InkSpired Magazine Issue No. 58

THE TATTOOED TRAVELER

DIESELBOY TOGETHER WE RISE: SULLEN ART COLLECTIVE GIVING LIFE THROUGH BLOOD AND ART

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Julia Dumps 6 The Tattooed Traveler 22 InkMage 26 Emma Vauxdevil 28 Together We Rise: Sullen Art Collective

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Inkstaboy 52 Interview: Angel Graves 60 Dieselboy 74 Giving Life Through Blood and Art

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Committing Social Media Suicide After Your Accident 84 InkSpiredMagazine.com

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Editor-in-Chief - Candies Deezy Liu Creative Director - Sean Hartgrove Art Director - David Rossa Features Writer: Simone Jane Piercing Editor - Sean Dowdell European Editor - Ákos Bánfalvi Positive Spin Editor - Kate Monahan Staff Photographers - Radek Photography & Billy Ward

Tattoo Artist: Julia Dumps Interview: Ákos Bánfalvi

Music: Dieselboy Interview: Lea Luna Photos: Sean Hartgrove

The Tattooed Traveler Words: Simone Jane

Positive Spin: Giving Life Through Art and Blood Words: Simone Jane Photos provided by Bonfils Blood Center

InkMage Photos: Jack Pochop Emma Vauxdevil Photos: Brittany Van Beek, Toxic Lace Photography

Committing Social Media Suicide After Your Accident Words: Scott O’Sullivan, The O’Sullivan Law Firm --------------

Together We Rise: Sullen Art Collective Words: Candies Deezy Liu Photos: Sean Hartgrove

Who’s on the cover: Model: Claire Finneran Photo: Sean Hartgrove

@Inkstaboy Interview: Ákos Bánfalvi Photos: @katzengras.shinken, @misterflopatrick, @ sebastian_windisch Interview: Angel Graves Photos: Sean Hartgrove

Advertising info: info@InkSpiredMagazine.com

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Together we rise. It’s a mantra Sullen Art Collective’s foundation is built upon.

And it’s a philosophy that we should all take into consideration in order to contribute to the progression of the tattoo community and industry. The fashion section of Issue No. 58 features Sullen and its evolution that has grown into a world renowned brand.

laws and regulations that allow tattooed people to donate blood. Bonfils Blood Center is one of the establishments that has recently approved more lenient restrictions for tattooed blood donors.

As limited supplies of blood donations continue to be an issue, this is a giant leap in the right direction in solving the problem.

From Austria, Julia Dumps graces our tattoo artist section. Her watercolor and nature-themed tattoos are unique and painterly. She incorporates various art techniques and is always looking to evolve her craft.

With another month dedicated to the exploration of the evolution of tattoo culture and lifestyle ahead, I ask you, “what ‘InkSpires’ you?”

In Interview, we feature Angel Graves in an editorial of our “Haunted Hotrod” series. You may recognize Angel as one of the first female faces of Steadfast Brand. Since then, the Goddess of Goth has been featured in many editorials and magazines worldwide.

Signed, Candies Deezy Liu, Editor-in-Chief

Dieselboy is back! We featured Dieselboy in Issue No. 32 of InkSpired Magazine. The drum and bass DJ and producer has since released a ton of new music and gotten way more tattoos. In an exclusive interview with DJ and EDM writer, Lea Luna, Dieselboy catches us up on his latest and greatest.

Sometimes saving a life can come from the most unexpected of places. In Positive Spin, we explore the fairly new

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InkSpot - What “InkSpires” You? “‘InkSpired’ to me means needing another piece of art. Needing another experience with another creative being like ourselves. When I get the tattoo itch, it generally means I need to be around like-minded artistic souls. I love traveling to conventions, it’s like a family reunion to me and my skin. So many other people with the same visions and desires. New ink for me not only fills a space on my skin but it also fills in the crevice in my soul.” -@somethingaboutmisti “It means you and your tattoo artist share a bond of trust that the artist is able to express his or her creations and artwork on your skin and your skin expresses your feelings and passions through their work. It means you get to be who you want and share a story of your life expressed through art in your eyes and your artist’s eyes for the world to see. Not worrying about what anyone else thinks but what makes you happy.” -@sin_ful_ “I’m inspired by beauty and art. And that translates into what ‘InkSpired’ means to me.

Anything can be expressed in the form of a tattoo.” -Monica Sims “I think it means taboo freedom. Our society believed that tattoos were for military or prisoners. Now it’s a free expression of art on skin. And most times it’s a conversation starter.” -Danielle N Leroy Scott “Being ‘InkSpired’ to me means being able to express to the world who I am not only through words, and through actions, but by having my story permanently written and told on my skin. Life is like a tattoo, it takes time, patience, and pain to make it through, and the end result depends on who you trust enough to help you on your journey.”

-Danny Svoboda

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Piercing Aftercare

pac@neilmed.com • Tel: (877) 477 8633 /neilmedpiercingwoundwash • neilmedpiercingaftercare InkSpiredMagazine.com

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“MY STYLE IS VERY FEMININE AND PLAYFUL SO I AM NOT IN DIRECT COMPETITION WITH A LOT OF MALE ARTISTS…”

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Interview: Ákos Bánfalvi Julia Dumps comes from a very small village with about 1300 people in Upper Austria, near the border of the Czech Republic and Germany, where she was born and raised with her two sisters. Julia had a very sheltered childhood in the countryside, playing outside in nature everyday, strolling around the forest, camping with the family and building caves in the snow in winter with her two sisters. Maybe that is the reason why she prefers to do nature-themed tattoos. “I am very close to my family and friends at home, but at the same time I always loved visiting foreign places, learning about other cultures, meeting new people and getting lost somewhere,” Julia says.

What made you want to become a tattoo artist and how long have you been tattooing?

I’ve been drawing all my life, actually since I have been able to hold a pencil.

While other children preferred playing computer games, I just hung out in front of the sketchbook and tried to draw things like flowers, comics, and portraits. When I was young, I loved to draw comics, especially Mangas. My parents have always supported my talent and so I visited a technical college for graphics and communication design in Linz. When I was 16, I got my first tattoo done and from that day on I wanted to become a tattoo artist. I showed up at every shop in Linz but nobody wanted to teach me. After I had finished school at the age of 19, I worked as a graphic designer and later as an art director for different advertising agencies.

It was fun doing corporate designs and websites, but I always preferred doing illustrations and sketches. As a result, I completed a very short course (about 4 to 5 days) for tattooing somewhere in

Germany but I did not feel educated about tattooing people. I have always taken this aspect very seriously and have avoided making mistakes or doing a shitty tattoo.

