Ghosts of Tattoos Past, Present and Future

Pretty Christmassy sounding post right? Sorry to get your hopes up, I can't imagine a festive post of inked christmas trees and reindeer would be of any use to anyone, so instead i'm going to offer some useful advice to stop your tattoos coming back to haunt you!

Incase you haven't noticed, I'm pretty opinionated when it comes to tattoos, and I'm pretty good at voicing the ones I think are rather dodgy. The fact is however, as long as you adore it, then who cares what anyone else's opinion is! So, speaking as a person who loves their own tattoos, here's some helpful tips to make sure you end up loving yours

• Make it special - If the design has hidden meaning and perhaps a significant personal meaning, you're far lessmlikely to end up loathing it. I know many people (including myself) that have memorial tattoos in a subtle design, and it's never something i'll look at and regret.
• Do your research - Many people opt for simple symbols, such as chinese or ones of religious importance, whatever you do, look it up, you could have no idea what it means! 
• Look up artists - Go to a reputable tattoo studio, so research ones in your area. I'm from Aberdeen and I'd personally recommend Draconian Tattoo on George Street. Talk to the tattooists, get some ideas! They have award winning artists and phenomenal customer service, something guaranteed to relax nervous first timers! (Oh, and please refrain from those drunken tattoos in a foreign land!)
• Ban yourself! - I know that after that first tattoo it can become a little addictive, and I also know friends that love tattoos and yet are scared they change their minds. Simple: set yourself a ban. From deciding on my design I make myself wait of roughly six months both allowing me to save the cash and deciding if I still want it. If I do, great it's off to the studio, if not, shopping spree.
• DO NOT CONSUME ALCOHOL - I cannot stress this enough, and no, I'm not trying to be all medical professional but the more you drink the thinner your blood, the thinner your blood the less successful the healing will be.
• Dry run - upon doing some research I actually learned you can visit your local parlour for a test tattoo. This process basically involves the lubing and stretching of skin, and the drawing of a few lines without any ink, an incredibly helpful non permanent way of finding out if you can deal with the pain, or if you're a bleeder!
• Draw it on! - You may be terrible at drawing but hey, why not grab a biro and sketch it on yourself! This will give you an idea of how it looks and what sort of size you want it. Alternatively if you saw it online, print it, cut it out and do the same.
• Don't get fashionable tattoos, they're called that for a reason. Everyone has 'em, fashion changes, everyone hates 'em, *outspoken opinion alert* e.g dream catchers, and candy skulls.
• Picture ready - Upon booking an appointment with your tattooist, bring some pictures. It gives them a far better idea of the sorts of things you are looking for, even if its just fonts!

I actually received an amazing early Christmas present from my friend Louise, a book named "1000 Tattoos" by art historian Burkhard Riemschneider and Henk Schiffmacher who runs his own tattoo museum. Inside it has incredible glossy pictures of worldwide ideas as well as the history of tattoos, a great idea for researching ancient designs if that's your thing! (and a christmas gift!)

So hopefully these hints and tips helped and you love your new addition. Just remember, easy on the booze, go nuts on the Bepanthen and DO NOT SCRATCH!

Lauren x

Walking on the Beaches Looking at the Peaches...

Looking back on all my posts, I now realise I've neglected the talented and successful decorated women. Shame on me, I know. I guess I got far too caught up in extremely successful (and extremely hot) tattooed guys. How about I make it up to you? This week's blog post is dedicated to my favourite sulky celeb, Peaches Geldof.

"She's young, edgy with lashings of style"- Michelle Mone, Ultimo Underwear

Born in 1989, daughter of Sir Bob Geldof: legendary artist, author, actor and political activist, Peaches grew up in Chelsea where she attended Queen's College London. Despite being renowned as teen rebel, Peaches Geldof had a keen eye for journalism from a very young age, writing socio-political articles for The Daily Telegraph and The Guardian from the age of just 14! 

Extending her talents in journalism, the teenage Peaches went into the fashion sector writing columns for the UK Elle Girl and in 2006 even ranking #7 in Tatler's list of 10 of the year's most influential fashion icons (The youngest of the list!) Geldof even progressed to writing and presenting her very own documentary "Peaches Geldof: Teenage Mind," with follow up film "Peaches Geldof: Teen America."

