I first entered the tattoo world three years ago, when some morning I decided to “picturize” all those things that I had inside my head and my heart. Consciously, one tattoo led to another, which combined to my experiences and horrors, led to my current self-image. I feel like I just can't get enough. Every day, I find small "beautiful" and "ugly" moments and the artist that tattoos me is constantly ready to tattoo me. I call him and I am like “Nick here's what we'll do toady”. I just love that.
Name: Joe
Profession: Social worker
Residence: Athens
How many tattoos do you have?
I haven't counted them.
Which artist(s) did your tattoos?
I started with Kostas Stoukas (Korydallos) and then I have been going to Nikos Nezeritis (Smiley Tattoo).
Which tattoo is your first and which one was your latest?
The first is the “Ankh” on my right arm and the latest are the dog footprints on my left hand.
Which tattoo is your favourite and why?
My pin up girl on my left arm with the dismembered hand and the microphone on the other (music and rottenness!).
Which tattoo artist do you admire?
Everyone! From anywhere! All kinds / designs! Different personalities / abnormality / expression / I love it!
Which tattoo style do you like best?
Everything - all! But I'd say... Traditional Japanese.
Do you regret getting any of your tattoos, if so why?
No! They remind me of moments - horrors of my life that come and go for a reason.
Have you done a tattoo cover up?
Never. No way!
Have tattoos affected your life? If so, in what way?
I love them... And I want to love many more of them!
Do you have an activity of yours that you would like to mention?
Music, music and music! By the way, together with my best friend we have been running a music website for new artists who like to share their work (muzikexposed.com).
HeartbeatInk would like kindly to thank Ma Gritte cocktail all day bar (Sofroniou 12 & Gazi, Athens) for the hospitality and the realisation of the photoshoot.
Photos by Ino Mei.
