Every now and then something comes along and drags us like a freight train out of our comfort zone. Sometimes it starts as a whisper, ends like a roar and we’re left wondering how we didn’t see it coming ahead of time. It’s these places that dare us to go beyond what we thought possible.
Last week for Kaitlin it was probably quite obvious coming into the tattoo that it was set to be transformative. Certainly from a physical aspect but likely in other, less tangible ways.
Expectations
For me personally, if I’m being honest I’m not sure what my expectations were. I’ve learned over the years it’s best to leave expectations at the door and just focus on the job at hand. Maybe that’s why I feel there’s been a shift. One that I didn’t see coming.
Several years ago I wrote a blog about a different type of tattoo experience I would be offering, titled “Beyond the Black”. Where I would aim to complete a large-scale tattoo over consecutive days. Inspired by the approach of Gordon Toi I wanted to push the limits of what was possible for the client, their skin, my vision, and both of our endurance.
Beginning of the week
Last week’s sessions with Kaitlin certainly pushed all of the above and as a result, we’re both permanently changed from our time spent together. A fork in the road that changes the path ahead.
Creating large-scale tattoos requires extended time with the same person. So who you’re spending that time with determines how you’re spending it. I don’t enjoy time together with people who aggressively try and push my process. I give my all to every client on any given day. Trying to force any more out of me is counterproductive and has the potential to tarnish the experience.
“Oh Fine”
But there is a way to passively push me that can’t be overestimated. Kaitlin turned up and projected the trust she had in my ability to design the right tattoo for her. I was free to do as I pleased and could do it with confidence, knowing that we had each other’s trust. So began the start of her backpiece.
My lack of expectation at the beginning of the week began to unravel and hope started to creep in. Every morning I would be at the studio waiting for Kaitlin and when she arrived I’d ask how she was doing. Every time the answer was the same. With a wide-eyed smile “Oh me, I’m fine thanks”. I got the same response when I was in the middle of tattooing her on any given day and checked in with how she was doing.
When I asked if I could just “go back into a certain area?” Or reposition her to increase the stretch I’d get the response every time of “Oh sure, whatever you need”, with that same smile.
I truly felt that we were in this together with a commitment not just to each other but also to the completion of the tattoo. Her attitude inspired the process of the tattoo and along the way me with it.
Kaitlin made the flight from America and sat through a week of tattooing to realize this tattoo. She’s been on my client list since 2019 and to say it was a pleasure to finally welcome her at UN1TY last week and a privilege to tattoo her is an understatement. When we said our goodbyes on Friday afternoon I jokingly said if I get a cancellation next week maybe she could take it and we’ll get her front done before she flies home. Her response. “Yeah sure, just let me know”. The funny thing about it is I’m still not sure if she was joking.
Thank you Kaitlin!!!
“You’re not just a tattooer. You’re a navigator.” – Gordon Toi Hatfield
