 A face tattoo?” There was no hiding the bewilderment in their eyes. “You do know what that represents don’t you?” I don’t feel the need to justify my choices about me body but I do love having discussions with people and changing the way they might think about things. Tattoos can conjure a range of reactions in people: when I was growing up, tattoos were the mainstay of Hell’s Angels and the hapless, cartoon character Popeye. Indecipherable inky blue and grey markings that looked far from expressive. Tattoos were often hidden underneath clothes by the working (most often) man, for fear that the big boss would see them! From being a subculture, tattoos are now a mainstream commodity. Did you know there is evidence of tattooing and body modification being practiced as far as Neolithic times? My tattooing journey started when I was 43. Before we explore that, let’s look at a more common gateway to body modification: piercings. I started proudly with ear lobe piercing in The Friary Jewellers in Northampton’s Grosvenor Centre circa 1987. Various additions in my lobes escalated to navel piercing in the iconic shop Into You when I arrived in London in 1993. Various ear piercings occured in intervening years, with me sitting shamelessly in the window of Claire’s Accessories in Lewisham, ahead of a group of excited children (I believe they don’t pierce babies ears at Claire’s!) This was followed by nipple piercings back at Into You just weeks before it sadly closed its doors in 2016. A Madonna piercing in Brighton on a whim also figured at some point. All of these gave me an opportunity to express my style, my uniqueness and change my look in the switch of a stud. Tattoos aren’t for everyone: but then, neither am I! DOLLY Being decisive I tend not to deliberate things for too long, but with my tattoos I have been careful to allow time to ponder. The most important factor for me is the artist: take time to look at people’s work, try to visit them or at least exchange messages with them. I now have sixteen tattoos and they have been done by only three artists (with my main artist, Joe, completing thirteen of them.) For me, the end product has to be something you are happy with but the whole journey should be a thing of trust and pleasure (well mine have been!) I really enjoy the whole process and relish each visit to my tattoo artist and tatto family. Deciding on the designs can also take time: Pinterest and Instagram are great to look at styles. I never ask anyone else their opinion because I have a distinct style and know myself. I am comfortable doing that. If you need advice, please seek it from someone you trust. Placement of tattoos is also vital: are you happy to have them somewhere that is visible to everyone? Would you prefer them hidden away? Good artists should be able to advise you of the positioning and angle, but do go prepared with ideas. Be prepared to pay: this is an investment and you will wear it every day! Remember, you are not just paying for the artist’s time whilst they are tattooing you, you are paying for their experience and training too. As your tattoos are an investment, look after them: follow the aftercare guidance, keep them out of the sun, stay hydrated and show them love by moisturising them. My tattoo tour consists of multiple swallows, iconic lips, a beautiful tiger and panther head, an eagle, a three headed snake, a third eye and some smaller fillers. Most of them are not symbolic, rather images I love. Although I have found retrospective deeper meaning, linking my tattoos to my life journey. Tattoos aren’t for everyone: but then, neither am I! FASHION & STYLE
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