Years later, in 2013, I got the chance to take a tattoo course by Csaba Müllner, a Hungarian tattoo artist and my absolute hero in the realism tattoo sector. That was how it all started.

After I had finished the course with Csaba Müllner, I practiced a lot. I tattooed friends in the evenings after my full-time job in the advertising agency. I also tried to do guest spots in tattoo shops in order to improve my skills. That was a very hard and stressful time and I always doubted this was the right thing to do and the right way for me. I had no formal apprenticeship and it is also very hard to open a shop in Austria because we have to pass an exam, including medicine theory and a practical part. Right from the beginning I have drawn my own designs and tattooed my friends with them. That was the beginning of my abstract and watercolor-style.

However, I got a little burned out because of my doubts and my chaotic life between being an art director as well as becoming a tattoo artist and so I decided to undertake my first big journey. I left everything behind and traveled through Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji for half a year. I spent a long time in Hawaii and California and met so many inspiring and awesome people from everywhere around the world.

I learned to take life not too seriously and lived every day without planning something. I sketched a lot and tried to find my own style – I wanted to create something unique and was very focused on my work as an artist.

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"TRAVELING AROUND WITH NOTHING BUT A BACKPACK AND STAYING IN SIMPLE HOSTELS GAVE ME A TOTALLY NEW VIEW ON LIFE AND INSPIRED ME A LOT." 10

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"WHEN I WAS YOUNG, I LOVED TO DRAW COMICS, ESPECIALLY MANGAS."

Travelling around with nothing but a backpack and staying in simple hostels gave me a totally new view on life and inspired me a lot. My head was full of ideas and three years after this journey, I think that this was the best decision in my life. It changed everything.

When I came back home to Austria in the Summer of 2014, I did the exam in tattooing, got my tattoo license and opened my own shop with my friend and coworker Eva Schmidinger within a few weeks.

What’s it like being a female artist in a primarily male worksite?

I don’t think about this aspect too much. I know a lot about amazingly talented female tattoo artists in Europe and the rest of the world. My style is very feminine and playful so I am not in direct competition with a lot of male artists. I also have lots of friends who are male tattoo artists and they respect me and my work.

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"I AM A VERY IMAGINATIVE PERSON AND I REINVENT MYSELF NEARLY EVERY WEEK."

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What did your family and friends think about you getting into the business?

I am a very imaginative person and I reinvent myself nearly every week. So it was no surprise to my family when I told them that I wanted to become a tattoo artist. My father just said, “do whatever makes you happy.” I am lucky to have a very tolerant family, Even my grandmother loves my tattoos and one time she said to me: “Julia if I was 60, I would like to get one of your tattoos on my arm.

But not with 70, I am too old for that.” (Smiles.)

Tell us about the shop you work at.

In November 2014 I opened my own shop called “Linzer Tattooatelier” with my friend and co-worker Eva Schmidinger. She is an amazing woman and artist, doing dotwork and geometric tattoos. It is a very small but very cute shop on the outskirts of Linz. We wanted to create a very cozy atmosphere in our shop far away from busy everyday life or street noise, where the clients feel comfortable from the beginning to the end. So it became more like a living room than a shop, surrounded by forest and nature. We have a lot of very old furniture, a lot of drawings and sketches and a lot of small antlers on the walls, which give the atelier a kind of vintage look.

Each client is devoted the greatest possible attention, therefore we tattoo only by appointment – so our shop is more like a private atelier. We just do tattoos in our own style based on the idea of the client. Artistic freedom and development are at our focus – each tattoo is designed as requested by the customer and is therefore unique.

Describe how you go about creating a tattoo from concept to finished design, as well as how you try to put your own unique touch on your tattoos.

The first contact with the customer is via our wish list (contract form) on our website. We book our appointments two to three times a year. I always try to avoid booking many months in advance, but that does not always work out. Mostly I discuss the tattoo designs via email or phone because most of my customers come from further away from Austria, Germany, Switzerland, and France. When they don’t have such a long way, or if it is a very big project I love to discuss the idea and the design face to face with the customer and sketching the approximate design directly on their bodies. It is better to meet the clients before the appointment because then I know better what their character is like and what their imagination is. It’s more personal. After that, I draw the design and the clients get it via email one or two days before the appointment. Finally, we choose colors and can change details at the appointment.

What was the first tattoo you ever did? Can you tell us about it?

The first tattoo I ever did was on my younger sister’s leg. Of course, she was over 18, so don’t worry. It was after my one week course in Germany and I’ve never done a tattoo alone. I was so nervous and afraid, as was my sister. We were both shaking!

While I was tattooing a kind of new school cupcake on her leg, the stencil was suddenly gone after a few minutes! So I did the rest of the tattoo free hand.

Then my father came home from work and found us tattooing at the kitchen table. He was just like, “oh my God, what are you doing?” and I just said, “I am doing Iris a tattoo…” Every normal father would have been shouting at me or even worse. But he went 16

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"THE FIRST TATTOO I EVER DID WAS ON MY YOUNGER SISTER’S LEG. OF COURSE, SHE WAS OVER 18, SO DON’T WORRY."

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away and came back with his camera and said “Julie, smile for the camera!” So my father took a photo while I was doing my first tattoo on the kitchen table. Now, years later, my sister and I still love this tattoo. The colors and lines are still in, which surprises me a bit! (Smiles.)

How would you describe your style? And which tattoo style do you like best?

Loud watercolor tattoo compositions. My tattoos always consist of a solid concept with straight lines and black and grey in order to provide their durability. Strong colors and unconventional color combinations make my tattoos very lively and dynamic. I especially love using many different pink and turquoise shades. That’s why my tattoos have an imaginative aspect. Moreover, I combine abstract with realistic elements which makes my style unique.

I like every tattoo style, dotwork, and blackwork as much as old school, neo-traditional and abstract tattoos as long the tattoos are authentic. I love it when you can see the personal style of an artist. I also wear so many different styles of tattoos on my skin but I can’t decide for just one style or which style I like best. I am a collector of different pieces of art. (Smiles.)

Describe how your role models and any other sources of inspiration have affected your tattoo style?

As I was an art director a long time, I always tried to do artistic tattoos which reflects my graphic designer’s background. I tried to use sketched elements and mixed it with a lot of colors, patterns, and abstract elements. One of my biggest role models was a young German artist called Gábor Kanyuk alias “Spatz mit Hirn.” He was one of the first who I knew with a totally unusual style. When I saw his tattoos for the first time, I was totally stoked. I’m getting my first tattoo from him this Autumn, and I’m really excited to meet him!

