It's What's Inside That Counts: Tattoo Ideas

Happy Friday everyone! Do you have any fun plans for the weekend? I was surprised with an unexpected day off! So I'm hoping to indulge in a nap, a bike ride, and maybe even a baseball game. 

In the mean time though, Skyla and I have been talking a lot about tattoos. Do you have any? I never considered myself a big tattoo person: how could I commit to carrying an image around with me for the rest of my life when I can't even commit to an outfit in the morning? But I just love Skyla's tattoos,  and the more I talked to her about her inspiration the more my mind opened to the commitment. I love the idea of being the canvas for piece of art that I love! Now I have a few ideas saved just in case. Here's a little background on each of her tattoos, and some advice for those considering one in the future!

The first tattoo I ever got was a Sylvia Plath quote from Lady Lazarus. “Out of the ash, I rise with my red hair. And I eat men like air.” I was nineteen, so naturally I made a few trendy decisions: it's across my left rib cage, and the font is Courier New. But I love the quote, and I'm happy I did it.

I waited for two for years until I got my next tattoo. This time I chose to recreate one of my favorite paintings by one of my favorite artist: ‘Owlgirl’ by Audrey Kawasaki. I love Audrey’s style and the fact that she paints on wood, which adds an interesting natural element and texture to her work. This tattoo was done by Kyle Cornette. I intend to add elements of Audrey’s other paintings to the piece, until it's a full half sleeve. 

About 1 year later I got my matryoshka dolls tattoo (top photo). This was done by Jesse Strother, and it's the first one that I really helped design myself. I saw a very minimalist matryoshka embroidery on Etsy that said "It’s What’s Inside That Counts." I instantly fell in love and started drawing out ideas. I knew I wanted an anchor, a swallow, and a teapot, so I decided to add them to the mix. I presented the drawing to Jesse and he helped to make it a million times better. Now it may be my favorite of my tattoos. 

Maybe a year and a half later I got my least favorite tattoo, an anchor on my hip. I promised myself I'd get an anchor tattoo when I was 18, and I wanted to make good on that promise. But 18 year olds don't always make the best choices. Unfortunately I regretted it pretty quickly, and I'll most likely have it covered in the future. 

My most recent tattoo- I got it last summer- is a portrait of my cat Olivia as a jungle cat. It was done by Tyler Monaghan. I really love it. He even added some beautiful catnip buds to it- what a great way to honor my queen of the wild!

Over the years I’ve learned a few things about tattoos: 

1. MOISTURIZE! My tattoos are all in nearly pristine condition, and this is because I moisturized like mad and try not to let them get too much sun. 

2. Don’t be too impulsive. My anchor tattoo was part of a sale inspired by the Mayan Apocalypse of 2012, and now it’s there forever. Or until I cover it. Anyway, unless it’s a part of a sleeve as filler, don’t get something you’re not 100% all about. Or do! It’s your life. 

3. Communicate with your tattoo artist clearly. If you don’t like an aspect of something, tell them. They will most likely draw it differently for you. 

4. People are going to touch your tattoos and show you their tattoos. It’s awkward/creepy, but it kind of comes with the territory. However, it does make me way happier when people actually ask. 

5. Wait until you’ve figured it out somewhat before getting below the elbow tattoos. I only have upper arm tattoos and I still get annoyed when I have to wear a cardigan to all of my art therapy clinicals. You have to think about whether the annoyance is worth the self-expression. I think it totally is, but it varies person to person.

My favorite is the Audrey Kawasaki piece. Do you like tattoos? If you got one, what would you choose?