Tattoo Tuesday V.123

Name and blog name:  Ashley at slightlyelegant.blogspot.com, I blog with my boyfriend, Daniel.

Age: 19

Occupation: Graphic Designer/Legal Assistant

Age of first tattoo: 18

Favorite tattoo: Oh my! I have to pick! I love both of them!

Featured tattoo/location:  My bluebird and pocket watch on my right thigh

Artist/shop/location of feature tattoo: Dennis Sullivan in Clarksville, TN. I will only ever go to him!

1) Tell us about your featured tattoo- is there a background story about why you chose it, or maybe a special meaning? 

Well, my first tattoo was the bluebird on my right thigh. It doesn’t have any significant meaning, like all of my tattoos thus far, but the bluebird is my favorite bird and the pocket watch depicts what time I was born. (Just a cool detail I thought was great to add to the pocket watch.)

2) Do you have any other tattoos?  If so, what do you have and where? (photos of each one are awesome)

I do! I have three red/pinkish carnations on my upper arm. Carnations are some of my favorite flowers.

3) Do you plan on getting more?

It is very possible! I currently work in a profession where there is little room for escape from the usual stereotypes associated with tattoos, so I have to be careful and cover up when necessary. But, I am going to school to finish my graphic design degree, so I won't be a legal assistant forever!

4) How do your family and friends feel about your tattoos?  Have you run into any adversity or negativity because of them? Do you have a significant other? Does he/she have tattoos?

My mother and her side of the family LOVE my tattoos.  My father and his side, however, despise the idea of them.  They just tolerate them nicely, I guess you could say. Daniel's family also doesn't really like them, but fortunately, they are still very open and accepting of me one day marrying their son. Daniel loves my tattoos as well, and is even thinking about getting a few.

5) What's the most interesting experience you've ever had in regards to your tattoos?

I haven't really had any weird experiences other than people want to touch my tattoos to see what they feel like. I also hear, “you don't seem like someone who would have tattoos at all.”

6) Any advice for those interested in getting tattooed but haven't gotten one yet?

Upon first receiving the tattoo on my upper arm, a had a guy in my 3D Design class make a really, really hurtful comment about my tattoo. I had to leave the room, and I cried and cried wondering why in the world someone could be so cruel!

Before I went back to the design room, I was trying to figure how I should receive his comment. Although it was extremely hurtful, and had no other intention than bringing down another human being, it is very important to remember people with tattoos can be just as cruel when getting defensive about the art on their bodies. Someone with a tattoo can easily fill the stereotype “people with tattoos are aggressive because there are a biker or went to jail”  that is commonly associated with tattoos by the way they react to people's negativity. I believe it is better to take a comment, or what ever it may be, with a grain of salt, continue to be nice to such a hurtful person not matter how hard. Break that stereotype, because most people with a tattoos nowadays hardly fit such a mold!

Tattoo Tuesday V.122

Name/blog name: Caitlin Lucy Danger - I don't have a blog, but you can find me on instagram: @lucydanger, or Facebook.
Age: 27
Occupation: Hairstylist
Age of first tattoo: 23
Favorite tattoo: My traditional style backpiece with Nina Simone lyrics, which was my first 'big' tattoo. Not only was it wonderfully executed, but the lyrics sum me up perfectly.
Featured tattoo info: My full sleeve, based on a Massachusetts/four seasons theme, by Alastair Cameron-Hodges who an amazing person and fantastic tattooer, based out of Boston. Also be sure to check out his Facebook page and give him a 'Like'!


1) Tell us about your featured tattoo- is there a background story about why you chose it, or maybe a special meaning?

My full sleeve was what I considered the 'point of no return'. From this moment forward, there would be no more hiding my tattoos if necessary.  By this point in my life, I had decided to make a career change; leaving my desk job and entering the cosmetology industry. I knew that (luckily) it was a field where tattoos are accepted, if not expected...so I decided to go full speed ahead.

Having grown up in Massachusetts my whole life, I decided on something to commemorate my home state, and my love of the changing seasons/wacky weather we are graced with here. I told Alastair just that, and he did the research and came up with something more beautiful than I ever could have put together myself. The background incorporates traditional Japanese-style elements of water and air, while all the Massachusetts state symbols are represented; the right whale, ladybug, mayflower, chickadee, and elm tree. Fall leaves and snowflakes are interwoven into the sleeve as well, to tie it all together. It still requires a bit more touching up before it's completely done, but for all intents and purposes, it's finished, and I love it.

