Tattoos are more than just ink on skin; they’re living art, a canvas of personal expression.

I remember when I turned 16 and asked my parents to give me the green light to get a tattoo. Their first question was “What are you going to do when you’re 70 or when you want to get a professional job?” Dad, Mom, this isn’t the 1900s anymore.  

Tattoos have undergone a transformative journey, from their cultural and spiritual significance to their place in modern society as expressions of individuality and personal narratives. 

Each tattoo I have tells a story, a chapter of my life inked into existence. They’re reminders of pivotal moments, passions and beliefs of mine. 

As much as I adore all my tattoos, I can admit that some were dumb ideas. I was young and nobody stopped me. Well, I’m sure someone would have stopped me if I told them before impulsively imprinting them on my skin forever. 

My first tattoo was a princess crown on my finger. If you look at my index finger now, there is nothing but a scar. You live and you learn. Turns out, getting a tattoo removed is nearly, if not more expensive than the tattoo itself. 

This isn’t the only tattoo I have regretted. 

Last year I thought to myself, “What the heck, let me just order a tattoo machine and give it a try, it can’t be that hard”. 

I was incredibly and utterly wrong. 

Of course I was too impatient and too impulsive to sketch out my designs before practicing on synthetic skin.

It wasn’t too long before I proceeded to tattoo a huge eight-ball right above my own ankle. I went to a tattoo parlor a couple of months later and got the eight-ball reworked. Now I love everything about this tattoo. 

My point is, yes, I make a lot of impulsive decisions but in the end, I learn from my mistakes. Thankfully, there are talented artists that can make a tattoo go from fugly to incredible.

Despite some trial and error with certain tattoos I have on my body —or no longer have— there are so many others that I love and can guarantee I will cherish forever. 

Tattoos bridge the gap between inner emotions and outward identity, serving as a visual narration of who I am and what matters most to me. They’re a form of empowerment, allowing me to share pieces of my journey with the world. 

My favorite tattoo has to be the Hamsa, also known as the hand of Fatima I have on my back. 

The Hamsa hand is a sign of protection, power, and strength, popular in my Middle Eastern and North African culture.  

This tattoo is one of many that represents my cultural background, and I love that I am able to tell my story through the art inked on my skin.

One thing I have learned about tattoos is to take my time. I no longer rush into a tattoo parlor if I have not fully fleshed out the design I want and envisioned it inked on my skin forever. 

Tattoos are permanent, and a cover-up or laser removal will drain my empty, college-student pockets and my negative balance bank account. 

While tattoos themselves are expensive, I love the way they look on my body and other people’s skin. 

They are ultimately an intimate tapestry of my history, passions, and aspirations.