High five: My hand and my dog’s paw, tattooed by Sienna Jackson.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
I have a few tattoos and I love them all.
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I got my first tattoo only months after turning 18 and it’s still my favourite.
I planned the design — it has meaning and it was done brilliantly by Shae Orlandi at Uncut Diamond, Shepparton.
It is on my ribs (brave for a first tattoo, I know) and I left school early that day to get it done.
I loved it. Yes, it hurt, but I was doing something I had dreamed of for years.
Shae was also super calming; she made me feel comfortable and she didn’t mind me resizing things and moving them around until I was happy. She is incredibly talented.
My second tattoo was also done by Shae, but then she moved to a tattoo shop in Bendigo.
Cat: My second tattoo was done by Shae Orlandi.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
I was sad to see her go and was devastated that she would no longer be my tattoo artist.
But these things happen, so I tried out a new artist.
That’s when I met Sienna Jackson, also from Uncut Diamond.
She’s the best. Always kind and funny — and incredibly talented.
She’s done my other three tattoos.
I saw one of the designs on her wall and just wanted it. Her art is amazing and her tattoo skills are even better.
Lantern: My most recent tattoo by Sienna Jackson.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Since getting tattoos, people have felt that it’s okay to give their opinion on my body and what I do with it.
After reading some blogs and thinking about the experiences I’ve had, I’ve made a list of the most common reasons people hate tattoos.
They’re associated with low-class citizens
I have many problems with this one:
Why is being associated with ‘poor people’ a problem? It’s not an evil thing.
Do you know how expensive tattoos are? Very. I have no problem with paying what they cost because both artists I’ve had have been incredible and deserve every dollar.
It’s outdated to think this way; things are changing, tattoos are now something people do for the love of the art not because they’re ‘low-life criminals’.
It’s unprofessional
Ah yes. I forgot that my tattoos prevent me from sending emails and being in meetings.
Just like how my ear piercings do the same and if I dyed my hair, I would immediately forget how Excel works.
You’ll regret it
I might. But so far I love them. There are many things in life I regret but that doesn’t stop me from living. What happens if I regret a tattoo? Will the world end? Will I die on impact? No! It’s okay to have regrets.
Right now, I love them.
They have made me more confident in my body.
I used to look at my arms with sadness — I didn’t like how they look, but now I love them, they’ve got gorgeous art on them done by artists I respect.
In conclusion, if you don’t like tattoos I have great news.
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