulger, I saw
the movie <i>Black Mass</i> and I love Johnny Depp, so instead of getting Johnny
tattooed as something that's already been done 1 million times (although there
would be nothing wrong with that) I went for something new! I also have
Angelina Jolie, I mentioned a list of people I wanted to get tattooed to Dan, and she stood out to him. I mainly wanted males, but I'm glad we did a female. I
want a stomach full of legendary actors!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ARQkT1o-MoU8sASS4Td8epIHrM64I9Cy4ceWJPqsCW8MvzXnh05r7Qs8E3XQgn__aUGSOXVa9P115fSSx9tCns69N7YBlnt-1dKoWUaoespiw1ZVJcTddXIsnHZ34s4P6Bwz-hSt__at/s1600/collage6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ARQkT1o-MoU8sASS4Td8epIHrM64I9Cy4ceWJPqsCW8MvzXnh05r7Qs8E3XQgn__aUGSOXVa9P115fSSx9tCns69N7YBlnt-1dKoWUaoespiw1ZVJcTddXIsnHZ34s4P6Bwz-hSt__at/s1600/collage6.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Portraits on Lucy's stomach, black sleeve, heart and Voldemort portrait are all by Dan Molloy</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In a few days I'm going to Sweden to
get my throat tattooed by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/peterlagergren/">Peter Lagergren</a> and I'm super stoked, I've waited
almost a year for this appointment!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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I've been thinking
of getting my back tattooed by Peter Lagergren, although I don't know what I
want and that would mean many trips to Sweden. Which really isn't a problem,
I'm just trying to make excuses not to go and get it done because I'm
terrified, I've heard it's pretty gnarly.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUYDdJTbDJxzDQ3mhqwsOjReAddq3-XhM82M79Wx16noiFW6_fMjVLZzF_cEEqKkMLmS96GoZEgmIQXar-6o6xFFTita08LscehmBiqs6jOcLLLmhmTkvq34mi_92zjuPxbRKClfvsSJvv/s1600/collage1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUYDdJTbDJxzDQ3mhqwsOjReAddq3-XhM82M79Wx16noiFW6_fMjVLZzF_cEEqKkMLmS96GoZEgmIQXar-6o6xFFTita08LscehmBiqs6jOcLLLmhmTkvq34mi_92zjuPxbRKClfvsSJvv/s1600/collage1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><i>Anrijs Straume tattooing Lucy // Zombie tattoo by Anrijs Straume</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">When I got my face tattooed there where
a few dickheads commenting on my photos. If someone says something rude, usually
I don't reply and I'll either leave their comment for others to laugh at or
delete it and block them. If I did reply to someone who questioned my decision
to get my face tattoo I'd probably tell them that their opinion doesn't matter
and I got it because I wanted to. My husband's whole face is tattooed, so it's not like my tiny face tattoo stands out when we're together. <o:p></o:p></span><span style="line-height: 150%;">I'll definitely get more face tattoos in the future, there
are no plans of getting another one yet, but if I think of something I want that
will go well on the face, why the hell not!</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Lady head on Lucy's neck by Pari Corbitt // Palm tattoo by James Mckenna</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Being married to a tattoo artist is amazing. It's not a regular 9-5
job, you know? We spend some time apart every now and then because he likes to
travel for work, and sometimes if he's going somewhere cool or if I want to get
tattooed I'll go with him. I love my life and<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>I
don't think many 22-year-old people live the life that I do and it makes me
feel pretty special.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 150%;">I don't have a single friend that doesn't have a tattoo (as far as I'm aware) so I always forget that I have them. Sure, people look and stare, but that's just because they're looking at the art.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span>The more tattooed I get, the more attractive I get in my point of view. But it's funny because that's not how I see other people!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Lucy's leg tattoos. The Russian dolls are by James Mckenna.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">My favourite thing about tattoos is
it's like you're wearing clothing even when you're not. It sounds kind of
stupid, but I love that look so much! It gives you something to look at and
something to think about and you can always add to it, take away, or cover up
with other art work. There is always something new and fun to do and if Dan and
I are having a boring day at home, we go to the tattoo shop!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Thanks heaps, Heloisa!"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Thank you so much, Lucy! It's an honor to have you on the blog!</i></span></div>
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Heloisa Arrudahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10957290659461573506noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2135583615685814800.post-32419460262124882052015-12-21T19:48:00.000-02:002020-07-15T18:30:56.450-03:00The collectors: Jade Michael, USA<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>"It's a part of who I am," says <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dominafortuna">Jade</a> 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></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsAPhQb1lomgtAcroEgPmKb1QUjZ6Lab3KENQG5O_MC6246tGN1tQ5e4K3RoWPLXGE8msYivPysuVY6NY-ecpk3kzKkH0inw-IVMzojQNEIU4DUvmAk4Wb5mjQL4wXrCrnoMhIXCtrv-R2/s1600/header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsAPhQb1lomgtAcroEgPmKb1QUjZ6Lab3KENQG5O_MC6246tGN1tQ5e4K3RoWPLXGE8msYivPysuVY6NY-ecpk3kzKkH0inw-IVMzojQNEIU4DUvmAk4Wb5mjQL4wXrCrnoMhIXCtrv-R2/s1600/header.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #383838; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 1.571428em;">"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.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 1.571428em;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 1.571428em;">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.</span><br clear="none" /><span style="line-height: 1.571428em;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 1.571428em;">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.</span><br clear="none" /><span style="line-height: 1.571428em;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 1.571428em;"><br /></span></span>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Jade's arms and legs adorned with ink // Reaper tattoos on the back of her thighs are by Jacob Neumann</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 1.571428em;">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 <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rosshenrytattooing">Ross Henry</a>. 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.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">It was around this time that I met my other half, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/beauxbrady">Beau Brady</a>, 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.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Snake by Eric Zona // Lady by Claudia De Sabe // Eye by Beau Brady</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 1.571428em;">Collectively I've been tattooed by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rosshenrytattooing">Ross Henry</a>,<a href="https://www.instagram.com/jaboc"> Jacob Neumann</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/xkclangex/">KC Lange</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nickcolella">Nick Colella</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ericzonatattoos">Eric Zona</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/claudiadesabe/">Claudia De Sabe</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/brad_stevens">Brad Stevens</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/minaaoki">Mina Aoki</a>, <a href="http://www.kingsavenuetattoo.com/artists/grez">Grez</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rosehardy">Rose Hardy</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/btweets">Bryan Lavish</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/adamwarmerdam/">Adam Warmerdam</a>, and of course <a href="https://www.instagram.com/beauxbrady">Beau Brady</a>.</span><br clear="none" /><span style="line-height: 1.571428em;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 1.571428em;">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 <a href="http://www.kingsavenuetattoo.com/">Kings Avenue</a>.</span><br clear="none" /><span style="line-height: 1.571428em;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.571428em;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Getting tattooed by Grez at Kings Avenue // Eagle by Grez</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 1.571428em;">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.</span><br clear="none" /><span style="line-height: 1.571428em;"></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small; line-height: 1.571428em;"><i>Jade's back piece // Getting her back worked on by Beau Brady at Invisible NYC</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 1.571428em;">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 <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bluearmstattoo">Blue Arms</a> 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.</span><br clear="none" /><span style="line-height: 1.571428em;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 1.571428em;">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.</span><br clear="none" /><span style="line-height: 1.571428em;"></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 1.571428em;">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.</span><br clear="none" /><span style="line-height: 1.571428em;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 1.571428em;">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.</span><br clear="none" /><span style="line-height: 1.571428em;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.571428em;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thank you so much, Heloisa, for thinking of me for this blog! It was a pleasure getting to share my experience."</span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 1.571428em;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Thank YOU, Jade, for such a great interview!</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 1.571428em;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Follow Jade on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dominafortuna">@dominafortuna</a> and see more of her incredible tattoos.</i></span></span></div>
