It’s been three months and seven days (who’s counting?) Since my last tattoo, and I know one of the first things I’m going to do, when it’s safe to do so, is get a new one. I think I may even be longing for that new tattoo itch. That may be pushing it a bit too far, but I definitely miss getting tattooed.
For me a new tattoo is usually an excuse to see a new part of the UK, a day trip by myself or with a friend – an adventure. Where I can get tattooed, meet a new artist, discover some good food and a new place in the process. Last year I even stayed away for a night, on my own in a hotel, which may not be much for some people, but for someone with anxiety this was worth celebrating. I travel miles and hours to get tattooed, sometimes booking months in advance to allow me to save and plan out my day. Aside from checking train travel and Google Maps, I’m scouring Instagram for restaurants, shops and things to do after I’ve been tattoo.
It’s not just the excitement a new tattoo brings that keeps me adding to my collection. The freedom to add something new to my body, taking ownership and decorating this home I live in with something I’ve chosen or dreamt up. A little collaboration between myself and an artist, it’s pretty special. This time has been tumultuous, unsettling and disruptive for many, but I’m grateful that it’s allowed me to slow down. I was chatting to a friend (on the phone) about how we’ve found ourselves with even more time to think of new tattoos ideas and to discover new tattooers. My screen time and my tattoo wish list have definitely increased, but I’m ok with that. With lives on pause there is space to admire and look at our bodies, at all the gaps we can fill and that perfect placements for that new design not yet created.
Unfortunately tattoo artists now find themselves temporarily out of work, however many are drawing, posting new commissions and artwork almost everyday. The flurry of creativity has me lusting after every post, every possible sketch could be my next tattoo. My tattooers-to-get-tattooed by list is growing by the minute! In this new expanse we find ourselves in with free weekends and an empty calendar, it seems only natural to start booking in, buying gift vouchers or leaving deposits for what feel like almost imaginary tattoo appointments. Claiming those designs before anyone else does, filling our walls with tattoo prints and art are ways we can offer support to an industry on pause.
If anything this time has helped me to reaffirm just important tattooing is, how much of my life I dedicate to this art. As well as cementing how tattoos allow me to be my authentic self, that they’re an even bigger part of my identity that I first thought. Lockdown has also shown all of us just how fleeting and precarious everything is, showing us what matters and what doesn’t. Before this time I worried whether people (strangers) liked my tattoos or if they thought differently of me because I have them. Of course this doesn’t matter, and I’m not going to let these hang-ups stop me from getting more prominent tattoos. The first new tattoos I’ll get will be on my fingers, and they will be glorious.
Words: Rosalie Hurr