SET ME FREE

Out from the darkness

In Japan the lotus flower is known for its ability to rise from the dirty, murky waters to bloom into a beautiful, bright flower......

Many of my customers come to me with remnants of their past still etched onto their skin, as a reminder of times they would rather put behind them. For whatever reason people are desperate to get rid of their old tattoos and tell me to just black it out or that they don't care what they have over the top just as long as it gets rid of their tattoo. I feel it's very Important to do justice to a cover up and not just stick any old shite on there. It's not just about removing memories but removing the marks that remind us of them and giving the customer a new piece of art that they can be proud to show off. Allowing them the confidence to go out in public showing their tattoo with pride instead of being embarrassed by what was there.

My first blog is about a customer of mine who came to me nearly 2 years ago, a bit desperate after being told by numerous tattooist that nothing could be done. The tattoos she wanted covering up where not particularly bad tattoos but they were done many years ago when shewas a different person. You see L was born a female in a males body. She spent her youth hiding the true person she knew she was, disguising it by trying to be more masculine. Old school dagger tattoos with snakes, think black lines, heavy and on the forearms.
L and I have had many conversations about her past and how things were back then, after her transformation and finally being able to live the life she knew she always should have, these tattoos, for her, where holding her back. She had not shown her arms to anyone for 20 years. I've had tattoos that I have regretted and I've had them covered so I know ever so slightly how good it feels but for L this was a monumental thing. Getting rid of the past and finally moving onto the future.

The tattoos she had where done so long ago that you could see the body had already started to break down in the skin, faded and spread, when I look at potential cover ups I always like to have a really good look at them so I can judge the direction I need to go in order for it to work. I knew I could confidently do something for her and we started not long after her initial consultation. It's been a long process but we are nearly there and every time we have done a new section I can see how happy it makes her. She is always so thankful and yesterday she told me I have given her freedom.

​It's a humbling experience and I'm so happy I can change people's lives in a positive way. As a tattooist I sometimes forget the impact It can have. It's a journey and so many people go through it, I'm just grateful that people choose me to be a part of it.