Moreover, my style got influenced by my teacher Csaba Müllner, who showed me how to tattoo realistic designs as well as many other realistic tattoo artists I was able to work with. I also got very inspired during one of my guest spots in Switzerland, where I worked with the Spanish artists Rodrigo Kalaka and Tony Donaire, who do unique and absolutely crazy neo-traditional pieces. Moreover, a tattoo artist from the States called Russel Van Schaik alias “Find Your Smile” is a big role model for me. I love his comic inspired and colorful pieces so much. Hopefully, I’ll meet him one day!

I always try to refine my style, include new elements, and mix them with my present style. Sometimes I have a current style in which I use a lot of pearls and girly elements, other times I just use sketchy lines, patterns and heavy brush strokes. I always try to change a little bit and interpret the themes in a new way.

Do you have a funny tattoo story?

Once I had a tattoo request from an American girl from Boston who wanted to get tattooed by me. But it is a very long way from the States to Austria, thus we could not make an appointment.

Now, two years later, I am currently traveling through South

"WHEN A CUSTOMER SEES THE NEW TATTOO THE FIRST TIME AND IS TOTALLY ENTHUSIASTIC AND HAPPY WITH THE WORK YOU’VE DONE. THAT ALWAYS MAKES ME SO PROUD!"

East Asia and doing some guest spots in different shops. One day, I was at this absolutely gorgeous and super tiny village in Northern Thailand, called Pai. I was doing a guest spot just for one day in a cool small shop and posted the details on Facebook. Then the American girl wrote me again after two years and told me that she was in Pai too, today at the same place as I am!

Somewhere in the jungle of Thailand, both so far away from home, we met up and did her tattoo in this tiny village. The world is pretty small!

What’s the hardest part about being a tattoo artist?

The pressure of always doing an absolutely perfect tattoo. That you are not allowed to make mistakes.

People see your tattoos and expect that you always do accurate work. I always try to give 120 percent when I do a tattoo but you can never know how it will look at the end. Moreover, it is very difficult to be so creative every day. There are days when I am so inspired and so creative that I do lots of designs in two hours and on the other day you sit in front of your sketchbook and cannot even draw one line. Days like these are very depressing.

I think that this is the hardest part of being an artist.

People don’t see the work behind the tattoo. The hours of sketching up the design and the tons of sketches which land in the trash.

What’s the most rewarding part about being a tattoo artist?

When a customer sees the new tattoo the first time and is totally enthusiastic and happy with the work you’ve done. That always makes me so proud! It’s such a good feeling when you know that you’ve done a good job and the client loves his new tattoo. Then all the hours and sweat from the sketch to the tattoo has finally paid off.

What do you think a client should expect from you as a tattoo artist and what do you, on the other hand, expect from a client to make a successful tattoo and a good collaboration?

My clients should expect that I am a professional tattoo artist. That does not only mean that I am doing good tattoos at all, it also means that I am working one hundred percent hygienic and that my shop and working space is clean.

That also means that I use the best equipment and colors possible. When my clients come to my shop for their appointment, I always try to do them a tattoo which they will love their whole life. Which also means that I expect them to trust me. Often people have just a chaotic idea of their tattoo and as a professional tattoo artist, you should help them to organize their ideas and elements. I expect that they trust in me when I tell them to change an element or to omit some stuff so that the tattoo looks good in the end.

What criteria do you think that a tattoo convention shall have to be really successful, both for you as a tattoo artist, but also for the visitors? Can you give some examples of conventions that meet these criteria really well?

I think that it is necessary that the artists have enough working space, chairs, and tables. Many tattoo artists,

who are traveling, don’t have a bed, armrest or any equipment like this with them. So you always have to improvise a lot.

Making a table out of a bed and something like that! (Smiles.)

I think that it is also very good to have many different artists with individual styles on a convention. So the visitors are entertained in exploring a new tattoo style on every corner.

I did my first Asian tattoo convention in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and I did not know what to expect. So I was pleasantly surprised that it was super well organized. I got a second table, chairs, everything I needed. Moreover, the event organizers were very nice. We had a great time!

For me, a tattoo convention is always a chance to combine traveling and working. That’s the reason why I am more interested in conventions abroad.

I am doing a lot of conventions in 2017 in the UK, Denmark, Poland, Stockholm and much more. I think every tattoo artist prefers something different on a convention, so I can’t recommend a special convention.

For me, it is very important to have a good time with nice clients and cool artists.

How would you describe the current status of tattooing by the general public in Austria?

I think the whole scene is changing at the moment. There are a lot of young, talented tattoo artists focusing on their own style. Most of the people don’t like to get standard tattoos anymore. They are searching for something more personal and individual.

Getting a tattoo does not mean that you want to provoke or that you are a kind of a criminal anymore. People are getting more and more tolerant. We also have a few clients at the shop who got their first tattoos at the age of 55.

Of course, a lot of people want to have the option to cover their tattoo with clothes because of their job or something. But I also know a lot of tolerant bosses who are ok with tattoos (or who got tattoos themselves) and I think in a few years it will be totally ok to show your tattoos, maybe even at work.

It also depends on the design you get. It makes a difference if you get a tiny small sign or flower on the ankle or if you get your whole arm done with bloody faces.

TV shows, the internet, and especially social networks like Facebook and Twitter has become an extremely widespread phenomenon recent years. What positive and negative impacts do you think it has for the future development of the tattoo industry?

I think that social networks are a pretty cool thing for artists because you can reach so many people easily without investing too much time and money. For example, you can post a few pictures of tattoos on your Facebook or Instagram profile and you can reach people all over the world. For tattoo artists who are on the road, like me at the moment, this is pretty awesome.

I prefer Instagram because I like the artistic aspect. I follow a 20

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lot of tattoo artists and if you see a cool artwork, you give it a like. The people do not comment on everything! (Smiles.)

I think TV shows have become very popular now all over the world. When I was younger, I loved to watch LA Ink. Kat Von D was my absolute hero and I loved that she was that independent, talented and successful in a scene ruled by men. I think at this time, it was the only tattoo show (of course next to Miami Ink) on TV. Now we have lots of shows for cover-ups, new tattoos, and tattoo competitions. I want to be honest – I don’t really watch them.

The story behind the tattoo is always more important than the tattoo and every client (and sometimes also the artist) is crying the whole time. It looks like we are all crying during our daily work in the tattoo studios and that there has always to be a deeply depressing meaning behind every single tattoo.

