The ink on Ashley Shelton



Ashley Shelton from Texas

Where did you grow up?
Irving Texas a suburb of Dallas.        

How was it growing up there, would you say that it influenced you?
Great!! I loved it. My biggest influence is my mother. She has a half sleeve.

When did you start getting tattoos?
On my 18th bday!!

How would you describe your style?
Edgy, urban and trendy.

Do you consider tattoos as a serious art form?
Absolutely they're an expression of art & individuality.

How do you see the tattoo culture right now?
Booming! Glad it's doing so well. I just hope people know these are permanent decisions!

What has been your inspiration for getting them?
Rebirth & regrowth in myself. Kinda reinventing myself.

What’s your favorite place?
In the US definitely Miami, around the world I love all beaches!!

Do you catch people staring at you because of your ink?
Yes. Sometimes in a positive way, sometimes in a negative way.

In your opinion, do your tattoos change your mood often?
Not really, but they definitely give me more confidence!

What’s your most significant tattoo and why?
Probably the red Pegasus I have on my arm. It's a Dallas city symbol & reminds me of my dad.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to get their first tattoo?
Go big or go home! Make sure it's something you're gonna want in 20/30 years.

Will you be getting anymore?
Absolutely they're addicting.

What’s your biggest inspiration, what keeps you going?
Knowing I'm here for a reason. Might not be fame, but it's for a purpose.

What is one thing that life has taught you?
Never give up on yourself.

Do you have a favorite quote?
"It takes time to build castles."

Anything else you would like to add?
Thank you for your support and feature, I really appreciate it!!
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Photo Credits:
Lyndon Maristela Photography

The ink on Louella Deville




Louella Deville from Australia

Where did you grow up?
I have moved between states five times, attended six different schools and lived in over twenty different houses. I’ve been blessed to be able to live in such diverse places, from living on a farm, living by the beach, in the mountains and now in the city of Melbourne.

How has that influenced you?
I’m definitely accustomed to change and I learnt how to adapt to different situations at a pretty young age. I had to make friends everywhere I would go. It definitely made me a much more outgoing person.

When did you start getting tattoos?
The week after I turned 18. I wanted the same pieces when I was fifteen, and as soon as I turned eighteen I got exactly that.

How would you describe your style?
It changes from day to day, depending on my mood.

Do you consider tattoos as a serious art form?
Yes. So much time, thought and persistence goes into tattooing. It’s a skilled art and something appreciated not only by the artist but the collector. It’s something that physically stays with someone for the rest of their life.

How do you see the tattoo culture right now?
The culture is alive and thriving and there are so many amazing artists and creative's doing what they love and making a living from it. I also see it as an over saturated market.

What has been your inspiration for getting them?
Different things that have happened to me in my life. Some of them are really significant to me, some just pretty artwork I like.  

What’s your favorite piece?
I really don’t know, I like all my tattoos differently. Let’s just say I don’t have any I don’t like.

Do you catch people staring at you because of your ink? 
Sometimes, but I know most people are just interested and want to see what I have. Sometimes I get that really judgmental look from people, but that’s their issue not mine.

In your opinion, do your tattoos change your mood often?
Not really, but they definitely effect what I’m going to wear sometimes, ha-ha.

What’s your most significant tattoo and why?
My feet. They were my first, and I wanted those exact designs since I was 15. They mean a lot to me, and represent the balance between male and female. Also, the four pieces I have on my left ankle and shin are pretty significant.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to get their first tattoo?
Make sure you’re old enough. You don’t know what you want in life, even at eighteen when it’s legal you’re still so young. So just make sure you’re old enough and find a good tattoo artist!!!!!

Will you be getting anymore?
Yep. I think I want to do my back soon.

What’s your biggest inspiration, what keeps you going?
Music.

What is one thing that life has taught you?
That you can’t please everyone and you need to live your life for you and not what everyone is telling you ‘should’ and ‘shouldn’t’ do. I’ve also learnt that you must take risks in life.  Always strive to do things that make you feel good, realize your passion and don’t give up. If you believe in yourself, that’s all that matters.

Do you have a favorite quote?
“Life is not measured by the amount of breaths we take, but the moments that take our breath away.”

Anything else you would like to add?
Stay Classy Australia.

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Photo Credits:
Rzarekt - 1, 3.
Jessica Eisner - 2.
Guiseppe Dante Sapienzia - 4.
Meezy Media - 5.
Keysus - 6.
Hana Schlesinger - 7.
ArtCrazy - 8, 9.
Melissa Findley - 10.

The ink on Stephanie Marazzo






Stephanie Marazzo from Tampa, FL

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Hillsborough, NJ.

How was it growing up there, would you say that it influenced you?
Definitely. I loved Hillsborough, but the longer I was there the more I wanted to branch out- I think that's pretty typical hometown syndrome. It was a small town once upon a time, but tons and tons of families have moved in over the last decade or so. It's a beautiful town, with beautiful parks and reserves, and many well-to-do families. If you aren't turned into a self-righteous prick, then you'll turn out like myself and be driven to reach the same level of comfort and success your parents were able to achieve.

