Amelia Torres

"I vowed to extract the last gram of precious metal even if it meant I had to crush the hills with my own hands and grind the rocks with my feet."

[ameliatorres-blog]

General: 

Full Name: Amelia Luisa Torres Rivera

Nicknames: Amy Lu, Lia, Mia, Lu

Age: 24

Birthday: January 23, 1991

Occupation: Tattoo Artist

Religion: Roman Catholic & Santeria 

Sexuality: Pansexual

Mental:

Jung Type: ISFP

Sin: envy

Virtue: charity

Likes: PBS kids shows, preparing extravagant breakfasts, whacking avocados open, digging her feet into beach sand, surrealism, Live from Daryl's House, carnivals  

Dislikes: pottery cracking in the kiln, lost cell phone connections, not being able to think of the english translation of a word when its on the tip of her tongue, boob pain when riding on rollercoasters, slackers

Fears:  living life waiting for the weekend; losing the people she cares about

Favorite Colours: bright fluorescent greens, pastel pinks, those muddy subdued shades of maroons & navy that come from experimenting with far too many shades on a mixing palette

Favorite Food: plátanos maduros, tostones, empanaditas, arroz con leche, & blueberry french toast

Favorite Literature: anything in the genre of Magical Realism; especially the works of Isabel Allende, Gabriel García Márquez, Jorge Luis Borges, & Toni Morrison

Hobbies: visiting flee markets & estate sales in search of items to sketch or repurpose, sculpting, sewing, swimming, & fishing

Optimist/Pessimist: primarily optimistic 

Cautious/Careless: careless unless it pertains to her family or finances 

Major Goal In Life: to provide for her family; for them to be financially secure, safe, and happy

Appearance:

Face Claim: Ana de Armas

Height: 5' 6"

Weight: 125 lbs

Hair Colour: cotton candy pink, naturally brunette

Eye Colour: green

Skin: perpetually tan

Clothing Style: diy ripped tights, ripped skinny jeans,studded motorcycle jackets, oversized sweaters, numerous rings and bracelets

Tattoos/Piercings: four piercings on each ear: triple lobe piercing & helix, shoulder tattoo, forearm tattoo, & two small wrist tattoos

History:

Hometown: Holguín, Cuba

Financial Status: lower working class

Father: Alfonso  

Mother:  Lucrecia

Siblings:  Clara, Pablo, Alma, & Manuel

[fitzklein-blog1]

I think my heart stopped when you said spinal tap. You’ve got jokes when you have the power of the needle.

Oh, I’ve been scratched by many many cats, and various animals. I’m a vet when I’m not being scared of tattoos. Let’s just rip off the bandage. Will like bicep/tricep area hurt a lot? I have to hide it because tattooed vets make old ladies nervous to leave their poodles in my care.

[ameliatorres-blog]

You know what they say, "with great power comes great responsibility"…of the joke telling variety that is. You're still breathing, no? 

Well, then you're in perfect shape for this. No, not at all, inside arm's more sensitive; so you'll be good. Trust me. I see, but...I don't think that's possible in your case. At least, not with that smile. You could have a whole body tattoo, and little old ladies would still leave poodles with you. Alrighty, you'll have to pull up your sleeve or take off your shirt, and I'll put on my gloves and get started. 

[cory-lam-blog]

Alright fine, not all. Most. A lot. That’s generally what I hear, okay? You’re a little biased, but pleasantly so, I suppose. “Good as new”? Oh god, no. Not at all. If you don’t set a broken nose, it heal all wonky— aesthetically speaking of course. It can heal on its own but it isn’t pretty. Think Owen Wilson or most athletes. I see your point on temporary tattoos, though. But are any tattoos actually original? I feel like most people are copying someone else and saying they have their own meaning— doesn’t sound too creative. Me? Scared of needles? What? No! No way. I’m going to be a doctor, I love needles.

Okay fine, I don’t mind using them on other people. On me, though. Yes, they’re terrifying.

Clint Eastwood in a Sprite commercial? You’re kidding, right? I had to be better than that. I was hoping for at least a villain from A Pup Named Scooby Doo…

[ameliatorres-blog]

A pues, Doc, future doc, the "fixed" nose and temporary tattoo are comparable. They're both all a ruse. Question: Owen Wilson...which came first, the nose or the voice? That's rather sad; almost nihilistic to be honest. ¿Qué piensas? Is anything truly original? Could argue that everything we do is just a fusion of what's already been done, a summation of subconcious and concious experiences. It's like that Jean-Luc Godard quote,“It’s not where you take things from- it’s where you take them to". Doesn't make it less of what it is...If a tattoo means something to the person, let it mean something to them. If it's not harming, and brings them happiness...then...let them express their identity however they feel fits. Either way, the individual's perspective of it will be unique to them- and in that way its original. Then again, that's only my opinion.

