I has Ink- the Lena version

 

Name: 

Lena

But you can call me:

Lena... haha, I wish I had a cool nickname, but I don't!

Occupation:

Junior Underwriter /Prevention Assistant at a local insurance company {boring!}

Blog url:

Mom2MemphisAndRuby

Twitter url:

Mom2MandR

Age you got your first tattoo:

I think I was 19 or so... it was a small tribal on my lower back.

How many of them you got?

5

The thought that went behind it/them(tell us a little about your rad ink):

The first few I got were just "tattoos are cool and I'm going to get one" type of tattoos... I don't necessarily "regret" any of them, but they are very common, little designs that don't really "mean" anything.  So, ideally, I want to cover those up with something more meaningful and more my style.

Got a matching star tattoo with my BFF when we were 20ish

This one was much cuter in my pre-baby days!

 

Got a favourite?:

My biggest one means the most to me.  I love the look of old school
tattoos, and wanted to incorporate my kids names into a simple design. 
This is what we came up with, and my artist executed it perfectly.  Just
what I wanted!

 

Reaction of your friends/family:

My husband is covered in tattoos, so he was especially happy with my last one.  My family doesn't LOVE them... but they accept me and know that it's something I love.

Have you ever run into any sort of negativity because of your tattoo:(work,etc):

Not yet!  I was already established in my position at work when I got the big one on my leg... I thought the boss may say something... but he hasn't.  lol

And I just pierced my nose too and he hasn't said anything about that either.  

Actually, neither has really been acknowledged my boss... but my co-workers think it's very "me."

Your artist,and a little about him/her:

My last, and favorite tattoo was done by Tiff, at Planet Ink

She's super cool, very talented and has done a bunch of hubby's tattoos too!

Plan on getting any in the future?Tell us a little about them!:

Ooh, yes! I'd love a half sleeve, and more work done on my leg.  I prefer the look of old school tattoos, so the hubby & I might get matching black & grey roses (and my 'matching' I really mean, similar styles done at the same time... lol)

What advice do you have for people procrastinating about getting one:

Really think about what you want... chances are if you've been thinking about it for a long time, you won't regret.  Make sure your tattoo represents 'you'

Your thoughts on tattooing as a trend and/or as an extension/expression of your personality

For sure I believe that a tattoo is a piece of art.  I think it's a beautiful way to express yourself... 

A lot of people say that in 20 years I'll regret them because it'll be weird for an older person to have tattoos... BUT since tattooing is a hip trend right now, I'm sure to NOT be the only old person with tattoos... it'll probably be more uncommon to not have any!  haha!

I has Ink- the Kristen Version

This version of I has ink was horribly delayed due to my confusion and indecisiveness- but as long as I have it,I might as well enjoy share it. I know,sometimes I make no sense,whatsoever!

I'm really excited for you guys to meet one of my favourite bloggy buddies!She is sweet and witty and what I love most about her is her sincerity which reflects abundantly in her blog!So,without further ado..

Name: Kristen

But you can call me: just Kristen... I don't have any cool nick names :/

Occupation: Graphic & Web Design Student

Blog url: http://graphicdesignconfessions.blogspot.com

Age you got your first tattoo: 23

How many of them you got? just one for now!

The thought that went behind it/them(tell us a little about your rad ink): I had been wanting to get a tattoo for a long time but I wasn't sure exactly what to get or where to put it. Placement and meaning were the most important to me. I found a picture of a girl with a dandelion tattoo on the back of her shoulder; it had little seeds blowing and transforming into birds. I didn't care that it had been done before- it was exactly what I wanted. I went for an all black design, not extremely detailed but more of an artsy/stamp look to it. The dandelion symbolizes childhood innocence/wishes/positivity/memories/remembering who you are. The seeds transforming into birds symbolize life/change/transformation/finding personal freedom/being yourself. It's totally me. 

