“So many of us delay getting tattooed because of beauty standards or because certain artists don’t want or understand how to tattoo people living in fat bodies – and that is not acceptable.“
There may be a lot of things you don’t think you can’t do in the body you have – like get a tattoo. But we’re here to say you don’t need to change ANYTHING about your body to get tattooed! We chat to tattoo artists and tattoo collectors who also think tattoos are for everybody and every body.
Alyssa, tattoo collector, Ohio, USA (@whatxwhatnot)
“I started getting tattooed when I was around 15 years old. Back then, I never really had a vision of what I wanted. As I got older and spent more time around tattooers, I started collecting tattoos from different artists and tattooers who’ve been tattooing a long time and helped shape the community. Also collecting pieces I thought were fitting to my personality.
“My stomach tattoo is probably my favourite. I was 23 when I started that one. My husband is a tattooer and we talked about how I should get it tattooed and I was always so afraid to do it because my stomach is big, but he assured me it would look amazing. I came to Marah Kelso (@passionpoortaste) with the idea and she jumped on it. This tattoo was the one that started it all for me in my confidence journey. It feels like beauty and armour all in one.”
“I was so happy when you shared my backpiece on the Things & Ink Instagram [see it here]. I love traditional Japanese tattoo/art, and with Japanese tattooing body composition is important to its flow. Being in a fat body with folds and not a perfect smooth back, I wanted to make sure I went to an artist with a good deal of knowledge. Nick Caruso was my guy. He’s a fierce tattooer with over two decades of experience and, from start to finish in the design and the stencil, he has truly helped me feel amazing about this project.
“I think it’s important to seek artists who work with a diverse range of bodies. Be it colour, shape and size. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about their process. Set up consults to discuss your tattoo, so the artist has a chance to get an idea of your shape. If you are someone who feels anxious about people touching your body (I am) ground yourself. And if you feel your artist treats you differently or doesn’t seem excited to work with you, move on to the next. I promise you there are thousands of tattooers out there who enjoy tattooing bigger bodies.
“My tattoos have changed the way I view my body. Tattoo collecting has given me such an appreciation for my body. Each piece has helped me learn to explore and love my body in a different way that doesn’t require me missing out on opportunities. So many of us delay getting tattooed because of beauty standards or because certain artists don’t want or understand how to tattoo people living in fat bodies – and that is not acceptable. I refuse to accept that.
“My advice to someone putting off getting tattooed because of how their body looks is: GET. THE. TATTOO! I promise it will look good as long as you have trust in your artist.”
Jade Clark, tattoo artist (@clarktattoos)
“The great thing about being tattooed, is how it can change your body physically, but also how you mentally look at your body. Getting tattooed is like wearing a permanent accessory and you can be adorned in work by artists you love, or you can get pieces that are super important and you want to cherish forever. Either way, the way we look at body art can drastically change how we perceive our bodies and the autonomy we have over them.
“My tattoos have helped me accept my own body. They make me feel as though my body is mine and I’ve decorated my body how I’d decorate my house. They have helped me look at parts of myself that I’ve felt uncomfortable with in a whole new light and given me a new found level of confidence, which is also shown in my personality, too.
“Tattooing is definitely not constricted to a dress size. Tattooing is for all bodies and all people (legal age of course, you must be over 18) but so many people have different reasons for getting tattooed and that should be considered. So many people get tattooed as a form of homage to their bodies, it can be a really beautiful experience to watch people really understand that their body is their own.
“As an artists, there are things about tattooing all bodies – whatever their size. I give advice about what aesthetically flows with the client’s body the best; I could do the same design for two completely different body types and one might not look as good as another, which is why it’s so important for the art, the tattooing and the body to be considered as one thing.
“As an artist, I don’t think there’s any problem with taking time in finding the right artist, especially if you have body vulnerabilities. At the end of the day, tattooing is not only about the art but also about the experience you have with your artist; it can completely shape the way you see your tattoo entirely. Getting tattooed by someone who understands the body and body insecurities is definitely critical when finding an artist.”
Kristie, tattoo collector, Nottingham UK (@kristiemb23)
“There’s no special meaning behind my backpiece, but I knew I wanted Holly Ashby (@hollyashbytattoo) to do it. I’ve always loved Holly’s work. When I finally plucked up the courage to go ahead and have my back tattooed, I knew it had to be her. I love her designs and style, I only gave her the brief of ‘something demony/witchy but whatever you think would work’. My only caveat was no full-frontal nudity, we settled on ‘tasteful’ nudity in the end. There also a cover-up of a tattoo I’ve had lasered at the top.