Well then, I suppose it's as good a time as any to get a taste of your own medicine...kidding, two blocks down's the grocer.

Wasn't even as intimidating as the Red Herring kid, I'm afraid. Lo siento.

[fitzklein-blog1]

Whoever picks cheerios between that and fruity pebbles is a sad soul. I hope you’ll remember me on your rise to fame.

So on a scale from 1 to 10, how much will this hurt?

[ameliatorres-blog]

Or possibly a soul with a body in need of lower cholesterol, and I'm in no place to pass judgement on a person turning their healthy eating habits around. I don't know, could get too caught up in all bright lights. Who knows if I'll even be able to remember my own name with that rendition of jeopardy driving me insane? 

Well, have you ever had a spinal tap?….it's nothing like that, heh. 

A lot of its location, so depends on where you want this done..the closer to bone, the more painful, but either way this is small. No se preocupe. " 'Tis but a scratch." Have you ever been scratched by a cat? It's like that…but repetitive. Can be a bit..uh, stingy, but it's not bad. Pinky promise. I could do a dry run if you'd like..would cost extra though. Completely up to you. 

[cory-lam-blog]

Well, there’s a cute girl in my building— don’t all girls think tattoos are dreamy or something? And I think it’d be pretty funny to send a picture to my family— they’d go nuts over it. Mainly because I’m the last person they’d ever expect to get a tattoo. But you can actually do that? Make them look a little realistic? I set a broken nose so that it looks like nothing ever happened, that’s kind of the same thing, right?

My uh, my best tough guy impression? Yeah, okay sure, here goes nothing—- Hey, buddy. You owe me a soda. Get me a sprite or pay the price. I’m warnin’ ya. That was shameful, wasn’t it?

[ameliatorres-blog]

I'd be careful with the generalization there, but I can tell you what one girl thinks. It'd be a biased opinion though seeing as that "one girl" is a professional tattoo artist. A little, but I wouldn't go as far as saying they're the same. I mean, the nose eventually heals over time and then good as new, no? A temporary tattoo won't magically become a real one over time. Plus, it lacks all originality and individuality. I can make it good for shock factor though…are you afraid of needles?  

No no, that wasn't that…um...

...well, I have goosebumps because it was that horrifying…ly terrible. Just...could use some work. You sounded like a Clint Eastwood spaghetti western themed Sprite commercial. 

[fitzklein-blog1]

I’ll make sure to buy it on iTunes as soon as I can, so I can use it in my decision making. That’s tough. Her initials are QK so at least I get one of the big point letters.

[ameliatorres-blog]

¡Genial! You know, if I can play a deciding factor in choosing fruity pebbles or cheerios, the price of impending fame will be worth it. Uh huh, 15 points. You're off to a good start. 

So, if you're ready to go, just take a seat right there, and I'll get started. 

[cory-lam-blog]

Ah yes, the tough guy skull and crossbones or the classic rose or some Chinese phrase that I can’t read would definitely suit me much more than the real deal. But would they look authentic? Do you think people would know they’re fake because I’m trying to look tough here.

[ameliatorres-blog]

Depends. Who exactly are you trying to impress? I could powder it for you; take off the sheen. Still wouldn't be passable for most, but if you own it, you know, wear it with confidence…could work. Can I see your best tough guy impression? Es necesario…for safety purposes. 

[fvckgem]

And this heart, however stupid it might be, wants a kitten! Whoa, you really think of everything, don’t you? Do you do that often? I mean, I know I’m a giant idiot, but I’d figure most people would come in here with a more solid game plan. 

Maybe I should just get an entire litter of kittens on my arm? I mean, that’s naturally what attracts the ladies, innit? 

[ameliatorres-blog]

Do I do what often?- oh, refer laser removal? No no no, you're right. Most people think it through a bit more. Honestly, I do more kicking people out when they come in wasted than that…but you don't seem drunk. 

So, let me get this straight. You're asking for a sleeve tattoo of an entire litter of kittens? Mhm, yep, the ladies won't be able to keep their hands off you. Are you sure you're ready for that? 

[fitzklein-blog1]

I’m impressed by the jeopardy remix. Since this is my first tattoo I kind of want it to mean something, my mom likes to play scrabble. Maybe a scrabble piece or something? 

