Everyone in the tattoo world has an opinion on this. So tattoo artist and owner of “Surrey’s best tattoo studio 2023” Laura Raña (@lifeininklr) weighs in on the debate… should your tattoo face you or those around you…?
Tattooing has been around for thousands of years. There have always been traditions and ‘rules’ that needed to be followed. And one general rule is that all designs should face the centre of the body – the heart.
For example, front thigh tattoos should face inwards towards each other. And top outer arms will face forward in the same direction the body faces.
Tattoo placement wasn’t always a choice. However, tattoos can now be placed wherever you want.
As a tattoo artist for almost eight years, I’ve had multiple discussions with clients and other tattoo artists about placement – what works and what doesn’t. And it seems to be a reccurring subject that causes huge disagreement and divides so many people time and time again.
So, does it really matter which way up your tattoo is facing? Should it be for you to see or for others to enjoy?
It depends on the subject, for example to invert a face, that we are all used to seeing in the typical position (eyes above the mouth) may be perceived as grotesque. If a face is upside down it may appear unfamiliar or even “wrong” to our brains.
This is because of the exposure effect. The image projected on to the back of our eyes is upside down. Our brain decodes this image so that we perceive it the right way up.
Whether a tattoo is upside down wouldn’t matter if a tattoo is solely for its owner and not for the eyes of those around us.
I have found that those who have just one or two tattoos tend to choose very significant designs. Sometimes, the collector doesn’t want to share these with other people. The tattoo may be a reminder of a lost loved one or a nudge to keep going despite any obstacles.
These tattoos might be so personal that actually it’s no concern of others to see or even comment on. It’s very important to the client to have them facing them. It doesn’t matter if they are seen as “upside down”. It’s also fair to say that it’s the individual’s right to choose the placement for those very reasons.
Following tradition
Most tattoo collectors like to follow the traditional rules of placing their tattoo so that it faces outwards and towards other people. The rules comes from the many tattoo artists before us, their ideology of what aesthetically is pleasing and what fits the flow of the body, always facing the heart.
Because it’s the way it’s always been, a lot of artists will refuse to break tradition and place a tattoo “the wrong way”. I’ve seen arguments between artists and clients about this several times. Neither side has wanted to give in, leaving the client very angry and the artist out of pocket.
Personally, I think we should follow the “rules” with such a longstanding form of expression that goes back to the beginning of civilisation. It seems only right to place designs so people can enjoy your chosen artwork. Aesthetically, it looks more appealing. But of course, I discuss this with every client that steps inside my studio.
Times are changing
But tattooing is moving away from old school, bold thick lines and there’s a new style in vogue: fineline super dainty style. Anything is possible, and more people know exactly what they want. They’re not willing to compromise and don’t care for other people’s opinions when it comes to their chosen body art.
The current trend of patchwork tattoos allows us to bend the “rules” slightly, too. Smaller stamp-like tattoos are placed angled with mismatched positioning which adds to the stickered sleeve effect and uniqueness.
Find the right artist
Ultimately, it’s up to the client and their preferences which way up the tattoo goes. But give it some thought before you head to the studio and mention it to your artist when you book in. I always give my clients the right to choose what makes them happy and to enjoy their tattoo – whichever way up it sits.
The idea of a right and wrong way also opens up discussions – once placed, the tattoo will always have a slight distortion on the body, as we aren’t poles … we taper and twist, so placed the right or wrong way up, the tattoo will still look slightly distorted depending on what position your body is in – begging the question, so does it really matter?
Ambigram tattoo design
If in doubt…
Get an ambigram tattoo. These are designs where different words or symbols can be read from different angles. They are designed with a special kind of symmetry or mirror effect. This allows the word to remain readable even when viewed upside down. Like others, you might enjoy getting them inked for their unique and sometimes mysterious look.
What do you think? Which way is the right way up? Let us know…
Tattoo collector, writer and vintage fashion enthusiast, Carola Kolbeck (give her a follow @chameleoninhighheels) guides us through how to dress when we’re getting tattooed…
There are many important things to consider when getting a tattoo. First of all, the artwork itself and where it will grace your body for the rest of its life – and yours. Then, you need to find the right tattoo artist and have a few conversations with them about your idea and their take on it. Once you’ve paid your deposit and waited in giddy anticipation, the day has arrived and you’ll be getting ready, full of that indescribable excitement only an imminent new tattoo can evoke. And right at this point, we may forget another important question to ask ourselves: What should I wear when getting a tattoo?