My personal opinion is that our clients get a false impression of what it is about to get a tattoo – for example – when it comes to cover-ups. People think that they have one appointment and the old tattoo has vanished. However, in reality, you often need a lot of tattoo sessions to get a tattoo covered because the old tattoo comes again and again. You have to see a tattoo (especially a cover-up) when it is healed, not always the fresh ones. A fresh tattoo on a photo always looks good. www.JuliaDumps.com www.Facebook.com/Linzer-Tattooatelier-842869195781064 www.Facebook.com/Julia-Dumps-939428732739535 Instagram: @Julia_Dumps

Norman

‘Sailor Jerry’ Collins built his rep tattooing soldiers and sailors in WWII-era Honolulu. Known for his bold, iconic style, Collins became a legend of his craft, earning himself the title of undisputed father of the old-school tattoo.

Sailor Jerry is a true American icon and a stubborn sonuvabitch who never compromised his standards or ideals.

WE MAKE OUR RUM TO KEEP HIS LEGACY ALIVE. Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum is proudly made in the U.S.A.

RESPECT HIS LEGACY. DRINK SAILOR JERRY RESPONSIBLY.

InkSpiredMagazine.com ©2017 Sailor Jerry Rum, 46% Alc./Vol. William Grant & Sons, Inc. New York, NY.

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THE TATTOOED TRAVELER Words: Simone Jane

Traveling with no home can give you a sense of freedom but at times, it can give you a feeling of floating without an anchor. Artist, Caroline Gregory, has chosen a life of just that; leaping into the unknown 19 months ago. She thought it would fix all of the things that were wrong in her life. The answers to Caroline’s questions were countries ahead of her and she just needed to go travel and collect them one by one, leaving everything else behind.

to hip-hop or more vibey tunes,” She continues, “My favorite part of a piece is probably the last day where I add white highlights and outlines everywhere.

Those additions clean everything up and really make the art what I intended it to be.” Caroline especially finds inspiration in Moroccan decor. The tiles, throughout the rias and homes especially, are full of patterns and colors that she loves. Walking around the city is creativity on its own.

Caroline started traveling in January of 2016; she has just hit 20 months of living on the road. So far, her travels have taken her around Southeast Asia, across the United States, India, Nepal, back and forth between Israel and Jordan, and now she is in her 13th country, Morocco. Her favorite medium is acrylics and Caroline funds her travels by selling her art and creating custom pieces for her Instagram following of 16,000 strong.

“I used to dream of disappearing and living on the road for good with no connections,” Caroline disclosed, “I still play with the idea sometimes, maybe when I’m older. Looking at my life now, I’m happy that I haven’t yet fully done that.” She is thankful she has chosen the journey of self-love while still staying in touch with the ones she cares about.

Many of Caroline’s relationships have even gained strength. “I’m happy to share bits of my experience with the digital land too,” she explains, “I’d like to remind you though, traveling doesn’t solve all of your problems, time and effort do.” The adventure doesn’t always transform your sad waves into happy ones when you need it most. More love does. Caroline is thankful to have traveled this far to find that she was meant for it. She has found that it has helped her to reach blissful moments and to be around good company. It has opened her up more and helped her to learn that she is not so crazy of

The creative process is as individual as the artist. Caroline finds inspiration from her travels, the sights, the smells, and the people. “Along my travels and Instagram scrolling, I’m always taking notes of art that I enjoy,” Caroline explains, “I take pictures of cool patterns, textures and weird things I like, so when I want to create, I have an album of art to get me in a vibe. I spend the first day sketching and two to three days painting, normally listening 22

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a human. “I can be okay with myself if maybe I am able to dive into my passion for art and above all,” Caroline acknowledged, “to see this beautiful planet and meet the earthlings that are alive with me. Solo in all ways but never truly alone. I’m thankful to have found and persevered through nomadic lows and rough patches too. The whole experience becomes richer, the more real and accepting I am of everything it includes.” Caroline also finds motivation in her own body art.

Although Caroline has no formal art training, she has a tattoo of a painter’s palette on her left hand where she actually mixes her colors. Each day, the tattoo has different paint combinations on it. It illustrates her inventiveness and vision. “My first tattoo was DNA on my right bicep,” Caroline describes, “I really loved Genetics class while in college years ago and I hadn’t seen this type of tattoo before so it felt perfect. I have a Chemical Science degree, but I paint for a living. You need to honor who you want to be!” We can all find inspiration in that.

Stay updated with Caroline’s travels and art at: www.TattooedTravelerTribe.com Instagram: @TattooedTraveler

“I’D LIKE TO REMIND YOU THOUGH, TRAVELING DOESN’T SOLVE ALL OF YOUR PROBLEMS, TIME AND EFFORT DO.” InkSpiredMagazine.com

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“I USED TO DREAM OF DISAPPEARING AND LIVING ON THE ROAD FOR GOOD WITH NO CONNECTIONS,” 24

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“MY FAVORITE PART OF A PIECE IS PROBABLY THE LAST DAY WHERE I ADD WHITE HIGHLIGHTS AND OUTLINES EVERYWHERE."

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InkMage Can’t decide on your tattoo? Unsure where to put it? Are your customers unsure? InkMage can help.

Every year, thousands of Americans spend millions on painful tattoo removals. Getting a tattoo is a serious decision. “Never Rethink Your Ink”. InkMage is the great tool on the market to help you make the important decision of getting a tattoo easier. Simply download the free app to get started.

How to use InkMage: Find an image you like. You can take a new photo or upload one from your phone.

Upload an image from your phone or take a photo.

The app will do most if not all the cutting out for you.

If the in-app tool misses something, simply shade in the area you want to add/remove and click “Remove Background”. You can do this as many times you need. You can also select the ‘Magic’ feature, to threshold remove a background based on a color selection. This is also a good opportunity to sit

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down and collaborate with your tattoo artist.

Once you are comfortable and settled on a design, it’s time to get the real deal.

The creators and founders of InkMage are brothers, Zachary Cassidy and Bryan Irwin. The idea came to Zachary when he was trying to decide on a tattoo for his father and its placement. The app is useful for artists and people who like tattoos. “Its purpose is to help people avoid mistakes and to help them have some confidence in their decision making process,” Cassidy says. “Getting a tattoo is painful enough. Why add worry to the process?”

Available on iOS & Android Never rethink your ink. www.InkMage.co www.Facebook.com/InkMageLLC Instagram: @inkmagear

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EMMA VAUXDEVIL Photography: Brittany Van Beek

(Toxic Lace Photography, ToxicLacePhotography.com)

Instagram: @vauxdevil

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Words: Candies Deezy Liu

Photography: Sean Hartgrove

Sullen was created based on ideologies that combined SoCal beach culture and tattoo driven art. What began in Huntington Beach with a small group of tattooers and artists has massively grown into a worldwide Art Collective that shares the same principles when it comes to art and its influences. Sullen co-owners, Ryan Smith and Jeremy Hanna have played massive roles in facilitating collaborative efforts to combine tattoo culture with progressive fashion trends. In doing so, Sullen has become an industry leader and household name within the alternative world since its inception in 2001.

