Couple Tattoo Design Ideas for Expressing Love and Commitment

Are you searching for lovely couple tattoo design ideas?

We understand how challenging this process can be. You want perfect matching tattoos expressing your love and commitment but need help finding the right design.

This blog post will make your search easier. We will explore the best soulmate tattoo ideas for expressing love and commitment.

Meaningful Couple Tattoo Designs

Meaningful designs symbolizing love and commitment are amongst the best options for lovers. These tattoos often represent the special bond between two individuals deeply in love and committed to each other. Here are examples of meaningful couple tattoos:

Matching couple tattoos

One popular option for couples is matching tattoos featuring their names or initials. This is a simple yet powerful way to express your love and togetherness.

Another option is to get a tattoo of a significant date, such as the day you first met or your anniversary. This is a unique way to commemorate a special moment you will never forget in your relationship.

Symbolic tattoos

Symbolic tattoos are another excellent choice for couples. Heart and infinity symbol tattoos are classic options that represent the endless love between two people. Lock and key tattoos are also popular, symbolizing that one partner holds the key to the other’s heart.

Additionally, puzzle piece tattoos can represent the idea that two people complete each other and belong together. Yin and yang tattoos are also a beautiful way to symbolize balance and harmony in a relationship.

A king and queen tattoo can be a great option for couples who want to express their love regally. These tattoos often feature a crown or other royal symbols, representing the idea that each partner is royalty to the other. You can also show your style and class with matching diamond tattoos.

Creative Couple Tattoo Ideas

There are several creative options when it comes to matching tattoo designs. If you want to express your love and commitment artistically, consider one of these creative matching couple tattoo designs:

Abstract tattoos

Abstract tattoos can be a great way to showcase your creative side while symbolizing your bond with your partner. Watercolor tattoos, in particular, are a popular choice for couples because you can customize them to fit any design and color palette. On the other hand, geometric tattoos offer a sleek and modern aesthetic that can be eye-catching and meaningful.

Color realism tattoos

Another great option when it comes to you and your better half choosing a tattoo style is the color realism tattoo. This type of tattoo allows you to portray a realistic image of someone or something as a tattoo. The combination of the artist’s skill and the tattoo’s color palette allows you and your partner to get a design that can include a pet, a character, a person, or anyone who is important to you and your partner! Maybe even an inside joke only you two know about!”

Funny tattoos

If you and your partner share a great sense of humor, funny tattoos can be a playful and lighthearted way to showcase your love. Cartoon characters or funny quotes are popular choices for this category of couple tattoo designs. You can choose matching or complementary designs or even opt for tattoos that only make sense when standing next to each other.

Nature-inspired tattoos

This one is for lovers of mother nature. The sun and moon tattoo represent the balance between masculine and feminine energy, so they look lovely on couples.

Animal tattoos can also be a great choice for nature-loving couples, as they can symbolize different traits and personalities. For instance, you can show the world you soar together by getting matching feathers and couple tattoos.

Choosing the Right Tattoo Artist

You need to choose the right artist for your couple tattoos. Not only will the artist be responsible for bringing your design to life, but they’ll also be responsible for ensuring that the tattoo is applied safely and professionally. Your tattoos will be permanent and if artists are not chosen carefully, regret might come afterward, which will lead you to seek out Melbourne laser tattoo removal services.

Here are some tips to help you select the right artist for your matching tattoo:

Research and review

The first step in choosing the right artist is to do your research. Take the time to look up tattoo shops and artists in your area and read reviews from other customers. This will help you get a sense of the artist’s style and skill level, as well as the quality of their work.

Ask for recommendations

If you have friends or family members who have gotten tattoos, ask them for recommendations. Personal recommendations can be a great way to find a tattoo artist known for delivering high-quality work.

Check portfolio

The next step is to check the artist’s portfolio. Most tattoo artists have a portfolio of their work available online or in their studio. Look at their previous work to learn more about their style and skill level. This can also give you ideas for your own couple’s tattoo design.

Schedule a consultation

Once you’ve narrowed your list of potential tattoo artists, it’s time to schedule a consultation. During the consultation, you can discuss your couple’s tattoo design ideas and get feedback from the artist. This is also a great opportunity to ask questions about the tattoo process or aftercare.

