vanity ink.

honey junkie suggested a spring time craze for tattoos, and i must admit to my urge growing with the weather getting brighter. while it is partly a seasonal desire, my quest for the perfect half-sleeve has taken years and there are several reasons behind the delay.

first, i've been uncertain whether i'd grow out of the fascination. i may be spontaneous when it comes to my looks otherwise, but with permanency my binary self reveals its true internal contradictions: tattoos are a lifelong commitment. nevertheless, since the desire to get ink on my arm has not diminished throughout the years, i think i just might be ready.

second, as we all know, tattoo trends come and go. my skin already carries the stigma of early 21st century tribal fad, but luckily situated, ahem, somewhere a bit more private. i fear that whatever i choose as my skin adornment, it will look outdated in a year or two. the thing is, everything you may consider classic nowadays (like cherries, sailors, etc.) should be reassessed remembering what was said about tribal tattoos a few years ago... remember? classic and timeless. sure, at their time. but again, i believe i've finally come to terms with getting stuck in an era and must stay true to my present likes and dislikes. que sera, sera, right?

third, i feel torn between visible and concealable. my other tattoo is on my scalp and, presently, covered by hair which is sometimes very frustrating: i really like it, but to show it off i'd have to shave my head. then again, i feel unsure if i want to be stuck with long sleeves later in life if my tat shows signs of aging earlier than my skin does. this particular hesitation really baffles me since i am not exactly the kind of a person to take aging very seriously. my propensity is to take my fashion seriously, i guess.

fourth, i really wanted mine done completely in white ink. i realized that it would most likely look almost like a scar and would probably be mistaken for one. i didn't mind. the problem is that white tattoos are technically extremely difficult to produce and prone to failure, and no-one would even start designing one for me. it has taken me about two years to grow into imagining colors on my arm.

fifth, and most importantly, i have not found an artist i trust. i am quite sure there are excellent artists out there, but it is my skin, after all, and the only one i have. my friend who's responsible for inking me before relied on my own drawings, but for something bigger i'd need professional help. moreover, his style has evolved towards a direction i do not fancy which means he's out. it is crucial to find the previous work of the artist (and they are artists!) admirable, not only subject-wise but in terms of execution of finer details.

my wait may be over: i found an artist! i asked a friend whose tats i really liked and he gave up the person responsible. her name is saira hunjan and her designs are feminine, intricate and pretty. the problem is that she's in london. i visit the city regularly, but to book an appointment (or several) for sporadic weekend visits may prove a hassle. i will try, nevertheless. and i'll keep ya updated...