My new tattoo

Six years ago I got a tattoo of a butterfly on my right shoulder. It was done at a studio called Sims Tattoos in Croydon by an artist called Carrie. I got that tattoo to represent rebirth and renewal. Since then I've wanted another tattoo but I just haven't found the right reason or time to get one done. For the last couple of years I thought about getting a salmon tat on my arm but just didn't ever get round to pursuing it further.

Earlier this month I was in Hitchin photographing the churchyard, see below:

While I was there I noticed a new tattoo studio called Churchyard Tattoos I had a look at their work and read up on some reviews and thought I'd go in and see them. The staff were really friendly even though I felt a bit of a middle aged woman compared to the lad who chatted to me. He said Tom could do my tattoo and we looked at different images of salmon and Japanese themes so Tom the artist could get an idea of what I wanted. Later I emailed Tom explaining why I wanted the tattoo as well as explaining that I'm partially sighted so I didn't want anything to fussy or complicated. I needed a nice colourful image.

I wanted the salmon for some obvious reasons, that it was my maiden name but also because salmon represent determination, over coming obstacles and wisdom. I liked the Japanese theme even though its more traditional to have a Koi with the Japanese waves and cherry blossom. The cherry blossoms represent new beginnings, love and happiness.

Tom sent me a photo of the design he had done which was ace so I went in to get it done. They estimated that it would take 4 hours maybe 5! Gulp.

I actually had had enough of the pain and was feeling quite light headed after 3 hours so Tom persuaded me to come back in 2 weeks to have it finished. I went back on Thursday and it took an and a half to complete it. Here's a photo of it the morning after which Jase took for me.

The colours are fab and will actually get brighter after it has healed properly. I'll post another photo in 6 weeks time when it will be looking its best!