The evolution of Sullen continues. Although they began with a staple that everyone needs in their closet: black tees, Sullen always knew how to integrate artistic virtue to make their apparel appealing. Throughout the years, the high demand combined with artist collaborations have provided them with the inspiration and resources to expand their styles. Sullen Clothing now incorporates flannels, swimwear, sunglasses, and other accessories into their collections. In addition to progressing apparel and fashion trends, Sullen has started to incorporate other aspects of tattoo culture and lifestyle into their brand, such as Blaq Paq travel bags (the first ever travel backpacks for tattooers) that feature padded pouches for tattoo machines. They are even releasing a Power Paq with two USB ports that provides two laptop charges or 12 iPhone charges. Before the end of this year, Sullen is collaborating their first co-branded machine with Bishop Rotary that will be commercially sold. Bishop is designing a Stormtrooper version for their newest Fantom machine as part of this collab with Sullen. “We have a hat that Franco [of Bishop Rotary] and I designed. We literally passed a piece of art back and forth and that art will be on the underbill of the hat. It’s a full on Sullen/Bishop collectible. It’s a gift with purchase that is only available if you buy the machine,” Ryan says. With no plans of stopping, Sullen has several future collaborations with other industries in store. Their mission of fully integrating the lifestyle aspect into tattoo culture as a collective and brand has just begun.

Sullen’s foundation is heavily based on a thorough knowledge and understanding of tattooing and its culture. This has garnered the respect of world renowned tattooers that have become part of the Sullen family and collective. Sullen’s creative direction is influenced and inspired by tattooers and artists around the world, each bringing their unique talent and styles to the collective. “Together we rise” defines Sullen’s ethos. As they continue to expand, they keep in mind that success and growth is a collaborative effort.

Stay updated with Sullen at: www.SullenClothing.com, www.Facebook.com/SullenFamily, Instagram: @SullenClothing

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SULLEN WAS CREATED BASED ON IDEOLOGIES THAT COMBINED SOCAL BEACH CULTURE AND TATTOO DRIVEN ART.

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@INKSTABOY

Interview: ร kos Bรกnfalvi Photography: @katzengras.shinken, @misterflopatrick & @sebastian_windisch 52

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Born on March 17, 1996, in Vienna, Austria, @Inkstaboy is a self-taught photographer, model, and Instagram influencer. He loves nature, getting lost in places, and puppies.

His style, tattoos, and puppy photos have garnered a widespread and loyal following on social media.

Tell us about your childhood and teenage years. Did you always want to be a model?

My childhood was pretty normal, I think I was a really exhausting child. Shoutout to my parents.

And no, if I’m honest I never knew what I wanted to do when I grew up.

“I THINK MY CRAZY MIND IS WHAT INFLUENCES MY STYLE…” InkSpiredMagazine.com

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So how did you get into modeling? Did you always think growing up that you were more photogenic than your family and friends?

Absolutely not, I hated those family album moments in my childhood! Just started with some random Snapchat selfies and developed an enthusiasm for photography over time. I’m a really creative person, and that’s the way I can live it up.

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And what do you think influences your style?

Is it music, film, or simply just everyday life?

I think my crazy mind is what influences my style. I always wanted to be a little extraordinary. I’m not a big fan of following trends or floating with the current.

Are there any male models that inspire you?

There are so many talented young people on our planet, for example, James Edward Quaintance and Stephen James are doing their job very well!

Having worked with a number of photographers so far, do you have any favorites you’d love to work with again?

I had one of my first shootings with @misterflopatrick. Meanwhile, we are good friends and have explored almost all of Vienna together.

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Talk us through an average day in the life of you?

Getting up with some rap music, Cornflakes, and a little morning cuddle with Peet, my dog. Continue at a local shoe store for some hours. After lunch, we are on the road to take some new outfit shots or search for new shooting locations. In the evenings, I manage my social media stuff, answer to emails, edit my pictures, or just go for a walk with my dog.

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What inspires the tattoos you choose to get?

I really love nature and animals! 2 of my tattoos were inspired by the loss of the animals I grew up with.

Can you give us a rundown of your excellent tattoo collection?

Basically, almost my entire body is a big zoo, mixed up with some portraits of pretty girls and geometric mandalas.

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Is there anything you do to stay in shape and look after yourself being a model or is it just good genes?

I was on the road with my BMX almost every day for the last few years. But I had to quit because of some injuries. Now I try to visit the gym twice a week. Yeah, I try. Nothing special.

What do you think about men’s fashion right now?

I’m really into urban fashion and I think this scene is just incredible at the moment. I love those urban fashion Instagram feeds.

Favorite brands/designers at the moment?

Shoutout to Criminal Damage, Stay Cold Apparel, and Devote London. Really digging those clothes!

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Five things you can’t live without?

Dogs, music, winter days, unhealthy food, and road trips.

What are some of your other loves and hobbies?

I love to visit abandoned places and to climb on Vienna’s rooftops. I need some adrenaline in my life!

Something people don’t know about you?

My second name is Wolfgang.

Is there anything else you wish to say?

Go get some new ink! And a puppy. www.Facebook.com/Inkstaboy Instagram: @Inkstaboy

"I LOVE TO VISIT ABANDONED PLACES AND TO CLIMB ON VIENNA’S ROOFTOPS." InkSpiredMagazine.com

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INTERVIEW: ANGEL GRAVES

Photography: Sean Hartgrove

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InkSpired Magazine: How and when did your modeling career begin?

Angel Graves: I was working at a little hole in the wall coffee shop in Denver, and one of my regulars was a photographer by the name of Sean Hartgrove. He offered me the opportunity to do a photo shoot, and we’ve been friends ever since.

InkSpired Magazine: Do you have any advice for aspiring models?

Angel Graves: Network. Take every opportunity, no matter how insignificant it may seem. You never know where your photos may end up.

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MY FIRST TATTOO WAS AT THE TENDER AGE OF 14. SMART...

RIGHT? IT’S SINCE BEEN COVERED, BUT IT’S STILL THERE AS A REMINDER OF WHERE IT ALL BEGAN.

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InkSpired Magazine: What else do you do?

Angel Graves: I’m an area manager for Hot Topic in San Francisco.

