Interview with a tattooed blogger - Illustated Teacup

I did an interview with Illustrated teacup aka my big sister Rachel Bradford. As she has two sleeves which is unusual for a woman to have. I asked similar questions to what I asked John.
This shows just how different people's perspectives can be. 

What made you want to have tattoos? What was your first tattoo?

I've always loved art, and what better way to show that, than with tattoos. I find them really fascinating and the each have a story to tell. My first tattoo was a swirling R on my ankle on my 18^th birthday.

What influences did you have?

My style has changed a lot over the years, but I started off small and simple to ensure it would be something I loved for life.

Did you have any concerns before your first tattoo?

Nope, none at all. I took my time to work out exactly what I wanted and where to have it done.

Do you regret any of your tattoos? If so which one/s and why?

No, not really. I have one on my shoulder I would like to have covered but it’s purely because it’s not really my style at all any more, but I wouldn’t say I regret it.

Do you plan to have any more tattoos? If so where and what?
I’d like something for my son/daughter when they are born and I would like to finish my left sleeve but haven’t got any definitive plans.

How do you feel about being able to have your tattoos on show at work?

I think everyone should have the right, whether in front of customers or not as I don’t really think they make a difference to a person’s ability to do their job.

Do you think more workplaces should be allowing tattoos to be on show or not? And why?

Yes, and generally society is heading that way, but there is still much more room for improvement.

Did you feel it necessary to hide your tattoos during interviews? If so how did you dress?

I always do to ensure that employers know I am flexible and will cover them if required for a job. I just tend to wear long sleeves and trousers, or tights with a dress.

In any previous jobs did you have to cover up your tattoos? If so how did you feel about it?

No I've been lucky that I've never had to cover for work, unless for a client meeting in which case I covered with a blazer. I'm happy to cover for work if requested, though I think it a shame that people judge on something so insignificant.

Do your tattoos affect how you dress now? E.g. to show them off or not.

Not really. It’s more dependent on my mood.

Do you consider your tattoos when you buy new clothes?

Not really. Though I do tend to avoid heavy patterns on sleeveless clothing as I think it looks too much with two full colour sleeves.

Do you have any concerns about what your tattoos will look like in the future? Do you think this will affect how you dress?

No I know a good tattoo will last, and to be honest I think how my tattoos look will be the least of my worries when I'm 60. No again I think society being more accepting of tattoos will make having them on show as I'm older more accepted too.

Would you ever consider having any removed in the future?

No I think all tattoos have a story to tell and honestly I don’t think I could sit through laser treatment.

Do you think that men with tattoos have them to make themselves look/feel more macho?

Not really, I think that would be far too generalised.

What is your opinion of women and tattoos?

I think women should be able to do what they want with their bodies, just like men, so really women and tattoos shouldn't be as big of a deal as they are still.

Do you ever worry about what other people think of the amount of tattoos you have?

No. it’s not their body, they don’t have to live with them so I don’t care. People should be more concerned with their own problems than with how other people look.

Do you get asked randomly about your tattoos on a regular day? If so what kind of things do they say?

Depends on the situation. I do often get asked about them, or given compliments, especially in more social situations. Mostly people ask where they were done and mention how good they look.

Are there any of your tattoos with particularly deep meanings to you? If so which and what?

A few yes. My rose tattoo on my foot is in memory of my late grandfather. The swans on my arm are for my marriage and for my home town which is pretty significant. And I have my sister’s initials on my back.

Would you say getting a tattoo can become an addiction?

Not really. Addiction implies a lack of control and the need to do it or something bad will happen. I think you can be drawn to them and definitely want more after one, but I wouldn’t describe it as addicting.

Is there anywhere you wouldn’t get tattoos?

Face and hands, and definite no-nos.

How much are you willing to pay for a tattoo?

It depends on the size and the skill of the artist. But I generally wouldn’t pay more than £400 for a day session. And about £80 an hour for smaller works.

Would you encourage you own child/ future kids to have tattoos?

I wouldn’t stop them if they wanted them, but I would advise and make sure they are making sure they were making good choices for their future and were being safe.

What kind of advice would you pass on to them?
Make sure you choose a reputable tattooist and cheap doesn't mean good do save for it. If you want it enough then it'll be worth the wait.