Reaction of your friends/family: They liked it! I grew up Mormon/LDS so tattoos were always looked down upon. We have since all grown out of the religion, so everyone appreciated it and thought it was a beautiful tattoo... even my dad :)

Have you ever run into any sort of negativity because of your tattoo:(work,etc): Not really. I can cover it up for the most part so it doesn't interfere with the workplace, and I think it would be welcomed within the design industry. Sometimes when I wear certain style shirts and part of a bird is visible I get curious comments asking what it is. It surprises people more than anything, probably because it goes against my good girl appearance. I think some people see it as an act of rebellion/badassness, and that's OK too :)

Your artist,and a little about him/her: He was awesome! He was a red headed irish guy that worked out of his home. Because he didn't work for a shop his prices were very affordable. Most people wouldn't trust someone tattooing out of their personal home, and I admit I was a little worried, but after meeting him, seeing his portfolio, credentials, and how professional, clean, and anal he was about his work space, I felt it was a great benefit. We got more one-on-one time, I got to pick out some music to listen to, he explained literally EVERY detail of the process and made sure I understood everything about the healing process before I left. Another perk? He gives free touch ups for life :)

Plan on getting any in the future?Tell us a little about them!: I really want to get a crown tattoo. No, not because I consider myself a "princess" but because it's the symbol that connects me and my sisters. Our middle names are named after famous queens: Elizabeth, Victoria, and Catherine. I thought about getting it on my ankle, probably with my younger sister, since I'm not sure my older sister will ever get one! I think of more ideas once in a while and wonder, but I don't want to go overboard. 

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What advice do you have for people procrastinating about getting one:  Honestly, I think it's good to procrastinate. I did for several years, and I felt it helped me get used to the idea and how serious of a commitment it was. You might just be scared like I was, and I think to get yourself to do it you have to just make up you're mind and follow through, just like any other goal you want to get done. If it's important enough to you (which it should be- this will be imprinted on you forever) then you will want to take it seriously. In the end, it's so worth it even though it's painful. It felt like being stung by a bee repeatedly with little breaks in between. When he was tattooing over my spine it was sending vibes through my whole body and he had to stop because I was laughing hysterically! Breathe deep and concentrate on something else... it's going to be over soon! :)

Your thought on Tattooing in general: I think it's a beautiful art form that has gotten a bad rep because of dumb designs and unskilled tattooists. When done right, they can be tasteful and accent the curves of your body. Put A LOT of thought into it, consider lots of options, let the idea sink in, and take your time. PLACEMENT IS KEY! I was extremely picky with the design and the placement. The whole process took me 4 hours- 3 of which were designing/placing it with the artist. I literally had him move some of the birds MILLIMETERS just so I was happy. This is the time to be a perfectionist. Seriously. Who cares if you sit there for three hours re-designing and replacing with the artist. It's YOUR body! And another thing- remember it is art- it doesn't HAVE to mean something. I think people get hung up on that, but it's OK to get a tattoo just because you think it's beautiful. Lastly... take good care of it and wear it proudly :)

excuse me

4 days,16 hours and god knows how many extra sheets later my "saga of suffering" has finally ended. I had almost no sleep this week and yesterday I went to bed at 6pm and woke up at 11,tried to call the boyfriend who was dead by then.Plop repeat.I woke up this morning at 7am to a REALLY cold Calcutta.It has been snowing in places here where snowfall has never been recorded,ever and news tells us that our (almost) coastal city would be dipping to a 5 degree C.It's not much for those who are used to a white winter,but it would be the least temperature recorded if that ever happens.One word,or a sequence of numbers if you please - 2012.I'm a skeptic I suppose- but sometimes it's thrilling/scary.Sam,however has a morbid curiosity.
Oh btw did I mention my arm is killing me?Calcutta University,I hate you- you and your dark age paper patterns. Right now I think I'm at liberty to kick my dog(I take that back-almost),almost give my dad the finger if he comes yelling "lazy" and a be total slob for the next few days.And write blog posts in short forms.I am aggravated.Universe?Do you care? Give me a sign!Make a few geese cackle or something.
I was supposed to go to a school Re-union today, but bailed.For one,I haven't met most of them for years- and that should be enough impetus to actually turn up, but then I've met a few and it's like I 've gone in a different direction and we can't communicate anymore.I don't want to stand there all awkward twirling a drink mixer.Or worse still,drink too much.Ever feel that way? I have this weird contradictory nature where I do want to go as much as I don't.Somebody should write a book about me,hopefully it would be famous after the author dies and 100 years from now some poor ass would be killing him/herself analyzing my character in a CU exam.That's how bitter and random I am right now.
Anyway,expect to see me around your blogs next week onwards!