InkSpired Magazine: What inspired you to start getting tattooed?

Angel Graves: My first tattoo was at the tender age of 14. Smart... right? It’s since been covered, but it’s still there as a reminder of where it all began. If I had to pick a reason, I’d have to say it’s because I wanted to be different. I never really felt like I fit in anywhere. The tattoo community is so diverse, it doesn’t matter if you’re straight edge or punk... You can just be you. And still be a part of something.

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I LOVE PRETTY, SPOOKY THINGS, BUT I ALSO LOVE HARDCORE.

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InkSpired Magazine: Tell us about your favorite tattoo.

Angel Graves: I love pretty, spooky things, but I also love hardcore. I’d say my knuckles have the most meaning. They say “overcome” and “underdog.” Visually, I’d say my hands.

InkSpired Magazine: Who are your tattoo artists?

Angel Graves: Alisha Rice (Think Tank Tattoo), Sandi Calistro (Ritual Tattoo Gallery), Ali Samantha (FTW tattoo), Asa Rogers (De La Ink), Michael Slone (Infinity Ink Tattoo) InkSpired Magazine: What role do tattoos play in your life?

Angel Graves: Therapy.

InkSpired Magazine: What inspires you?

Angel Graves: I’m inspired by people who go out and kill it.

Whatever it is they’re into.

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People who are honest, and have integrity. And anyone who can remain positive, even when life gets hard. PMA. Music, I make playlists for everything.

InkSpired Magazine: Do you have any people that you are inspired by?

Angel Graves: I can be inspired by just about anybody. We all have our moments. It’s about connecting with people and learning about them through their stories.

InkSpired Magazine: What is something that many people don’t know about you?

Angel Graves: I can eat an entire family sized bag of snap peas in one sitting. I always have snacks…

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I CAN BE INSPIRED BY JUST ABOUT ANYBODY. WE ALL HAVE OUR MOMENTS. IT’S ABOUT CONNECTING WITH PEOPLE AND LEARNING ABOUT THEM THROUGH THEIR STORIES.

1952 International Truck 455 Buick Motor High Rise Manifold with Duel Holley Carburetors. Owner: Michael Polemi InkSpiredMagazine.com

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DIESELBOY Interview: Lea Luna

Photography: Sean Hartgrove

In a world of over-saturated EDM fads and “press play” DJs, the tougher and more authentic roots of the DJ world still belong to drum n bass. Since the early days of jungle music, DnB, the original bass-heavy electronic genre has only refined itself, while certain sub-genres and other drop-heavy adaptations of the bass music variety have branched off into watered-down commercial music over the years.

Originally hailing from the UK, the unabashed sound of American drum n bass rose to 90s underground rave stages by the hands of a mere few, most notably the one and only Dieselboy, who has been a prominent influencer of the genre since its inception. His name is now recognized as one of the heaviest-hitting DnB acts in the world, and the single most popular name in stateside DnB history. His record label, Planet Human, and world famous DJ collaboration Planet of the Drums with DJ Dara, AK1200, and Messinian are projects so prolific within the scope of American and worldwide drum n bass culture that it sets the bar sky high for new blood in the business. Dieselboy and his ardent fans are a force that separates the fakers from the tastemakers, staking a claim in underground music culture that has been holding strong for as long as most current day “bass music” partygoers have been alive.

Amidst a crazy summer of touring and other creative projects, InkSpired catches up with Dieselboy to talk about music, metal, discipline through pain, and, you know, the “death kraken.”

In the wide scope of your duties as a touring DJ, producer, label boss, and music mogul, what have you been doing the most lately?

Right now, DJing mostly, but everything else is always present waiting to be worked on. My brain/creativity never stops working.

In your opinion, what are the best tunes of the summer so far?

Before I submit, I will say this - I don’t like “summer DnB” tunes. And by that, I mean cheese over the top vocal tunes. Way way way too fucking corny for me. My top 3 “tunes of the summer” so far have been - Tobax “Many Digital faces,” Upbeats “Grasshopper” and Synergy “Turn It Out.” What’s new at your label, Planet Human?

Planet Human is the umbrella name for both “Human Imprint” (DnB) and “Subhuman” (bass music). I just released some new material from Bare and Mark the Beast on Subhuman. Coming in August is a new one from myself, Bare and Mark the Beast entitled “Demolition” with Armanni Reign on vocals. It’s a 175 halftime bpm thing that has been crushing it everywhere. Can’t wait to see the response.

What DJs/producers influenced you and your career early on?

I was mostly influenced by DJs, not producers. People like Scott Henry, Richie Hawtin, Derrick Carter, etc. I am first and foremost a DJ and real DJs have always inspired me. My favorite DJ is Z-Trip.

Do you still keep any vinyl laying around? What happened to all those rare dub plates?

I still own vinyl, but I don’t play it. The dubplates are still there in my collection and gathering dust. Still smelling like old bibles.

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Back in the day, you kicked the door down on what was pretty exclusively a UK scene and made waves as the initiator of American drum & bass culture. Now that DnB is more globally abundant, what cities do you think are doing the best at keeping it that way, stateside and worldwide?

Los Angeles is the epicenter, no question. Following that, I would suggest Denver, Seattle, and Atlanta. Worldwide? Most of Europe, especially places like the UK (obviously), Holland, etc etc. The all drum and bass “Let it Roll” festival in the Czech Republic pulls over 25,000 people every year. It’s insane. I wish we had something like that here in North America.

Is Planet of the Drums still going strong?

Planet of the Drums is still going strong. Unlike previous years where we did 40 shows in a row, we are now taking shows spread out over the course of the year.

It’s a very loose interpretation of “touring.” That being said, it’s been a pretty busy summer.

What advice would you give an up-and-coming DJ to help them get a clue on successfully becoming a reputable part of DnB in 2017 in the most authentic way?

I used to always say ALWAYS practice to be a great DJ, but now it seems that to be recognized you need to be a producer first and foremost and THEN you can DJ. I think that path is completely ridiculous because producing and DJing are not the same thing, but nowadays, that is what you need to do in order to become recognized enough to get booked at shows to DJ. The main thing I feel is this - DJING IS FUN! Yes, it is great to be booked at shows and feel the love, etc. etc., but the skill-set of DJing is enjoyable. People have lost sight of that.

How do you feel the more evolved genres of bass music like dubstep and trap have affected DnB in terms of its popularity and staying power? Do they add to it or take away?

I respect plenty of bass music and producers outside of drum and bass. That being said, those other genres have unintentionally reduced the popularity of drum and bass in North America. Drum and bass is a complex music. Those other genres, maybe due to bpm range, are less “complex.” Kids flock to stuff they can understand the easiest. The rise of dubstep and trap have certainly not helped drum and bass music.