It may sound like such a benign thing, shallow even, to think about an outfit for your big day in the tattoo studio. It’s certainly not because your artist will rank you on a list of ‘best-dressed’, nor will they care about your sense of fashion. But given that their canvas is your body, they’ll have some thoughts on your foresight on making their job as easy and pain-free for them as possible. So, what are the sartorial recommendations of the professionals for a comfortable and seamless experience in the tattoo chair?
Tattoo artist Steph Hesketh, co-owner of Evergreen Tattoo Studio in Coventry, has been tattooing for over 15 years and is the creator of six of my tattoos. Most recently, she designed and tattooed pointe ballet shoes on my leg, marking my lifelong love for ballet and dance.
Steph isn’t just one of the most amazing artists I have ever met, she also has a wealth of experience from seeing hundreds of clients in her chair over the years. Needless to say, when it comes to outfits, she’s seen it all: the good, the impractical, and the downright useless. I asked her professional opinion and suggestions on what to wear and what not to wear, depending on where you’re having your new body art.
Carola’s ballet shoes by Steph Hesketh
Tattoos on your arms and legs
Generally, when it comes to getting your limbs tattooed, opt for tank tops, t-shirts, shorts or skirts in summer, and loose tops and trousers that can easily be rolled up and out of the way of the artist and the placement of your new tattoo. “We don’t mind you bringing anything that makes you more comfortable, like slippers, blankets, pillows, or towels,” says Steph, and also confirms that taking off your shoes for long sittings is completely fine.
Tattoo by Steph Hesketh
Hand tattoos
“Be prepared to remove jewellery for the tattoo process,” warns Steph. “Rings should be removed if you’re having a lot of work on your hands done. That’s not just for hygiene reasons, but also because any swelling could cut off the blood supply to your fingers if the rings are too tight.”
Foot tattoos
When you’re getting your feet tattooed, your main concern should be with what shoes to wear after, when you’re on your way home. Chances are, the area will be tender and swollen, so you don’t want to squeeze into a tight pair of boots or trainers. Wide and roomy shoes are best, or sandals that won’t rub and aggravate the affected area.
But what about those more hidden areas on your torso – what’s the best sartorial choice without compromising on comfort and dignity?
Neck tattoos
No roll-neck jumpers for this one, please! A tank top or vest is best, and a blanket in case you get cold. Also if you have long hair, bring clips and hair ties, advises Steph. That’s not just helpful when you’re getting a neck tattoo, but also if you get tattooed anywhere near your hair, such as upper arms, shoulders, chest, back, and ears.
Tattoo by Steph Hesketh
Full back tattoo
A button-up shirt worn backward is ideal, or if the back piece incorporates the bum, then a dressing gown worn the same way is a suitable choice. If dressing gowns outside your home aren’t your thing, then wearing joggers or bottoms with loose, stretchy waistbands will also work. They can be easily pulled down to give the artist plenty of space.
Tattoo by Steph Hesketh
Breast and chest tattoo
Here, a button-up shirt worn the traditional way is ideal, and you may want to combine it with nipple covers or pasties. Those pasties are adhesive stickers you can place over your nipples; you may well have seen them in various designs on celebrities wearing sheer garments on the red carpet. Generally, the pasties are provided by your artist but if you’re unsure, make sure to check with them when you book your appointment. In addition, think about bringing a big scarf or pashmina. If you get chilly, you can wrap it around your shoulders, or stomach area while getting your upper chest piece.
Tattoo by Steph Hesketh
Bottom
Bring your dressing gown or a kimono to be worn back to front. You should also make sure you wear stretchy underwear that can be pulled aside if the artist is only working on one cheek. If your whole bottom is covered, then thongs and g-strings are best, so both sides of your derriere are visible to the artist. If you think you’ll feel uncomfortable or any areas may be exposed, bring a large scarf so the artist can drape it across those body parts.
Private parts
If your tattoo is close to your nether regions, tighty-whities are not going to make for a comfortable experience. Stretchy underwear or tie-side bikini bottoms will ensure there are no awkward conversations about the artist being able to do their work. The advantage of tie-side pants: your artist can tape them in place to make sure they don’t fall down when you have to move.
Process of elimination is often helpful when you start thinking about your outfit choices when getting tattooed, so what, according to Steph, should you be leaving in your wardrobe?
