“When I first start getting a tattoo, it isn’t too bad, but as time goes on its start to feel uncomfortable and the tattoo becomes more sensitive. You can’t move or adjust, but it usually isn’t as bad as you anticipate that it is going to be. It is hard sitting in one place for hours, just like driving a car. I drive from Columbia, South Carolina for Sean Herman to do my tattoos. Between arm, torso and neck, I have spent about 70 hours with him. I was unsatisfied with the tattoos I had when I was younger and started collecting tattoos from different artists but got more and more from Sean because I was happy with each one. You want to be happy with your tattoos because they are on you forever. I forget I have them until someone makes a comment or I see a picture or a reflection in the mirror. When I started I didn’t think I would be fully covered. I thought a couple would be the end of it and it snowballed. Now I have to fill in the small spots that aren’t connected and give the whole thing continuity. Tattoos change the way people perceive you. I go out to eat with my family and they notice people staring or making comments. I don’t notice it and it doesn’t bother me. Most of my tattoos don’t have personal meaning. I come to Sean with a theme or idea, but I give him the artistic freedom because my ideas may make a terrible tattoo.”