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 :)

Merry Christmas from your eccentric host and I has ink V2.0

Well,nothing says Merry Christmas like Achmed ;)

I'm sorry I couldn't get any creepier.

I took a sabbatical from  blog world for a couple of days and I think mini-vacations work well for me lol.You should try one when you feel things are getting bat-shit crazy.Just switch off and do what makes you feel on top of the world.Pizza and SATC are my usual fixes apart from driving the boyfriend up the wall.Unfortunately traitor-boy has left town for a week and I was left being Carrie's groupie.
Enough jibber-jabber.On to another version of 

This week, let's meet Maria!

Name:

Maria

Occupation:

Account Manager (Insurance field/benefits administration support services)

Blog url:

http://partygurle.blogspot.com

Twitter url:

http://www.twitter.com/partygurle

Age you got your first tattoo:

18

How many of them you got?

I have four pieces, but two of them started out as a simple piece and I went back at later dates and added to them.

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

My very first one was my zodiac sign, which is Taurus, on the nape of my neck. I’m totally a Taurus to a T. Stubborn, doesn’t like change, sympathetic, and yes even resentful a bit. It’s true that I harbor hard feelings though I try not to. I wanted something simple for my first one so I chose a nice simple design with duo colors, black and blue.

At a later time, I decided to have the sun, moon, and stars added to it to make the piece a little bigger. The additions were done by a different artist.

My second tattoo is the face of a tiger in gray wash on my right shoulder blade. Anyone that knows me knows that tigers are my passion. They are beautiful and majestic animals. I don’t know how to explain how I feel whenever I see one, I can’t find the right words. My dream in high school was to work with tigers, but my life has since taken me down a different path. Regardless, my passion for them never subsided. I believe they are the most beautiful creatures on earth. I had additions done years later by a different artist. He added some color to the tiger and included some stargazer lilies & brush. I’m not quite satisfied with the piece. The lilies were supposed to be tiger lilies but the artist talked me into certain colors, which no longer made them tiger lilies but turned them into stargazers. **Word of advice, once you’re set on something specific, do not let anyone talk into something different at the last minute.** I’m not happy with the piece right now. I plan on having the lilies changed to look like tiger lilies, which was the original plan, as well as touching up some things in the piece.

My third tattoo is a guardian angel on my left shoulder blade. When Princess Diana died, my coworker went around and handed out these guardian angel pins. I kept mine in my car hanging from my rear view mirror ever since. Back in 2007 I was involved in a tragic car accident. It was very traumatic and I was very lucky to come away from it considering I was the least injured of the three involved. I still have that guardian angel pin. I truly believe my guardian angel was with me that night. It changed a lot in my life and the tattoo resembles my experience and reminds me of how blessed I am to be alive today. I have plans to add to it. I’d like to touch up the color and add clouds to the background, then blend it over to meet the tiger piece in the middle, thus making it one full shoulder piece.

My fourth tattoo is on my inner left wrist. It’s two symbols in ancient Filipino script called Babayin. It says “lakas” which translated to English means “strength”. Flowing above from the script is a calligraphy pen to represent my writing. I write poetry and in some ways it’s a form of therapy. Through my writings I sometimes can come to terms with some things.

Got a favorite?:

My favorite used to be my tiger until we added the extra stuff. As I mentioned above, I’m not quite happy with it yet. My current favorite is the piece on my left wrist.

Reaction of your friends/family:

My mother has always been the stricter of my two parents, so of course she didn’t want me to have any tattoos. I had my tattoos for a few years before I even told her. They were all hidden so there was no reason to really point them out…that is until I cut all my hair off and the neckpiece would be visible. I then had no choice but to tell her. I have to say that she seemed to take it well. Of course there really wasn't much of a choice since it was already done. All my friends love them and I love telling the stories about them!

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

Luckily I have not. Not even in my job field where professionalism is a must. The only one that would be visible during work is the wrist piece and when I’m to visit clients I wear a suit with a jacket that covers it. 

Your artist, and a little about him/her:

Each piece had a different artist. If I had a choice, I’d keep my original artist. His name has escaped my mind and the tattoo shop has since closed because the owners have taken their business on the road for traveling tattoo shows. My first artist was great. He was professional and I was satisfied with both pieces I received from him. My latest artist is Adam Smith from Animated Canvas (www.animatedcanvas.com). He’s also an old friend of mine. I plan on continuing my business with his shop because I’m very satisfied with their work.

