TATTOOS: Why you should never visit a scratcher?

It's a subject that causes huge debate within the tattoo industry and makes the news on a near monthly basis. The debate of the scratcher.

A scratcher according to Urban Dictionary is:

"An untalented tattoo artist. A tattoo artist who scratches up your skin rather than applying a clean smooth looking tattoo."

TATTOOS: Review - Things and Ink, Issue 7 - The Identity Issue

There aren't many tattoo publications that I would consistently want to write about,  but Things & Ink is a totally different story.

When Issue 7 arrived, I couldn't wait to get five, I mean 30 minutes to myself to sit and delve into this little beauty.

TATTOOS: Reasons not to have a tattoo

This might seem like an unusual topic for this blog, but it's actually really relevant.
Yes, I have many tattoos, and I will get more. 

The are so many reasons to get a tattoo; in memory of someone, some time,  some place; because it represents you, your loved ones, your life; or because you love the design, theme, ethos. 

And I probably have a tattoo for each one of those reasons.

But there are also so many reasons not to go ahead with a tattoo.

First there is the technical and logistical aspects. Is the studio safe, healthy and hygienic.  If you have any doubts to any of those, DO NOT HAVE YOUR TATTOO.  At least not in that studio.  Walk away. Nothing is more important in tattooing than your health and safety.

Then there is the tattooist themselves.  Do you trust them? At the end of the day, your tattoo is coming from their hands. Will they give you the design you want? If you're not 100% happy with your tattooist, then you need to find someone who you are happy with. Tattoos are a true test of trust. They're work is going to be displayed on your body for the rest of your life.

TATTOOS: First Tattoo: Tips on breaking your tattoo cherry.

So as you may have seen I've been on a tattoo collecting mission over the past few days so I thought I'd share my tips and advice on getting that first tattoo.

Since the age of 18 I have had my fair share of tattoo studio encounters, and although the rules will vary from studio to studio, and you should always discuss any concerns with them specifically,  this guide should see you through your first tattoo, and ease a little of the nervousness, keeping you prepared and happy.

My first tattoo was on my 18th birthday at a local studio, Woody's Tattoo Studio in High Wycombe, Bucks. I had a swirly black 'R' on my ankle that I designed myself. I literally walked in, booked an appointment for later that day, and had it done. The studio sang Happy Birthday to me as well. To be honest, it was a fabulous start to my tattoo journey. 

TATTOOS: Does your tattoo have to have meaning?

Instagram has brought me a new topic to discuss.
This time it was this graphic. It resonates with me a lot. 

I have some tattoos that mean a lot to me. 

The rose on my foot means the world to me. I had it done in memory of my grandad, on the 10 year anniversary of his death. My mum places three white roses and one red rose where his ashes are scattered.  The three to represent myself and my two sisters  and the red for her, his daughter. So my rose on my foot reminds me of him everyday, and to live life to the fullest as he was taken from us too soon.