Name and blog name: Dani Katz, www.businessiscasual.com
Age: 28
Occupation: Graphic Designer/Public Relations Specialist
Age of first tattoo: 18
Favorite tattoo: Traditional Diamond/Rose on my left inner wrist
Featured tattoo/location: Japanese style sleeve
Artist/shop/location of featured tattoo: Chas Byassee www.thislight.com
1) Tell us about your featured tattoo- is there a background story or special meaning? Why did you choose this particular piece of art?
Since I was little I’ve wanted to be covered in tattoos. My neighbor was a navy veteran and his arms and legs were covered- I was smitten! I used to draw all over myself with a sharpie and get in major trouble. As soon as I turned 18 I started getting work done. My sleeve was the first major piece that I actually sought out a specific artist for and planned out the design in advance (my other pieces were just impulsive from flash). This sleeve took about a year and half to complete, and I’m getting ready to finish it down to my right hand. Can’t wait!
There’s no special meaning other than the Viking ship in the center. I actually had that done previously, its part of my family’s coat of arms. Chas, my artist, did an amazing job of incorporating it into the sleeve.
2) Do you have any other tattoos? If so, what do you have and where?
Yep, a lot! Some of the more interesting ones are the traditional American style sleeve I’m working on my left arm., my pinkie heart and arrow on my middle finger, my traditional Indian lady head, my hatchet that my friend Russ did on me at 3:00 am one drunken night (you should see the one I did on him - yikes). And my in-progress dagger through my leg- can’t wait to finish that one.
3) Do you plan on getting more?
In my dreams, I would love to be completely covered from my neck to my toes. Obviously, that’s not realistic due to the fact that I have a ‘professional’ job and work in a pretty conservative environment. But regardless, I definitely plan to finish my arms and legs, and maybe eventually my feet and hands.
4) How do your family and friends feel about your tattoo(s)? Have you run into any adversity or negativity because of them? Do you have a significant other? Does he/she have tattoos?
When my mom saw my first tattoo she tried to wash it off, unsuccessfully. Since I started getting more visible work, she’s been pretty supportive. She likes the ‘pretty’ flowers I have on my sleeve J Other than that, I still keep them pretty covered around family.
Most people I encounter generally like my tattoos, I think. I’m constantly surprised at how many little old ladies want to inspect my tattoos and ask about them. I’ve only had a few negative comments, generally from older men with tattoos themselves. Interestingly, one old man told me that in his day the only women who had tattoos were prostitutes! You got to learn to just laugh at people.
One thing that gets old is the tattoo pick up lines. “Who does your work?” is a popular one. I usually just lie and say “My boyfriend.” That seems to get rid of them quickly! My boyfriend isn't a tattoo artist, but he is pretty heavily tattooed and has a Mohawk, so we probably scare some people walking around together, but he's obviously super supportive of my tattoos.
5) Any advice for those interested in getting tattooed but haven't gotten one yet?
My best advice would be to not just walk in a shop and pick something that day- I’ve had the itch to get tattooed, resulting in some less than stellar work Think about what you want for at least a few months, and if you still want it, go for it.
Also, I personally will never get any words tattooed on me again. I have ‘this too shall pass’ on my arm, and people constantly ask what it means, why I got it, etc. I didn’t mind for the first few years, but it gets old after a while.
The best advice I can offer is that if you want a tattoo, get one. Life is too short, might as well make yourself happy!