Consider the Artist’s Personality

It’s better to choose a tattoo artist who makes you comfortable. Look for an artist who is friendly, patient, and willing to listen to your ideas. A good tattoo artist can also provide guidance and suggestions to help you create the perfect couple’s tattoo design.

Caring for Your Couple Tattoos

Here are some essential tips for taking care of your new couple’s tattoo:

  1. Keep it clean: Keep your tattoo clean to avoid infections. Wash your tattoo gently with warm water and mild soap 2-3 times daily. Then, pat it dry with a clean towel.
  2. Avoid sun exposure: UV rays from the sun can damage your new tattoo, causing it to fade or look blurry. You should keep your tattoo covered with clothing or a bandage when you’re in the sun.
  3. Don’t scratch or pick at it: As your tattoo heals, it may become itchy or flaky. Resist the urge to scratch or pick at it, as this can cause scarring and damage to the tattoo.
  4. Moisturize: Moisturize your tattoo with a fragrance-free lotion or ointment. Apply a thin layer to your tattoo after washing it, and repeat throughout the day as needed.
  5. Avoid swimming: Avoid swimming or soaking in water (including hot tubs, pools, and bathtubs) until your tattoo has fully healed. Water can damage your tattoo and increase the risk of infection.
  6. Follow your artist’s instructions: Your artist may have specific instructions for aftercare based on the design and placement of your tattoo. Follow their instructions closely to ensure proper healing.

Final Thoughts

Like wedding rings, you can express your love and commitment a couple tattoo. Whether you choose a meaningful or creative design, remember to hire a skilled artist and take good care of your tattoo after getting it. We hope you are inspired by our couple tattoo design ideas for expressing love and commitment.

Before You Get a Tattoo – Here Is What You Should Know

Tattoos will often have a story behind them. Whether it’s a touching memory of a loved one or a funny joke you have with your friends, there’s often reasoning behind getting one – but it’s not a requirement!

No matter if this is your first or fifth tattoo, the important part is that you walk away satisfied with the art permanently attached to your skin. You need to know a few things to make sure you walk away feeling that you had the smoothest experience you could. Before you get your tattoo, here are some things to know.

 

Consider What You Want Tattooed

Before you head to the shop for your consultation, pick out what image you want for your tattoo. Whether you decide to choose an american traditional tattoo from an already existing flash sheet, or opt for a sketch or picture of your own choosing, you’ll want to bring something with you to your consultation so that your artist understands what you’re looking for. Don’t worry if your sketch is vague or not exactly what you want your tattoo to look like, you can work out finer details at your consultation. If you’re getting lettering instead of an image, the only requirement is to try and find a font you would like.

Style

When you figure out what you want, then it’s time to dive into further detail. There are a bunch of tattoo styles you can consider, which can help you narrow down what artist could be best. Some popular styles include:

 

● Realism: This tattoo should be as close to a real-looking photo as possible. This tattoo should be as detailed as possible with a three-dimensional look.
● Geometric: This is a pattern of shapes repeated in a specific sequence.
● One-line: A minimalist take on a tattoo that uses one line to create a fluid-looking shape.

If you are unsure what style suits you best, try to look up some ideas and see what draws you in personally. Your decision could also be determined by where and how big you want it.

 

Size and Location

Location can often determine how large your piece will be. If you want something behind your ear or on your ankle, there’s a minimal amount of space to work with. You can determine the size and location or how visible you’d like your tattoo. It’s important to keep in mind when making this decision that tattoos fade over time.

 

Will My Tattoo Hurt?

There is no denying that a tattoo will hurt, but the amount depends on several factors.

There are layers of your skin that the ink gets pushed into. The epidermis, which is the skin surface, is where your tattoo will be displayed. The needle reaches down into the second layer of skin, called the dermis. The dermis is elastic, dense connective tissue where nerve endings and blood vessels are. This ultimately is what causes the pain.

The least painful places to get tattoos are where there are fewer nerve endings. The more flesh in the area of your tattoo, the less it is bound to hurt. The pain level can also be affected by your personal pain tolerance and size. Some of the least painful places include:

 

● Calf
● Glutes
● Outer arm
● Outer thigh
● Outer shoulder

Prep for Your Tattoo Day

There are a couple of things you will want to make sure to do the night before your appointment. If the area you chose for your tattoo has any body hair, you will want to shave and moisturize it so the area is clean and hydrated. Be sure to get into bed early and get a good amount of rest. Your body will be going through a lot the next day!