2) Do you have any other tattoos?  If so, what do you have and where?

I have a host of other tattoos, ranging from a fairy-tale themed 3/4 sleeve, to a classy t-rex wearing a monocle and sipping a glass of wine. My calves are a Valerie Vargas inspired design, and I have a traditional style flower on my foot which I got during a visit to LA (which happens to be one of the few tattoos not done by Alastair). I've recently started collecting tattoos on my fingers, which are lovingly referred to as 'finger trinkets'.
 

3) Do you plan on getting more?

Absolutely! I like my tattoos to be somewhat balanced on my body as far as placement, so next on the list is turning my 3/4 sleeve into a full sleeve and adding a piece on my left thigh to go along with Mr. Classy T-Rex (I'm ashamed to admit he doesn't have a name!). I'm also super excited to get started on a chest piece, which despite all my other highly-visible tattoos, is what I consider the biggest deal since it's what people will notice first when they look at me.

4) How do your family and friends feel about your tattoo(s)?  Have you run into any adversity or negativity because of them?
Generally speaking, my family and friends have grown to appreciate (or at the very least, accept) my tattoos. Every time I get a new tattoo, my parents still ask "this will be the last one, right?" even though by now, they already know the answer. My mom actually got her first tattoo on her 60th birthday, so I like to think I converted even her.

As far as negativity, I find that when I'm in the suburbs, I tend to get more judgement and evil glares than I do in the city. I'm ok with that, because let's face it, I generally do stick out in a conservative small town. I find that once I start talking to people, they usually warm up, and that their initial strange looks were more out of curiosity than anything else. I get compliments from people I'd never expect, like little old ladies getting their weekly blowdry in the salon - those are the interactions that make me smile. I've found that even if someone would never get a tattoo themselves, they can at least appreciate mine from an artistic standpoint.

5) What's the most interesting experience you've ever had in regards to your tattoos?

What I find most interesting in regard to my tattoos is children's reactions to them. It seems that kids are still so naive and unscathed by society that they are intrigued, rather than wary or judgemental. I remember being at the salon, shampooing a client's hair, and a little girl who was standing by watching me at the sink was honestly concerned that my tattoos were going to wash off in the water. It was one of the cutest things I've ever encountered.

6) Any advice for those interested in getting tattooed but haven't gotten one yet?

Research your artist. Take the time to decide what style
tattoo you want (and there are MANY), and find out who best can execute it. Look at portfolios, talk to the tattooer, and if the shop or the artist doesn't make you feel completely comfortable...leave. There are too many awesome tattooers out there to settle for crappy work or an unsanitary shop. It's going to be on your body for life, so don't cheap out...you absolutely get what you pay for.

Also, if you're going to put words on your body, be sure it's something you won't mind explaining to every curious person you encounter. People seem to lose all sense of personal boundaries when it comes to tattoos, and they WILL want to know why you have whatever specific quote or song lyric tattooed on you. They will ask, and they will ask for the rest of your life. Be prepared.

Tattoo Tuesday V.121

Name and blog name: Sar Habermeyer // francinepefko.tumblr.com
Occupation: Grad School Student, Bartender
Age of first tattoo: 18
Favorite tattoo: My favorite tattoo would have to be... my Beloved Infidel, Skull and Cherry Blossoms.
Featured tattoo/location: My featured tattoo is my "Beloved Infidel" Skull and Cherry Blossom Chest Piece
Artist/shop/location of feature tattoo: Claudia Billy Baca...formerly of St. Sabrina's in Uptown Minneapolis, Currently Owner of Bijou Studios in Austin, Texas.

1) Tell us about your featured tattoo- is there a background story about why you chose it, or maybe a special meaning?

My chest piece is very special to me, the words, Beloved Infidel come from a movie about F. Scot Fitzgerald, the writer of the Great Gatsby... I used to watch it with my Nana all the time as a child. The cherry blossoms are beautiful and I think really balance out the darkness of the skull...like a life after death sort of situation.

2) Do you have any other tattoos?  If so, what do you have and where?

