Take these broken wings & learn to fly.

Tomorrow is the big day. 

The day I have been waiting for, for almost two years now!

That's right... it's tattoo day! :)

About two years ago now I drew a picture, scanned it into the computer, edited the picture, printed the picture, grabbed a marker and edited the picture more. After starring at this drawing and constantly finding things to edit, I finally had it.  It was beautiful.  It represented me.  And it was unique. (Side note: I can not take full credit as I did look at other artists work to come up with this finished product.)

The picture is of a little bird sitting on a branch.  Hidden in the branch are The Beatles lyrics "Take these broken wings & learn to fly" the branch then spreads out into many other little twigs which turn into all these swirls.  It's beautiful. I love it.


For the past two years, I have talked with 4 different tattoo artists, shown tons of people the pictures, and still yet was unable to find anyone I trusted with this piece.  It seemed like everywhere I looked other artists had their own ideas and alterations they wanted to make to the drawing.  They wanted to add to it, they wanted to change it, they wanted to make it their own.  Unfortunately, that is not what I wanted.  I wanted to display my artwork.

If it wasn't an artist trying to change it, it was an artist not fit for the job.  One thing about tattoo's is, they are FOREVER.  You often hear the saying "you get what you paid for" it's true!  When I showed people the picture of my tattoo and told them what I wanted, they offered to cut me a deal, or get me in right away.  I wasn't looking for a deal, I was looking for perfection. Finally I found someone with talent, honesty, and professionalism.

Honest Jon at Slave to the Needle did my first tattoo ever; the one located on the back of my neck.  His lines were crisp, his hands were steady, and his placement was spot on. Although the tattoo on the back of my neck is just lettering, he did it with such perfection.  He made me triple check the placement when he threw on the stencil.  He took his time and made sure I enjoyed every step of the way. I didn't give him a whole sleeve or back piece to work with, just some small simple letters, and yet he treated it as if it were a masterpiece.  THAT IS AN ARTIST. 

So after searching around for two years, I am headed back to sit in the seat at Slave to the Needle with Honest Jon.  I can't even begin to explain the excitement.  I have found an artist that I trust, respect, and appreciate.  I know he will do amazing work tomorrow, and I know that he will be as passionate about this piece as I am.  The wait list was long, and sure his prices are a little bit more expensive, but this is going to be with me for life.  I would rather pay all my money and wait years and years for a good tattoo, than throw myself down in any old tattoo parlor just to get a deal, or get it done sooner.

So stay tuned for pictures to follow! And if you have a tattoo in mind and are looking for an amazing artist, go check out Honest Jon's work!  He can do it all, and he has got a talent that is hard to find!