Whitney from Missouri
Where did you grow up?
I grew up about an hour south of Kansas City
How was it growing up there, would you say that it influenced you?
How was it growing up there, would you say that it influenced you?
Of course it influenced me! It's the reason I am
who I am today. My graduating high school class only had 65 people in it. Every
body knew every body and if ya got in trouble your parents knew about it before
you even got home! I loved it, wouldn't have had it another way, but I was
eager to break free from the small town life. I couldn't wait to move to Kansas City
When did you start getting tattoos?
When did you start getting tattoos?
When I turned 18 I got my first tattoo on my
left back side. It was just my zodiac symbol. 2 weeks later I was back to get
another! After that I was pretty much addicted. I got a few crappy little
tattoos to start off with. Then I met Robbie Lopez and he started all my big
pieces.
How would you describe your style?
How would you describe your style?
I really don't have a set "style" I'm
very girly and humorous. I think most of my tattoos show that.
Do you consider tattoos as a serious art form?
Do you consider tattoos as a serious art form?
Of course. You definitely have to be artistic to
be a tattooer. I have no artistic ability, I just throw ideas out to my artist
and he comes up with it all. It blows my mind, the things he comes up with. I
would never think of that stuff! There are definitely a lot of tattooers out
there who are not artistic who just do flash and that always kind of pisses me
off. Getting tattooed is a privilege and should never be cheap. Unfortunately
not everyone feels that way. So you see everyone walking with tattoos and not very
good ones.
How do you see the tattoo culture right now?
How do you see the tattoo culture right now?
The tattoo culture is definitely growing. It use
to just be sailors and punk rockers that had tattoos, now everyone has em! It's
kind of sad though. Everyone and there mom wants to get in on the tattoo
industry right now because its booming. So there is so many people walking with
crap tattoos they did with there pre made kits they bought online. Tattoos
aren't for everybody and soon people will start to realize that.
What has been your inspiration for getting them?
What has been your inspiration for getting them?
Well my first big piece was a portrait of my
grandmother. She passed away Jan of 2006 from als. Her death really took a toll
on me, I was devastated for a long time. So I decided I wanted her picture with
me everywhere I went. It was kind of a healing process too. But after that I
was just amazing with my artist and saw all the cool stuff he was doing. I
wanted in on it and have been collecting his pieces ever since.
What's your favorite piece?
What's your favorite piece?
The portrait of my grandma is my absolute favorite.
It looks just like her!
Do you find people starring at you because of your tattoos?
Do you find people starring at you because of your tattoos?
Of course! Some people are just curious, others
are judgmental. Which is fine. I'm not perfect, I find myself judging people when
I shouldn't.
In your opinion, do your tattoos change your mood often?
In your opinion, do your tattoos change your mood often?
No, I wouldn't say they change my mood. If
anything they inspire me.
What's your most significant tattoo and why?
What's your most significant tattoo and why?
Of course the one of my grandma, but other than
that I would say the one of my wrist. My husband got "amazing" and I
got "ditto." My back piece also has some significance, it’s an
underwater theme. I have a big mermaid and lots of sea life. The ocean has
always been so fascinating to me. It's so peaceful and inspiring. Maybe it's
because I'm a cancer, but I love being in the water!
What's your next tattoo?
What's your next tattoo?
My grandma always collected pigs so I want to
get a realistic portrait of a pig. I plan on dedicating my whole left arm
towards her. She also always had humming bird feeders in her yard so I plan on
getting a few of those too. I'm leaving it up to my artist to tie it all
together. I'm artistically retarded so I just throw ideas out and he makes it
happen.
What advice would you give someone getting their first tattoo?
What advice would you give someone getting their first tattoo?
Don't pick the first shop you walk into. Go to
several shops and feel em out. You wanna make sure you pick the right artist
because you’re gonna be stuck with this tattoo for ever. Spend good money on
your piece too, cheap tattoos look cheap.
What is one thing life has taught you?
What is one thing life has taught you?
No matter what, you’re gonna get shit on. Not
just once either! But if you are generally a good person and always try to do
what's right, good karma will come your way. You just have to be patient.
Will you get anymore?
Will you get anymore?
Of course! I don't plan on stopping anytime soon.
Do you have a favorite quote?
Do you have a favorite quote?
"'Growth means change and change involves
risk, stepping from the known to the unknown."
Anything else you would like to add?
Anything else you would like to add?
Check out robbielopeztattoos.net!