[ameliatorres-blog]

Thanks, I'm really seeing it topping the Billboard top 100 charts at any moment now. Fingers crossed. Yeah, that…that's a nice sentiment. Guess my jeopardy remix actually worked, who would've thunk it? Any particular letter in mind? I could put her initials. Keep a part of her with you wherever you are. 

[elliot-everywhere]

That sounds really, really perfect. Honestly. How long would it take you to draw something like that out?

[ameliatorres-blog]

Well, since this is relatively small all things considered. I'd say a few hours, two hours max to flesh out the design. Um, let me see…

I have a few appointments today, but I have some time set aside in the afternoon for sketching. I can set you up an appointment for tomorrow. In the mean time, there's some paperwork to fill out. Minor forms.

[sashakovalenko]

I suppose you could say that. Yeah, I guess so. I haven’t really had time to get another, but I’m free now, and I don’t know. I’m new in town, and at a point where I’m trying to take a step forward in a new direction in life. That probably sounds stupid, but tattoos are supposed to mean something, no? Well I guess I need something that means it’s time to move on.

[ameliatorres-blog]

No. Not at all. Change is crucial. Could you imagine what the world would be if everyone stayed stagnant? Why not mark this milestone? Just take your time. I could bring you water or coffee while we hash out the plans.

[fvckgem]

That’s the thing about me, though —- if I don’t do it spur of the moment and all that, I’ll never do it at all. Now, really, what do you think of a tattoo of a kitten on my forearm? 

[ameliatorres-blog]

I'd say the heart wants what the heart wants. Saw a tattoo of the left shark from the Super Bowl half time show tattooed onto someone the other day, and hey, if that's what will make you happy…fine by me. I can even refer you to a plastic surgeon, who specializes in lazer tattoo removal. 

So, what'll it be? One kitten or go all out, have a party! Put multiple kittens in a woven basket. 

[elliot-everywhere]

Yeah, it’s my first tattoo… How’d you guess?

Some of my favorite places have been in Colorado, and Mexico. That help at all?

[ameliatorres-blog]

Call it an artist's intuition. 

Believe it or not, I'd say it helps quite a bit. I can add naturalistic elements. Details reminiscent of the desert and mountain ranges. Personalize it, you know. Make it not just a cold directional instrument, but something more…um, comforting. Let it point you somewhere worth going.

[fitzklein-blog1]

You’ll earn some good karma points for not just taking my money and hey, maybe I’ll come back for a second tattoo. The jeopardy tune might help me pick, I’m between two options.

[ameliatorres-blog]

Perfect! I can add it to my karma points piggy bank; cash them all in for a new apartment or something. Oh, umm,  I've got to say, this is the first time someone's actually taken me up on that offer...¡Ay! Bear with me here. Da da da da...I forgot how the jeopardy song went…sooo, break it down now. Freestyle, amateur beatbox style…da da da DUH DUH DUM!

 Did it work? Do you have a finalist? 

[sashakovalenko]

Oh no no, it’s not exactly impromptu, trust me. See, I have a bunch of different ideas that I do want. All scattered up in my mind, but I can’t pick which one I want first. I’m decisive on wanting them, but not on which I should get next. Such a hard choice.

[ameliatorres-blog]

Well, haven't you been a busy bee…it's understandable. Anything in that noggin that holds extra significance to you. I mean, you have all these ideas flowing around up there and you finally took the plunge to come get one done. What brought you in?…uh, what was your lightbulb moment? Other than the bright neon sign out there, that is... 

[fitzklein-blog1]

How long should I deliberate this decision? Cause I might chicken out if I don’t just rip off the band aid and do it.

How long should I deliberate this decision? Cause I might chicken out if I don’t just rip off the band aid and do it.

[ameliatorres-blog]

If I was wiser, I’d take your money and wouldn’t hesitate at all, but alas I’m clearly not the shrewdest businesswoman…and I’d say at the very least wait a day. The end choice is up to you of course. I can start humming the jeopardy tune and you can mull it over until times up.

[cory-lam-blog]

Oh god, oh god. This is a real commitment, isn’t it? I thought it was something I could just decide on a whim but now that you mention it, this is a big deal. I can’t even think of something important enough to tattoo on myself, I just want to seem tough.

[ameliatorres-blog]

I can lead the way to the grocer's down the street. They have one of those temporary tattoo vending machines. Less commitment. Cheaper too. I mean, fifty cents is quite the bargain. Muy muy barato. Just stay away from water and your street cred will stay intact.