<br />Heloisa Arrudahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10957290659461573506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2135583615685814800.post-2811081575504393782015-11-21T19:12:00.000-02:002015-12-21T17:15:52.449-02:00The collectors: Ilaria Pauletti, Italy<span style="color: #383838; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 1.571428em;"><i><a href="https://instagram.com/_illumila_">Ilaria</a>'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></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">"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 <em style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.571428em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.iamnotatattooblog.com/">I am Not a Tattoo Blog</a></em>, where my tattoo world biggest inspirations will be featured together with the readers' stories.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">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.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Ilaria's collection includes works by Miss Arianna, Amy Savage, Mike Adams, Dap and Morg Armeni</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">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 <a data-mce-href="https://www.facebook.com/MORG-ARMENI-48244139591/" href="https://www.facebook.com/MORG-ARMENI-48244139591/" shape="rect" style="border: 0px; color: #047ac6; cursor: pointer; line-height: 1.571428em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">Morg Armeni</a>. 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.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">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 <a data-mce-href="https://www.facebook.com/MISS-ARIANNA-TRADITIONAL-TATTOOS-143536642327314/" href="https://www.facebook.com/MISS-ARIANNA-TRADITIONAL-TATTOOS-143536642327314/" shape="rect" style="border: 0px; color: #047ac6; cursor: pointer; line-height: 1.571428em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">Miss Arianna</a>, at the Milan Tattoo Convention, my first convention (yes, Arianna was always on that famous list). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Diamond by Morg Armeni // Airplane by Dap // Mermaid by Alessandro Leme // Beehive by Paul Dobleman</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">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.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">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.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I also got tattooed by <a data-mce-href="https://www.facebook.com/Amanda-Toy-152218094831595/" href="https://www.facebook.com/Amanda-Toy-152218094831595/" shape="rect" style="border: 0px; color: #047ac6; cursor: pointer; line-height: 1.571428em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">Amanda Toy</a>, <a data-mce-href="https://www.facebook.com/roger-tattoo-133255875137/?fref=ts" href="https://www.facebook.com/roger-tattoo-133255875137/?fref=ts" shape="rect" style="border: 0px; color: #047ac6; cursor: pointer; line-height: 1.571428em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">Roger Tattoo</a>, <a data-mce-href="https://instagram.com/amyvsavage/" href="https://instagram.com/amyvsavage/" shape="rect" style="border: 0px; color: #047ac6; cursor: pointer; line-height: 1.571428em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">Amy Savage</a>, <a data-mce-href="https://instagram.com/dap_skingdomtattoo/" href="https://instagram.com/dap_skingdomtattoo/" shape="rect" style="border: 0px; color: #047ac6; cursor: pointer; line-height: 1.571428em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">Dap - Skingdom Tattoo</a>, <a data-mce-href="https://instagram.com/pauldobleman/" href="https://instagram.com/pauldobleman/" shape="rect" style="border: 0px; color: #047ac6; cursor: pointer; line-height: 1.571428em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">Paul Dobleman</a>, <a data-mce-href="https://instagram.com/alessandro_lemme/" href="https://instagram.com/alessandro_lemme/" shape="rect" style="border: 0px; color: #047ac6; cursor: pointer; line-height: 1.571428em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">Alessandro Lemme</a> and <a data-mce-href="https://instagram.com/guendouglas/" href="https://instagram.com/guendouglas/" shape="rect" style="border: 0px; color: #047ac6; cursor: pointer; line-height: 1.571428em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">Guen Douglas</a>. And then again by Morg!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">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 <a data-mce-href="https://instagram.com/rodrigosoutobueno/" href="https://instagram.com/rodrigosoutobueno/" shape="rect" style="border: 0px; color: #047ac6; cursor: pointer; line-height: 1.571428em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">Rodrigo</a> and I can't contain the excitement!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Rabbit by Amy Savage // Ship by Miss Arianna // Umbrella by Dap // Script by Roger Tattoo</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">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.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">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.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">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.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Heart lady by Amanda Toy // Leg tattoos by Morg Armeni, Dap and Alessandro Leme</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">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 <a href="https://instagram.com/mikeadamstattoo/" shape="rect" style="border: 0px; color: #047ac6; cursor: pointer; line-height: 1.571428em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">Mike Adams</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">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 <a data-mce-href="https://instagram.com/americanatattoos/" href="https://instagram.com/americanatattoos/" shape="rect" style="border: 0px; color: #047ac6; cursor: pointer; line-height: 1.571428em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">@americanatattoos</a> 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.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">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.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">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.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thank you so much, Heloisa."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Thank you, Ilaria! It is a great honor to have you on my blog! </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Check out Ilaria's Instagram account <a href="https://instagram.com/_illumila_">@_illumila_</a> and her wonderful website </i><a href="http://www.iamnotatattooblog.com/">I am not a tattoo blog</a><i>.</i></span></div>
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Heloisa Arrudahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10957290659461573506noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2135583615685814800.post-75530068659661294342015-11-11T18:12:00.000-02:002015-11-11T18:12:46.830-02:00The collectors: Megan Foster, UK<i>There is something so enthralling about <a href="https://instagram.com/megan__foster">Megan's</a> 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><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipp2vkrY8tq76TkBza9BV8ffDZnyQATAyBSK3WR8r-E08KQlQoUxnmfjbGq8_tju2u3_bkexr2e3Gmui3I7Cl9dH-aztq8qLFxUuk369KtNVclbMn8MOqGipfGBksPsLlodGa9FSp2Z3FX/s1600/first.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipp2vkrY8tq76TkBza9BV8ffDZnyQATAyBSK3WR8r-E08KQlQoUxnmfjbGq8_tju2u3_bkexr2e3Gmui3I7Cl9dH-aztq8qLFxUuk369KtNVclbMn8MOqGipfGBksPsLlodGa9FSp2Z3FX/s1600/first.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16.5pt;">"I’m
20 years old, hailing from Manchester UK, a collector of tattoos and books,
foul-mouthed, and the biggest lover of dogs.</span><br />
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: 14.6666666666667px;
font-family: Calibri; color: #000000;">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’.</span><span style="color: #383838; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: 14.6666666666667px;
font-family: Calibri; color: #000000;">I had my first tattoo appointment booked for my 18</span><span data-mce-style="font-size: 8.8px; font-family: Calibri; color: #000000;">th</span><span data-mce-style="font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-family: Calibri; color:
#000000;"><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>birthday months in advance. I did proper research on artists
around my area and when I found <a href="http://raincitytattoo.co.uk/">Rain City</a>’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.</span><span style="color: #383838; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKE4La8syrTlWsvV0X9zCF7mBfOQ_pYE7_6lWvFxmVdse3MhNpwxh9Yfb1HKbewOEJPBYRodPY6VsqfM3oh8O3y0fE0uURD5oE-ggTlK4S-ACxCste9uxdp2O042S6wnnCQaY353khIgts/s1600/collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKE4La8syrTlWsvV0X9zCF7mBfOQ_pYE7_6lWvFxmVdse3MhNpwxh9Yfb1HKbewOEJPBYRodPY6VsqfM3oh8O3y0fE0uURD5oE-ggTlK4S-ACxCste9uxdp2O042S6wnnCQaY353khIgts/s1600/collage.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16.5pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Thigh piece by Danny Rossiter // Sternum tattoo by Sarah Whitehouse</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16.5pt;">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.</span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: 14.6666666666667px;
font-family: Calibri; color: #000000;">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.</span><span style="color: #383838; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 16.5pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Tattoos by Dan Morris</i></span></span></div>
<span style="line-height: 16.5pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 16.5pt;">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.</span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: 14.6666666666667px;
font-family: Calibri; color: #000000;">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.</span><span style="color: #383838; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 16.5pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Tattoos by Sarah Whitehouse</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16.5pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<span style="line-height: 16.5pt;">I have been tattooed by <a href="https://instagram.com/dannyrossitertattoo">Danny Rossiter</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/danmorristattoo">Dan Morris</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/warahshitehouse">Sarah Whitehouse</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/bighenry">Enrico Grosso</a> and the mega babe <a href="https://instagram.com/hlctattoo">Hannah Louise Clark</a>. I would get
tattooed by them all again.</span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: 14.6666666666667px;
font-family: Calibri; color: #000000;">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.</span><span style="color: #383838; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: 14.6666666666667px;
font-family: Calibri; color: #000000;">A few artists I would love to be tattooed by are <a href="https://instagram.com/bobeus">Bob Geerts</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/lukejinks">Luke Jinks</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/austinmaples">Austin Maples</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/oliviadawntattoo">Olivia Dawn</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/daniellerosetattoo">Danielle Rose</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/joeellistattoo">Joe Ellis</a> and the king <a href="https://instagram.com/duncanxtattoos">Duncan X</a>. I also have a small collection of art work by <a href="https://instagram.com/cezilia_gbgclassictattooing">Cezilia Hjelt</a>, so it would be
amazing to get a piece off her.</span><span style="color: #383838; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 16.5pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Tiger tattoo by Enrico Grosso // Megan's thigh tattoos by Danny Rossiter and Dan Morris</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16.5pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<span style="line-height: 16.5pt;">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.</span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: 14.6666666666667px;
font-family: Calibri; color: #000000;">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.</span><span style="color: #383838; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Body coverage // Tattoo by Dan Morris</i></span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: 14.6666666666667px;
font-family: Calibri; color: #000000;">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.</span><span style="color: #383838; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: 14.6666666666667px;