With journalism and fashion fame under her belt, Peaches Geldof made her debut in the modelling world for PQR at London Fashion Week and the face of Australian fashion brand Dotti, (as usual when any celebrity conquers one area of the world, they must move on to conquering others.) After just two years in the industry, she achieved a six figure sum fronting the Miss Ultimo Underwear campaign.

Speaking of underwear, opportune moment to display a few of her 20 inkings, right?

1. String daisy chain stretching from knee to chest
2. "Ex Valentine"on her top left arm, and an open book and noose, both references to former flame Faris Badwan of The Horrors, 
3. In reference to another ex boyfriend, Frederick Macpherson, Geldof has four lines from Nick Cave's "In My Arms" along the bottom of her back.
4. The name of her magazine "Disappear Here" on her right arm. 
5. A dove on her hip, a symbol of love.

Image from: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1145765/Topless-Peaches-Geldof-reveals-20-bizarre-tattoos-list-friends-lovers-song-lyrics.html

Unfortunately, this streak of success was short lived, as in true wild child style, Peaches was dropped from the campaign following the leaking of naked pictures and allegations of drug use. Again, in true wild child style, Peaches denied the lot!

Since then, the rebel flame in Peaches has been smothered, all thanks to the birth of her children to S.C.U.M lead singer Thomas Cohen in 2012 and 2013. She continues to live a much less rock 'n roll life, except for the occasional Twitter spat, most recently less than a week ago....

Images from: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1145765/Topless-Peaches-Geldof-reveals-20-bizarre-tattoos-list-friends-lovers-song-lyrics.html

Lauren x

When You Own the World You're Always Homme

I realise this post would have been far more appropriate a few weekends ago, but hey, better late than never. Today's post goes out to my favourite frontman of all time, Joshua Homme of Queens of the Stone Age, and one third of the incredible super band Them Crooked Vultures. In all honestly, for someone who is such as massive fan, it was only yesterday whilst watching QOTSA's Rock Night set on Channel 4 that I realised the man was covered in interesting ink, so I did my research...

...Not without a little introduction to one of the Music's greatest gifts first!

"I'm a fatalist. I believe things happen for a reason. I think you make a choice and you enact your fate, so don't f*** it up."

Inspired by Hendrix,  Björk and Johnny Cash, Homme has been playing guitar since he was 9 years old. He went on to perform in "stoner-rock band" Kyuss, who broke up 7 years and four studio albums later. Within a year, Homme was already touring with Screaming Trees, and developing  a new project: co-founding Gamma Ray with Soundgarden drummer Matt Cameron, Screaming Trees bassist Van Conner and Monster Magnet guitarist John McBain. After receiving threats to sue from a German metal band of the same name, they renamed themselves, and so Queens of the Stone Age were born.

Now, in 2013 after a multitude of members including Kyuss bassist Nick Oliveri, Rob Halford of Judas Priest and ex-Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl, (to mention 3 of what seems like 300) the band have been nominated multiple times for "Best Hard Rock Performance." QOTSA have collectively achieved 6 studio albums, the latest this year "Like Clockwork" and a sell out world tour. I was lucky enough to see them, and it was literally the happiest moment of my life.


Anyways, I could ramble on for hours about how much I adore the band, their side projects and Josh Homme (due to his sparkling reputation as "one of the nice guys of hard rock") but I'll get down to it: Homme's interesting array of sentimental tattoos:

• First off we have some knuckle tattoos - not a personal favourite of mine but when you're on stage strumming a guitar, I have to say it looks pretty bad ass. Homme has both knuckles with nicknames "Cap" and "Cam"  (both pinky fingers complete with black hearts) symbolising his love for his grandparents.

Homme's knuckle tattoo. Image from: http://www.celebritytattoosite.com/2010/05/josh-homme-tattoos.html

• Homme's right forearm is decorated with "Freitag 4.15" which is interestingly enough the date of the "Worst gig we have ever played," According to the band who played in Germany in front of 40,000 people on a friday at 4:15. 

• Also accompanying this on the forearm is a straight razor with "Born to Win."

• On the back of his right forearm, Homme has a string of 6 hearts. 