Make sure you drink plenty of water and eat well on the day of your appointment. Depending on the tattoo, you should expect to be there for at least a couple of hours. If you are getting a larger piece, you may even want to consider packing a lunch or some snacks to make sure you can last the full session time with minimal discomfort.

An important note is to not have any alcohol, caffeine, or aspirin before or after your tattoo. These are substances that thin your blood. Blood thinner decreases your blood’s ability to clot efficiently, which can affect your tattoo during the process and while it is healing.

 

Monitor Your Tattoo When Healing

If it’s not taken care of properly, some issues can arise in the healing process. A common one is tattoo scarring. Tattoo scarring occurs because of the layers of skin the tattoo taps into.

It can be hard to pinpoint whether your tattoo is going through its natural healing process or if it’s leading to scars. Some things to look out for are extended healing time. A healthy healing time for tattoos is around 7-10 days. If it seems prolonged, that could mean it isn’t healing properly.

Keep an eye out for discoloration. If the skin is red or pink for a long time, it may have left scarring. Lastly, your tattoo should lie flat against your skin without any raised sections.

If you notice any of the symptoms above, you may wonder if it can be fixed. Scar appearance can be lessened over time or hidden if need be. Using aloe vera or scar ointment can make the scars less noticeable. Aloe vera can also be used as a preventive when healing to lessen the chances of scars forming.

Proper Tattoo Aftercare

Taking proper care of your tattoo is a part of the responsibility when deciding to get one. Your artist will apply petroleum jelly and a bandage after it is complete. Your artist will tell you to wash gently after 24 hours and continue to apply ointment after each wash. Wear clothing that won’t stick to your fresh tattoo and avoid direct sunlight. If your tattoo scabs, never pick at the scabs – it could cause damage to your new ink.

Your new tattoo will be permanent, but sometimes people change their minds, or maybe your tattoo is not what you were hoping for. Even though most people are happy to keep their tattoos for the rest of their lives, if you’re wondering can you completely remove a tattoo if you need/want to, thanks to the latest laser tattoo removal technology, the answer is, yes.

Beyond that, the last order of business is: Don’t forget to have fun with it!

About The Author

Ava Roman (she/her) is the Managing Editor of Revivalist, a women’s lifestyle magazine that empowers women to live their most authentic life. When Ava is not writing you’ll find her in a yoga class, advocating for body positivity, whipping up something delicious in the kitchen, or smashing the patriarchy. 

A Tattoo Isn’t a Fashion Statement to Me — It’s a Symbol of Hope

I don’t remember much about the first time I cut myself. 

I know my parents were at dinner, I was locked in my bathroom, and I called my best friend. She cleaned me up, bandaged me, and stayed with my until my parents got home to let them know that what I had done. She stayed to tell them of the bloody washcloths to be cleaned, and a trip to the psychiatrist was needed.

The second time I don’t remember either, but the bloodstain on my carpet reminds me every day. The second turned into a third, third into fourth, and after that, I stopped counting — I lost track. My body most certainly remembers each and every time I lost control of my emotions and made permanent marks on my body. I’m forced to see it every morning and night, and many times in between.

Though I’m older now, I can’t tell you I’m all better – that would be a lie. 

But it’s been almost six months since I’ve given myself a “homemade tattoo” and now I’d like a real one that doesn’t hurt to look at. Yes, Mom — I’m young. I understand, Dad — tattoos are permanent. But I was young, and my own cries of release are, in fact, also very permanent.

You say “What if you regret it in 20 years?” 

I already regret my self-inflicted “tattoos” each and every day. These tattoos are flesh color, some of which rise up from the surface of my once innocent, story free skin, and others that are whiter than the clouds in the sky when I tan the tiniest bit. These tattoos burn awfully in the sun and are subject to more conversation than I’d like to know.

So, tell me something — if I had a small mark of ink on my body, do you think that I would be judged more for that, or for the ugly scars that I’m forced to explain every time I wear a bathing suit around unfamiliar people?

I’m not telling you how to parent, I just think it’s time you hear it from my side, our side. And maybe this side isn’t enough, and maybe this won’t change the way you feel, but you must understand something:

I know better than anyone else what feeling regret paired with permanence is.

