TATTOOS ON

Q1. Where did you get your first tattoo and do you know by who?

A. My first tattoo is a pretty funny story.  I was 12 years old and my teenage neighbor did it with a homemade tattoo gun, while we were sitting in my living room.

Q2. What was going through your mind when you got your first tattoo?

A. The only thing that I can really remember thinking was that I hoped my mom didn't come home while we were in the middle of it.

Q3. Is there a meaning behind your first tattoo and what is it if you care to share?

A. Well since I was only 12 when I got it, I didn't really put too much thought into it.  The tattoo is of my first name on my right shoulder blade.  At that time I figured that my name would never change, so that's why I got it.

Q4. What is your favorite tattoo, where is it and why?

A. I love all my tattoos.  But if I had to choose just one it would probably be my tail.  Its a devil tail that looks like its growing out of my tailbone.  I think that that tattoo is the most fun.  I love to tell people that I have a tail! They always look at me like I'm crazy.

Q5. What advice can you give people who are looking to get ink for the first time?

A. Think about what you want carefully. It's going to be on you forever. And once you've got your design don't just go to the first shop/artist you see.  Look around at different artists, look at their work, find one that you really like, then get your tattoo. DON'T RUSH!!

Q6. What is your inspiration behind your body art?

A. My tattoos are images that I like, there is something about them that draws me to them.  I'm not really sure what it is.  When I see an image that I really like, I am suddenly drawn to get it tattooed on me.  Mostly good vs. evil stuff.

Q7. What would you say was your most memorable piece getting?

A. My most memorable tattoos have got to be the ones on my sides.  An angel on my left side and a devil on my right side.  I got those about 2 weeks after I had my son.  So in a way they are for him. 

Q8. Do you have any new ideas for any more work lined up?

A. I have lots of ideas for more tattoos.  I am no where near being done.  But I'm putting it off for a little bit because I promised my husband that I wouldn't get any ink while he was in Iraq . He doesn't want me to get to far ahead of him.

Q9. Who was your favorite artist that has tattooed you? Plus what did they do.

A. My favorite artist so far is Jason from Ancient Art Tattoo in Newport News , Virginia .  He did a couple of the tattoos on me.  He's done the Heart/winds and kanji on my chest, the pink tribal band around my right forearm and the stars on my hips.

Q10. Do you like staying with one artist or do you like trying to go to new artist each time?

A. It depends. Before I was in the army (and married to someone in the army) I liked to stay with one artist. But now I move around so much that it's hard to do that.

Q11. Do you believe tattoos are addictive? Why do you like getting tattooed?

A. I think that tattoos can be addictive it just depends on the person.  I know people that have only one tattoo and aren't going to get anymore.  But at the same time I know people who love to get tattooed and plan on getting lots and lots more.  For me its a kind of stress relief.  It relaxes me and gives me something to show off to other people.  I love it!!

Q12. When would you say you like getting tattooed the most is it at a certain time in your life or when you get that itch to get one done.

A. I love getting tattooed when I get that itch to get one.  Its the best.  I get that itch quite often.

Q13. Any additional comments?

A. Have fun with your tattoos.  Put thought into the design and the artist.  Make every tattoo experience something to remember.