The ink on Lady Frankenstein

Lady Frankenstein from Western Australia

Where did you grow up?
Near Albany - a small town on the south west coast of Australia. Not to be confused with Albany, NY, of course.

How was it growing up there, would you say that it influenced you?
My family lived about half an hour out of town, on Two People's Bay Nature Reserve. It's a beautiful place, absolutely spectacular scenery. Of course as a teenager there's “nothing to do” so I ran off for the bright lights & big promises of London, England!

When did you start getting tattoos?
As soon as I was legal! I'd been planning them from the age of 13.

How would you describe your style?
Punk rock housewife. Occasional pin-up.

Do you consider tattoos as a serious art form?
They certainly can be, but definitely not always are! 

What has been your inspiration for getting them?
My first inspiration was Mike Ness of Social Distortion! After that it's been music, friends, memories. Some are well-planned in advance, others are spur of the moment decisions to mark an occasion.

What’s your favorite piece?
Oh man, that's always a hard question. Usually the newest is my favorite. Today I'll pick my two latest because they're both so different: first the black & grey Marlene Dietrich inspired drag king portrait on my left thigh, done by Merrick Ames at WA Ink, Perth, Australia.
Secondly the traditional dodo bird on my right thigh, done by James McKenna also at WA Ink, Perth, Australia.

Do you catch people staring at you because of your ink?
Yes, unfortunately. Mostly I have built up immunity to stares but sometimes it still bugs me. I mean, even if it is stares of admiration rather than disbelief or disgust, staring is still rude!

In your opinion, do your tattoos change your mood often?
Not really. Getting tattooed usually puts me in a great mood though.

What’s your most significant tattoo and why?
The acorn & moth wings on my chest/throat, it symbolizes new beginnings. Becca Marsh (at Jayne Doe, Essex, UK) designed it for me just before I moved back to Australia from London. 

What advice would you give to someone wanting to get their first tattoo?
Do your research. It is so, so important! Look through tattooer's portfolios. Get word of mouth recommendations from people you trust, who have good work themselves. Don't choose a tattoo studio based on price. It's a tired saying but it is so relevant: good work's not cheap, cheap work's not good. Quality tattoos will last and you'll be proud of them. 

Will you be getting any more?
Yes, of course - I still have some blank canvas...too much blank canvas!

What is one thing that life has taught you?
That every choice & every mistake I've made has led me to this point right now in my life, and I love it. So even if I could go back and do things differently, I wouldn't.

Anything else you would like to add?
Keep up the great work, this site is awesome!

Photographer's Credit: 
Pete, Teaco Photography - 1,5.
Mark Boyle - 2.
Sideview Inn - 3.
Terence Mendoza - 4.