To the parents of children who have given themselves “tattoos” but are denied your approval to get one with meaning: you’re wrong. I mean that in the kindest of ways, but you’re so painfully wrong.

I’m getting better, but sometimes I need a reminder. Sometimes I beg for something to look at to remind myself that I’ve been personally cut free for almost six months, and even on my darkest days I can get through it without making another tally. Don’t I deserve a badge of triumph among the scars of pain?

I’m begging you to reconsider your stance on the permanence and eternity that accompanies ink. 

I have my own form of tattoos…many more than I ever thought and none of them wanted. They hurt like hell, but I needed to distract my mind from my emotional pain with physical pain. I needed to know that even thought I felt dead inside, I was indeed living.

Would you like to know the difference between the two? I want the ink, and I want it to last forever.

I’d spare nothing to have the chance to go back to the first night or take an eraser to these ugly marks if I could, but I can’t. I ‘m not worried about regret. I’m not scared of permanence. But I’m scared of myself, and the times that you will not be around to do all of those things when I fall flat on my face. I’m begging for a small reminder.

So parents — just  give it a chance. Be sure there’s a meaning, one that will last forever. Make sure it is what they really want, then please give them the opportunity to mark their body with grace, hope, and meaning.

I have given myself breathtakingly painful, ugly tattoos: I’d like to ask now for one I can look at with pride now, not with guilt, harmful reminders, and remembrance of when I hated myself, and the fact that I still struggle to love myself. I get your apprehension, I’m young and tattoos are forever.

Just keep in mind that I was much younger when I gave myself my first mark that would last forever.

**Information on the semicolon tattoo movement**

Project semicolon began in 2013 and has recently been gaining popularity. These tattoos are kept quite small and are meant to present hope and love to people who have struggled or are currently struggling with depression, suicide, addiction, and self-harm. 

Why a semicolon? A semicolon is used when an author could’ve chosen to end a sentence, but instead chose to continue on. The author is you, and the sentence is your life. The semicolon tattoo is a forever reminder that you could’ve ended your life, given up, given in, but you instead made the commitment to choose to spend every day fighting to continue your life.

About The Author

Lauren Andre

I began writing as a way to say the things that I felt I had no one to tell, and the majority of these writings I kept to myself. As I’ve grown into my 20s, I felt that in sharing my personal stories and thoughts I could help just one person who feels the way I did. Even if it only reaches one person searching for the answer, I hope that what I write can be a source of comfort when the world feels cold.

You can follow Lauren on Instagram

And Twitter

Personal blog page

 

Cathartic Relief Through Pain: The Addictive Nature of Tattoos 

Addiction comes in many forms. One of my many addictions started at the age of 19. I had honestly never thought I was the type of person to get a tattoo or piercings beyond my lobes. I got my ears first pierced when I was young because that was what was cool to do in the ‘90s as a girl, but it wasn’t until about 14 years later that any other type of body alterations crossed my mind. My mom was the first one in our family to get a tattoo as a matter of fact. When I was 10 and my family and I were in Dallas for a soccer tournament for my club team, she got a lower back tattoo of a butterfly. Me, my siblings, and teammates thought it was the coolest thing ever. But not even then did I think that I would want one on my body. The permanence of it kind of scared me.

 

Flash forward about 9 years. One of my good high school friends got her first tattoo her freshman year of college. I thought it looked pretty awesome, so I started considering it myself. And I knew whatever I got, it had to be original. I did not want to copy anyone else’s ideas or tattoos. Bear in mind, I was a lot more religious at the time (Roman Catholic). I had also just been introduced to the Cult Classic, Boondock Saints. If you haven’t seen it, two Irish Catholic brothers start killing bad guys in Boston. Before they pull the trigger, they utter a prayer that ends with a Latin pharase “Patris filli, spiritus sancti,” which translates to “father, son, and holy spirit.” Although I don’t condone cold blooded murder, I wanted to represent my love for the movie and my Catholic upbringing. So I got a Celtic cross with that Latin phrase wrapped around it.

