Now what could I say? this really has been long time coming for me. For many years I’ve been thinking of getting inked and now I’ve finally got to it and it has been a journey of its own, trust me.
One thing that I always had clear in my mind was that I would get inked only if I would have designed my own tattoo. There was no other way for me. It had to come from my heart, simple as that.
So, let me take you through the process and believe me, for a designer there is not worse project or mission than designing your own website, for example. Now can you imagine how challenging is to design your own tattoo that will accompany you for the rest of your life?
How exciting!!!
Really special time and I’m so grateful for it.
All started in my sketchbook with pencil and desire to sketch. I had certain images, landscapes, icons, ideas and family on my mind, so just started with bit of verbal brainstorm on my own and nailed it down to paper.
Then I strongly felt to include my close dear family. I’ve started to scribble and play with my own handwriting and the initials of my mom and bro came to life. So, here was the birth of the first ever tattoo I’m carrying on my left-hand wrist.
Here is my first ever tattoo artist Alejandro. Appearance doesn’t tell how sweet this guy is and I’ve enjoyed every moment of his time and skills.
After this first experience that came out of nowhere really, I was ready to truly design my bigger piece that was always going to go on my left shoulder.
Don’t ask me why there, I just always wanted a tattoo on that spot. So, here we go. Meaning and all elements that came out of 2 weeks of tasting and digestion of design was tough emotionally. I am so happy that it worked out such a wonderful way and I’m thankful for every moment of it.
Here is the process of getting it tattooed.
Danny the Tattoo Artist who’s done a great job.
Time it took to get it done was 7 hours. I must admit that after 5 hours it really and I mean really started to hurt a lot. I guess just general skin aggravation and me being tired was taking its toll. When I’ve seen how Danny was into his work I decide to take the pain and stay there with him in his work in his zone and Yes, he was in it with all his soul. Me being a designer, I know how it is sometimes when we unconsciously slip into to this strange creative territory ‘zone’ when we just create and get things done.
So, here it is, my tattoo:
Here is my original & final artwork I’ve concepted and illustrated.
I am very happy with result and it feels very strong and familiar having it on my skin and shoulder. It’s me and it feels great to be inked for a life. Concept that spooked me for such a long time, but now it’s part of me and it truly feels right.
Yesterday I was slowly walking the streets of La Paz and enjoying market buzz. Stopped at one stand with small, cute dresses of all type and colours. Woman approached and me with big smile just told her, how entertaining and original some of this work was.
We started a random chat and somewhere in middle of it I mentioned. Oh, I can’t really buy any I don’t have children. She looked at me with tender smile on her face and told me. These all are for dogs.
Moment of silence followed by loud laughter. What a hell, daily embarrassment is healthy, right!
I carried on with my sunny stroll.
There could not be better way to leave this great city than by playing this song. Yes, I’m sad to leave, but there is lots of faith within me. Who knows what future holds.
“Mi Confesion” by Gotan Project. The album is from their critically acclaimed ‘Lunatico’.
“My confession”
I always liked this song a lot, but have never thought I would one day feel so close to it, as I do right now. Being in special city for two month now has opened up for me so many new things to learn, understand and feel.
Thank you Buenos Aires and to everyone who made it possible. Wow, what an electric intensity, love, I feel so alive!
Sad to leave, but in a need of motion to keep on breathing. It’s the duality within me. (I’m learning to understand.)
Continuous dreaming.
“Mi confesión”
Siempre me gustó esta canción, pero nunca pensé que un día me sentiría tan cerca de ella, tal como ahora mismo. Viviendo en la ciudad dos meses me ha abierto tantas nuevas cosa por aprender, entender y sentir.
Gracias Buenos Aires y a todos quienes lo han hecho posible. Wow, que intensidad eléctrica, amor, me siento tan viva!
Estoy triste de irme, pero necesito estar en movimiento que me mantiene respirando. Es la dualidad dentro de mí. (Estoy aprendiendo a entender.)
“Tengo tanta comodidad que no se como ponerme.” loose translation: (“I am so comfy, that I don’t know how to position myself anymore.“)
Hilarious comment on our day, as we are sitting in apartment near Bariloche with spectacular view of lake Nahuel Huapi with heavy snow storm blasting into our big window. We are so relaxed and just chilling.