Steer clear of anything white, brand new, expensive designer gear, and precious clothes and shoes. Although tattoo artists are meticulous and conscious people, at times, ink can transfer to your clothing and it will be difficult to wash out.
Leave anything uncomfortable or super-tight at home. You can wear that swag again when your tattoo is fully healed and ready to be admired in its eternal glory.
In the end, Steph says, “The most important thing is to think where your tattoo is going. Wear something loose and comfortable that gives us plenty of access not just around the immediate area that’s being worked on, but also the surrounding area. We need to place stencils without stretching the skin and want to see that your tattoo is central, straight, and exactly where it needs to be.”
Clothes are an important part of who we are and should reflect our personalities. Just bear in mind that not every outfit choice is ideal for a trip to the tattoo studio. Keep it comfy, loose and practical. And remember: when you’ve got a tattoo, you’re always looking the part.
Carola’s beautiful tattoo complete with ballet-inspired outfit @chameleoninhighheels
Burnout, working all hours, undercharging for tattoos. Does this sound familiar? Kerry-Anne Richardson (Kezz) is an autistic tattooer of 15 years and owner of Cock A Snook Tattoo Parlour who’s here to help you find that sweet spot when it comes to the tattooer’s work life balance. Read on to find out how Tattoo Smarter can change your life…
What is Tattoo Smarter? Ooof, where do I start, I guess superficially you could say it’s a brand (brand?! Who the fuck do I think I am!) I created to help other tattooers, but to be honest it’s deeper than that. I wanted a way to make a positive impact in the industry that goes beyond making tattoos.
I guess Tattoo Smarter is a way to channel my love for tattooing into a practical form. Problem solving and sharing are my love language/traits of my autistic brain.
Why did you launch Tattoo Smarter? Short version: I was fucking sick of seeing tattooers drown in toxic bullshit and treating each other poorly. Long version: I struggled myself. A LOT and I’ve seen so many other tattooers struggle a lot too…but nobody wants to talk about it.
As much as I love tattooing and the beautiful life it’s provided me, it’s been a fucking hard slog and I’m not ashamed to admit it. There’s an ingrained opinion in tattooing that we should ‘put up and shut up’. Part of why I struggled is the toxic messaging that’s so deep rooted in the industry. What’s accepted as normal isn’t fucking normal. It’s HARMFUL.
Work every hour you have? Hate other studios? Don’t complain!? Don’t charge more than other tattooers? Do every tattoo that comes through the door? Be your client’s therapist? WTF?! No thanks tattooing hun, we can do better.
So, I guess to summarise – I was fed up of being a ‘good girl’ one that’s expected to parrot something like “I turned my passion into a job so I’ll never worked a day in my life”. We need to ditch that narrative asap and start being more authentic.
Tattooing is a hard job and if we don’t look after ourselves it’s a recipe for misery WHEN IT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE THIS WAY. I made Tattoo Smarter to connect with other tattooers that feel this way too. Others that want better for themselves and each other.
How long have you been running it? Not long at all! I drew the logo at the beginning of May this year and launched my first course, albeit quietly a few months ago. It’s been like a whirlwind. I never expected as much support or traction as I’ve had. Not complaining, it just further cements that’s I’m doing the right thing.
I know your priority is helping tattooers with their self care and boundaries – what are the things that happened in your own life to make you think this was needed? Burnout on repeat. (And I know I’m not alone in this).
I towed the line and tried to do everything the same as other tattooers and I just couldn’t, I had no idea I was autistic and kept having to take breaks from tattooing because I was so overwhelmed all the time.
When I recently came back to tattooing after a break, I had a fresh perspective on advocating for myself. I knew the changes I needed to make to keep myself safe. My systems and processes have been born out of necessity and I realised these processes could help so many other tattooers too.
Why do you think the tattoo industry doesn’t have more regulation and guidance? Because there are still a metric fucktonne of people who directly benefit from their privilege and it being unregulated/under the radar. There are so many people learning from people who don’t know any better and loads of people treating tattooing like it’s a hobby and their clients as friends.
It’s where we get our income so we need to treat it as our business. We need more boundaries between our personal and professional.
The community is fractured and as of yet we’ve not had everyone pulling in the same direction. We’ve also got a lot of non-tattoo people coming into our industry to make money. This dilutes our craft massively and blurs the lines even more.
