The ink on Sarah Maillet


Sarah Maillet from Canada 

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in NB, Canada. 

What do you do for a living?
I bartend and do promotional work. I'm signed with Famous Inked Models Agency. I’m also a licensed cosmetologist.

What is the biggest misconception about modeling?
The biggest misconception for modeling is that it’s easy and that it’s profitable. It’s a lot of work, time and dedication.

How would you describe your style?
some sort mixture of classy, feminine & badass.

When did your interest in tattoos begin? 
I've always liked tattoos. I got my first one when I was 20, I think. 

What is it about tattoos that appeals to you?
I just fell in love with the art. It’s custom, personal and permanent. There’s so much work and time that goes into them. I have so much respect and appreciation for the artists of the world. So much talent.

How do you come up with the ideas for your pieces?
I like to collaborate with my artist for pieces. I usually have an idea of what I want, and allow the artist to create it. 

What’s your most significant tattoo and why?
My most personal tattoo is my memorial tattoo, it’s for my beloved friend and family member that passed away in a car accident. I have her name, Kira Lee, on my right ankle.

Please talk us through some of your tattoos and the reason behind them.
My newest pieces are on my right sleeve. My forearm is what I call, “lions vs. lambs”, until lambs become lions. And on my upper arm a Samurai, a version of a Yoshi art piece. Courage, strength, warrior and determination. Every piece is a time line to me, and it takes me to a certain time in my life regardless of the significance.

What’s your favorite piece?
One of my favorite tattoos are the wings on my stomach. Which was my second tattoo and it must have been about 9 years ago that I got it. One of my oldest closest friends drew it up for me.

Do you regret any of your tattoos?
I don't regret any of it. I love it. It’s me, I’m not going to shy away from it.

On which part of your skin would you never get a tattoo?
I would never tattoo my face.

Do you think you will miss getting tattooed when you consider yourself as finished, if that time ever comes?
Getting tattooed, I don’t think I would miss it other than the fact that I might run out of room to add something I want. As far as the process goes, it can be quite a miserable process. I know some people enjoy it, and I’m good at sitting. But I won’t miss the pain, raw skin, money and time consumption. Small sacrifices, all for a masterpiece.

Do you stick to one artist, or try a number of different ones?
I've only been to a couple artists, Jason Loui and Mike Shea. I’m currently working with Mike from Redemption Tattoo, Cambridge, MA. He’s amazing, professional and I just really enjoy him as a person.

Do you consider tattoos as a serious art form?
It is a serious art form. It’s permanent, a major commitment.

How do you see the tattoo culture right now?
I think the tattoo culture is growing rapidly, it’s much more acceptable in our generation. I also think some people are careless about it and treat it like a fad. It’s a lifestyle. 

Do you worry about how you’re going to look when you’re older?
A lot of people ask if I worry about what I’ll look like when I’m old. I tell them, I will look just like you, with better stories. Pretty sure I won’t be the only one wheeling around on my motorized cart with tattoo sleeves.

What is one thing that life has taught you?
Life has taught me to roll with the punches, get up and keep going because nobody is going to carry you. Learn from your mistakes and grow from your experiences. Say yes to opportunities, because you never know where it will take you, or what sort of interesting people you will meet in the process. I've always been myself, and it’s proven to be quite rewarding.

Do you have a favorite quote?
I have a few favorite quotes, but I’ll leave you with this one, “If you were me, then I’d be you and I’d use your body to get to the top; you can’t stop me no matter who you are.” - Ace Ventura.


Photographers Credit:
Todd Ward Photography - 1, 6.
Dave Dawson (Dastardly Dave) - 2, 4.
Jamie Dominic Photography - 3, 5.