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

I have several ideas! I’m planning on getting tiger paw prints but am still deciding exactly where I want to position that piece. As stated earlier, I have plans to have the tiger piece touched up some and adding a cloud background to the angel then blend together with the tiger piece to make one full shoulder/back piece. I’ve also plans for a piece with the 8 rayed sun & stars from the Filipino flag and am toying with the idea of incorporating the Pennsylvania state flag somehow. Those are the ideas that I’m certain of getting. I have other ideas but have not decided to commit to them yet.

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

If you’re procrastinating because you’re not sure what to get, then procrastinate away! It is important to know exactly what you want as oppose to just jumping into something at the heat of the moment. Remember, this is something that you’ll have for the rest of your life. Or if not, you’ll spend tons of money removing it. I’m a firm believer of researching and knowing what you want before you put the needle to the skin. It is a permanent story of you.

However, if you know what you want and you’ve done your research but you’re procrastinating because you’re scared…don’t be! Yes, everyone has a different threshold for pain, but when you’re done and you’ve gotten something that has a special meaning to you, you’ll be proud of yourself for accomplishing it. It will then be your story to tell…

I has Ink v.1 featuring Magali

Remember how I told you to stick around for a new feature?Well,I HAS IT!

Like eveything else I have been procrastinating on starting a weekly series since I have commitment issues when it comes to blog challenges.But so far so good-this Friday I posted my second version of  the Friday faves and I intend to do a LOT more of those! I'm also introducing this new feature to be posted every where I showcase some awesome bloggers and their cool ink-schmink.I'll also be slipping in a few tattoo inspiration here and there,so stay tuned and I hope you enjoy my new series.

To move on,meet the Girl with the Dragon tattoo ;)

Name: Magali Vaz
But you can call me: Mags/Maggie
Occupation: Arts Student but also a blogger & amateur photographer.
Blog: Life etc.
Twitter: @magali_c
Age you got your first tattoo: 16. 

How many of them you got? 4. 

The thought that went behind it/them(tell us a little about your rad ink):My first two were the stars on my legs. I remember being SO nervous about getting them & very undecided about what I wanted. I finally decided & mom said I could get two if I wished. Chose the Aries ♈ symbol and the star ☆ because I like simple symbolism & they go together well.
My second was the full back tattoo. The explanation for this tattoo is very long & complicated. I liked the orient & dragons (they're often misunderstood), wanted something large & definitely different. I liked what oriental dragon tattoos stood for. The way they're good & loyal but if you provoke them or threaten someone they love then watch out.
The small peace sign tattoo ☮ was something I got on a whim last december. It was special because even though it was my fourth it was the first I paid for myself. It's a sort of homage to the 60s & the hippie culture (which I love!) & the messages of John Lennon etc. (which are still very relevant). I remember a friend telling me Lady GaGa has a similar one! I was horrified! Should have researched better. But then she's not that bad so I got over it. Again this tattoo is a simple symbol like the first two. 

Got a favourite?: Definitely my full back tattoo. 

Reaction of your friends/family: Ever since I've got my tattoos, especially the dragon I have enjoyed seeing the varied reactions from everyone. Close friends knew beforehand. A lot of people got really shocked. I still get some very shocked reactions, mostly because everyone says 'I don't look the type'. I guess I look nerdy & don't fit the negative stereotype people have for girls with tattoos, like they only get butterflies or dolphins, have tramp stamps etc.  

Have you ever run into any sort of negativity because of your tattoo:(work,etc): I have got some mild negativity. The most common reaction I get it shock. I can see disgusted looks on some people's faces but they keep the comments to themselves, mostly. Even people who didn't like it at first have to admit that the design is well done. 

Your artist,and a little about him/her: My artist is Kevin Andrade, he did my first three (peace sign was done elsewhere).
I found him over Facebook. He is such an amazing artist. He freehanded the dragon from an idea & a lo-res picture. I trust his artistic vision completely!  

Plan on getting any in the future?Tell us a little about them!:I do. I have some vague ideas & plans, nothing concrete yet. And yes my artist too advised me to wait a while. But I last got tattooed a year ago so I think I have some ink overdue. I will definitely share them on my blog when I get new ones. 

What advice do you have for people procrastinating about getting one: I will be brazen here. I know so many people who say they want ink but are scared of pain etc.
Most of those people think getting a tattoo is trendy & do not realize the seriousness of getting ink.
I'd say, if you are in the right frame of mind, have a design & a good artist, just go out & get it done already. You have no reason not to!!

I TOTALLY envy that dragon tattoo!Dont' you?

Also,Sweta has big news so watch this space ;)

Also,please take some time to check out my awesome December sponsors--->