Why is now the time for change? Not my quote but if not now? When?? Maybe add a ‘fucking’ in there to make it sound like me!
What are the things you personally would like to see change in the industry? Holy fuck where do I start? Racism, misogyny, ableism, gate-keeping, the unprofessionalism, hustle harm (that’s my term for it) the cliqueness, glamourising the grind, the insane undercharging for tattoos?!
Parts of it are akin to a minging car crash I’ve seen happening in slow motion. I don’t want anyone to think tattooing isn’t mint, because it is. But I don’t want to change the good stuff – just the shit that makes it shady and not inclusive. I want tattooers to be healthy and happy (not shells of humans surviving off Monsters and cocaine) with more money in their fucking pockets. I’m not trying to be the fun police, but the most fun is feeling safe and secure in your job.
Do you think covid has changed the way the industry runs? The way the general public book tattoos and also how artists feel right now post pandemic? It has changed a lot. Firstly, over the pandemic so many self-employed and studio owners were let down and not supported financially by our (corrupt as fuck) government. Lots of people are still recovering from that lack of support.
Secondly, it created a bubble, lots and lots of artists suddenly went from booking two weeks in advance to booking out three months. This was because lots of employed people on furlough ended up having spare cash and because nobody did any tattoos for ages, it created an inflated demand.
Unfortunately that bubble is bursting for many and as we head into a recession not dissimilar to 2008/9 on top of the (intentional) energy crisis lots of tattooers/studios won’t be prepared for this or even expect it. Clients are even more so than before expecting much cheaper tattoos because tattooers are undercutting each other and driving all the money out of tattooing. Tattoos are too cheap and they have been for ages – I want to change this.
Ok give us the solid ways that tattooers can connect with you right now and what can they access on tattoo smarter? Both free and paid for resources? I do lots of Q&As in my Instagram (@tattoosmarter) stories where tattooers and piercers can ask me stuff confidentially and I share anonymously. I also get lots of messages through DM, don’t worry I’ve got boundaries with this – I encourage tattooers not to use DMs but this isn’t the same as tattoo clients I promise!
Tattooers can join our Tattoo Smarter community slack chat, it’s completely free and essentially, it’s full of like-minded people in a group you can access on your phone etc. The ethos of this group is to be a decent fucking human, so lots of sharing, supporting and solidarity. I’m really proud of it!
I’ve free resources on why we need enquiry forms and how to make a form better. There’s also a free mini mindset course on boundaries
Paid stuff – a self-employed handbook that includes a checklist. So many Tattooers feel like they are winging it, and to be honest so many fucking are (I’ve been here too by the way). I made this so tattooers and piercers can atleast nail the basics- no more waking up at 2am in cold sweats – it’s only £10.50 ‘n’ all.
Your new course sounds brilliant and you’re right we’re at a point where we’re all moaning about Instagram and have gotten to a point where we rely too much on it. Is this what the course is about? Thank you! Well chuffed! Ok, so since these questions were written I’ve released another course, I told you I was excited!
My ‘protect your Insta income course’you’re referring to teaches tattooers how to connect directly to their clients without having to be a bloody mime act in the hope the algorithm will ‘pick them’.
So many tattooers just don’t have the time or the will to be fannying around making reels. Letting a social media platform control our income is soul destroying/unsustainable and I see in real time how much it is corroding our mental health. But, we have the ability to take control instead of gambling on likes and engagement. So that’s what the course is: two fingers up to Insta I guess.
But my new course? Oh maaaaannn, this is the one I’m most excited for. I pretty much start vibrating every time I talk about it.
My ‘Get Booked, Bells n Whistles Booking‘ is me teaching tattooers my own personal booking process. Tried and tested and tattooer (me) developed. It does EVERYTHING bar cooking your tea when you get home…
It takes deposits
It sends reminders
It covers all your cancellation policies and pre tattoo info
It stops you undercharging
It fucking organises everything so you feel calm and look like a stone cold professional for your clients. I mean not just look it – become MORE profesh. Being professional adds to your value, more value means you can charge more.
It stops all the time wasting with emails back and forth, I can literally do 20 requests in an hour.
I don’t want to use the word magic but I dunno how I managed before this process. And I’m not a tech person either (I’m a tech-nanna). I’m a tattoo person so any issues and struggles you have had, I’ve made this with those in mind.