font-family: Calibri; color: #000000;">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.</span><span style="color: #383838; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 16.5pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Painting by Megan</i></span></span></div>
<span style="line-height: 16.5pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 16.5pt;">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.</span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: 14.6666666666667px;
font-family: Calibri; color: #000000;">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.<span style="color: #383838;">"</span></span><br />
<span data-mce-style="font-size: 14.6666666666667px;
font-family: Calibri; color: #000000;"><span style="color: #383838;"><br /></span></span>
<span data-mce-style="font-size: 14.6666666666667px;
font-family: Calibri; color: #000000;"><span style="color: #383838;"><i>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.</i></span></span><br />
<span data-mce-style="font-size: 14.6666666666667px;
font-family: Calibri; color: #000000;"><span style="color: #383838;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<span data-mce-style="font-size: 14.6666666666667px;
font-family: Calibri; color: #000000;"><span style="color: #383838;"><i>Follow her on Instagram <a href="https://instagram.com/megan__foster">@megan__foster</a> for more!</i></span></span></div>
Heloisa Arrudahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10957290659461573506noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2135583615685814800.post-5577755243872198202015-10-14T12:39:00.000-03:002016-06-15T10:50:57.538-03:00The collectors: Céline, France<div style="line-height: 18.85pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 8.55pt;">
<i><span style="color: #383838; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;"><a href="https://instagram.com/inspiredtattooportraits">Céline</a> not only has </span><span style="color: #383838; line-height: 25.1333px;">her body adorned by the most magnificent artwork</span><span style="color: #383838; line-height: 18.85pt;">, 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.</span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #383838; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">"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.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #383838; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #383838; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">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 <a href="http://www.lesdernierstrappeurs.com/">Roberto</a>. 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.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Leg tattoos by various artists // Peonies sleeve by Rodrigo Souto Bueno</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #383838; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">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 <a href="https://instagram.com/cokney">Cokney</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/mikaeldepoissy">Mikael de Poissy</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/gotch_tattoo">Gotch</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/jondix">Jondix</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/burtonursaeminoris">Jean-Philippe Burton</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/sway_tattooer">Sway</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/rodrigosoutobueno">Rodrigo Souto</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/raphael_tiraf">Raphaël Tiraf</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/damien.j.thorn">Damien J Thorn</a>… But everything changed after I met </span><a href="http://guyletatooer.com/" style="line-height: 25.1333px;">Guy le Tatooer</a>.<span style="color: #383838; line-height: 18.85pt;"> He literally turned my world upside-down, in a positive way, and radically changed my view on tattoos.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #383838; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #383838; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">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.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="color: #383838; font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;"><i>Bodysuit by Guy le Tatooer and layer details // Sleeve by Cokney</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #383838; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #383838; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #383838; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">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.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Palm tattoos by Jondix and Jean-Philippe Burton // Feet tattoos by Jean-Philippe Burton</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #383838; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #383838; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">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.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Back piece by Guy le Tatooer // Mix of tattoo styles on Céline's legs</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #383838; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">I worked 2 years on a blog I created called <i><a href="http://www.inspiredtattooportraits.com/">Inspired: Tattoo Portraits</a></i> 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 <a href="http://thingsandink.com/">Things & Ink</a> magazine featuring <a href="https://instagram.com/the_noble_mountain/">Brian Thomas Wilson</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #383838; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">For further details and evolution check my Instagram account that I update daily. It’s a never ending journey for me…"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #383838; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;"><i>Thank you so much, Céline! It's always exciting to see and read about someone who loves tattoos as much as you do.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #383838; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;"><i>Follow her Instagram account <a href="https://instagram.com/inspiredtattooportraits">@inspiredtattooportraits</a></i></span></div>
Heloisa Arrudahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10957290659461573506noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2135583615685814800.post-74103931101412388392015-10-02T23:10:00.000-03:002015-10-02T23:28:24.505-03:00The collectors: Lauren Cody, USA<div style="border: 0px; color: #383838; line-height: 1.57143em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: times new roman, times, serif;"><i>After Stephanie's colorful tattoos, I present to you <a href="https://instagram.com/heroinebunny">Lauren</a> 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! </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"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.</span>
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<span data-mce-style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 12px;" style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; line-height: 1.571428em;">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.</span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 12px;" style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; line-height: 1.571428em;">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.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>A couple of the first tattoos collected // Friendship Friday the 13th tattoo</i></span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 12px;" style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; line-height: 1.571428em;">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.</span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 12px;" style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; line-height: 1.571428em;">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.</span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 12px;" style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; line-height: 1.571428em;">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. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Butterfly and strawberries by Mike Adams // Beach babe by Marie Sena // Vintage camera by Tony Talbert // Flower by Jacob Neuman</i></span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 12px;" style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; line-height: 1.571428em;">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. </span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 12px;" style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; line-height: 1.571428em;">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.</span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 12px;" style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; line-height: 1.571428em;">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.</span><br />
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<span data-mce-style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 12px;" style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 1.571428em;"><i>Lady by Marie Sena (fresh and healed)</i></span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 12px;" style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; line-height: 1.571428em;">I have work from <a href="https://instagram.com/mariesena">Marie Sena</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/joshstephenstattoos">Josh Stephens</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/ohashleylove">Ashley Love</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/myraoh">Myra Oh</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/marina_inoue">Marina Inoue</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/tonytrustworthy">Tony Talbert</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/jaboc">Jacob Neumann</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/antonioroque">Antonio Roque</a>, and <a href="https://instagram.com/mikeadamstattoo">Mike Adams</a>.</span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 12px;" style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; line-height: 1.571428em;">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.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Heart locket by Antonio Roque // Lady head and flowers by Myra Oh</i></span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 12px;" style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; line-height: 1.571428em;">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 <a href="https://instagram.com/cassandra_frances">Cassandra Frances</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/matthew_houston">Matt Houston</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/wolfspit">Jemma Jones</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/katya_krasnova">Katya Krasnova</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/ibirothe">Ibi Rothe</a>,<a href="https://instagram.com/bobeus"> Bob Geerts</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/beccagennebacon">Becca Genné-Bacon</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/rosehardy">Rose Hardy</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/ryancooperthompson">Ryan Cooper Thompson</a>, and <a href="https://instagram.com/ivananthonyshevtattoo">Ivan Antonyshev</a>.</span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 12px;" style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; line-height: 1.571428em;">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.</span><br />
