My first tattoo was a single black rose for a cousin who was both a close friend and my name sake. He wrapped himself around a telegraph pole driving too fast and was killed. While it was deeply personal it was done when I was only 17 and still had teenage arms and looked ridiculous once I filled out. Done before removal was popular I had it retouched a few years later with a stock standard design off the shop wall, something I now regret. My next piece was equally uninspired. I waited a long time to get my third piece, a large black outline of a dragon done in Bali in the traditional style. This is the only one I'm genuinely proud of. I am keen to have more work done in the future, but not something off a shop wall that adorns a thousand arms. I'm waiting for inspiration to strike and when I see a piece or come up with an idea that matches where I am in my life journey that will be the time to get the next one.