Homme's right forearm. Image from: http://www.celebritytattoosite.com/2010/05/josh-homme-tattoos.html

• Not to leave the other arm excluded, 5 hearts complete his left arm

Homme's left arm. Image from: http://www.celebritytattoosite.com/2010/05/josh-homme-tattoos.html

• Finally completing the line up is "Camille" across his heart - The name of his daughter, done after her birth.

Josh Homme, singer, songwriter, guitarist, rock legend, all round nice guy

Lauren x

If you've yet to listen to their incredible discography, I recommend these 10 incredible tracks to get you loving them:  http://www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2013/may/10/queens-of-the-stone-age-beginners-guide

P.INK

Sunday evening, I guess this marks the passing of another week, and more importantly weekend. So before you all get your PJs on and set your alarms for the week ahead, why not take some time to read today's post? This time it illustrates how body art not only decorates us, but even completes us when we feel like something is missing.

"P.INK started out with a modest goal: inspire survivors with design ideas and connect them with experienced tattoo artists who can help them move on."

As we are all too aware, cancer affects thousands of us every year. Though many of us survive the scars will still remain as a permanent reminder. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK and affects "around 55,000 women every year." (Breast Cancer Care) Many women are also believed to be at high risk of contracting the illness and so a mastectomy is the only option for many, leaving a woman with a missing breast(s) and confidence in pieces. 

That's where P.INK comes in: I'm sure you've all heard of tattooing a "fake" nipple on the reconstructed breast, (in many cases the nipple is unable to be preserved) a genius idea if you ask me. P.INK not only does this, they go beyond the call of duty with ideas designed to help their client overcome their ordeal.

Noel Franus, a man with no tattoos himself, was left helpless after learning his sister-in-law Molly was diagnosed with breast cancer. He was also pained to hear she'd lost her self confidence after battling the illness. It was here he decided he'd fix that for Molly and other women, in the form of tattoos. Franus explains, "It began with a Pinterest board with a curated collection of breast, chest, and nipple tattoos. Then the group started to solicit design submissions, reached out to tattoo artists, asked people to share their stories, and eventually filmed the seven-hour experience of Molly getting her Brazil-inspired tattoo."

P.INK Pintrest page, Image from http://artthreat.net/2013/10/p-inktattoos/

Molly during her 7 hour tattoo. Image from http://artthreat.net/2013/10/p-inktattoos/

After Franus' inspirational endeavour, Molly, like other women are no longer hindered by their scars and instead can't wait to show off their beautiful body art. October this year even saw the couple have their first P.INK tattoo day in NY, where 10 of the city's best artists tattooed 10 breast cancer survivors. One of these women even said to Franus, "It will be something beautiful to look at. It’s like it comes full circle. I've been to counseling, but nothing is going to help as much as this."

So there you have it, where surgery fails, a tattoo prevails.

Lauren x

Watch the promotional video @ http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=pGbWH-hy4UM

Visit the website @ http://www.pinterest.com/personalink/ 

Fresh off the Runway...

Right about now I have the worst post-gig blues you could ever imagine. Queens of the Stone Age at Glasgow Hydro yesterday was probably the highlight of my life, and now I'm lying in bed clutching my beer soaked, sweat soaked (most likely urine soaked) tee...standard gig. I needed a pick me up and so after devouring a box of chocolates and crying into my pillow I started blaring some Rihanna. I've tried to lie to everyone including myself about how "I don't like her pop crap," truth is, her songs are too damn catchy and she has some pretty sweet tattoos.

Robyn Rihanna Fenty, or just Rihanna to you and me is a multi million dollar artist, actress, recent fashion designer and everyones' favourite bad gal. Created through Jay-Z's record label, she has gone on to claim six Grammy Awards, five American Music Awards, 22 Billboard Music Awards and two BRIT awards. Selling over 50 million albums and 180 million singles worldwide, Rihanna is now known as one of the best selling artists of all time, so I guess I could save a post just for her.

It was only recently Rihanna crossed over into the fashion world. She developed a taste for fashion design and apparently a real flare for it when designing a capsule range for Giorgio Armani in 2010. Since then RiRi has collaborated with popular high street brand River Island and by this month will have designed a total of three collections of 80 pieces. If you're still mourning the loss of being unable to wear her bright and beautiful summer pieces, fear not: her 2013 A/W collection is looking pretty snazzy!

