For as long as I can remember I was always interested in tattoos. How they looked, what they were of, if they hurt, and more. When I first started getting tattoos I wanted them all to have meaning and couldn't imagine getting one without meaning. Oh, how times have changed. Though most of mine still have some meaning I think of them more like art pieces on my body. One thing that has not changed yet is that I want all of them black, white, and grey. So far I have 12 tattoos. I started getting tattoos the December after I turned 18.

My First Tattoos

The very first was a matching one with my high school best friend and one of my most basic. It is an infinity sign with 2013 in it that my friend drew. Secondly, I got a realistic elephant after a weekend at the beach. My third tattoo is my largest so far and I love every bit of it. For my third tattoo, I went about it a different way than just walking into a shop and getting what I wanted. I went to an artist and did a consultation and planned months in advance

I knew I wanted 3 things in my back piece, a compass rose, a map, and the quote "Not all those who wander are lost". My artist made my dreams come to life. He drew up something so much more than I could have ever imagined! Nine hours of work went into my back and I was so glad to get it done before moving aboard. I almost got a tattoo while living aboard but the guy wanted to charge me $250 euros for a line of the script so I chose to wait!

All the Rest

Coming home from Europe I only 3 tattoos... Now I have 12 so a lot has happened since 2018 9 tattoos to be exact. A month after moving home from Germany I saw a Tiny Tatto Event on Facebook. It happened to be that day my birthday. So I waited in line hoping I got a spot on the list, I did the last spot, my mom and stepdad got put on the waitlist. Thankfully all three of us made it and got matching blackbird tattoos. This one doesn't have much meaning but I loved the experience. Next, I got my Oregon tribute that is "Die with memories not dreams" with a mountain on one side and waves on the other.

My next tattoo was a hard one someone I went to trade school with passed away and she truly inspired me so it's a tribute to her. Then I got matching tattoos with my mom, grandma, and other ladies from our family. I then got my sternum tattoo and I found out that not only do I love tattoos but they could help me love myself. I have struggled with body confidence and it made me love my body even more.

Now that we are more up to date lets talk most recent. One of my associates at work is going to school for tattooing. So I had her do three small tattoos. Two are behind my ears one is a beer stein for my time in Germany the other is a puzzle piece for our family. Then I got the outline of a lady that is in my log. Lastly, for now, I started my hip piece and I love it so much and can't wait to have it finished.

What I Learned

Something I never thought was that tattoos could help my body image. It has taken a lot for me to learn to love myself and I still struggle. Even though I struggle it doesn't mean I failed. Though tattoos don't really change my body it changes how I view my body. Also much like everything in life what works for me is not for everyone. There are people who want deep meaning in every tattoo and some that don't. Do what works for you and don't judge others. Until next time stay healthy, stay positive, and don't be an asshole.