 

I was told by the artist after it was done, that tattoos are addicting, so I probably wouldn’t stop at just one. Well, his prophecy came true about one year later. I was back at the tattoo shop with my second idea. I am a HUGE Harry Potter fan. If there was a way to emphasize it more than just capitalizing the word “huge” I would. While I was struggling with a very deep depression phase, I read and re read the whole series. I felt that I could identify with some of the major themes in them, especially about loss and purpose. In a lot of ways, those books saved my life; so, my second tattoo honored that. I got the Deathly Hallows symbol tattooed on the top of my left foot. In the books, it represents the combining of three objects, that in conjunction, make one the master of death. For me, it was to pay homage to the books that helped saved me from drastic measures.

 

My third tattoo, which came about one year later, was a set of map coordinates. I had an older sister, my parent’s first born child, that passed away shortly after birth. Oftentimes, I would wonder what she was like. If she would have been like me, my brother, my sister, etc. How I wish I could have her here and healthy. In order to remind myself of the sister I never knew, I had her grave coordinates tattooed on my left hip. This way, I feel, that a part of her is always with me.

 

I tend to heal mentally and emotionally much better when I can read something that resonates with me. I have always loved to write and read because words can just hit you in ways a lot of things can’t. As a result, I have three quotes tattooed on me: two rib quotes and an inner right arm quote. The inner arm quote reads: “Where your treasure is, there will your heart also be.” This is actually a biblical quote that was used by JK Rowling in the Harry Potter series as a quote on a grave. For me, that is about pursuing things I love in life and not allowing extraneous stuff to interfere with my happiness. Similarly, my left rib quote, says “find what you love and let it kill you.” That is a Charles Bukowski quote that I have just always loved. It fits within the same theme of the inner arm quote and reminds me of what is important in life. My right rib quote is a song lyric by the band Spoon that reads “I’ll bring you cover when you’re cold, you’ll bring me youth when I grow old.” That was really just a line from my favorite song that always resonated with me and I got during a really traumatic on and off again relationship with a narcissist.

 

A few years later, after I graduated pharmacy school and moved to Mckinney, Texas, the only grandparent that I ever really knew and was close with, my grandma, started getting sick. I was terrified because I knew things were going downhill slowly. She was beginning to have signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s. I was afraid that the next time I saw her, she wouldn’t remember me. After I finally got the courage to go see her, the dire nature of my denial was made readily apparent. I felt extremely guilty and cowardly. Shortly before she passed away, I got a tattoo of an elephant on my right outer thigh. That was always her favorite animal, because they never forget. It seemed like the perfect way to remember her, getting her favorite animal with impeccable memory tattooed on me since hers failed her at the end of her life.

 

About a year later, I went to NYC on vacation. I had been brainstorming a half sleeve idea for about 6 months at the time (another Harry Potter related idea). The whole idea was going to be about 7-8 hours of work. So I scheduled one half on my summer trip to NYC in 2016. There are two scenes from the movie “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part One,” that I drew from. The story centers around the tale of the three brothers, in which three wizard brothers come across a river with no bridge. So they conjure a bridge to cross to the other side. Well, Death feels cheated because normally travelers drown trying to cross the river, so he makes a deal with them. He promises them each one gift for outsmarting him.

 

The first scene of my half sleeve depicts the three brothers meeting death at the bridge with the first line of the story “There were once three brothers who were traveling along a lonely winding road at twilight.” The second half shows the third brother, the most humble of the three, parting ways with his gift from Death, (an invisibility cloak that made it impossible for Death to find him) and giving it to his son as Death takes him away. I think for me, the theme of being unafraid of the unknown comes into play here. Not fearing what you cannot control and not allowing the fear of the unknown deter you from life. It is worth mentioning too that the artist that completed the first half passed away tragically in between finishing my first half and my next session. His partner at the shop did the second half for me. It just really makes this tattoo even more special to me because of that tattoo artist and being honored to be one of the last few handfuls of people that he tattooed.

 

My final piece is the only one on my body that does not have any real meaning behind it. It is of a mandala and a rose. Truly, I just loved the aesthetic of it and how clean the lines on it looked. I plan on making it into a half sleeve in the near future. It is the only tattoo that I have that goes deep enough that I can physically feel the lines. It reminds me of the simple beauty there can be in life if you just pay attention.