“I’d been planning my back for a few years. As space has dwindled, I knew I needed to put my big girl pants on and decide who/what I wanted to have. I was waiting to lose weight and ‘be the right size’ – whatever that is – but as I got older and more confident in my body, I decided to meet Holly for a consultation and she made me feel so at ease. I knew I had made the right choice and booked a few sessions there and then.
“Pain wise, I managed the outline and felt my soul leave my body, but honestly it isn’t as bad as I had imagined. There are some spicy spots though. We’re now working through shading and colour and I’m using a numbing cream, mainly to make the most of our sessions. Everyone at her studio House of Thieves is so welcoming and lovely, I’m made comfortable as soon as I walk through the door. I have no issues sat there half naked, which was a big worry of mine before I reached out to Holly.
“Every tattoo I have has helped me see my body differently in one way or another. From having my legs tattooed when I was younger and instantly feeling okay about wearing skirts or shorts again. I love showing off my back piece on holiday or choosing different style tops to wear. I’m currently picking a dress to wear to get married in and my options have expanded since feeling so much more confident with showing my back.
“Please do not stop yourself from doing anything because of your body! We all deserve to do whatever makes us happy and feel good. My advice would be if you have an artist you are considering, please reach out to them. Get to know them too, as this will make you feel so much more at ease and always speak up if you’re not totally comfortable.”
Shannon Hill (@ginge_and_needles), tattoo artist, Darlington, UK
“I know it’s easy to fall in to that cycle where you hold off doing things that you want because you worry about how it will look to others. It’s very easy to convince yourself that it’s not for you, you’re not good enough and you don’t belong because you don’t fit the impossible standards created by our industry.
“But, I’d like to invite you to think from a different perspective, and this is the only perspective that should matter. Ask yourself this one question: Will having that tattoo bring you joy? If the answer is yes then that is the only permission you need.
“When you deprive yourself from getting the tattoo you really want for the sake of not fitting into ‘the box’, all you’re doing is depriving yourself of joy. Depriving yourself of the feeling of enjoying a lovely tattoo on your body. No one else suffers, just you. How is that any fun? Give yourself permission to choose more joy for yourself. Get tattooed and be happy.
“You don’t need to change your body to get tattooed. But how sad that this is where we’re at now – this industry has a lot to answer for. If you look back through the history of tattooing, they weren’t about achieving an aesthetic. They were reminders, expressions and celebrations of a person, a memory, their life and their body.
“It’s important to remind ourselves that getting tattooed is more powerful than getting a lot of likes on Instagram or having that perfectly curated look. When we focus too much on that stuff, the celebration, the joy, the confidence, the feeling of being at home in our bodies goes missing. It would be nice to bring that front and centre again.
“No two people are the same, so why should the tattooing process be kept the same for every client? Every client has their own unique body shape, skin type and colour. My job is all about working WITH YOU. Exactly as you are. And looking at what’s possible for YOU.
“The experience and the process should always be tailored to fit you. It’s a teamwork dynamic between you and your artist. You should never feel out of the loop or like an inconvenience. If your artist can’t adjust and accommodate you and your body, they’re not worthy of going near it with a needle in the first place.
“My only advice would be to not be afraid to advocate for yourself. Whether it’s moving the stencil, taking a break or getting your body in a more comfortable position, don’t be afraid to speak up for yourself. A good artist will always, do their best to accommodate your needs, work with your body as it is and offer their best, honest advice along the way.
“I don’t think I ever felt at home in my body until I got more tattoos, especially more visible ones. Being plus size, I’ve always had a complex relationship with my body. Society tells plus size women that they should feel uncomfortable in their bodies. They should always aim to be smaller and not stand out in any way.
“For a long time I fell into that trap. But the more tattoos I got, the more comfortable I feel standing out and being seen. I’ve always thought this whole ‘love yourself’ thing was pretty impossible to achieve. I don’t think anyone can totally love themselves 100% of the time.
“But all I know is when I look in the mirror now, I see myself. I know her. I feel at home. I think that’s largely because of my tattoos. I see all these beautiful pieces and think “that’s lovely that.” And then I get on with my day. Before tattoos I’d tear myself to shreds and pick myself apart. It’s really hard to be mean to yourself when you’re covered in beautiful work that someone has put a lot of love into.
“Go easy on yourself. This is your one life, don’t deprive yourself of joy. Just go choose yourself a lovely artist and get that tattoo you’ve always wanted, it really is that simple.”
This is your sign to go get that tattoo…
