Hawaiian Happiness

Lacey's partner Mike contacted me about working with me to give her a cover up tattoo, asking what might be involved and if they could come in to see me about it.

She says, "Most of us go into a tattoo studio with the awareness that 'this [tattoo] will become a piece of me forever.' We make peace with that and proceed. Unfortunately, our lives constantly evolve, and new beginnings emerge. With that, old tattoos may seem silly, outdated, or remind us of a time that we'd much rather forget. I experienced that very thing.

Following a terrible divorce, I was left with more than just emotional scars. I had a shared tattoo that was a constant reminder of a life I so desperately needed to put behind me. It wasn't a regretful choice in artwork per se. Rather, a regretful choice in a life once lived. The old tattoo would regularly bring me to tears. It needed to go!

Then I discovered Victoria. Her background in graphic arts and specialty in cover-ups made her seem like the person for the job. I met her for a consultation, where her warm personality and professionalism made the decision to partner with her even easier for me. We discussed my idea for new art, what inspires me, and how to tie in one of my favorite experiences. The choice was a Hawaiian theme, with flowers from the island, and incorporate the one animal that I deeply adore-- turtles! I will never forget my time in Maui!

The tattooing process was easy and enjoyable compared to any other I've had before. Tears flowed from time-to-time. Not from pain, but from the joy of covering something so heartbreaking with something so meaningful. I was elated as I watched the old get replaced with the new. All the while, Victoria consciously made sure that I was always comfortable, and my needs met.

Today, I look down at my forearm and smile. There's virtually no sign of what lay hidden beneath my beautiful turtle and Hawaiian flowers. It is nearly impossible to see the ink that once brought despair, even for those who knew what used to be there. Compliments continually pour in from strangers and disbelief is what they experience when told that it is a cover-up.

I don't think that I could be any happier with Victoria, my experience working with her, or the result that followed. My once sad tears have forever been replaced with happy ones!"

Here are some photos of the drawing, before, outline and gray shading, and the very fresh final tattoo color stages.