The ink on Morgan Joyce

               Morgan Joyce, New Jersey!

Where did you grow up?

New Jersey, born and raised.

How was it growing up there, would you say that it influenced you?

I love NJ. I don't care how the media portrays it. It's the most beautiful place in the world to me. My particular town is full of stuck up, judgmental people. And I fully think that influenced me to break away from tradition and be myself.

When did you start getting tattoos?

As soon as I turned 18.

How would you describe your style?

Sexy classy, not messy trashy!

Do you consider tattoos as a serious art form?

Absolutely. My skin is my canvas and my tattoos are my art.

How do you see the tattoo culture right now?

It's a little disappointing seeing 14 year olds tattooing “Yolo” on themselves, but other than certain subcultures, I think the entire tattoo industry and culture as a whole is continuing to evolve and grow and become more and more beautiful and accepted.

What has been your inspiration for getting them?

I really am not sure. It's just so beautiful to me I can't picture living a life without them.

What’s your favorite piece?

The giant pig on my stomach.

Do you catch people starring at you because of your ink?

Yes, all the time.

In your opinion, do your tattoos change your mood often?

My tattoos are a part of me; I really don't even notice they are there. So I can't say they change my mood. Unless I'm getting one, then I'm just nervous as hell.

What’s your most significant tattoo and why?

I have a piece on my thigh that was done over self-harm scars. It's in my mom’s handwriting. This tattoo really means the most to me. It reminds me where I've been, how far I've come, and where I will never return. I am a recovered self-harmer and proud.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to get their first tattoo?

Think it out, but more importantly, make sure the artist doesn't suck.

Will you be getting anymore?

Of course!

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

Is it bad to say I keep myself going? I have no one to impress. I have no standards to live up to. I set the bar for myself, and work hard every day as a hair stylist and model, to please MYSELF and no one else.

What is one thing that life has taught you?

Don't take yourself too seriously.

Do you have a favorite quote?

"The world will tell you who you are, until you tell the world" -Unknown.

Anything else you would like to add?

I live a selfless, vegan, cruelty free lifestyle. And I have a sick obsession with Pigs, they're just too cute.

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Photographer's Credit: 

Tammy Cedar - 1,2.

MainEventPhotos77 - 3.

D Glenn Photography - 4.

Joshua Evans Photography - 5,6.

The ink on Nadine Lee

Nadine Lee from Johannesburg, South Africa

Where did you grow up?

South Africa.

When did you start getting tattoos?

At the age of 21.

How would you describe your style?

My style is very retro, with a vintage twist.

Do you consider tattoos as a serious art form?

Oh for sure! Some people hang their art on their wall, we wear ours.

How do you see the tattoo culture right now?

Tattoos are becoming more socially acceptable, rapidly growing.

What has been your inspiration for getting them?

Events through-out my life.

What’s your favorite piece?

Peacock-Lotus sleeve.

Do you catch people starring at you because of your ink?

Oh yes, all the time, especially in South Africa.

In your opinion, do your tattoos change your mood often?

I wouldn't say it changes my mood, but it most certainly enhances my mood.

What’s your most significant tattoo and why?

I personally love all my tattoos, each one has a unique meaning. For example, I had one done on my lower arm in Thailand, how cool is that.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to get their first tattoo?

Not to get something that is “popular” right now. Go for something timeless and that will turn heads!

Will you be getting anymore?

Planning to get one on my upper thigh in the near future.

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

My biggest inspiration would be my support system at home and definitely my fans. My fans support me, and motivate me all the way, they appreciate what I do.

What is one thing that life has taught you?

It’s so important to always stay grounded and always be true to yourself.

Do you have a favorite quote?

“It takes courage to grow up and turn out who you really are.”

Anything else you would like to add?

Just to say thanks to theinkonme.com for this awesome feature.

Photographer's credit:
Deuces Wild Photography  - 1.
Nolan Lister - 4, 7.

The ink on Bibiana Atada

Bibiana Atada from Zurich, Switzerland

Where did you grow up?

I am Spanish, but I was born and grew up in Zurich, Switzerland.

How was it growing up there, would you say that it influenced you?

Yes, Zurich is a very nice and trendy city, I definitely love it.

When did you start getting tattoos?

As soon as I was 18, I got my first tattoo.

How would you describe your style?

Wow, that's not that easy to describe. I do have my own style; I like to be classy, crazy, and sexy.