Busy Philipps Expertly Roasted A Troll Who Tried To Mom-Shame Her New Tattoo

When women get tattoos, the last thing on their minds is how they’re going to explain them to their children. Let’s face it, our bodies are our bodies and we don’t feel the need to explain our tattoos to anyone—even our kids. But, recently, Busy Philipps—TV show host and true ’90s icon—received some rather annoying mom-shaming for a new tattoo she inked onto her body.

The tattoo in question, which Philipps posted on Instagram, showcases a girl figure skating across the words: “F*ck ‘Em”

She captioned the post:

“My favorite illustration drawn by @mcfetridge for my book #thiswillonlyhurtalittle (it’s in the A Movie Script Ending chapter). Tattooed beautifully by @dre.dayli in Dallas at @thirdeyegallery last night,” she wrote. “And weirdly true to form and as things always tend to be, it really always only hurts a little.”

Surprisingly—but not too surprisingly—people began to comment on the photo to ask Philipps how she was going to explain the new ink to her children. When you’re a celebrity with offspring, it always seems as though you are nothing without your children. No matter how successful you may be, it always comes back to: “you’re really going to do that even though you have kids?” *yawn* Boring!

Instagram user @debohya left a comment saying she “wasn’t judging” but was curious what the Freaks and Geeks star would tell her children.

In all honesty—it’s a moot point. As a parent, you don’t need to revolve your entire life around your kid. In fact, you should never have to do so at all. Philipps made a point to be very clear that she would not be taking any sh*t from mom-shamers.

Philipps responded: “I tell them that these are words to live by. Especially as a woman.

People online whole-heartedly agreed with this statement.

But, that didn’t stop another mom-shamer from jumping in and asking yet another stupid question.

Don’t worry—we have a feeling Busy can handle herself. I mean, she’s been known to totally shut down trolls in the past.

Like, this one time a guy commented on a mirror selfie after the gym complaining that her “rolls were showing,” and she replied with a pretty great burn.

We love us a strong woman.

h/t: Scary Mommy.

10 Ways Getting Tattoos Helped Me Love My Body

I’ve always struggled with body image issues, as most young girls unfortunately do. Growing up, I struggled to see anything but flaws on my body. Even parts I like about myself, I would scrutinize because they still weren’t perfect. As a curvy Hispanic girl, I didn’t really see anyone who looked like me on TV. All I wanted was to be skinny like the Olsen twins, but alas, I never would be.

Sometime in my freshman year of college, after spiraling into a deep depression, I realized that I would literally never look like anyone but myself. I began a journey to loving my body for what it is and having the autonomy to change parts of myself through tattoos helped me along that journey.

1. I reclaimed my body

I got my first tattoo when I was 19 after a musical festival. I had wanted to get one before I got the idea to wander into the tattoo shop at midnight, but if I’m being honest, I did this mostly on a whim. I got the number thirteen in roman numerals on the back of my right ankle. It was 2014 and the previous year had been an especially rough one. When I first got it, I loved looking at it. I loved wearing anything that showed my ankle because I felt like I owned this tiny piece of my body. I finally got to choose something about the way that I look, which made me want more.

2. I began to love specific body parts

Tattoos allowed me to mark my skin with the things that I loved and I began to see parts of myself I disliked as in a positive light. I have a human heart on my hip that my best friend and I got as semi-matching tattoos. I used to despise my hips. They kept me from wearing so many trendy clothes when I was younger because they were too wide. I chose my hip because I wanted to like to look at my hips and to see something beautiful when I did. I now see the beauty in my hips, even if they did prevent me from participating in the jean skirt phase of 2006.

3. Tattoos remind me of positivity

I got a tattoo after I graduated college that says “it’s all happening,” which is a quote from one of my favorite movies “Almost Famous.” I used to obsess over the movie in my teen years. It’s part of what inspired me to pursue journalism. It felt fitting that I’d mark (literally) the end of my college career with something from the movie that made me want to do it in the first place. It’s a positive reminder to keep going and that everything will happen in due time. Having the positive reminder etched on my body makes me love it a little more.

4. Their meaning has evolved with me

Although I did get some tattoos in dark periods of my life and they had a specific meaning when I got them, their meanings have continued to evolve over time. This has been a great reminder of how I have changed and how far I have come. I love being able to have something permanent to remind me of this.

