In issue 9, stripped back, we asked the Things&Ink team how they feel about their naked bodies, now that they’re tattooed…
We got in touch with blogger Rachel Bradford, creator of Illustrated Teacup, to discuss how she feels about her body now that it is beginning to be covered by tattoos…
“You don’t have to go far on the internet or on social media to find a debate of body positivity or body confidence. A particular area of contention is tattooed people, especially women, and even more so, anyone who has an extensive collection of tattoos.”
“Apparently it isn’t attractive to have lots of beautiful images on your body. It takes away from your ‘natural beauty’. It isn’t ‘ladylike’. It’s not ‘pretty’.”
Green lady by Dani Green at Dragstrip Tattoo, Southampton
“Obviously this isn’t everyone’s feelings, or no one would have tattoos, but I’m here to explain why I think tattoos are a good thing for body positivity.”
“Take a look at Things&Ink Issue 9 for some examples:”
“I see my colourful tattoos before I see the shape of my body, and then I notice the gaps. I get lost in the ideas of what would fit where and the work I could collect from other tattooists. With tattoos you are never truly naked, they are one thing you can never take off, and I love that!”
Editorial Assistant Rosalie Woodward (Page 5)
“I like to think of my tattoos as ‘permanent accessories’ and they make me feel very glamorous when I’m in the nude”
Beauty Editor Marina De Salis (Page 5)
“I feel like I’ve created my own body, rather than just being stuck with the one I was given”
Columnist Reeree Rockette (Page 5)
“Three talented, smart ladies, with tattoos, who feel better about themselves and their naked bodies because of their tattoos. And quite frankly, what is wrong with modifying your body if it makes you happier? That is what we all want isn’t it? To be happy with our bodies?”
Cat and compass by Saranna Blair at Urban Image Tattoo, Bournemouth
“Personally, my tattoos have boosted my confidence no end. My confidence and happiness with my own body, comfort on my own body, grows with every tattoo. It’s an experience in itself. My tattoos distract from the things I dislike about my body. And fill me with happiness every time I see them. They catalogue my life so far, and remind me of my journey. I feel like I wear my life on my body, miniature pieces of artwork carried around with me all the time.”
“To me, I am enhancing what I was given, and making my body my own, rather than it just being borrowed for a little while. I think that is the most important part of body confidence. Being comfortable in your body, making it your own.”
Belle by Dani Green at Dragstrip Tattoo, Southampton