Find the artist that you love. Get the tattoo.
Like any Gen X Midwestern girl, I was taught to hate my body at an early age. I never felt ‘right’ in my own skin. Then I got a small tattoo on my back when I turned 18 and discovered how badass it made me feel.
Fast forward to my 30s. I had an amazing tattoo from John Kautz commemorating my parents that I was thrilled with, but I wanted so badly to be tattooed by Megan Reinhart. I LOVED her artistry, but her waitlist was long and I am NOT a patient person. I walked into the shop with an idea for a large back piece and lucked out—John and Megan were looking to do a collaboration!
How did I feel about starting it at the Chicago Tattoo Expo?! While I wasn’t initially in love with the idea of being that naked, with THIS body, in front of THOUSANDS of people—something made me say yes. I wouldn’t know anyone and would likely never see them again. Yeah, let’s do it!
John, Megan, and I had an idea that went from pretty big to… ENORMOUS. I had no idea the confidence I would gain from getting this magnificent tattoo. My new peacock tat taught me that I could endure a whole lot of pain and OWN my body. And while it is usually concealed, I love any chance I get to show off the art—and the body I had always resented.
It also solidified my belief that putting unique, amazing art on my body was empowering and a great way to celebrate this meat suit I’ve been borrowing for just a few decades.
What I learned from this, and what I would share with others, is GET the tattoo. Put it on the parts you think you can’t love. This life is so fleeting and impermanent. You’ll be amazed at how accepting you are of your own skin once you decorate it. <3