My first intake is discounted at £199 for the course to say thank you to those who have supported what I’m trying to do, it starts in November. After that it will be £350 (I know some people think that’s expensive but it’s the same price as some tattoo machines). It’s an investment. The time and stress it saves is INVALUABLE and will make you just as much as a new tattyzapper ever will. Also send me any questions you have via DM if you need more info!
What are some of the ways you protect and look after your own mental health? Having boundaries and being kind to myself. Mycology, I bloody love hunting and categorising mushrooms and writing lists of my finds. Lots and lots of alone time, I need non-verbal days, days without demands and lots of quiet. Not the easiest with having my own studio granted. But having efficient work systems has been one of the biggest changing points in my mental health. Not wasting time and energy on stuff has changed my outlook entirely. I’m so excited by it I just want to share it with anyone who will listen.
We’ve talked about the boys’ club before haven’t we, and how hard it can be trying to cut through that. Can you explain a little more about this part of the industry that the general public might not understand? I guess the boys’ club stuff happens in all industries to be honest as it’s still cis white men as the majority and at the top of everything. So I think most people who don’t identify as this will understand to some extent. Many marginalised tattooers and ones who want to be allys are scared to speak up because it goes against the grain. Big name tattooers and organisers have the ability to end someone’s career just as much as make it, then others follow suit so they “get picked”.
Unfortunately the misogyny in our industry is perpetuated by lots of the women too. This patriarchal bullshit hurts EVERYBODY in the long run.
What’s next for Tattoo Smarter and what’s next for Kezz? Some stuff in the pipeline regarding training that everyone should have, but doesn’t. There’s loads of stuff I wanna do but right now the courses I have will keep me busy. Also I’m in the middle of buying a house.
Is there anything else you want to say about what you do that we haven’t asked you about? I just wanted to tell people to start believing in themselves and to stop comparing themselves to other tattooers as everyone’s tattoo journey is different. The best way to help ourselves is to be proactive and if we are regularly complaining or unhappy we need to realise we have the power to do something about it.
Tattooing can be better if we all pull together. I’m here to help.
Make sure to follow @tattoosmarter for more advice and resources.
Social media consultant and tattoo geek Rebecca Givens has been thinking about how artists are keeping up with Instagram trends, changes and updates.
I can’t take credit for this article title – you have Twin Atlantic to thank and a lyric from their most recent album. When I heard these particular words last week (“algorithm prison that we’re all bred to live in”), they resonated with me. I’ve had quite a few conversations with tattooists lately during which we’ve reminisced over the old pre-algorithm days of apps like Instagram.
What began as a simple photography platform designed to show, within set square templates, the aesthetic vibe of your brand, work or life (to everyone who actually followed you, might I add), has now become something much more complex. Managed by invisible but powerful mechanisms that decide who gets to see you, when, where and how.
In June 2021 when the Head of Instagram officially declared it “no longer a photo sharing app” but an entertainment hub that prioritises video experiences, we said a sad goodbye to the days of taking a photo and clicking publish.
As small business owners, we now find ourselves in a position where – if we’re not playing by the current rules, consistently and creatively – our efforts shoot down the system’s pecking order and we are consequently less and less visible, even to those loyal people who actively clicked ‘follow’.
For industries like tattooing, in which many artists rely almost solely on Instagram for customers, this is kind of a big (and often anxiety-inducing) deal. Many feel like they simply can’t keep up with what they feel they ‘should be’ doing online.
Yes, it is inevitable for content sharing sites to evolve as time moves forward, but that doesn’t change the fact that we now feel differently about the channels we’re glued to throughout the day. In other words, we’re spending a lot of our time doing stuff we don’t love doing. No one wants that.
Tattooists are finding themselves – not just designing art, creating tattoos, setting up, cleaning down, managing businesses and the other million things they have to do, but also – feeling the pressure to create entire social media strategies that showcase the process and the end result in order to get impressions and engagement. A simple post-tattoo photo with a few hashtags doesn’t cut through the noise anymore.
We know that we need to consider higher-performing formats like video, we need to edit and publish in an optimised way, we need to share at the most efficient time of day, equally spreading ourselves across reels, carousels, live and stories whilst also innovatively telling our brand narratives, jumping on tending audio, keeping our highlights neat, branding our bios and much, much more. Overwhelmed yet?
It’s no wonder we feel like we’re stuck in a game, one we didn’t sign up to play, one we’re desperately trying to follow the rules of, but often failing. The reason why we frequently feel like we’re not mastering the sport is because as self-employed individuals, or often as artists who have other ‘day-jobs’, we CAN’T do it all.