Sneak peek at RiRi's up and coming River Island collection. Image from: http://www.riverisland.com/styleinsider/blog/2013/10/rihanna-winter13-campaign

"The winter collection expresses the strength and fearlessness that we’ve seen throughout the entire collaboration. Glamorous and sexy pieces come in the form of embellished dresses and tuxedo jackets - just in time for the party season, whilst matching tartan sets, leather skinny trousers and metallics inject a rock ‘n roll edge to the range."

So yeah, she has slightly, I repeat SLIGHTLY good music and skills in the fashion industry,  though I really salute her for her impeccable taste in tattoos (most of them.)

With 19 inkings in total on her fingers, hips, shoulders and inner ears, (just to be different) she apparently just can't say no to a cheeky visit to her favourite tattooist "Bang Bang NYC." Though the same praise cannot be said for her "Thug life," "Love," Hello Kitty style skull, and "Shhh.." tattoos, her others are pretty bad ass:

• Sanskrit prayer hip piece
• An Arabic phrase rib piece, meaning “Freedom in God”
• A handgun on her ribcage
• An Egyptian falcon shaped in a gun on her right foot
• Goddess isis on the front of her ribcage

Some of Rihanna's tattoos. Pictures from: http://www.dulcetfashion.com/rihanna-all-19-ink-tattoos-style/

                                      

On that note, myself and my massive tattoo envy will leave you to enjoy the rest of your weekend (cry)...before I end up booking my next session at the parlour...

Lauren x

Shop Rihanna's River Island collections and read the latest news @ http://www.riverisland.com/rihanna-for-river-island

*NSYNC to *NSINK

Today's post is all thanks to my beautiful ipod classic and the 'shuffle' function. While all you party animals out there were nursing your Sunday hangovers, me and my library of music made the grim soul-destroying sunday morning walk to work. It was just as I was contemplating faking every kind of illness known to man to escape the day ahead that my ipod decided to hit me with a bit of JT. It was from that moment I began noise polluting everyone's space around me with my painful rendition of "Cry Me a River."

A few things need to be noted before continuing with this post:

1) Justin Timberlake may be referred to by me as either as "a god among men" or "Perfection" etc etc.

2) From the above comment you may gather that to me he is kinda a big deal.

3) If you are currently not on my wavelength please first re-asses your life, then return to this page where you may rejoice with me and enjoy the Justin Timberlake-y goodness.

4) Best of all...he's complete with tattoos!

Justin Timberlake first hit our screens (or US screens anyway) on "Star Search" talent show at the age of just 2 years old. Though he didn't win, JT's fate as a performer was sealed. It was a few years later when starring alongside J.C. Chasez, *NSYNC were born. Taking the Globe by storm the band grew a massive fan base of screaming teenage girls (me included) and released big selling albums. Teenage heart throb JT had bigger fish to fry however, and in 2002 broke the hearts of fans, fellow NSYNC members, and my beloved Britney Spears (still haven't let that go.)

JT was flying solo, and it was working. His first album "Justified" was named double platinum and second album Futuresex/Lovesounds was found to have sold over ten million copies. 2013 saw the release of  not one but two amazing albums "The 20/20 Experience" part 1 and 2. He is currently touring on his "20/20 Experience Tour" and if you have tickets then I hate y- I mean have an amazing time.) Much to the happiness of myself and almost all women; JT's skills in acting mean we can view him in all his perfection on the big screen. Starring in films such as "The Social Network," "Alpha Dog," "Trouble with the Curve" and newly released "Runner Runner," JT shows us his acting is as good as his dancing, singing, modelling, directing and everything bloody else. If all that doesn't make you adore him then perhaps his philanthropic efforts will win you over. Justin generously gives his riches to children's hospitals, has given large sums to the late and great Steve Irwin's charity "Wildlife Warriors," and even has his own charity to funding musical education in schools.

JT's "20/20 Experience" shoot. Image by Kiernan Maletsky

Now for my favourite part: where we stare at parts of JT's naked body, oh and his tattoos of course.
For those of you who saw "Alpha Dogs," thankfully those horrific inkings were fake, though some of his real ones are in my opinion... questionable.
1) As Timberlake comes from a Christian background, it's only right that he covers himself in a few spiritual and religious tats, such as the large cross on his upper left shoulder.

