The Family Business

When I was 16 years old I wanted to get a tattoo.  I didn't know what I wanted and I wasn't even sure where.  I started to explore ideas, but I always knew that I wanted a compelling story behind it.  Don't get me wrong, to each their own.  If you want a dragon on your calf, then get that dragon.

For me, however, I wanted a story.  Well, I turned 18 and pitched the idea to some people in my life who ultimately told me to think about it... for several years.  In due time if I still wanted a tattoo as badly as I wanted one 3 years ago, then go under the needle and prepare for some pain.

Wait I did and at the age of 21 I went to Big Bear Tattoo and got a tattoo alongside my life partner... er.. best friend Mike Rigdon.  We got meaningful tattoos that would represent a piece of who we were and act as a reminder of our Jesus.

Not that I'm not proud of the tattoo, but I got it on my shoulder where most people will never see it.  Most of you may not even know I have one.  And that's OK.  I wake up in the morning, read the Psalm on my arm and remind myself to plant myself near that river.

If we fast forward 7 years and one baby girl later, the time had come to endure the pain of the needle once more.  For those of you with a tattoo, you understand the itch you get for another.  You seem to forget the 2-3 hours of pain that happened and all you can think about is the final product and how amazing it is.

I had my story and this time I'm not concealing it.  Audrey has tiny feet and they're very cute.  So, let's put them on my arm for me to look at for my entire life and remember how small they once were.  And, Allie went through more than I could ever conceive to bring this beautiful little girl into this world.  Allie loves lily's and flowers make for some beautiful arm art.  I had my components and now I needed an artist.

A quick Google search revealed a tattoo parlour in Exmouth Market.  Some of you may remember that I blogged about Exmouth and how amazing their street food was.  I went there for the purpose of checking out The Family Business.

The Family Business is an Italian owned Tattoo shop that has been in Exmouth Market for 10 years.  The art looked legit and I was ready to make my appointment.  But, I needed baby feet first.  So, we waited for little Audrey to come, snagged some prints of those cute little feet, and scanned a copy to Stuart Archibald.

The best part of the experience was coming home to my mom holding Audrey and asking me what happened to my arm.  Surprise mom!  She's still a little shocked and understandably doesn't get it.  Not sure I get it either, honestly.  All I know is that it's beautiful and I can't wait to see it for the rest of my life.

Below are some pictures of the shop and the process.  I absolutely love it and look forward to sharing these little feet with Audrey when she gets older.

The Family Business

This is the book that the owner wrote

Tattoo people. Shop reception

Bamboo walls are key

First Stuart drew it out.  I approved and he printed it out on special paper and then wrapped it on my arm.  Then they put a solution on the paper that makes the ink stick to my skin.  He used it as a guide, but surprisingly there's a lot more free hand going on.

Feet are finished and her name is done.  He was outlining the flowers before adding the color.

Finished product!