Name a couple music artists you’re into that no one would ever guess you like to listen to.

I mostly listen to obscure indie rock in my spare time. Some of my current fave artists are Ry X, Khruangbin, Nick Hakim, and Whirr. Metal faves are The Haunted, Black Breath, Doom, and Riders. Throwback bands include Slowdive, My Bloody Valentine, and Pale Saints.

It looks like you got some new ink! Give us a written mini-tour of your tattoos, the old to the new.

My OG tattoo (now lasered off) was an old Metalheadz logo on my upper right arm. Then I had a tribal dragon tattooed on my upper back in the late 90’s by the tribal master Leo Zulueta at Black Wave in Los Angeles. Then a left forearm text design from a font designer I found online that says “discipline through pain.”

I was inspired by a forearm tattoo that UK musician James Lavelle has from the legendary graf artist Futura 2000. In the most recent years, I have had an amazing black and grey design done by Carlos Torres that I call “Death Kraken.”

It’s a skull/tentacle combo that starts on my right shoulder and stretches across my chest. It is fucking insane! I then had my left sleeve done by my friend Dan Bones here in NYC that is a collection of snake and wolves and skulls and such. He turned my “discipline through pain” tattoo into text for a sword design that has a wolf jaw hilt and a leather-wrapped human femur handle. NYC artist Sarah Gaugler of Snow Tattoo gave me a twenty-sided die on my left wrist. Artist Jason June gave me a right forearm tattoo of swords /feathers / wooden pitchfork inspired by a design from Italian metal logo artist View From the Coffin. He also did the word DESTROYER on the edge of my right hand and a Bloodmilk inspired bone orthodox cross on my neck. Dan Bones then did woodcut style spiked mace and scrollwork on my right forearm that says STACK BODIES and 76

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I USED TO ALWAYS SAY ALWAYS PRACTICE TO BE A GREAT DJ, BUT NOW IT SEEMS THAT TO BE RECOGNIZED YOU NEED TO BE A PRODUCER FIRST AND FOREMOST AND THEN YOU CAN DJ.

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a skull / grim reaper bat taken from a sticker by artist shaw illustrations. Dan also did my latest big piece on my right arm which is 4 snakes of varying sizes/scale patterns that are being held or bitten by a multi-eyed mutant crow. I really lean hard on the skull and snake vibes. I’m a big proponent of finding artists that match the style of tattoo that I want. I don’t believe in drunk tattoos or random tattoos from artists I don’t know. Tattoos are permanent and I want to make sure mine all look good.

Your T-shirt collaborations with Damascus and others are edgy, artistic, and very tattoo-worthy.

What is your inspiration and involvement in the visual aesthetic side of things? Didn’t you design an album cover on your label Subhuman recently?

I am inspired by lots of stuff but my baseline is very much stuff from my adolescent years - comic books, fantasy, cartoons, etc. Most of the stuff that I work on design wise usually leans in one of those directions. For my collab with Damascus, I wanted to do something different. They specialize in very dense, very “digital” designs. I wanted to take that design density and ask the question what if Damascus existed in the late 70s metal scene? What fonts would they use? What would their graphics look like? That meant hand-drawn illustrations and throwback type. The collab that we did clearly reads Damascus but on a much more raw level. It was a great experience. In my perfect world, everything is black t-shirts and rough black and white illustrations of skulls and wizards and monsters.

Describe what a perfect world would look like to you both in music and in general. What are your highest expectations of the future?

My highest expectations in the music scene is that the new mainstreamer rave kids start looking beyond “EDM” and start craving more underground stuff. Like find dubstep, and then make your way to drum and bass. Find “EDM” and then graduate to techno and house. At this point, all signs indicate that “EDM” is turning into straight mainstream cheese instead of re-focusing on the underground roots that it came from. I like complex music. I like dancing. In a perfect world, kids would headbang less “on the rail” and learn how to dance and start listening to music that isn’t solely based on buildups and drops.

Me personally? I just want to keep putting out conceptual stuff that people hopefully gravitate towards. Substance over surface always. www.Soundcloud.com/Dieselboy www.Facebook.com/Dieselboy IG: @thedieselboy

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MY HIGHEST EXPECTATIONS IN THE MUSIC SCENE IS THAT THE NEW MAINSTREAMER RAVE KIDS START LOOKING BEYOND “EDM” AND START CRAVING MORE UNDERGROUND STUFF. InkSpiredMagazine.com

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GIVING LIFE THROUGH BLOOD AND ART Interview: Simone Jane

If you could save a life, would you?

What if you had a tattoo and were turned away because of your body art? There are still 11 states in this country that could still deny you that right to donate your blood to help save someone. Blood Systems Centers, for example, consider 39 states to have appropriate regulations for tattoo establishments. Lisa Sherritt is a telerecruiter Supervisor at Bonfils Blood Center in Colorado, which in January of this year adopted more lenient restrictions for donors who have tattoos.

Lisa describes the reason she was drawn into this field, “there has been a group of people who have all been drawn together by this one thing, and it’s all become its own community.”

She continues, “for a long time, there was such negativity associated with the tattoo culture in regards to the healthcare field, be it nurses, doctors, and of course, blood donors. When you actually look at the community and how it has developed, the safety standards, everything that has gone into the professionalism.

The development and ultimately the propulsion of the culture into the mainstream has become its own living, breathing lifestyle.” Tattoos have now become so widespread and there is nothing wrong with

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people who have body art. It is a form of self-expression. Lisa wants to be able to be the bridge to this life-saving gift. She herself is tattooed and she understands the artistic value but also the medical need of giving blood. She also sees the same thing with what she describes as proud blood giving donors. These are the ones who are high gallon donors. These individuals are so excited to be a part of life-saving missions. This takes a commitment of coming in to donate every two weeks, wearing their pins of having given over 20 gallons and knowing how many people they have touched.

The tattoo field has now become so professional and regulated. There is no reason why those that are tattooed should not be able to give the lifesaving gift of blood. “I mean really, what is the risk?” Lisa challenged, “You are putting your time, energy and trust into a professional who is going to permanently mark you,” she elaborates, “if you were to give ten percent of your total volume and you were able to guarantee to save a life with that and you were able to get that back within 56 days or eight weeks, what would stop you?”

