From fine lines to colourful pieces of art, tattoos are the most popular form of self-expression. What first started as marks of tribal affiliation or religious beliefs have become personalised art reflecting individual stories and emotions.
I feel like every time I get a tattoo, I get to know myself a little bit more.
In my case, I got my first tattoo done at 16, and I didn't know I was embracing the beautiful world of expressing myself through drawings on my body. That first tattoo is probably the most important one I will ever get. Losing a parent is challenging as it is, but being 16 and feeling the world collapse around you makes it ten times harder.
That was my turning point. I started expressing my ideas through tiny drawings that somehow made me feel better. It’s not just the tattoo itself; it’s the process behind it. I feel like every time I get a tattoo, I get to know myself a little bit more. Since I turned 18, I have resorted to getting more tattoos whenever I was struggling.
I spent months looking for the perfect design, and ultimately got one flower that reminded me of home.
I love each of my tattoos, but I hold a special place for two of them, which I got before moving to university last year. Moving abroad takes the second spot on the list of the most challenging things I’ve ever done, and to honour that, I decided to get one of my favourite quotes from the movie La La Land: “Here’s to the fools who dream.” Because what’s a fool without a dream, right? Whenever I question if I made the right decision to leave my home country (which is a lot), I would look down at my arm, always see this quote, and tell myself never to question my dreams.
The second tattoo, which I hold a special place in my heart, is based on a Taylor Swift song. “You’re On Your Own Kid” represents my whole first year. Even though I had many friends and made memories that I will forever remember, I still felt alone and the guilt of leaving home, and my family was always there. With time, that burden became minor, but I still felt like I was on my own. I spent months looking for the perfect design, and ultimately got one flower that reminded me of home: daisies with "You're On Your Own Kid" written through the stem.
Our society is evolving and continues to accept more ways of self-expression as we continue to embrace body art. If you’re hesitating to get a tattoo, book that appointment. It might be your turning point as well.
