Being Thankful for Tattooing

Every Thanksgiving we reflect on what we’re thankful for. This year I am especially thankful for tattoos. I was first introduced to tattoos when my mom got her first one on her shoulder blade. The tattoo has three flowers representing my mom, my sister and me with “my two daughters” in Chinese. From that moment on, I fell in love with the art of tattooing. When I was playing with my Barbies, I would take black permanent markers and draw flowers and butterflies all over their bodies. I had begged my mom since I was 16 years old to let me get a tattoo.  When she said no, I took India ink and a sewing needle and poked a moon onto my ankle (don’t try this at home kids). When I turned 18, the only thing I asked my mom for was a tattoo. She agreed, and I was hooked. After I spoke to my artist about becoming a tattooer, he told me not to do it.  He said that it isn’t always guaranteed money, and it takes a while to build up a client base.  But I didn’t care, I knew it was what I wanted to do. After a year of building my portfolio, I got a tattoo apprenticeship, and my life changed forever. I’ve met some of the greatest people who are now my closest friends. I’ve gotten to travel the state and meet artists from around the world at conventions. This career was definitely the right choice for me. Every day I go into the shop, I have more fun than the last and I get to create works of art on people that they get to keep for the rest of their lives. I am beyond thankful.

Casey Ritacco

No turkeys were harmed in the creation of this AI image.