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<span data-mce-style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 12px;" style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; line-height: 1.571428em;">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.</span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 12px;" style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; line-height: 1.571428em;">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. </span><br />
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<span data-mce-style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 12px;" style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 1.571428em;"><i>Globe by Marie Sena // Heart by Ashley Love // Girl and cat by Marina Inoue</i></span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 12px;" style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; line-height: 1.571428em;">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."</span><br />
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<span data-mce-style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 12px;" style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; line-height: 1.571428em;"><i>Thank you so much, Lauren! I'm so happy I've met you, and this is why I love working on this blog. </i></span><br />
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<span data-mce-style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 12px;" style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; line-height: 1.571428em;"><i>And you, dear readers, go follow her on Instagram <a href="https://instagram.com/heroinebunny">@heroinebunny</a> to see her future additions.</i></span></div>
Heloisa Arrudahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10957290659461573506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2135583615685814800.post-52377392873274632712015-09-28T19:37:00.001-03:002015-09-28T19:40:26.083-03:00The collectors: Stephanie Reid, UK<i>When it comes to tattoos, <a href="https://instagram.com/sleeptightfistfight">Stephanie</a> 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.</i><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Back piece by Alex Bage // Works on Stephanie's thighs by Jonathan Reina, Fidjit, Mark McEwan </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #383838; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">"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.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #383838; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">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.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #383838; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #383838; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">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 <a href="https://instagram.com/kylermartz">Kyler Martz</a> 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.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Works on Stephanie's leg by Rowan Kennedy and Tom Arnison // Lady head by Joe Ellis</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #383838; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">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! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #383838; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">I have got tattoos from artists such as <a href="https://instagram.com/robertopoliri">Roberto Poliri</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/joeellistattoo">Joe Ellis</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/alex_bage">Alex Bage</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/antonioroque">AntonioRoque</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/jonathanreina">Jonathan Reina</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/tom_flanagan_otc">Thomas Flanagan</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/ricardocontrerastattoo">Ricardo Contreras</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/teidetattoo">Mario Teide</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/grehale">Gre Hale</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/rkennedytattoo">Rowan Kennedy</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/fidjit">Fidjit</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/yougotparred">Mark McEwan</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/edstaplestattooer">Edward Staples</a>,
<a href="https://instagram.com/justjentattoos">Jen Wood</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/tomarnisontattoo">Tom Arnison</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/ggcanallatattoo">German Canalla</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/sam_rickets_soos">Sam Ricketts</a> & <a href="https://instagram.com/nickmayes">Nick Mayes</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #383838; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">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. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="color: #383838; font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;"><i>Dietzel lady by German Canalla // Flower by Nick Mayes</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #383838; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">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 <a href="https://instagram.com/wolfspit">Jemma Jones</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/sway_tattooer">Sway</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/richhadley">Rich Hadley</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/rich_hardy">Rich Hardy</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/hlctattoo">Hannah Louise Clark</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/dane_soos">Dane Mancini</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/joel_soos">Joel Madberg</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/rachierhatklor">Rachie Rhatklor</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/katya_krasnova">Katya Krasnova</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/zachnelligan">Zach Nelligan</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/marcosattwood">Marcos Attwood</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/jimmiebss">James Matthews</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/tonybluearms">Tony Nilsson</a>,
<a href="https://instagram.com/alessandroturcio">Alessandro Turcio</a> and <a href="https://instagram.com/annasandbergtattoo">Anna Sandberg</a> to
my collection. If I even had the chance to be tattooed by half of these
incredible artists, I'd be happy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #383838; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">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.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="color: #383838; font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;"><i>Birds by Tom Arnison, Rowan Kennedy and Gre Hale</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #383838; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">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. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #383838; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">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. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="color: #383838; font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;"><i>Tattoos by Tom Arnison and Sam Ricketts</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #383838; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica,
sans-serif;">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, <a href="https://instagram.com/jennreid_">Jennifer</a>, 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.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #383838; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">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! </span><o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="color: #383838; font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;"><i>Lady heads by Joe Ellis (top), Antonio Roque and Ricardo Contreras (bottom)</i></span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica,
sans-serif;"><span style="color: #383838; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">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! </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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sans-serif;">
</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.85pt;">
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.</div>
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<br /></div>
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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!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.85pt;">
<span style="color: #383838; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">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!"</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.85pt;">
<span style="color: #383838; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;"><i>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 :)</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #383838; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div>
<span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica,
sans-serif;"><i>
</i></span>
<br />
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<span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica,
sans-serif;"><span style="color: #383838; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;"><i>To see more of Stephanie's collection, follow her on
Instagram <a href="https://instagram.com/sleeptightfistfight">@sleeptightfistfight</a></i></span></span></div>
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Heloisa Arrudahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10957290659461573506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2135583615685814800.post-20038943557437496172015-09-08T21:22:00.000-03:002015-09-08T21:22:04.640-03:00The collectors: Dominique, New Zealand<i><a href="https://instagram.com/dominique_cara">Dominique</a> 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><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGPD2A3Ct208AeAp2yoiBUlrPGNZUtzrhwBsakpppRfoSrS4g3iI3NTdXgDrTCRcew8Fu8ur-goALPpyjdo3nkcvHJkcUYdxnb0Izzxlooe36VcXSOpFY4F_SLIzoJIe2Q9atr0dDOqsy9/s1600/collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGPD2A3Ct208AeAp2yoiBUlrPGNZUtzrhwBsakpppRfoSrS4g3iI3NTdXgDrTCRcew8Fu8ur-goALPpyjdo3nkcvHJkcUYdxnb0Izzxlooe36VcXSOpFY4F_SLIzoJIe2Q9atr0dDOqsy9/s1600/collage.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoBodyText">
"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.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
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.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
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. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
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. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
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.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhePZBj-oc7Cd_ChN4qFD72k8unMDdVqEfK3_6V3JbnSrJHN2s1pdbB7ne-tw7geFYm8krCaQIbfkl8_th_-DXZoRYpw5jg7SWV_Qs0iyL5Gvg4xR1-rJYNlMFvPaCa11i0TXEgl62RGJ5a/s1600/collage_20150907012440126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhePZBj-oc7Cd_ChN4qFD72k8unMDdVqEfK3_6V3JbnSrJHN2s1pdbB7ne-tw7geFYm8krCaQIbfkl8_th_-DXZoRYpw5jg7SWV_Qs0iyL5Gvg4xR1-rJYNlMFvPaCa11i0TXEgl62RGJ5a/s1600/collage_20150907012440126.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Shin tattoos by Fabian Bidart</i></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
My Japanese work (right arm sleeve, left arm half sleeve
and chest) is all done by an artist named Liesje from <a href="http://www.thetattooedheart.co.nz/">The Tattooed Heart</a> in
