Why did you get inked?

Grew up as a Jehovah's Witness, where tattoos are forbidden. Left when I found out for myself how hypocritical and corrupt the system seemed. Higher education was actively discouraged, and I always wanted a tattoo, so now, going off to a very good University in September, the tattoo I'm planning represents not only where I am right now, and having found the freedom to make my own choices, but the act of getting it mirrors that as well.

Currently in the drawing stage, talking with artists, saving up. Really looking forward to it.

My first one I got just before going travelling to represent a new start.

My second one is commemorative of my Gran and Uncle who died within weeks of each other.

I want another but not 100% on the design yet.

First to pay tribute to my dead brother, second just wanted to put my name on my body incase I ever forgot, third to remember the son that I lost.

Always wanted one, was drinking with girlfriends (when I was 33!) and went and got one on my hip. I LOVE it, and definitely want another one!

First to pay tribute to my dead brother, second just wanted to put my name on my body incase I ever forgot, third to remember the son that I lost.

LOVE THIS!!

Because I think its a beautiful way to express yourself. My best friend and I got our first ones together (no they don't match) and my second one is for my 3 boys. I plan on this summer getting my first one added on to

I got inked because I wanted to. Both of my tattoos have a lot of meaning to me and I wanted to be able to see them daily for little reminders of things.

First tattoo is a symbol of hope that I received after my grandfather had a massive heart attack and almost died and my dad was diagnosed with cancer. Both of them however were fighters and came through everything ok. It’s a symbol for me to have hope that no matter how bad things can be, if you have hope you can get through it.

Second tattoo are stars. There is one star for every woman in my life who inspired me and I loved dearly but died. It’s a way to remember them. I am actually going to get a cover up of stars and put my grandparent’s favorite flowers over it with the leaves intertwining to represent them and the love they had. They recently passed away within 4 months of each other after 62 years of marriage. I then will get forget-me-not flowers for the women I have loved and lost. So excited for the cover-up. Getting it in 10 days!

My first tattoo was because my mom said I couldn't get one until I turned 18. So on my 18th birthday, I got a little heart with a halo on my lower back (to the right)..
Second was just because.. I got it during the summer that I was 18. A run-of-the-mill, generic Chinese symbol that means Dream (well, I hope it does lol)
Third was when my cousin came to visit. He's a tattoo artist and gave me a deal. It's the zodiac symbols of me, my husband, and our 2 kids on the top of my foot.
Fourth was the biggest, again my travelling tattoo artist of a cousin came to visit. It's a large piece on my upper back, 2 butterflies - a big blue one to represent my son, and a smaller pink one to represent my daughter, and of course, it's got some swirls and fancy-dancy stuff around it.
Fifth was the same cousin, but it's a jacked up version of 4 forget-me-nots in memory of my grandparents. The quality is not there and I need it fixed. It's bad.
Sixth was just this past summer (by a local artist), and I got it because I need reminders that I'm a person too, not just a mom/wife. I have the phrase "I won't let me down again" on the inside of my left wrist.

I will get more, from the same guy who did my wrist. Next, I want a phoenix on my thigh.

I have a little butterfly on my foot and another one on my back (tramp stamp) because I was 18 and wanted them. I don't regret them, but I am considering covering them up.

Just got my 3rd one done - it's a line from the Robert Frost poem "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" and it says "And miles to go before I sleep". It has a lot of meaning for me and where I'm at in life.

I have several more planned - one to represent my daughter, one for a book series I love, and a few more ideas that are just starting to take place.

I have 9 at the moment. I have a FANTASTIC idea for my next one,

LOVE