Image from m.itatooz.com

2) A Cherubic Angel across his back. This tattoo carries a beautifully inked scroll with his Mother's initials and "Guardian Angel," in memory of the twin he had that died at birth.
3) *NSYNC made it's mark on his skin as well as his life; JT has his band's logo on his wrist, complete with red rope symbolising the fame their first album brought. He also has a marionette wrapped in the same red ropes, symbolising their "No Strings Attached" album and it's puppet theme.
4) Finally, JT's zodiac sign decorates his calf, as well as chinese symbol for "music" or "song."

Rumour has it his final tattoo will be his wife's name. Screw you Jessica Biel.

So there you have it: Justin Timberlake's fame and talents are endless regardless of his mix of beautiful and slightly dodgy tats, enjoy your week!

Lauren x

Zombies aren't just for Halloween...

I don't know about you guys but I am still recovering from massive Halloween blues. Another hazy (drunken) Halloween has passed which means another year before it's socially acceptable to get stupid drunk and dress up as your favourite serial killer...
After binning my pumpkin, I need to drag out Halloween just for one more night, so with that in mind I give to you a Halloween-y/fashion-y/tattoo-y edition blog post featuring....ZOMBIE BOY!

"I'm a performer, essential freak, or model, or actor... 'Beauty is in the eye of the beholder,' that's what they say. It changes from person to person. Everybody has their own opinion, their own ideas of what beauty is. It's got to come from the inside, and if you are true and genuine, I find that beautiful." - Rico Zombie

Unlike my previous posts, I won't be lecturing you on how tattoos don't dictate our levels of intellect, instead, I'll be telling you the powerful story of Rick Genest, whom has inspired the world with his story to live life to the full no matter what others think.

As a child, Rick or "Rico" was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour, and told he may never leave the hospital. After invasive brain surgery despite the odds, Rico was to survive with minimal damage. It was from here on that he was to start living his life, starting with his first tattoo at the age of 16; a skull and crossbones on his left shoulder. As the tattoos spread to an entire skeleton courtesy of Montreal artist Frank Lewis, so did his love of the underground punk rock scene and the culture of customised clothing, music and piercings. Living in abandoned buildings with close friends, they branded him "Zombie Boy."

It seemed Rico was causing quite a stir with the press (as expected when you have an exoskeleton inked on you from head to toe) and after expressing his love of sideshows he was soon to join one, even form one of his own! What Rico didn't know was whilst he was lying on beds of nails and sawing people in half Nicola Formichetti, creative director of Fashion House Mugler and Lady Gaga's assistant was making plans for him as the face of Mugler's fall 2011 campaign.

                                                               Rico for Thierry Mugler Fall 2011. Image from emcblue.com

The Camera, the world and particularly Formichetti loved Rico, and so when a massive name in fashion is a fan of yours, it's only right you meet their mates (and star in Lady Gaga's "Born this Way" video, GQ, Area Hommes Plus, Vanity Fair, Vogue Japan and act as "centrepiece of NY Fashion Week.")

I know what you're thinking; Zombie Boy's career and fame will fizzle out. Wrong. The future is looking bright for Rico as he is the skeletal face of global star Jay-Z's clothing line "J-Zee Rocawear EU." He will star alongside Keanu Reeves in Carl Rinsch's new up and coming 3D motion picture "47 Ronin." He even squeezes in his own punk band "Zombie Boy Vs the world," (single to debut in 2014) acting, animating, releasing clothing lines, appearing at tattoo conventions and DJ-ing.

Much to my happiness, Zombie Boy Rico's humble attitude has not been forgotten with fame. He gives to the charities that gave to him, maintains strong relationships with loved ones, and admits his "biggest extravagance would be to build a place on a nice spot of land so that he can give his friends from the punk rock community of Montreal 'a place to live'" (taken from Rico's online "Story")

Hopefully Rico's story has inspired you to...*cliche alert*...do whatever makes you happy, enjoy your life, and hopefully see people for their admirable attitudes rather than their perhaps terrifying exterior!

                                         Rico "Zombie Boy" modelling shots. Taken from his own gallery Rickgenest.com


Read Rico Zombie Boy's full story, shop merchandise and watch interviews here @: 
http://rickgenest.com/
Watch the trailer for 2013 3D Motion Picture "47 Ronin" here @:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47_-pqoPDVQ