Auckland. All my traditional and mendhi shins are done by <a href="https://instagram.com/fabian_bidart_tattooer/">Fabian Bidart</a> from
Sunset Tattoo in Auckland. The “traditional” Geisha on my calf is also done by
Fabian.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
I love all my tattoos. Every time is get a new one, it's
my favorite until the next one. <span data-mce-style="font-size:
17.3333333333333px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; color: #000000;">But overall
I’m extremely proud of all my tattoos.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
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.</div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
I think like a lot of people, I'd love to have a tattoo
done by <a href="http://guyletatooer.com/">Guy Le Tatooer</a>. But someone’s work I’ve loved for quite some time is
<a href="https://instagram.com/aimeecornwelltattoo">Aimee Cornwell</a> from London. Her tattoos are extremely rich in color and show a
lot of emotion and expression.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrmJVMhaZsVFPt1rmnxA6bmS0eg8O6Wszzglw3AfvNUKr0_gHWXKnJ9CgcJZpBk-3uE7gNNku_XsTZyWocsYarNS8D5n_YOE6GfFvBV-X1UEin0wrIXRDPEPjrOO47YrQ_vWMUHiSRYKEG/s1600/collage_20150907012215397.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrmJVMhaZsVFPt1rmnxA6bmS0eg8O6Wszzglw3AfvNUKr0_gHWXKnJ9CgcJZpBk-3uE7gNNku_XsTZyWocsYarNS8D5n_YOE6GfFvBV-X1UEin0wrIXRDPEPjrOO47YrQ_vWMUHiSRYKEG/s1600/collage_20150907012215397.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ7IO_lNE2XW3ulkk0gNUiX2mZ8xRGudOcF60s4cjS_FqjcDpdoNpcBFZAwIzTMGuRIjNrwOd4OLphyphenhyphenwQkMHT5O9AY7v92oZ2dOxiETUFTbkA7-jcqpMn4Kw32WWrFwkxNGPhbGEM3BjWw/s1600/collage_20150907012617677.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ7IO_lNE2XW3ulkk0gNUiX2mZ8xRGudOcF60s4cjS_FqjcDpdoNpcBFZAwIzTMGuRIjNrwOd4OLphyphenhyphenwQkMHT5O9AY7v92oZ2dOxiETUFTbkA7-jcqpMn4Kw32WWrFwkxNGPhbGEM3BjWw/s1600/collage_20150907012617677.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Traditional style tattoos by Fabian Bidart</i></span></div>
</div>
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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.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
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<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span data-mce-style="font-size:
17.3333333333333px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; color: #000000;">and age, it
shouldn’t matter what people decide to put on their skin. </span><span data-mce-style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-size:
17.3333333333333px;">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.</span><br />
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17.3333333333333px;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBQ1lYeRoPgXKZ5DtZ_EPSb0PDZD4_-ZM2zFXiedgUzdiK6DoZ0yxcWuZ5IF_sbAzJN7qVd41Bdg909KxJiGnWRnOFLZxDDiLWkijvmLMvVWdNkLDu8z54CCJA2PQkyqJUcQv_FdCcKQtV/s1600/P1120247+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBQ1lYeRoPgXKZ5DtZ_EPSb0PDZD4_-ZM2zFXiedgUzdiK6DoZ0yxcWuZ5IF_sbAzJN7qVd41Bdg909KxJiGnWRnOFLZxDDiLWkijvmLMvVWdNkLDu8z54CCJA2PQkyqJUcQv_FdCcKQtV/s1600/P1120247+copy.jpg" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoBodyText">
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.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.85pt; margin-bottom: 8.55pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;">
<span data-mce-style="font-size: 17.3333333333333px;
font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; color: #000000;">I’m just very at peace with who I am. I love and respect
the artistry<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span data-mce-style="font-size: 17.3333333333333px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';
color: #000000;">and craft of tattooing and tattooers who put their all into
creating</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #383838; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;"> </span></span><span data-mce-style="font-size:
17.3333333333333px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; color: #000000;">beautiful tattoos."</span><span style="color: #383838; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span data-mce-style="font-size:
17.3333333333333px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; color: #000000;"><i>Thank you so much, Dominique!</i></span><br />
<i><span data-mce-style="font-size:
17.3333333333333px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; color: #000000;"><br /></span>
<span data-mce-style="font-size:
17.3333333333333px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; color: #000000;">Follow her on Instagram <a href="https://instagram.com/dominique_cara">@dominique_cara</a></span></i></div>
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Heloisa Arrudahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10957290659461573506noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2135583615685814800.post-7825456600993190172015-09-03T21:46:00.001-03:002015-09-03T21:47:49.794-03:00My tattoos: knife by Ignacio<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxBZHj4cWRCpE4VeBqJXgZuFz3UZir_a5Uh8JOs5de9NAuxO89JPijYPK-67AZhkM22BWYBjvXZY1HDoBINHDISDD76OYJXbq5bUCEQvOMyxmtqzrvGNfnw-jOS1Xl0SyqszizAMcAB87t/s1600/PictureE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxBZHj4cWRCpE4VeBqJXgZuFz3UZir_a5Uh8JOs5de9NAuxO89JPijYPK-67AZhkM22BWYBjvXZY1HDoBINHDISDD76OYJXbq5bUCEQvOMyxmtqzrvGNfnw-jOS1Xl0SyqszizAMcAB87t/s1600/PictureE.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
This is my most recent tattoo, done in the beginning of August by <a href="https://instagram.com/ignaciottd">Ignacio</a> 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.<br />
<br />
Script below is not by him. It was actually the first tattoo I ever got :)<br />
<br />
<br />Heloisa Arrudahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10957290659461573506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2135583615685814800.post-21876775282378815882015-09-01T23:03:00.000-03:002015-09-28T19:41:13.783-03:00The collectors: Katie Grimes, UK<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.85pt;">
<span style="color: #383838; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><i>I fell in love with <a href="https://instagram.com/whatxkatiedid">Katie</a>'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></span><span style="color: #383838; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: #383838; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #383838; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">"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.</span><span style="color: #383838; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #383838; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">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.</span><span style="color: #383838; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.85pt;">
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.<br />
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh67207mMY7ahpyS6DzLDXX5kucS6faQrvJXitdPXoUS1J7F8KGVN2l76DiAuagRZvtoE6SgKqysSXIwyhk7NrR3ApW1qju8PuK5a16Yhch0bmewuFkT9CXChc64S1_8NyuJzTwv36vWVFZ/s1600/collage_20150830231258872.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh67207mMY7ahpyS6DzLDXX5kucS6faQrvJXitdPXoUS1J7F8KGVN2l76DiAuagRZvtoE6SgKqysSXIwyhk7NrR3ApW1qju8PuK5a16Yhch0bmewuFkT9CXChc64S1_8NyuJzTwv36vWVFZ/s1600/collage_20150830231258872.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="line-height: 18.85pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Katie's legs, with works by Gre
Hale, Jemma Jones, Sway and Philip Yarnell</span></i></div>
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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.</div>
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I have works from <a href="http://guyletatooer.com/">Guy LeTatooer</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/wolfspit">Jemma Jones</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/sway_tattooer/">Sway</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/philipyarnelltattoos">Philip Yarnell</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/grehale">Gre Hale</a> and <a href="https://instagram.com/hannahpixiesykez">Hannah Pixie Sykes</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg12-r0QpQAGQW2-o_Q9Ti55cCzVnMQOtMLOdAESrmn0GmhtvkGUSnheBGtC2tAB5sRrRwSTKs_wPeiyPV8rr5W5JAToewaxziNFjqtTymxpBGwwWBQy5iJsS9qII3M1MYy9O-nSZ1KjMI/s1600/collage_20150830230751846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg12-r0QpQAGQW2-o_Q9Ti55cCzVnMQOtMLOdAESrmn0GmhtvkGUSnheBGtC2tAB5sRrRwSTKs_wPeiyPV8rr5W5JAToewaxziNFjqtTymxpBGwwWBQy5iJsS9qII3M1MYy9O-nSZ1KjMI/s1600/collage_20150830230751846.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<i style="line-height: 18.85pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Tattoos by Philip Yarnell</span></i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrnKRc_bq_SL71cgBrf1AYwYYiZ_g4HS3emZEtL7YEvBneevz0nAreRlTUbuzgrtoTOChHvk4k4iGSCS1EsDlBG1ea9XSl0AiOKGBTku4XSTK_0vUDic8ZV2JgDjE6UoitO3hD5lZ7mTx_/s1600/collage_20150830231003574.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrnKRc_bq_SL71cgBrf1AYwYYiZ_g4HS3emZEtL7YEvBneevz0nAreRlTUbuzgrtoTOChHvk4k4iGSCS1EsDlBG1ea9XSl0AiOKGBTku4XSTK_0vUDic8ZV2JgDjE6UoitO3hD5lZ7mTx_/s1600/collage_20150830231003574.jpg" /></a></div>
<i style="line-height: 18.85pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Tattoos by Jemma Jones</span></i></div>
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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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #383838; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"> </span></span><em><span style="border: none windowtext 0cm; color: #383838; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt; padding: 0cm;">[who has done Katie's arm tattoos]</span></em><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #383838; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"> </span></span>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.</div>
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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.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqrDpua4suG3c-8Epf6i9ZMDEjlxQlR8bPjlVRna5-d5xfjtoiyCsTQ8GC9CsU9zv3goWL3NVcNYMWP_GWDBo6qIdZMEq17b1knnxquBZSGBFHTvhaGfGg8w1etYAIwjb_bCaTZfmRbg3j/s1600/collage_20150830210616457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqrDpua4suG3c-8Epf6i9ZMDEjlxQlR8bPjlVRna5-d5xfjtoiyCsTQ8GC9CsU9zv3goWL3NVcNYMWP_GWDBo6qIdZMEq17b1knnxquBZSGBFHTvhaGfGg8w1etYAIwjb_bCaTZfmRbg3j/s1600/collage_20150830210616457.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Arms done by Guy Le Tatooer // Katie at Sacred Electric Tattoo</i></span></div>
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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.</div>
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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<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>and
I<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>would be visiting for my 21<span data-mce-style="color: #000000;">st</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span data-mce-style="color: #000000;"> </span>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.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2fC4U4kURqY0Szr9t8RDN2rQHi88T8eMidE_nljd0DaX1YkpBOUkID9CiNVnUakwuBkxwChGsBHAMkGf4ZPHpzansfC3XYU8Bh67bl5h5WqVbuT4iUUo7SaiHuWKmFrDurUHWhxAkT2D3/s1600/collage_20150901213952596.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2fC4U4kURqY0Szr9t8RDN2rQHi88T8eMidE_nljd0DaX1YkpBOUkID9CiNVnUakwuBkxwChGsBHAMkGf4ZPHpzansfC3XYU8Bh67bl5h5WqVbuT4iUUo7SaiHuWKmFrDurUHWhxAkT2D3/s1600/collage_20150901213952596.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i style="color: #383838; line-height: 18.85pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Katie
