Jamie Mayhem from
Columbus, OH.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Cleveland, OH.
When did you start
getting tattoos?
I started getting tattooed over a decade ago. My
parents had to sign for my first few tattoos, and I was pretty heavily covered
by the time I was eighteen.
How would you describe
your style?
I’m a big fan of fetish fashion, and the
cabaret Goth look.
Do you consider
tattoos as a serious art form?
I think that tattoos definitely can be a
serious art form. I feel that this depends a lot on the skill of the tattooer,
the design chosen, the reason for wanting tattooed, etc.
How do you see the
tattoo culture right now?
I think that perceptions of tattooed people
and tattoo culture have changed a lot over the last 20 years. Mainstream
culture is much more accepting of tattoos and modifications now than in
previous years.
What has been your
inspiration for getting them?
I’ve gotten some inspiration for tattoo
designs from music, or books, or my own artwork. And some of my tattoos are
inspired by events and things going on in my life.
What’s your favorite
piece?
My favorite tattoo on me right now is probably
the lotus flower on my throat. There isn’t any real story behind it; it is just
good artwork and one of my more recent tattoos.
Do you catch people
staring at you because of your ink?
All the time! It is usually a very positive
response though, and people are a lot of times just curious and want to ask
questions about my tattoos.
In your opinion, do
your tattoos change your mood often?
Getting tattooed can change my mood. Having
the tattoos doesn’t change my mood so much. Most of them have been there for so
long that they are just a part of how I see myself.
What’s your most
significant tattoo and why?
Some of my tattoos have meanings behind them,
and many of them do not. A lot of them mark different points in my life, and
things that were important to me at the time that I got the tattoo done. On a
whole, they pretty much express the story of my life.
What advice would you
give to someone wanting to get their first tattoo?
Find a good artist! Do your research and find
a reputable shop to go to, and an artist that understands exactly what you
would like your tattoo to look like.
Will you be getting
anymore?
Of course.
What is one thing that
life has taught you?
Set goals for yourself, and never hesitate to
follow your dreams.
Do you have a favorite
quote?
I don’t really have a favorite quote, but here
is one that I heard recently that I liked- “If it is to be, it is up to me.”
Anything else you
would like to add?
Aside from tattoos, some of my interests
include hook suspension, latex clothing, sideshow, and Hello Kitty.