Thinking about inking
- Esther McGregor
- Dec 3, 2017
- 2 min read
When I turned 18, I was more excited about being able to get tattoos than I was about being able to drink legally. For my first, I got a bow with a diamond done on my thigh, and then a month later when I went to get it touched up, I got a birdcage on my wrist. I had the intention of getting a bird tattooed on the other wrist, but six years have gone by and I've never bothered to get it done. During my tattooing hiatus, I've had so many ideas about what I'd like to get inked into my skin, but most have been fleeting interests or Simpsons references that I wasn't sure would age well.
I've wanted to get my cat Newman done for the longest time. We recently celebrated our fourth Newmanniversary (well, I did - she definitely didn't care), so I decided the time was right to make this dream a reality. I also wanted to get something floral done, but I didn't have anything definite in mind, so the artist drew up a design for me. I've been following Tilly Dee on Instagram for a few years now and I've always loved her neo-traditional style. Her style suited what I envisioned for my tattoos so I emailed her and booked in to get both tattoos done.
The studio Tilly works at, Feline Lucky Tattoo, is a kitschy cool oasis located in Graceville. The shop is adorned with taxidermy, artworks and religious paraphernalia which gave me so much to look at and distract myself with during the tattooing process.
Newman after the outline was done
Newman after
Flowers before
Flowers after
I got my Newman tattoo done first, then my flowers. The flowers hurt slightly more (particularly at the top near my shoulder) but overall the process wasn't too uncomfortable. Tilly was very thorough in helping me with tattoo placement and explaining the process and aftercare which made the experience very comfortable. I would definitely get tattooed by her again and thoroughly recommend her artistry and the studio that she works out of!
Newman and her new skin-mirror.
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