There is a waiting period of 12 months before you can give blood although certain hospitals in the

Denver Metro area still do not allow tattooed individuals to donate. In the other 38 states, it has been a staggered process to allow those with body art to donate after the 12 month waiting period. This is a major accomplishment and hopefully, the remaining 11 states will follow as long as the tattoo shops are determined to be state regulated. However, the FDA neither defines “state regulated” nor maintains a list of approved states. The blood center accrediting organization, AABB (Accredited Blood Banks, Transfusion Services, and Blood Donor Centers), leaves it up to individual blood centers to determine which states they believe have appropriate regulations for tattoo application.

A Malaria example that Lisa gave is why donors are asked where they have traveled. Like a tattoo that’s not performed in a state-regulated entity, it’s just one of the activities that may pose a risk of transfusiontransmissible infections that could defer a donor for 12 months.

Across the country, blood donation requirements regarding tattoos still vary by blood center. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which regulates the blood donation industry, frequently revisits its blood donor deferral recommendations. Currently,

it recommends donors be deferred from donating blood for 12 months following a tattoo unless the tattoo was applied by a state-regulated entity with sterile needles and non-reused ink.

You don’t need a special reason to give blood, but the need to have a safe and ready blood supply at all times is constant. Red blood cells from a ‘whole blood’ donation only have a shelf life of 42 days, so giving regularly helps hospitals maintain their ability to treat mothers, fathers, children, cancer patients, and more. While you may be able to get tattooed for hours on end every month, you must wait 56 days, nearly two months, between whole blood donations. The entire process takes about an hour, from registration to post-donation snacks.

The blood donation needle is only in your arm an average of six to eight minutes.

Lisa describes her day to day work, “I am in charge of donor outreach. I help guide my team on how we talk to donors about the importance of donating frequently,” Lisa laughs, “It is a balance of education and customer service. I help meet the needs of our patients as well as meet the needs of our blood donors,” she sighs, “I love my work, really at the end of the day, and it is life-saving.”

For more information on finding a blood center near you to start saving lives, please visit http:// www.bloodsystems.org/locations.html.

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COMMITTING SOCIAL MEDIA SUICIDE AFTER YOUR ACCIDENT

you just had to share the image with your friends because they’ve all been rooting for you and supporting you since the accident. You want them to know you’re a fighter!

By Scott O’Sullivan, The O’Sullivan Law Firm

But that single image could mean that you say “bye-bye” to hundreds of thousands of dollars. The other driver’s insurance company will use that post to prove that your injuries aren’t very bad and that they don’t owe you as much as you originally stated.

Imagine this: You’re the victim of an awful motorcycle accident. The other driver is clearly at fault and depending on your injuries and medical needs, you may be owed hundreds of thousands of dollars. But one day, you’re finally having a good day after the accident, and you take a picture of yourself hiking Long’s Peak and you post it on Facebook. You were in tremendous back pain the entire hike but felt so proud of yourself that

I’m not in any way suggesting that people lie about their injuries. I don’t promote or tolerate false reporting of injuries. But I’ve also seen people with traumatic injuries enjoy one good day and get excited because they feel like they’re getting their lives back together, and they mistakenly post something like, “I feel like I’m getting better.” The next day, they feel like a train hit them.

Healing is messy like that. But the

other driver’s insurance company will absolutely use that post against you. #ShutTheHellUp. Don’t Post Anything About Your Accident We live in a sharing culture. A baby gets her first tooth (something babies have been doing since, like, forever) and it goes viral to millions of people all over the world. It’s especially fun to share your life with family and friends whom you don’t get to see often. But you need to be very careful about how you use social media after a car or motorcycle accident.

I saw a recent case in which a woman was terribly injured in a DUI accident.

Her case seemed straight out of a textbook; I bet the other driver’s insurance company was getting ready to cut her a huge check just to be done with the case. But then she went and posted a picture of herself on Facebook… at a square-dancing event! I kid you not. The picture didn’t capture the wheelchair she had just abandoned to try to – finally – stand up and enjoy time on her feet with her friends. But the damage was done. She didn’t get everything she requested and, I’m guessing, her medical bills will be higher than her settlement.

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and future employers now include social media in their selection processes. Do you really think an insurance company with thousands of dollars on the line won’t troll your social media use for items they can use against you?

Please, if you’re in a motorcycle accident, call an attorney. Don’t post an update.

Go Nuclear: Shut it Down After an Accident In fact, I recommend that you take the “nuclear option” after an accident and shutdown your social media entirely. Often, I have clients balk at such a drastic measure. They say, “I promise not to post anything about my accident!” But I don’t want them to post ANYTHING! And secondly, I don’t want their friends to tag them in their images or posts.

Your social media content can be subpoenaed in a court case. You could be forced to turn it all over. So, if you’re curious about what to say on social media after a crash, the answer is NADA! Say nothing. Also shut it all down so your friends can’t post anything. Go dark until your case is over.

The lesson here: social media is fraught with peril. No driving and using social media. No using social media after a car accident. However, I’d love to see your baby’s first tooth!

Questions? Call or email me! 303388-5304, info@osullivanlawfirm.com www.Osullivan-Law-Firm.com www.Facebook.com/ OSullivanLawFirm

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Are you InkSpired?

Submit your tattoos and stories to: Submissions@InkSpiredMagazine.com.

taken). The remaining guidelines apply, as well as a notation providing us with the name and location of your tattoo artist.

Want to be InkSpired?

Tattoo Artists:

All Submissions must be e-mailed to submissions@InkSpiredMagazine.com.

If your file size is too large to e-mail, please send us a message stating as such and we will provide you with an alternative solution.

Please, DO NOT send us links to online storage or websites to view your files. Also, any photos posted in our various social media sites, while appreciated and possibly shared by us on those sites, will NOT enter you into consideration for publication.

If you are an artist who would like to submit your portfolio or flash material for publication, please send us a message and a sample of your work, and we will get in touch with you about how to move forward as this is treated more as an advertisement than a submission.

Minimum of three (3) HI-RESOLUTION images need to be submitted.

Low-res images will automatically be discounted from consideration.

Photo credit, including Photographer, Model, Hair Stylist, and Makeup Artist, needs to be included with EACH IMAGE. You also need to state which of these YOU are, so we can provide you with the correct release form for publication.

Before publication, we must receive a release form, signed and dated by yourself and ANY PERSON WHO RETAINS OWNERSHIP of the image.

We provide the release forms to you once you have been accepted for publication, but it is your responsibility to return it in a timely fashion.

Personal Tattoo Submissions: If you are not a model or photographer or another professional in these fields, but you still have an amazing tattoo or two that you would like to submit for our new "Reader's Ink" section, we will be accepting lesser-quality images such as those taken from a cellular phone or personal camera (not professionally

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