Join us for the latest addition in our tattoo stories series as we meet digital creator and illustrator Eva Grist (@evamgrist) to chat all things tattoos and travels…
What can people expect to see when they follow you?
A lot of colourful fashion and life in my 20s! I’m so passionate about trying new things and doing things you love outside of work, so I try to create this sort of content alongside my fashion stuff. I’m also getting married in a couple of years so there will be wedding planning content soon!
What made you want to get tattooed? Was there a particular person or moment?
There wasn’t a particular moment or person. I’ve always loved art and studied it at college and uni, so putting art on my body was always something I wanted to do.
How old were you when you got your first tattoo? What was it and how do you feel about it now?
I was 18. I was so excited to turn 18 so I could get it but really didn’t know what I wanted. I ended up getting a daisy on my arm. My sister is called Daisy and she came with me to get it and I still love it.
Can you talk us through your tattoo collection? Any favourites or ones connected to a memory or something special?
I have a few that mean something and a few I just liked. My first tattoo was my daisy and then I got some butterflies just because I liked them.
I have two tattoos that are travel related, I got a lemon branch tattoo while in Italy as I wanted it to remind me of the trip. I also got a tulip tattoo in Amsterdam when we went for my sister’s 21st birthday.
Alongside my daisy tattoo, my most special tattoo is an illustration of my house. I bought it a couple of years ago and wanted a tattoo to remind me of it as it will always be my first house!
Do you think tattoos have to have a special meaning?
I don’t, I think it’s nice when tattoos have a special meaning but I also think you should get ones you like just because.
What’s been your favourite tattoo experience?
I haven’t had a bad one, but I think my favourite was in Italy, even though it was the tattoo that hurt the most. It was such a fun trip that it made the tattoo experience better.
What drew you to the style of tattoos you have?
I really like when people have loads of little arm tattoos that make up a patchwork sleeve so that drew me to getting more fine-line tattoos and tattoos that are mostly just line work.
I love colourful fashion (and interior decor) so I want to keep most of my tattoos colour free so they go with everything.
Do you have any tattoos planned? Or any artists you want to get tattooed by?
I do, I’m planning to get something related to Greece as I went there a few weeks ago and got engaged! So I want something to remind me of that moment but I’m not 100% sure what yet. I love music so I’d love a music-related tattoo. I’m also an illustrator so I would love to design some tattoos myself.
Is your illustration work inspired by tattoos?
Not completely, some pieces I’ve drawn would make great tattoos but most of my illustrations are inspired by places I’ve travelled. Some of my tattoos are also inspired by travel so they kind of link together.
Has getting tattooed had an effect on your body confidence or how you view yourself?
Yes definitely, I think my tattoos have helped me feel more confident. They just make me feel cooler, which I love, and I also think they display my personality.
What would you say to someone who thinks they need to change their body to get a tattoo?
I’d say just get the tattoo! Self acceptance comes from how you feel, not how you look and I found my tattoos helped my confidence.
Follow Eva on Instagram and read more tattoo stories on our blog.
Stay up to date with Things&Ink
Things&Ink is an online tattoo magazine celebrating tattoo culture, highlighting some of the most talented creators in the industry, and providing a space for their voices to be heard. Stay connected with us on Instagram and Facebook for the latest updates and features! You can view our other blog posts, here.