5. They allowed me to change parts of myself

In a world where we are given one body that we can’t choose, having autonomy to change parts of yourself that you don’t particularly love is freeing. Even though I do work on loving my body as it is, being able to mark myself with art that in places on my body that I don’t love makes me love my body that much more.

6. Tattoos have marked my life trajectory

I’ve made it a tradition to get a tattoo when I visit new places. This might eventually die out because I travel a lot, but it has allowed my body to become a map of memories. Every tattoo holds a special memory of a happy time in my life. They each tell a story about specific moments of my life and I get to wear that on myself every single day.

7. I take my body less seriously

I have a light bulb tattoo on my forearm that serves as a reminder that I am more than my body. It represents my intelligence, my ideas, and my creativity — all of the other things that I have to offer that have nothing to do with the size of my pants. I realized that my body is not all that I am and it doesn’t really matter how big or small it is. It is mine to shape, mold and mark.

8. I feel more myself

As I’ve continued to get tattoos through the years, I’ve felt more and more comfortable in my own skin. Having chosen to present myself with art that I feel represents the ~real me~, I’ve never felt more myself. The ink I have has allowed me to express myself fully.

9. My “flaws” turned into art

When I look at my body now, I still see flaws, but I don’t hate them. I don’t scrutinize myself the way that I used to. Rather than seeing stretch marks and cellulite in the mirror, I see little pieces of art. And more importantly, I see a whole person. I see the good and the bad without judging each part.

10. I’ve gotten a higher self-esteem

I can’t completely give credit to tattoos for my higher self-esteem, but I know they definitely helped. I feel hotter with my tats, honestly! Apparently, I’m not the only woman who feels this way. Women with multiple tattoos report higher self-esteem than anyone else, according to a 2015 study.

“I think women, especially, are more aware of their bodies through, among other things, fat shaming, the cosmetics and plastic surgery industry and hyper-sexualized imagery in media,”  Sociologist Jerome Koch of Texas Tech University said. “What we may be seeing is women translating that awareness into empowerment.”

My tattoos are part of me and my favorite accessory. I look and feel better than ever and it’s (mostly) thanks to some tats. It’s amazing how small changes on your body and in your mind can make loving yourself a little easier.

15 Things You Absolutely Need To Know Before Getting A Tattoo

The very first tattoo I ever got was 2 days after my dad died. I was grieving, emotional, and wanted to get something to keep him with me forever. I decided to ask a few people in my neighborhood for some recommendations for a studio/artist and ended up going to a local studio.
Continue reading 15 Things You Absolutely Need To Know Before Getting A Tattoo

‘World’s Most Tattooed Doctor’ Speaks Out About Body Ink Prejudice

For many who have tattoos and piercings, they know that complete strangers pass judgment without even getting to know you. For some strange reason, society had stigmas against those who decide to use their body as a canvas to create art. No matter the person, profession, or circumstance, many face discrimination. Even doctors.

30-year-old Sarah Gray from Adelaide, Australia is a doctor and surgeon trainee. But, despite her intellect and her hard work, Gray says she’s judged immensely by many.

People in businesses also sometimes discriminate against her. Although she has a blooming career and is very capable and bright, people see her ink and sometimes turn her away—like in stores and restaurants. Gray told Daily Mail Australia that she once went shopping for shoes, and like Pretty Woman, was turned down by sales associates.

They served all the other customers first and wouldn’t even make eye contact with me.

Another time, she went to a restaurant with a friend, management told her that they had a harsh policy against body art.

After being seated for lunch, management then came up to us and asked us to leave as they had a ‘no visible tattoo policy’ for diners. That was a little disappointing to say the least.

Gray has even been turned away from casinos with friends because of how much ink she has. But, she has not let anyone stop her on her journey through life.

Gray said:

Quite a few night venues seems to have this policy and although it doesn’t affect me very often as I hardly go out, it can be super frustrating when we get categorised as “bad people” or being gang affiliated due to our colourful skin.

And, Gray has friends and family who love her and appreciate her and all of her ink. Additionally, Gray says that her tattoos make her feel more confident in herself and her body.

And, despite her ink, Gray says patients and other doctors don’t treat her any differently.

Having colourful skin in no way affects your skill level and with all the anti-discrimination laws now it wouldn’t be appropriate to compartmentalise or treat me differently based on my appearance.

Totally agree!

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