A Piece of Advice from a Tattooed Lady from deCODE Spring 2020

A Piece of Advice from a Tattooed Lady

by Marysia Adamczyk @choopboop

I don’t think there should be a difference when it comes to who do I identify myself as. Unfortunately, there is. And it’s massive. I’m a tattooed lady. Believe me or not but that’s probably how most of the people would describe me, maybe along with the colour of my hair.

At the moment I have over 20 tattoos. Few of them are visible on daily basis. Those are not that big though. It gets more complicated whenever I decide to show my legs.

I do believe that the perception of the appereance and how the society reacts to others comes with the upbringing and standards - not so much on where you live in particular. It might be as hard for anyone everywhere.

So how does it affect me you may ask? In my experience tattooed women might be sexualised. Especially that a part of tattoo culture in fact is the influence of suicide girls. I’ve even experienced people who were using having tattoos as a pick up line.

It's up to you what you like but we are finally living in times that there is more than your appearance. Yes, there are people inside of this culture who can be offensive and shallow - nothing new, eh? The thing is that especially being a woman, tattoos can serve as your weapon to fight. Fight for what you believe in. And that’s mainly the reason why I have mine.

I believe in art. There is this mysterious power behind it. It remembers - like Berlin Wall during Cold War. It celebrates diversity like my favourite subtle one - Moonlight. It can provoke, inspire and what's best - you need no skill to derive from it. Art is absolutely everywhere. It depends on you how you see it and when - and I am living for that exact feeling.

Thinking about tattoos, for me is an art itself. That kind of art that follows you everywhere. It moves with you, inspires others, and it ages with you. The most exciting thing: it can help you explore and express yourself if you feel the need to.

The fact that tattoos are permanent excites me even more! It's rock and roll babe! Sometimes you shouldn't take your skin too seriously! It’s like a memory, the heat of the moment, and there you go - 2 hours later you have some extra ink under your skin.

It connects me to my mortality. Hold on, let me explain... Even that fact that the process of tattooing is painful gives me that glimpse of reality and grounds me in me.

Who are we to deflate someone else's expression? It’s a lovely celebration of diversity. There are many styles and even within a certain style the tattoo artist may choose to interpret the piece in their own way.

So how to choose yours since it seems like there's an ocean of artists and styles? Do a consultation! Even if you already have tattoos! I trust that when you vibe with the person it’s a strikingly different experience.

Make sure that you like the artist, feel comfortable and, the most crucial thing, that you feel seen by them. I hate seeing when, no matter in which craft, people are treating each other like strangers or just another “client”.

Ask about the placement. Please for the love of art, maybe think in advance if you would like to have a whole sleeve in the future, even if you don’t really have a specific plan yet. I have tattoos on my arm, I don’t regret them, the placement is just flawed.

My all time favourite tip – feel comfortable! Wear shorts if you are getting a tattoo on your legs. Don’t ever take fancy clothes, believe me, no one cares. No white anywhere. That's a big no no. Even though tattoo studios are extra clean, there is blood and ink going on. You don’t want waste your best lingerie on that. ;)

One of the most common questions I get: Do you regret any of them? The truth is… yup.

There is a beauty in it though. I have been getting tattoos since I was 16. And even to my surprise I love my first tattoo to this day! I do regret my choices in selecting certain artists though. I remember not feeling comfortable or even judged - sadly sometimes when you’re not visibly tattooed that feeling can happen.

I only have one tattoo that I really don’t like anymore. And you know what? I already have an appointment to cover it. We all make mistakes and the best thing is that you can cover or remove your tattoos.

In my opinion though, you should not imply that idea when you consider tattooing. Removal or cover up are an option, yes. But it does take time to be sure if you want to cover something. I consider it an another level for that tattoo, it’s not that I’m ashamed that I am no longer comfortable with it on my skin. I look at it as a transformation for it.

We make mistakes and let our tattoos be a celebration of it.

You can probably tell know that having my skin tattoed is a fun activity for me. It’s a tool that allows me to transform and bloom. It’s beautiful. But so are other things, trust me- you can find that feeling in many things, just search for it. Who knows maybe ink and needles are your thing as well. Have fun!