Get to know me: tattoo roundup

Every once in a while, I like to create a post that dips into the “get to know me” territory. They’re fun to write and even more enjoyable to read. I like listicles and question-and-answer formats, especially ones where I get to talk about my adoration for pigs or my talent for licking a brownie batter-covered spoon.

In the same spirit, here’s a twist on the tried and true format: get to know me, through my tattoos.

Here’s a round-up of my body art. For the sake of chronological documentation, they’re listed in the official order of appearance.

1. Bunch of Arrows

Ahhh, my very first tattoo. It took me about three years of waiting, looking through Pinterest designs, and researching before I decided to pull the trigger. I was so nervous, and went back-and-forth on the permanence of ink for a very long time. 

My mom and I went to the shop together, and she very kindly paid for my session as a birthday gift while we were on a girls trip vacation in Santa Fe. She also designed the tattoo, which I tried to back up with some meaning about “moving forward through struggle.” Truthfully, I really just liked the aesthetic of arrows, which was a trendy tattoo idea at the time.

Back then, I thought I needed justification for a tattoo I simply liked.

• Age: 21
• Year: 2016
• Tattoo artist: Spex Tattoos, Santa Fe, New Mexico
• Location: Lower side of the back
• Design: by my Mom, Michelle Nelson 🙂

2. Mountains

After a several year hiatus, I jumped back into body art with this mountain design. I love it. To me, it’s representative of my growth in nature, my love of Colorado, and my pursuit of sunshine. I just really love the mountains, which feel like home.

Also, I went alone to this session. It was really empowering to go, do the thing, and come out feeling like a different person. This one only took about 15-20 minutes, which was impressive and a little mind-blowing after my last 1.5 hour-session. My artist, Kat, really made a positive impression and I left immediately wanting more.

• Age: 24
• Year: 2019
• Tattoo artist: Kat Maxman, Hole in the Wall Tattoos, Glenwood Springs, CO
• Location: Shoulder
• Design: composite of different mountain designs

3. Sun

I feel like a walking brand with this one (laugh-out-loud), and I’m all about it. I love the minimalist style that very much speaks to my spirit and aesthetic. It’s dainty and most people don’t notice it, which is another reason why I enjoy it—sneaky ink is fun. 

Fun fact: I scheduled this appointment as a birthday present to myself. And you know what happened? Covid. My tattoo was delayed for several months, which was a huge bummer, but also gave me something to look forward to. However, once it was allowed, I went in on my own, mask-and-all, and was Kat’s first client back.

• Age: 25
• Year: 2020
• Tattoo artist: Kat Maxman, Hole in the Wall Tattoos, Glenwood Springs, CO
• Location: Right arm
• Design: inspired by Hilary Duff’s sun piece (lol)

4. Floral wrap

This one was a little more spontaneous, and came out bolder than I thought. I love it so much! My floral wrap piece was done immediately after my sun, in the same sitting, and was hand-drawn on by my artist. (She studied my inspiration photo, then created her own version. She’s incredibly talented.)

Simply put, I got this just because, and with very little warning. I love the design, the shading, and having a piece of art front-and-center. I never ever thought I’d have a prominent arm tattoo, and I love who I am with it. 

• Age: 25
• Year: 2020
• Tattoo artist: Kat Maxman, Hole in the Wall Tattoos, Glenwood Springs, CO
• Location: Left arm
• Design: Kat Maxman

What’s Next?

Good question. I’ll let you know when I know. 🙂