My tattoo catalogue

The other day, I was reading my old post spoofing a Vogue 73 Questions video from several years ago and stumbled upon the question “how many tattoos do you have?”

At the time, I think I just had two. Last time I wrote about it, I had four.

Now, I realized after a quick count, I’m up to eight. Holy cow—that seems like something of an escalation. And if I’m surprised to realize how many I’ve collected in a brief amount of time, maybe you are too. Or maybe, just curious? Let’s explore that.

Here are all my current tattoos, explained and showcased. 🙂

Savannah’s Tats

(Not to be confused with Scott’s Tots.)

We’ll go in chronological order, from latest to earliest.

8. Best friend tattoo

My latest tattoo is an ode to my greatest friendship with my bestie for the restie Alexis. We met in college when Alexis transferred to CU Denver and was placed in my dorm as a new suitemate as our former roomie moved out (it was a messy falling out situation). It turned into the best chance-meeting I could’ve dreamt of.

I think we pretty quickly realized that Alexis and I were something of twin flames. We have the same kind of morals, humor, background, and even a similar long-lasting relationship (we’ve had so many conversations about how Alexis, Jessica, Chad, Savannah think and feel and act and it’s crazy how we’ve identified with each other in many ways). We’ve been through a lot of weird shit, and through all of life’s stages I’m always so thankful to have the kind of relationship where when you reunite, it’s as though no time has passed.

Early on, Alexis and I both started saying “same” (like, same here), about nearly everything. Add a little bit of internet culture into the mix, and we have the second part, “life” spelled with a little pizzaz.

And like I’ll love Chad 5ever, I’ll always keep Alexis in my heart and now on my inner bicep, 5Lyfe. (Jessica, we need to think of something too.) (Love you both.)

• Age: 27
• Year: 2022
• Tattoo artist: Dustin Nelson at Gemstone Tattoo & Piercing in Grand Junction, CO
• Location: Right bicep
• Design: Me and Alexis, babyy

7. VENI VIDI AMAVI

Several years ago, I saw a tattoo idea that I just couldn’t get out of my head: a Latin phrase, in Times New Roman font, with a twist on Julius Caesar’s famous quote, “veni vidi vici,” which means “I saw, I came, I conquered.”

Mine is “veni vidi amavi,” which instead translates to “I saw, I came, I loved.”

I love the phrase as a guiding reminder, and I’m so happy I went to Tia this summer for the addition.

• Age: 27
• Year: 2022
• Tattoo artist: Stella Luna Ink (Tia) at Majestik Tattoo Studio, West Allis, WI
• Location: Lower right wrist
• Design: Not sure!

6. Squiggly wave

On my chest, I have a tiny squiggly line. It’s a loose interpretation of a wave, because I’ve realized how much water means to me. Whether it’s Lake Michigan or the ocean or my parent’s pool, I’m carrying the waves with me always.

• Age: 27
• Year: 2022
• Tattoo artist: Stella Luna Ink (Tia) at Majestik Tattoo Studio, West Allis, WI
• Location: Upper right chest
• Design: Pinterest, lol

5. Wildflower bouquet

Though it’s not very visible, one of my latest additions is a stunning wildflower bouquet on my ribcage area, otherwise known as the side boob (for lack of better words).

It’s cute and lovely and adds a little something special.

• Age: 27
• Year: 2022
• Tattoo artist: Stella Luna Ink (Tia) at Majestik Tattoo Studio, West Allis, WI
• Location: Rib cage
• Design: Pinterest, lol

4. Dotted sun

Ahhh, my cute little minimalist sun. I love it so much. As you can surmise, sunshine means a lot to me and carries a lot of my joy; now, I carry it with me always.

Fun fact: I scheduled this appointment as a birthday present to myself. And you know what happened? That first initial Covid shutdown, where things were truly, actually, very much closed. My tattoo was delayed for several months, which was a huge bummer, but also gave me something to look forward to. As soon as I could, 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)

3. Floral arm wrap

Recently, I realized that my approach to tattoos has radically changed. I used to plan and map out designs and try to connect some meaning to justify my choice. Now, it’s much more casual. If I see something I like, that’s it. It’s art. My body is literally home to pieces I like and feel a connection to.

This floral wrap on my arm is the ultimate representation of that: I like it, so I got it. It was a little spontaneous, and Kat eyed an inspiration pic before hand-drawing her own version on my arm. And it’s my favorite piece.

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

2. Mountains

I think maybe a mountain tattoo is the modern version of your average Colorado kid’s coming of age story. It’s part of mine, at least.

My mountains are on my back shoulder, surrounded by clouds of freckles. They kinda look like a Coors Light advertisement, and I’m okay with that too.

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

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 schedule an appointment. I was so nervous, and went back-and-forth on the permanence of ink for a very long time. 

The tattoo came to fruition on a spring break trip to Santa Fe with my mom. Not only did she design the tattoo, but she also kindly paid for my session as a birthday gift.

I tried to come up with an intricate reason behind the arrows, with something 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. Overall, this tattoo will always hold a special piece of my heart because of its connection to my mom and her art.

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

What’s next?

Hard to say! Stay tuned. 😉