When did you start getting tattoos?
I got my first tattoo on my eighteenth birthday as a gift from my then boyfriend. My first tattoo was a violet, the NJ state flower, on the top of my right ribcage.

How would you describe your style?
I like to dress comfortable. I think for the most part my wardrobe is basically just t-shirts and skinny jeans. I wear sandals all summer and Keds if for some reason sandals just aren't an option.

Do you consider tattoos as a serious art form?
I do. There are numerous artists who tattoo their entire lives and dedicate all they have into their work. I've seen absolutely incredible tattoos in person and on the web that are nothing short of perfection.

How do you see the tattoo culture right now?
I'm enjoying the fact that tattoos are becoming more of a socially accepted form of self-expression, but I dislike the way tattoo culture has become a bit mainstream over the last few years. I'm constantly seeing new tattoo tv shows that seem to highlight shop drama or horror stories instead of incredible artists and phenomenal work. Also, I was invited to try out for "America's Next Top TATTOO Model" a few months back, which I feel is going to flood the alternative modeling world in a negative way if that happens.

What has been your inspiration for getting them?
I have always been an artist. I went to art school and I appreciate the way tattoos are a collaboration between the artist and the person receiving the piece. The process of being tattooed means more to me than the design in some instances. I frequently allow my artist, Javier Eastman at Get Ink Tattoo Studio, the artistic freedom to tattoo whatever design he'd like. 

What’s your favorite piece?
Every time I get a new tattoo it's my new favorite. Right now my favorite is the top portion of my black and grey sleeve depicting a beautiful brunette, a cat, and a sparrow. The girl is holding the cat up to her chest and the cat is reaching into the air with one paw trying to swat the small bird out of the air. The piece means a lot to me having to do with life and death, and also reaching for the things you want that always seem to be just out of reach.

Do you catch people staring at you because of your ink? 
Yes, not usually in a negative way, but I do see it. I get a lot of compliments along with the staring so I don't mind it.

In your opinion, do your tattoos change your mood often?
Not unless healing a new one. If I'm sore I'm probably a bitch.

What’s your most significant tattoo and why?
I have three stars tattooed on my neck that represent myself and my sisters. All three of us have three stars tattooed somewhere on our bodies and it's nice to think we are all connected in that way.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to get their first tattoo?
RESEARCH. I cannot say that enough. Stop trying to get a good deal and focus on who can most successfully achieve the look you want. A good tattoo is an investment, stop trying to haggle.

Will you be getting anymore?
I'm in the process of sleeving both legs and my right arm. I hope to start a full back piece in the next year or so.

What’s your biggest inspiration, what keeps you going? 
I probably enjoy creeping on other models a little too much. My biggest inspirations are my friends in the modeling industry, I push myself to do more and accomplish more and seeing my friends succeed motivates me to do the same.

What is one thing that life has taught you?
When I was growing up I was actually very self-conscious and there was not much about myself I actually liked. I spent a lot of my time trying to be like the people around me who I perceived as "better." I don't know exactly when it happened, but soon after I got to college I started to really like who I was. I am comfortable with my body, I am thankful for my family and friends, I really love who I've become and ever since my life has blossomed. I would say the biggest lesson I've learned is that choosing to love who you are is the biggest step forward you will ever make. It has changed everything.

Do you have a favorite quote?
I am Jack's complete lack of surprise.

Anything else you would like to add?
Surely. You can find me at all of the following links.

Photography: Hugo Velazquez
Makeup Artist: Jessica Marazzo
Lingerie: Bklyn Noir

The ink on Venus Starr




Venus Starr

Where did you grow up?
QLD, Australia .

How was it growing up there, would you say that it influenced you?
Very hot and tropical, and it was quite the art scene. Of course my experiences growing up have inspired me. 

When did you start getting tattoos?
I was 16.

How would you describe your style?
Tattoo Barbie - Red carpet ready or homeless drug, addict depending on my mood. 

Do you consider tattoos as a serious art form?
Yes, of course.

How do you see the tattoo culture right now?
"In style" (yawn). 

What has been your inspiration for getting them?
I love art. 

What’s your favorite piece?
Cat woman.

Do you catch people staring at you because of your ink? 
All the time.

In your opinion, do your tattoos change your mood often?
No, they do not.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to get their first tattoo?
Go to an artist, a good one!!!! Don’t do it because it’s a good cheap price, EVER! 

Will you be getting anymore?
YES, I will.

What is one thing that life has taught you?
We are oh so temporary, be grateful for what you have.

Anything else you would like to add?
My official Facebook page.
Instagram

Photo Credits:
Sarah Barlow Imagery and Photography – 1, 3.
Juice Lab Photography – 2.
Paradox photography NZ – 4.
AJ Photography – 5.