The first and most important thing I ask a client to do when working on a social media strategy together is I ask them to have a think about what makes them unique (as this will influence selecting which things they CAN do). Uniqueness is key right now because, as influencers and social media entrepreneurs begin to identify what the algorithm loves, we are seeing a repetition of aesthetics, templates, sounds and styles which users are inevitably becoming fatigued by.
It is becoming more and more important to ask yourself – within your industry, what can make you unique?
There are dozens of ideas, our feeds are clogged up with ‘what everyone else is doing’, but don’t rush into anything just yet – take a step back and think about who YOU are and how YOU want to be seen.
Once you’ve thought about your image and branding you can eventually select two or three ideas to focus on that match up with your values. Incorporate these into a solid and realistic strategy (a list of best-performing formats you are going to do – why, how and when). What things can become ‘your things’, and why? And know that everything is not for everyone and that’s OK – lots of very successful artists don’t ever show their face, they find other ways to shout about who they are and what they do in a vibrant and distinctive way.
What it all comes down to, what is at the heart of any good social strategy for an individual creative is one important thing – you.
Any content plan should be built on the foundation of your individuality and your unique skills, only then can you even entertain the notion of doing something that stands out from everything else churned out in your particular communities.
The end result – you feel less of an algorithm prisoner and more in control and passionate about sharing your work, through content that needs to follow some sort of system, yes, but steers clear of the monotonous compliance of keeping up with social trends. And if there’s any culture in the world that does this already, that is all about breaking the mould and embracing individuality, it’s tattooing. If anyone can shatter the cycle of Insta-clones, it’s us.
Editor Rosie shares her thoughts and fears about running out of space on her body for tattoos – and saving a gap for that artist who works half way across the world…
If you’re anything like me, most of your time is filled up with scrolling through Instagram soaking in all the new tattoos created that day as well as stumbling over new tattoo artists. Like many tattoo collectors I know, I have a hefty wish list – a list of design ideas and a list of tattoo artists that I have to get work from. Sometimes these cross over, and I have in mind a specific design that I know an artist will nail.
Being based in the UK, many of the tattooists on my watch list are scattered across the globe from Australia to Canada, Germany to Brazil. There are simply too many that I covet, and so too many to choose from – and that’s where the issue lies. There are hundreds of amazing artists and I don’t have enough bare skin! When you factor in tattoo apprentices in the early part of their career and those people that haven’t even begun tattooing yet my anxiety rises further.
As we start to fill up our bodies with designs, we have to make decisions: whose work do we want more? How far am I willing to travel? How much money can I spend? Who does the best work in that particular tattooing genre? Who has the best style for that design I have in mind? How long am I prepared to wait? If I go to an artist more than once, am I missing out? Do I save space on my arm for that artist in Australia, in the vain hope that they guest in the UK or I make it half way across the world? Should I get work off my awesome local tattooist instead?
These are just some of the thoughts that I have on almost a daily basis, and surely I am not alone? I reached out to my followers on Instagram to find out how others feel about saving space and filling up too fast…
“I wouldn’t say I’m heavily tattooed! But I’m only 23 and I’m very quickly running out of space. There are artists who are out there who I love and really want to get tattooed by but I don’t think I’ll have the space for everyone! I also love having my boyfriend (Callum Glover) tattoo me because it makes me so happy seeing how proud he is that his girlfriend has work by him.”
“I got tattooed a lot by the same person during my twenties and now think I should have saved the space and had work from different people. I do love the work I have, I just regret taking up so much space, but I was young and wanted to get tattooed once a month.”
“I totally get you. I’ve FINISHED my sleeves but taking a huge break now to wait and collect on my legs. Has to be special – all killer no filler. One leg is almost full so have to be selective.”
“I think this all the time! I worry about conventions and the fact I don’t have many easily accessible gaps left for artists I love. I see pieces by artists and worry whether I’ll be able to get anything by them because I’m filling up so fast! And yet I love all my tattoos. It is so difficult. I think you will always want ‘one’ more and there are always going to be new artists you discover but it doesn’t stop you loving the collection and choices you’ve made.”
But are all of my thoughts and some of yours caused by a worry that our tattoo journeys must end someday? And will that be when we are full? Or does filling your skin never truly end – I mean I could blast over it all and start again?