Do you consider tattoos as a serious art form?

Yes I do. Tattoo's tell a story which gives you a chance to express yourself.

I also like the feeling while inking.

How do you see the tattoo culture right now?

For a lot of people tattoos are just a fashion accessory but not for me.

My Tattoos are personal and are reflect my soul in a special way.

What has been your inspiration for getting them?

I do like my body inked and also the development from an idea to the final work under my skin.

What’s your favorite piece?

My biomechanics and the gun are my favorite.

Do you catch people starring at you because of your ink?

For sure, but to be honest, I do not notice it anymore.

In your opinion, do your tattoos change your mood often?

Yes they do.

What’s your most significant tattoo and why?

It is a fetish symbol and that's my world.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to get their first tattoo?

Get something personal, something that you like it for a long time, then go and get it done.

Will you be getting anymore?

Yes, for sure.

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

I still have a lot ideas which I would like to display on my skin as artwork.

What is one thing that life has taught you?

In 1995 I had a big accident and this changed my mind and my life completely.

Do you have a favorite quote?

"Will over pain!"

Anything else you would like to add?

I just like to thank you and wish everybody a great and inked time.

Photographer's Credit:

Maurizio Fantini - 1,2,3,5,7.

Luke Lenz - 4.

Peter Czernich - 6.

The ink on Jilda Yancey

 

Jilda Yancey from Surprise, AZ

Where did you grow up?

Well I was raised in the air force, so I kind of grew up in a few states like, New Mexico, Alaska, Florida, Michigan and Arizona. I’ve been in AZ for about 17 years now.

How was it growing up there, would you say that it influenced you? 

Definitely, I would say it influenced me, new schools, new friends, and different atmospheres… the best experience. AZ is awesome and I love it!

When did you start getting tattoos?

I got my first tattoo when I was 16, I was expressing myself through poems and drawing and I drew a picture of the moon and stars that I loved so much I decided to have it tattooed on me. 

How would you describe your style?

I don’t think I have a style exactly… I like different looks and love to change it up every once in a while.

Do you consider tattoos as a serious art form?

Of course! At least for me my tattoos tell a story, It’s a way I found I could express my life’s story. I do a lot of color because well, tattoos are beautiful and the color expresses that beauty.

How do you see the tattoo culture right now?

The tattoo culture is really growing, I see them everywhere I go now and it’s awesome.

What has been your inspiration for getting them?

My life, as young as I am I have experienced the good things in life and the bad. No matter what it was, I learned from it, and it made me who I am today.

What’s your favorite piece?

My favorite piece currently is my chest piece. The two sparrows are sewing up my heart symbolizing that no matter how many times my heart will break, it will always mend because time heals all wounds.

Do you catch people starring at you because of your ink?

All the time… I think the best experience I had was when I walked into a McDonalds for breakfast and while waiting in line an elderly man walked up to me from his table and said, “I just have to tell you, your tattoos are so beautiful and we love them.” I looked at the table where he was pointing and there was a group of elderly couples and they were all smiling at me. Amazing how far it’s come.

In your opinion, do your tattoos change your mood often?

Sure, they remind me of who I am and why I’m here today and that always makes me happy.

What’s your most significant tattoo and why?

I can’t say one is more significant than the other, I draw most of my tattoos and I put a lot of time and thought into them making them all very significant in their own way.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to get their first tattoo? 

Come up with what you want, you don’t have to be an artist but try and put it on paper what your vision is, then wait… Give it a few months and make sure you still feel the same about it if not better. Research your artist, make sure they have a solid portfolio and they will do what YOU want and not what they want. Tattoos are forever.

Will you be getting anymore?

Without a doubt! I have a few drawn up for my back, neck, feet and more! I’m just waiting now to make sure I still love them in a few months.

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

Honestly… my dogs, I have two Pit bulls and I’m 100% for supporting pits and standing against the horrible stereotype they have been given. They have been looked down on for years and yet they will continue to have big and loving hearts. They have given me so much love and been there for me through so much, I would do anything for them.

What is one thing that life has taught you?

We are not meant to be here forever and people will come and go, some sooner than others, but everything happens for a reason.

Do you have a favorite quote?

"Though this be madness, there is method to it." -William Shakespeare

Anything else you would like to add?

Yessssss! Follow me on Facebook.

Phographers Credits:
Mannon Pictures - 1,3,5,6.
West Eal - 2.
Daveed Benito - 4.