being tattooed by Guy Le Tatooer at East River Tattoo, NYC. Pictures by
François Lebeau.</span></i></div>
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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 <i>[update: she's already got her knee done; see pics below]</i>. 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).</div>
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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 <a href="https://instagram.com/abbydrielsmatattoo">Abby Drielsma</a> (her ladies knock me for six) <a href="https://instagram.com/joeellistattoo">Joe Ellis</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/cezilia_gbgclassictattooing">Cezilia Hjelt</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/mattydarienzo/">Matty Darienzo</a>, and there’s most definitely more. <o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Katie's knees recently done by Jemma Jones</i></span></div>
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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. <br />
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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.</div>
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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.<span style="color: #383838; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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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."</div>
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<i>Thank you, Katie! I'm so glad my
blog has brought me the opportunity to know you better.</i></div>
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<span style="color: #383838;"><i>Follow
Katie on Instagram <a href="https://instagram.com/whatxkatiedid">@whatxkatiedid</a> and like the blog's<a href="https://www.facebook.com/herbeautifulskinblog"> fan page on Facebook</a>. </i></span></div>
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Heloisa Arrudahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10957290659461573506noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2135583615685814800.post-86337366390166855482015-08-27T21:42:00.003-03:002015-08-28T08:40:07.945-03:00The collectors: Erica, 23, USA<div style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.428571em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<em style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; line-height: 1.428571em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://instagram.com/ericaag3">Erica</a> is a collector in the purest definition of the word. The list of artists that have tattooed her is impressive, and she has one of the most beautifully put together collections I've ever seen. Also, in this interview she gives some really nice insights about what it is like to be a tattooed lady.</span></em><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Like most angsty teenagers approaching 18, I thought tattoos were a way for me to express my individuality. I used Tumblr a lot back then, and really only followed crappy tattoo blogs. I remember checking FuckYeahTattoos every day, thinking it was the best stuff! After I got my first couple tattoos (yikes) is when I actually began to appreciate tattooing as an art form. I started following hundreds of tattooers and just looking at the work they did. </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 1.428571em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 1.428571em;">My first tattoo is pretty bad. It’s a bird coming out of a birdcage upside down on my wrist (cringe). I</span><span style="line-height: 1.428571em;"> got it a few weeks before my 18th birthday. My mom actually went with me and got her first tattoo as well! The whole thing was a mess. We went to a shop that my mom’s friend suggested because they would give us a “really good deal”. That should have been my first warning. My second warning should have been the leaking AC unit and cigarette smoke everywhere. The guy who did my tattoo wanted me to draw it for him (bad idea) and then tattooed it straight on from there, wonky lines and all. While he was tattooing me, he kept complaining about how my skin was too soft and the ink was falling out. He told me to come back in a few days for a touch up (people who assume you’re going to need a touch up immediately after tattooing you…not a good sign). He ended up tattooing me again five days later over my scabs. Ouch!</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzWKxhyphenhyphenjwqP0ghCeXt_EVSxlWxum39kW4I8qygxgW6RRS4_SiJu_Wm1zStkQ78l3jTA02g6TLyWKududyWOL8BJI1J_rniLP_diV_YU84fklkN8VTFKOLx1oOOS3X-kfmiPMvs-KtzmQQU/s1600/collagefirst.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzWKxhyphenhyphenjwqP0ghCeXt_EVSxlWxum39kW4I8qygxgW6RRS4_SiJu_Wm1zStkQ78l3jTA02g6TLyWKududyWOL8BJI1J_rniLP_diV_YU84fklkN8VTFKOLx1oOOS3X-kfmiPMvs-KtzmQQU/s1600/collagefirst.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<em style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; line-height: 1.428571em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Erica's first tattoo // Tattoo by Alice Carrier</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.428571em;">I never really thought about the idea of a collection until recently. After my first horrific tattoo experience, I got another mildly regretful tattoo on my back. That was really the transition from getting tattoos that really “meant” something to me and getting tattoos because I liked them, found them aesthetically pleasing, and reminded me of experiences (traveling for example). My third tattoo I got from Alice Carrier while visiting Portland. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 1.428571em;">That </span><span style="line-height: 1.428571em;">was when I really started following tattooers and their work and curating a list of people I wanted to be tattooed by. Even then, I never really considered the idea of collecting tattoos. I didn’t know collecting was even a thing until I was in tattoo shops and people would say “nice collection”. To me, it was just my body and these tattoos I thought were cool by tattooers I thought were good. I never anticipated others appreciating it as well.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvafVOpcPx3Bd-XXJmTOAE3OKimXT0kz9ok7ubC5gNFI9HPoWugyNI6pNlot2IDk9jqLvZmSNZrO2uhd0DqDditwoZpO-JormykEqfktXe4kX4uRCKfjiGB8afEEF3mYNYvBtmFlAnxfQR/s1600/collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvafVOpcPx3Bd-XXJmTOAE3OKimXT0kz9ok7ubC5gNFI9HPoWugyNI6pNlot2IDk9jqLvZmSNZrO2uhd0DqDditwoZpO-JormykEqfktXe4kX4uRCKfjiGB8afEEF3mYNYvBtmFlAnxfQR/s1600/collage.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<em style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; line-height: 1.428571em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Gorgeous artwork on Erica's legs // Bird by H.B. Nielsen</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’ve let most of my tattoos happen organically without much planning. I usually choose the tattooer first, based largely on opportunity. Like X tattooer is coming into a city that I might be in around the same time. Then I’ll book the appointment and get a feel for what area on my body I want it on, like arms or legs. But mostly it just happens in the moment while I’m talking with the tattooer. For example, I set up an appointment with H.B. Nielsen in New York in April because I thought I’d be there around the same time. I wanted something on my arm, an idea I later narrowed down to a bird. When I got there, he said it would be difficult to fit all the detail in such a small space on my arm. So I said just put it on my ribs! Definitely one of the most spur-of-the-moment decisions I’ve made.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 22.8571357727051px;">I've got works from </span><a href="http://guyletatooer.com/" style="line-height: 22.8571357727051px;">Guy Le Tatooer</a><span style="line-height: 22.8571357727051px;">, </span><a href="https://instagram.com/littlejennsmall" style="line-height: 22.8571357727051px;">Jenn Small</a><span style="line-height: 22.8571357727051px;">, </span><a href="https://instagram.com/marcotafuri" style="line-height: 22.8571357727051px;">Marco Tafuri</a><span style="line-height: 22.8571357727051px;">, </span><a href="https://instagram.com/hillary_fisher_white" style="line-height: 22.8571357727051px;">Hillary Fisher White</a><span style="line-height: 22.8571357727051px;">, </span><a href="https://instagram.com/ohashleylove" style="line-height: 22.8571357727051px;">Ashley Love</a><span style="line-height: 22.8571357727051px;">, </span><a href="https://instagram.com/joshstephenstattoos" style="line-height: 22.8571357727051px;">Josh Stephens</a><span style="line-height: 22.8571357727051px;">, </span><a href="https://instagram.com/cooleytattooer/" style="line-height: 22.8571357727051px;">Matt Cooley</a><span style="line-height: 22.8571357727051px;">, </span><a href="https://instagram.com/rachelhauer" style="line-height: 22.8571357727051px;">Rachel Hauer</a><span style="line-height: 22.8571357727051px;">, </span><a href="https://instagram.com/mikeadamstattoo" style="line-height: 22.8571357727051px;">Mike Adams</a><span style="line-height: 22.8571357727051px;">, </span><a href="https://instagram.com/cassandra_frances" style="line-height: 22.8571357727051px;">Cassandra Frances</a><span style="line-height: 22.8571357727051px;">, </span><a href="https://instagram.com/chris_hold/" style="line-height: 22.8571357727051px;">Chris Hold</a><span style="line-height: 22.8571357727051px;">, </span><a href="https://instagram.com/dustyneal" style="line-height: 22.8571357727051px;">Dusty Neal</a><span style="line-height: 22.8571357727051px;">, </span><a href="https://instagram.com/alicerules" style="line-height: 22.8571357727051px;">Alice Carrier</a><span style="line-height: 22.8571357727051px;">, </span><a href="https://instagram.com/frank_grimes" style="line-height: 22.8571357727051px;">Frank Grimes</a><span style="line-height: 22.8571357727051px;">, </span><a href="https://instagram.com/azamp_fbc" style="line-height: 22.8571357727051px;">Alex Zampirri</a><span style="line-height: 22.8571357727051px;">, </span><a href="https://instagram.com/jason_monroe" style="line-height: 22.8571357727051px;">Jason Monroe</a><span style="line-height: 22.8571357727051px;">, </span><a href="https://instagram.com/goksisdead" style="line-height: 22.8571357727051px;">Jack Goks Pearce</a><span style="line-height: 22.8571357727051px;">, </span><a href="https://instagram.com/scottmove" style="line-height: 22.8571357727051px;">Scott Move</a><span style="line-height: 22.8571357727051px;">, </span><a href="https://instagram.com/floriansantus/" style="line-height: 22.8571357727051px;">Florian Santus</a><span style="line-height: 22.8571357727051px;">, </span><a href="https://instagram.com/bastienjean" style="line-height: 22.8571357727051px;">Bastien Jean</a><span style="line-height: 22.8571357727051px;"> and </span><a href="https://instagram.com/hbnielsentattoo" style="line-height: 22.8571357727051px;">H.B. Nielsen</a><span style="line-height: 22.8571357727051px;">. Whew!</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS2a5Ujy62ne_PeQNy9p6nnAYUvmwT8WMB11vFPDdo8GGWkVSlWN7kpQq0hP8J1TdlcqnudSdGGKh-0wMl9VDW_XQEk3y7gxNBkgzg7nqoVgLWxUxeEgxnXsNvfntO0Bza7Nv3Te_b8lJG/s1600/collageguy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS2a5Ujy62ne_PeQNy9p6nnAYUvmwT8WMB11vFPDdo8GGWkVSlWN7kpQq0hP8J1TdlcqnudSdGGKh-0wMl9VDW_XQEk3y7gxNBkgzg7nqoVgLWxUxeEgxnXsNvfntO0Bza7Nv3Te_b8lJG/s1600/collageguy.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<em style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; line-height: 1.428571em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Guy Le Tatooer working on Erica's thigh piece // Tattoo by Guy Le Tatooer</span></em></div>
