L's Ink Journey

Some tips and inspiration for your tattoo needs!

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The Monkey King

My third tattoo but my first revealing piece. It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions for this one. A full wrap around sleeve is something I’ve always wanted since I was 16 and I couldn’t be happier with how its turned out so far. 

I’ve been following a certain tattoo studio ever since I was 18. Chronic Ink, is rated as one of the top parlours in Toronto. They are known for their Asian style, which they have won countless awards for. An appointment with them is generally about an 8 to 12 month wait, depending on the artist. After years of contemplating of what I could possibly get, I finally made up my mind in November of 2016. I called to book an appointment with a certain artist assuming that I would see him in a year, when I would be financially ready. Out of sheer luck, a client had cancelled his appointments and there was an immediate opening within the month. This was an opportunity that would likely never come around again - I couldn’t say no.

As aggressive as this piece looks, there is sentimental meaning behind it. Two particular reasons - one of my earliest memories with my Mother is watching The Monkey King show with her. It was our favourite show. The second reason is because she was born on the year of the fire monkey. 

15 hours of needle time have been used so far, only about 3 more to go. The pain level of this piece was a 5/10 for the most part, but in certain areas can be an 8 or 9. The high rating is for the inner arm as well as the tricep areas. The rest of the arm felt so nice that I fell asleep. Truly felt like my spa day. 

Artist: David Hoang (Instagram: @davidhoangtattoo)

Studio: Chronic Ink

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福

This is my second piece, done only 2 months after I got my first. By this point, I was already addicted to ink. This small piece is dedicated to my Aunt, someone who meant the world to me and helped me get back on my feet, especially after the passing of my Mother. It translates to ‘happiness’, which is her name. 

I really am against the cliché of common tattoos. Chinese symbols seem to have populated over the years so I got my artist to do something unique. If you zoom into the picture, you’ll notice it has a brushy effect that almost looks like it was actually painted on with a brush. Not all artists can pull off this technique! 

Remember to keep the idea that tattoos are meant for yourself, forget what other people will think. Tattoo’s don’t change character, not then and not now.

The pain level of this piece is a 2/10 - It was the fastest and least painful tattoo I’ve ever had, in fact it felt like a 20 minute back scratch. I think getting the flu shot is more painful. 

Artist: Elisa Ngo (Instagram: @etothelisangoproblemo)

Studio: Under The Rose

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The First of Many

This is my first ever tattoo and it will forever be my favourite piece. It took about 4 years of thinking before I fully committed to the idea of getting something permanent on my body. This is a Vietnamese poem, dedicated to my Mother. The placement of this tattoo is placed above my heart, where I know my Mother will always be. 

You never forget your first! Make sure you sleep on the idea of getting a tattoo for a couple weeks before it becomes a regret. Tattoos are that much better when it means the world to you. 

Finding your artist is key. It is important to do some research on them before you go in for your consultation. Artists usually specialize in only certain areas (script, realism, dot work, etc.) and have a portfolio of the pieces they’ve done, which nowadays can be found on their social media. Their style should fit your needs.

The pain level of this piece is 7.5/10 - the chest area is known to be a sensitive area to get a tattoo, especially around the nipple. At the end of the day, it was 100% worth the pain. “No ragrets”.

Artist: Elisa Ngo (Instagram: @etothelisangoproblemo)

Studio: Under The Rose