I have! I believe 15 other tattoos... I have a 13 on my Left Foot, a Skeleton Ballerina on my Right, the name Lori on my Left Wrist, a small red heart on my right... I got this the day I moved back from Estonia, I also have Andy Warhol's 'Flowers' and lyrics from Gentleman Caller on my right wrist... Then there's my Hello Kitty Ballerina on my Right Elbow, I have a Traditional Style Rose on my Right forearm. I have Pink and Black Leopard Spots on my Right Bicep, I have "Hollywood" written in lipstick on my stomach, 7 stars on my lower back that I got when I was 18. I have the Deathly Hallows on the back of my neck (enough said!). I have a Heartagram Tattoo behind my right ear, a cupcake with a heart on top on my inner bottom lip, a tiny pink diamond on my left rib- diamonds are a girl's best friend, right? And lastly, I have lyrics from Bon Iver's 'Calgary' on my left thigh... That's 15 more, right? I lose count easily.

3) Do you plan on getting more?

Of course! I actually am getting 2 more this weekend. I cannot wait!

4) How do your family and friends feel about your tattoo(s)?  Have you run into any adversity or negativity because of them? Do you have a significant other? Does he/she have tattoos?

When I got my first tattoo on my 18th Birthday my Mom was so disappointed, I remember she gave me the money for it and said "I don't agree with what you're doing, but I know I cannot stop you..." Then with each new tattoo her response was "Well, the last one wasn't so bad, but why this one now?!" Eventually, when I started to do fun and interesting things because of my tattoos, she grew to love them. Now, she finds someone with a neat tattoo and she has to show me or take photos of them and show me later. Her favorite tattoo of mine is the leopard print I have on my arm, she just adores it. I run into some people from time to time who are quite close-minded and rude towards my tattoos but I honestly just consider it their loss. I'm an amazing person and my body is MY temple.... I just choose to decorate mine. Besides, I've grown to learn that when you judge a book by it's cover you tend to really lose out on some great things. My boyfriend Logan has an entire calf piece, it's pretty great, and he did the entire thing himself. He also has a few others as well. He's a pretty decent artist too. Yes, I know, the cliche 'my boyfriend is good at tattooing' line, but it's really true! He's actually doing a piece on me soon and I'm incredibly excited!


5) What's the most interesting experience you've ever had in regards to your tattoos?

The most interesting experience I've had in regards to my tattoos has to be the opportunity to take part in Julian Murray's Tattoos & Tentacles project. I mean as if being covered in a dead octopus that smelled like death wasn't interesting enough, I have gotten to be on posters and on the cover of Bizarre Magazine for it so that's been a crazy, interesting experience for me.



6) Any advice for those interested in getting tattooed but haven't gotten one yet? 

The only advice I really have is to research your shops, find someone capable of the style you like and definitely have fun with your tattoos. Be unique and creative and get something that makes you happy.... don't just see something on someone at a party or on the internet and jack their style, it won't mean as much to you and you'll probably end up regretting it later on!

Tattoo Tuesday V.120

Name: Nathan Del Turco
Age: 26
Occupation: Student Music Director at Mission Community Church
Age of first tattoo: 18
Favorite tattoo: Tiger
Featured tattoo/location: Tiger, in my ditch.
Artist/shop/location of feature tattoo: Taylor Ryan at Golden Rule Tattoo.


1) Tell us about your featured tattoo- is there a background story about why you chose it, or maybe a special meaning?

It was inspired by an old Owen Jensen Tiger. I love traditional art work and always wanted to get a Tiger tattoo in my ditch. My friend Taylor tweaked with the idea a bit, and this is where we landed. I absolutely love it.



2) Do you have any other tattoos?  If so, what do you have and where?

Yes! I have collected quite a bit. They're mainly on 2 parts of my body. (Right arm/chest, and left leg) At last count I had 30. Most of my tattoos are nautical or sailor themed, and while some have specific meaning and some do not, I love them all.

On my shoulder I have an angry hammerhead shark jumping out of the water. That piece blends into more water, boulders, and a smashed up ship wheel on my chest. On my lower arm I have a Rock of Ages cross and a serpent wrapped around a dagger that says "Death or Glory". I also have a butterfly on fire (why not?) on my elbow as well as a sparrow, a USA shield, safety wheel, and "Hold Fast" across both wrists.. Above that is an anchor and a rose with my wife Stacey's initials (ahhhh). On 3 of my knuckles I have a crown, an eye to remind me to keep my eyes up, and another anchor to remind me to stay grounded. On my left side I have a seagull, that my brother, father, and myself got together. (We grew up in Myrtle Beach when my father was stationed there) And I also have "Standing" on my left wrist. <---First Tattoo..and also done by Taylor Ryan.

