Tattoo artists are generally a very open-minded group of people, but they do have their limits. There are some tattoos that no self-respecting artist would ink.
For many tattoos act as reminders and commemorations of events in their lives. Some have them to signal their commitment to philosophies, bands, prominent people or causes. Tattoo artists are independent minded people who are ready to support anyone on their journey, and rarely judgemental. But there are limits.
Dee Terrance has been working from her tattoo parlour in Burton Coggles for 9 years. She has had her fair share of unusual requests. “I’ve developed the perfect that’s-a-completely-normal-request face. One guy wanted the map of the London Underground on his back. I mean, it’s not even useful”. Other odd ones she had done included Arnold Schwarzenegger as Conan the Barbarian,
But she has refused to do some. When she was asked to do a Coldplay tattoo she refused. “If that person let people know where it was done that would ruin my reputation”. She did arrange a temporary transfer tat.
Others have shared tattoos that they would never do. Col O’Mectomy told us of someone who wanted a tattoo of Barry Manilow. “Obviously some disreputable smudger.did do it, and from the result you can see why no self-respecting inker wouldn’t consider it”.
Sal Ivory shared her shameful experience of giving in, against her better judgement, and agreeing to do a tattoo of Celine Dion. “I was young and starting up my business. I have removed it from my portfolio but I’m sure you can find it online, but please don’t.