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<span style="line-height: 22.8571357727051px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’ve gone out of my way to Richmond, VA, Columbus, OH, and to NYC specifically to get tattooed a couple of times. When I got my thigh piece from Guy Le Tatooer, I dove eight hours to New York, got tattooed for five, then drove five hours back home and slept in my car at a rest stop, without even stopping to eat! But for the most part no, getting tattooed is just one part of a larger trip to see and explore a new place. It’s my “souvenir” of sorts. I’ve been tattooed in seven countries so far and I think it’s a great way to remember the trip.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.428571em;">I went on a trip to Paris and London and I was like, oh I should get tattooed! Then I almost booked like 14 appointments not thinking, because there are so many amazing tattooers in Britain and France! I was spoiled for choice. I narrowed it down to 6 appointments in 8 days, including an all day session with Jack Goks in London. I got tattooed for 8 hours. It was insane. But at the time I was like, why not. Before we began he asked how much I wanted to get done that day, and since I was leaving the next day, I had to do all of it! Very unpleasant plane ride back home.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnWIt0Fl4MKP91_JN5pMEGTcjW0XZU6gavlf5EwoK85MtypjM8nESVvMd8D_cLrkdxbxO03SoShDy1tX12RyBxBH2M3A5iRPCVXCdnWFo9Bki5jmozLzAP3rw4cj4HTKXcJEj9gAUvqvmV/s1600/collage_20150823171547270_20150827212211957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnWIt0Fl4MKP91_JN5pMEGTcjW0XZU6gavlf5EwoK85MtypjM8nESVvMd8D_cLrkdxbxO03SoShDy1tX12RyBxBH2M3A5iRPCVXCdnWFo9Bki5jmozLzAP3rw4cj4HTKXcJEj9gAUvqvmV/s1600/collage_20150823171547270_20150827212211957.jpg" /></a></div>
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<em style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Tattoos Erica got in London by Scott Move and Matt Cooley</span></em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqCTNSvza0wdM_GThxPAzX-Qy43c9iaBCu4rd4NZ8MgTp5QbGbUsszVa2xKZpTKZ9Fv4tDy6oUWRE28Oj0XcjkKXc-l-r37QhGNGiRhzgWY0s3ht82GU0ZfkDO9E7BgXO5MeXRshvitMjM/s1600/huntress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="633" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqCTNSvza0wdM_GThxPAzX-Qy43c9iaBCu4rd4NZ8MgTp5QbGbUsszVa2xKZpTKZ9Fv4tDy6oUWRE28Oj0XcjkKXc-l-r37QhGNGiRhzgWY0s3ht82GU0ZfkDO9E7BgXO5MeXRshvitMjM/s640/huntress.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; line-height: 1.428571em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Huntress by Jack Goks Pearce done in an 8-hour session</span></em><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span id="goog_974548127"></span></span></span></div>
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<em style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal;">I’ve never worried about if my tattoos look cohesive or not. I’ve had certain feelings, like I want my left arm to be all grey and black and my other arm all color, but beyond that I’ve never thought about my body as one piece. I always joke with my friends that I didn’t realize I had a lot of tattoos until one day it just hit me! Because I see myself as getting one tattoo here, a couple there, maybe two more next month. But it never really occurred to me that I was filling up my skin. Tattoos are very personal to me, so I never stepped outside my body and saw myself as others see me- which is a heavily tattooed lady. Instead I have been getting whatever I want wherever I want. I think it helps that the tattooers I like the most all have similar, complementary styles.</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-style: normal;">My newest tattoo is always my favorite! But my floral piece by Rachel Hauer on my arm and my thigh piece by Guy Le Tatooer will always have a special place in my heart.</span></span></em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpAYxleMfxaQ9jBuIpi_8AKRUum7oWAAEumuJrUmFSGjRbQFMIZjfIs93Ski82__y4gVsSRVcBliddcD2-BavnDcrLaD__N3jjXDT8FPTRmTpobGXx97TLgZVbkUmKzCG_rmOlB3jY25fl/s1600/Nice-flowers-tattoo-by-Rachel-Hauer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpAYxleMfxaQ9jBuIpi_8AKRUum7oWAAEumuJrUmFSGjRbQFMIZjfIs93Ski82__y4gVsSRVcBliddcD2-BavnDcrLaD__N3jjXDT8FPTRmTpobGXx97TLgZVbkUmKzCG_rmOlB3jY25fl/s640/Nice-flowers-tattoo-by-Rachel-Hauer.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Tattoo by Rachel Hauer</i></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-style: normal;"><a href="https://instagram.com/mxmttt/">Maxime Buchi</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/austinmaples/">Austin Maples</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/philipyarnelltattoos">Philip Yarnell</a>,<a href="https://instagram.com/levirivoire"> Levi Rivoire</a> and <a href="https://instagram.com/myraoh">Myra Oh</a> are top of the list of artists I want to be tattooed by. I’ve emailed Maxime about possibly tattooing my butt/lower back while he is visiting Portland in October. I just moved to Oregon so I’m pretty pumped to visit some west coast tattooers.</span></span></em></div>
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<span style="font-style: normal;">So far being a tattooed lady hasn’t had too much impact on my daily life. I’m a student in the social sciences and all my tattoos can be hidden with a long sleeve shirt and pants if need be. The main thing is that I get stared at constantly and I get complimented frequently. About 95% of comments are from sweet, genuine people. That always brightens my day. But sometimes people aren’t so nice (particularly the elderly) and make rude comments or touch me inappropriately (mainly by men). That’s when it’s most bothersome. Especially when I get asked the same questions each day, like did it hurt, how much did that cost, how many do you have, etc. It’s exhausting. I think people have a hard time understanding that my tattoos are practically invisible to me, they’re my skin, and so I really don’t think about them until someone brings it up. Though most people mean well, it’s just like, can I please just have my donut without being interrogated? And many questions don’t have an easy answer like my favorite one: “what do they mean?” If I say “nothing,” people get genuinely confused. It has become really easy for me to tell the difference between those who are genuinely interested in tattoos (whom I love to talk to!) and those who are just nosy. With the latter, I just try to be nice and leave as quickly as I can.</span></span></em></div>
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<span style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The scariest part is when strangers get physical. I’ve had men pull down the back of my dress and grab my arm to roll up my sleeves to get a closer look at my tattoos. Mostly it’s harmless, without ill intentions, but it is always very scary. It’s a bizarre phenomenon that getting tattoos has all but eliminated my privacy in public, where now my body is public space for people to gawk at. My go-to technique is to stare directly back at people until they realize they’ve been staring at me. That usually does the trick.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMUn5PnYEt-S7Hil3i68vMxOy2aLbBBpbNsaO_LAFmRYlIz4WrLnCSDvGJODzHbWwM225JD_s3gU9hfzW7SAmVr5ZnhhqcTmnMjjYJudWmgnro9sYJA84KzGi0KGYap2e-pLCEwkfMqAm1/s1600/legs1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMUn5PnYEt-S7Hil3i68vMxOy2aLbBBpbNsaO_LAFmRYlIz4WrLnCSDvGJODzHbWwM225JD_s3gU9hfzW7SAmVr5ZnhhqcTmnMjjYJudWmgnro9sYJA84KzGi0KGYap2e-pLCEwkfMqAm1/s640/legs1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Heloisa Arrudahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10957290659461573506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2135583615685814800.post-78457033933181566562015-08-26T22:54:00.000-03:002015-09-02T11:16:07.353-03:00The collectors: Ruth, 21, UK<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.9999942779541px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For my first interview, I invited <a href="https://instagram.com/turdfishxoxo">Ruth</a>, a sweet British girl who has the most amazing tattoos by the great <a href="https://instagram.com/sway_tattooer/">Sway</a> and <a href="https://instagram.com/wolfspit">Jemma Jones</a>. I hope you enjoy reading what Ruth says about her collection as much as I enjoyed it.</span></em><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVv_bYTOKf8OE5kg2AtPCOzhYbFyhKi6OdYpUPBnHz21tFWzA65ObBNPrKTSudtsWD79xYnQqdmdbfonGy0iGh2XoMbKOArQIvWmQSYtKQ9v5k9OuGOXllZ8MVdt3F3O67jqWmTncQrXj7/s1600/collage_20150822163137738_20150826204726032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVv_bYTOKf8OE5kg2AtPCOzhYbFyhKi6OdYpUPBnHz21tFWzA65ObBNPrKTSudtsWD79xYnQqdmdbfonGy0iGh2XoMbKOArQIvWmQSYtKQ9v5k9OuGOXllZ8MVdt3F3O67jqWmTncQrXj7/s1600/collage_20150822163137738_20150826204726032.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 22px; widows: auto;">"I come from a very small town in North Yorkshire where tattoos aren't something you see everyday. As a child I was fascinated by them, and when I started to grow up, I researched more into them.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22px; widows: auto;">I knew for my first tattoos I wanted swallows and roses on my chest. I had this idea for about a year, then it got put into place when I turned 18. I met a boy at college who was then my boyfriend (now ex) who introduced me to Sway at <a href="https://instagram.com/sacredelectrictattoo">Sacred Electric</a> [in Leeds]. I went there with my ex quite a few times. I wasn't old enough to get tattooed as I was 17, but I loved the shop and how amazing Sway's work was. I'm insanely lucky. If it wasn't for that situation and time in my life, I wouldn't have the amazing work I have today.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22px; widows: auto;">I booked my first tattoo with Sway four days after my 18th birthday. I'm pretty sure my appointment was at 12pm, and back then it was just Sway tattooing at the shop. I got two swallows and roses on my chest. I remember sitting well but it burning a lot. I remember being insanely nervous, and my mum's reaction at the size of them, and the smell of disinfectant and coughing when Sway put the stencil on. Three years on and they have stayed in perfectly and I still adore them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22px; widows: auto;">My parents massively disapprove tattoos, and I really didn't think I would be back--especially not every month. I had quite big breaks when I started getting tattooed, but for the past two years I've been going to the shop to get tattooed at least once a month.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22px; widows: auto;">I have been a loyal customer at Sacred for three years now and just love it there. Everyone is so humble and it's such an amazing shop.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitcNopOuTLwHPXD10WmKW8P_ymUZsz9d75aYSmitk3_VZxktnqdkZOFqmnRiCljapDHTVh0ftQurL_IhSoqDhfvrJWuHl2Zfx6Sp8zpX0Zk8JvOPrImW-OJbzLg5wNKcKj5oL6BaYKZGgv/s1600/Scrapbook_1440119364455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="624" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitcNopOuTLwHPXD10WmKW8P_ymUZsz9d75aYSmitk3_VZxktnqdkZOFqmnRiCljapDHTVh0ftQurL_IhSoqDhfvrJWuHl2Zfx6Sp8zpX0Zk8JvOPrImW-OJbzLg5wNKcKj5oL6BaYKZGgv/s640/Scrapbook_1440119364455.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Ruth's sleeve by Sway</i></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs2yg_AyEObLuBXjdTjr2C36ywOt-Yz8b5XgMO-W6ilw8-390EaboHALranS_i_EK6fCW6lwvYT0WmTl5lKgvHg7anjyn9srG1_sZYX31BxLUT0d2uVUfgaVdeElfCAPo-zYVg8dMBP_aF/s1600/collage_20150822162022310_20150826204942268.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs2yg_AyEObLuBXjdTjr2C36ywOt-Yz8b5XgMO-W6ilw8-390EaboHALranS_i_EK6fCW6lwvYT0WmTl5lKgvHg7anjyn9srG1_sZYX31BxLUT0d2uVUfgaVdeElfCAPo-zYVg8dMBP_aF/s1600/collage_20150822162022310_20150826204942268.