Some of the ones on my legs are a gorilla head, a lighthouse, a ship, a boot that says "Fancy", a WuTang Clan wu bird (yes), an arrow-head with a "B," my wife as a mermaid (complete with glasses), and I have an anchor inside each of my heels.
3) Do you plan on getting more?

Absolutely. I don't think I will every stop.



4) How do your family and friends feel about your tattoo(s)?  Have you run into any adversity or negativity because of them? Do you have a significant other? Does he/she have tattoos?

  My family has always been great about my tattoos. My Father and Mother both are tattooed and have always been supportive. I wouldn't say adversity, but maybe some friction when meeting some people for the first time. Most tension is quickly diffused when they realize that I'm fairly a normal person... I have a lovely wife named Stacey, and she too has a few tattoos.





5) What's the most interesting experience you've ever had in regards to your tattoos?

Honestly, I would have to say people assuming I don't need personal space. Mostly older women, but random people will grab my arm and start turning it around to get a better look.. It will never make sense to me.

6) Any advice for those interested in getting tattooed but haven't gotten one yet?

Go to someone you know and trust..and also "Good work ain't cheap, and cheap work ain't good."

Tattoo Tuesday V.119

Name: Delane Lyn
Age: 31
Occupation: SAHM/Aspiring Photographer/Aspiring Hair Stylist/ Mom Blogger. Also be sure to check out her family's tattoo shop - Timeless Tattoo in Menifee, CA.
Age of first tattoo: 21
Favorite tattoo: Panther Head
Featured tattoo/location: On My right knee cap
Artist/shop/location of feature tattoo: Jay Chastain 13 Roses Tattoo in Georgia but, he is currently work at Rock Of Ages Tattoo in Texas.

1) Tell us about your featured tattoo- is there a background story about why you chose it, or maybe a special meaning? 

Honestly no background on it. I just got it because I thought it would be a perfect tattoo. I fully dislike knees and think they are pretty ugly. What better way to make it pretty then to tattoo it!

2) Do you have any other tattoos? If so, what do you have and where? 

I do have quite a few more tattoos. My legs, feet, toes, hands, neck, face, fingers, arms, chest, back, elbow. It is pretty safe to say I am heavily tattooed.

 
 3) Do you plan on getting more? 

I definitely plan to get more; I'm actually shooting for a full bodysuit! It's a work in progress.

4) How do your family and friends feel about your tattoos? Have you run into any adversity or negativity because of them? Do you have a significant other? Does he/she have tattoos? 

At first my family didn't like the idea of me being tattooed. I remember them saying I would go to hell because of them. Now I think they are just used to them and realize they aren't going anywhere. My friends love my tattoos because most of my friends are tattooed and if they're not, they appreciate them. I have run into some negativity over how tattooed I am, at times it can be really annoying especially when I am with my kids. My 4 year old has started to notice people staring and will actually say "what are you looking at?"

People shake their heads and scowl at me all the time, although I know it comes with being as heavily tattooed as I am. The thing that makes up for having to deal with the judgement though, is when you have those little old ladies come up to you and want to tell you they love your "artwork" and then they show you there hidden tattoos that you would never think they had. My significant other is tattooed and tattoos for a living. The funny thing is, as a tattooer you would think he would be more tattooed then me but, sadly I hold the award for most tattooed in our household. LOL. He has sleeves and a few tattoos on his legs and one on his neck.

5) What's the most interesting experience you've ever had in regards to your tattoos? 

The most interesting experience has got to be going to Disneyland. I know you are asking why...well my lower left leg is a work in progress and is all Yo Gabba Gabba.. Yes I just said Yo Gabba Gabba. ;) Every time we go and my legs are exposed, I get so many parents and kids loving the leg. The most memorable experience for me was a few days after going to Disneyland a friend named Parker posted a link on my Facebook wall to a blog post. This blogger was Toodee from Yo Gabba Gabba and there were photos of me and my leg. It was pretty cool to see it but, wished she would have said who she was because that would have been pretty amazing too. :)

6) Any advice for those interested in getting tattooed but haven't gotten one yet? 

Research, Research, Research! Take your time to pick out what your going to get and don't settle for some garage tattooer or someone who is cheaper. You get what you pay for.