At my first craft show this weekend, people continuously told me how much they love my logo. Of course, I rolled up my sleeve and tell them it was designed after my tattoo after every compliment. They proceed to ask what my story is with my swallows, but I never tell the truth. I'm about to get deep here, so be prepared.
Several years ago, I was cutting very regularly. I had a nasty scar that I was so self-conscious about. The only way I could figure to cover my scar and finally be finished with self-harm was to get a beautiful tattoo. When I was 18 and finally out on my own, I set out for the tattoo to change my life. Let's be honest here, who doesn't do something a little rebellious their first year of college?
Little did I know, my swallows were in for a LONG journey. First of all, I had no idea what I was doing when it came to choosing design and color, let alone an artist and shop. Here's the very first "session":
boooooooo :( |
I though this was the coolest thing I've ever done until I kept staring at it. I could clearly still see the scar I was trying to cover and this wasn't good enough for me. Round two:
still boooooo :( |
This was better at covering my scar, but was done so terribly (now that I have other tattoos I realize this). You can see the scarring that is happening after this color. After this healed, there was even a part in the center that wasn't colored deep enough that came off during scabbing.
I was ashamed of this tattoo which was supposed to be a symbol of healing. I found a new artist to fix it up right just before my wedding so I wouldn't have to look at this forever in pictures.
YAY!!! |
From blotchy and uneven to BEAUTIFUL, my swallows' journey is complete. Although my original bird did it's job keeping me from self-harm, now my babies are gorgeous. I absolutely will never cut again because I don't want to mess these beauties up! These will always be a part of me, as will my brand. I'm so thankful I have restored my tattoo to it's full potential. If you're in the market for a great piece, look up my man Josh Kendrick at Envy Skin Gallery.
Wedding Day |