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 22px; widows: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Tattoo by Sway // Sway tattooing Ruth</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22px; widows: auto;">I mainly come up with ideas from old flash, like Bowery flash or Bert Grimm redraws. I am insanely in love with the full bodysuits Bert Grimm and Sailor Jerry did back in the day. They are amazing and show such dedication to the trade. I constantly get inspiration from flash and tattoos on Instagram, but mainly think of my own ideas. Every piece I have has been a custom piece and with that it gives the tattooer a lot of freedom. The only tattoo I spent a long time planning and thinking about was my backpiece, which extends onto my bum and the back of my thighs. I knew I wanted a mendhi bodysuit, but there's not a chance any of my ideas would be as amazing as what Sway drew for me and tattooed.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrS2nG3T3qt1wnYGuESXbY1wiWn1BXscLKlzGzdUahvaG9VtW_RJ8tVV9T-DViOz6o7a2Zp-yUFW0QmvrdHE5LGf_no-IIY7rZgqUYUNPiHVFiZnSDcqkl2HaWKiTT3mcI3Gs_6Qfi3ajx/s1600/Scrapbook_1440270286979.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrS2nG3T3qt1wnYGuESXbY1wiWn1BXscLKlzGzdUahvaG9VtW_RJ8tVV9T-DViOz6o7a2Zp-yUFW0QmvrdHE5LGf_no-IIY7rZgqUYUNPiHVFiZnSDcqkl2HaWKiTT3mcI3Gs_6Qfi3ajx/s640/Scrapbook_1440270286979.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22px; widows: auto;">My bodysuit is my all time favourite, which took four intense sessions. I also love the lovers on my arm (also by Sway) and the baby pram on my shin (by Jemma Jones).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22px; widows: auto;">Most of my tattoos are by Sway, but I also have works by Jemma Jones, <a href="https://instagram.com/joeellistattoo">Joe Ellis</a> and <a href="https://instagram.com/hannahpixiesykez">Hannah Pixie Sykes. </a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22px; widows: auto;">I like to stay loyal to Sway and Jemma, as they have been tattooing me for a number of years now and know what I like, and I can trust them fully. However, in the future I would love to get tatooed by <a href="https://instagram.com/philipyarnelltattoos">Philip Yarnell</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/max_kuhn">Max Kuhn</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/richhadley/">Rich Hadley</a> and <a href="https://instagram.com/krakhouse/">Bert Krak</a>. That's just a few of many. I hope to one day travel around the world getting tattooed. I would love to go to <a href="http://www.smithstreettattoo.com/">Smith St. Tattoo</a> in Brooklyn.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLc0TalvKM5EddBNfZTtOaGp1Fcy4s8PKNe97PTI0tSlW0-VZa_GX_OvtXg_rpAQJppGUW4GZptiFbMbswoRq3-u_XtkXWaE0TLX-tF-NdPtIQMX7BML7pMe0yJxtTO-wXJx92sPGJ4Nut/s1600/collage_20150822162204800_20150826205022300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLc0TalvKM5EddBNfZTtOaGp1Fcy4s8PKNe97PTI0tSlW0-VZa_GX_OvtXg_rpAQJppGUW4GZptiFbMbswoRq3-u_XtkXWaE0TLX-tF-NdPtIQMX7BML7pMe0yJxtTO-wXJx92sPGJ4Nut/s1600/collage_20150822162204800_20150826205022300.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Ruth's backpiece by Sway // Baby pram by Jemma Jones</i></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2fcdF5UmbKYVTIGQl4eSKUhK6rKIISHsJ2Cwr4p4MO3jecvdqlP92eQ_qwmAOFOsOy9I3w6Wb7mzpmfpTDgdEHI9QFQh0ZdLMOSBOuy9I1OGRCucnXtPDV2EbuXR6jr1spMipvr44zroB/s1600/collage_20150822161849000_20150826204849375.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2fcdF5UmbKYVTIGQl4eSKUhK6rKIISHsJ2Cwr4p4MO3jecvdqlP92eQ_qwmAOFOsOy9I3w6Wb7mzpmfpTDgdEHI9QFQh0ZdLMOSBOuy9I1OGRCucnXtPDV2EbuXR6jr1spMipvr44zroB/s1600/collage_20150822161849000_20150826204849375.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 22px; widows: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Moth by Hannah Snowdon // Lady head by Joe Ellis</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22px; widows: auto;">I currently have a booking in September with Sway for gap fillers to finish one of my arms, then both will be gap free and totally finished. I also have an appointment with Jemma Jones in October for a Virgin Mary piece on the side of my thigh. I'm trying to fill up my legs, as I've been neglecting them for a long time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22px; widows: auto;">My parents don't like tattoos at all, and it's been the hardest thing about me becoming heavily tattooed. We have had a lot of arguments over the years, which still continue now. They can't understand why I've got so many. That's the hardest part for me, but I'll be moving out of home next year, which will make things easier for them and me, and hopefully one day they may understand.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22px; widows: auto;">I'm a catering supervisor for a catering company. Everyone there accepts and loves my tattoos, and my boss is a very open minded person. Even for my birthday the girls I work with bought me an insane tattoo cake because they know how much I love them.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqFrWETGpPYKflEp9ZVLOxlpYt_40jLStz9JYTvEpmXRFRmfViaURv0KvgBJxEJStUwoiqgPFi10f53x9V5X8ULPS87Fhl-B7c8Yh6zPaYwuV-4SFpixsImV5nXNTtWExRtHOM5SWAGccL/s1600/collage_20150822162512298_20150822202921505_20150826205149088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqFrWETGpPYKflEp9ZVLOxlpYt_40jLStz9JYTvEpmXRFRmfViaURv0KvgBJxEJStUwoiqgPFi10f53x9V5X8ULPS87Fhl-B7c8Yh6zPaYwuV-4SFpixsImV5nXNTtWExRtHOM5SWAGccL/s1600/collage_20150822162512298_20150822202921505_20150826205149088.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 22px; widows: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Tattoos by Jemma Jones</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22px; widows: auto;">Being a tattoed girl, I get two types of attention: positive and negative. A lot of people are nosey and some are fascinated. Wherever you go, if you have a lot of tattoos, people will look at you, but it's worse if you're a woman. I get stared at a lot because I have a fair few now and I think girls who have a lot of coverage do shock people. Living in a small town I do get some abuse about my tattoos. I once had an elderly man at the bus stop stare at me and say I was looking for trouble. I have also being spat at once by another elderly man. But that was a long time ago. I'm pretty thick skinned and know that this world creates narrow minded people. The issue is with them not me. Apart from that, I get a lot of questions on if they hurt and who did them, and to be fair, a lot of positive comments about how well they are done and how good people think they look. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22px; widows: auto;">When I was younger I had no confidence and suffered with depression. Putting everything I had into getting tattooed and falling in love with everything about it helped that. I am proud of my body and the work I have, and I love adding to my collection and planning what I'm going to get next. When I got my bodysuit finished, some people said I had an ugly ass etc. I personally just laugh it off and understand it's someone behind a phone or a computer, it's not real. No one would say it to my face. And I sat through those sessions, took the pain. I have stayed very committed to getting tattooed.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg97CLD5-x91DobIRhnzLwDOn_wo6fPZWNfxq9bo-8sNAJcVN4gs5KpBEhMZ5u0u5H7JRn2BIV7vw2YhHcMWY-XbWORziDfUtuGnWsj7zwGDqiEkg-DAdRv1b6IVJmMi99QC85b2rCEJCCp/s1600/collage_20150822162800626_20150826205110779.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg97CLD5-x91DobIRhnzLwDOn_wo6fPZWNfxq9bo-8sNAJcVN4gs5KpBEhMZ5u0u5H7JRn2BIV7vw2YhHcMWY-XbWORziDfUtuGnWsj7zwGDqiEkg-DAdRv1b6IVJmMi99QC85b2rCEJCCp/s1600/collage_20150822162800626_20150826205110779.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 22px; widows: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Devil by Sway // Works on Ruth's legs by Sway and Jemma</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22px; widows: auto;">I try to be kind to others on the Internet. Some younger people have come to me with questions about tattoos and I've always responded. I just think people should be kind and humble and encourage others to be kind too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22px; widows: auto;">I would say to girls at 18 that there's no rush to get fully covered. Have fun with it. Skin will be there forever. And don't copy what others are doing because you want to be like them. Get the tattoos for you, not for anyone else, because they are a life mark. Do your research on the artists and even ask tattooers or look for healed photos of the artist's work.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22px; widows: auto;">If anyone reading this wants to know where to look for information about tattooers, watch the videos on Vice's channel on YouTube. They have some great ones on Valerie Vargas, Mike Rubendall and Freddy Corbin. I would also recon <i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1625092/">Ed Hardy 'Tattoo the world'</a></i> as not many people are aware what he did for tattooing."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Thank you so much, Ruth!</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>If you wanna see more of the artwork on Ruth, follow her on Instagram </i><i><a href="https://instagram.com/turdfishxoxo">@turdfishxoxo</a> </i></span><br />
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Heloisa Arrudahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10957290659461573506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2135583615685814800.post-18537358090500799222015-08-25T22:24:00.002-03:002015-08-26T23:54:28.364-03:00My tattoos: rose by Joe Ellis<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDJ1l1ywhqsXgy11-xndfGgKjOLqmcQziWL7y5CrpZCyckSUPncuOLGs6VUl1vLEtd7GosQy89kkJBeH7r00j8OEFzzaVES_N5Zt2jYpuD891O6yIJYWLVa7NKqrq6pSqOUThG2m3YI2G2/s1600/Picture.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDJ1l1ywhqsXgy11-xndfGgKjOLqmcQziWL7y5CrpZCyckSUPncuOLGs6VUl1vLEtd7GosQy89kkJBeH7r00j8OEFzzaVES_N5Zt2jYpuD891O6yIJYWLVa7NKqrq6pSqOUThG2m3YI2G2/s640/Picture.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21.6000003814697px;">Such a classic, I love rose tattoos. I could have many roses tattooed on my body and I bet it wouldn’t ever get boring. But for now I only have this one by Joe Ellis, which I had the opportunity to get when I went to the UK in November 2014.</span>Heloisa Arrudahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10957290659461573506noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2135583615685814800.post-59310033216414928022015-08-24T19:21:00.000-03:002015-08-26T23:53:37.323-03:00An introduction<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 21.6000003814697px; margin-bottom: 15px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is a blog about tattoos and the girls who collect them. This a is blog about my own tattoo collection and its progress, but mostly it is about the ladies who inspire me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I wanted to start this project because I see girls who have gorgeous collections and I want to know more about them. I want to learn more about these ladies who invest their time and money, who endure a good deal of pain, all in order to decorate their bodies with amazing artwork. And I figured other people would be interested in it too, so why not share it in a blog?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’ll interview girls who collect tattoos and publish them here. Please let me know what you think about the interview and give me suggestions of girls you’d like to see on the blog.</span></div>
Heloisa Arrudahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10957290659461573506noreply@blogger.com0