Samantha Mae from Pennsylvania
Where did you grow up?
Pine Grove, Pennsylvania.
How was it growing up there, would you say that it
influenced you?
It’s a very small town in the middle of nowhere, so it was
beyond boring. It takes an hour to get to a decent mall, so that should give
you an idea of how far it is from everything. Most of the time everyone who
grew up here ends up staying here and not doing anything exciting with their
life, I did not want to be one of those people.
When did you start getting tattoos?
I got my first tattoo when I was 16.
How would you describe your style?
I’m like the girly rocker type. My closet mainly consists of
black, studs and leather, but at the same time I’m still super girly with my
clothes. I basically live at concerts so I try to fit in the best I can with
the studded belts and typical all black attire, but I still like to keep it
feminine!
Do you consider tattoos as a serious art form?
Absolutely. I’ve always been into art since I was little, I can
draw, paint and whatnot, pretty well actually. I took more art classes than I can
remember in high school and college, but to be able to actually put something
on someone forever is not something I think I’d trust myself doing. There are
no erasers if you mess up, you get one shot and that’s it, so I highly respect
anyone who tattoos.
How do you see the tattoo culture right now?
It’s changing. There are still those people out there who frown
upon them (my grandparents especially!) but as a whole, tattoos are more
accepted now than ever.
What has been your inspiration for getting them?
I’m just a huge fan of art in general. There really isn’t a
particular meaning behind all of my tattoos, I usually get things I like or
that I’m a huge fan of. I have a lot of band tattoos and my right arm is full
of stuff I grew up on.
What’s your favorite piece?
My most recent piece is my favorite at this point, because it’s
so new. I got the wicked witch from The Wizard of Oz on my right hand. It’s one
of the few colored pieces I have, so it really pops against the rest of my
tattoos.
Do you catch people starring at you because of your ink?
I live in a super small community, so yes, I get stared at
constantly. Depending on whom it is and the reaction I get from them, it
usually doesn’t bother me. When you catch the older people staring and giving
dirty looks, that’s when I get a little irritated.
In your opinion, do your tattoos change your mood often?
I think so. I usually get tattooed the most when I’m stressed out.
A lot of people resort to alcohol or something else. I don’t drink so getting
tattooed was always my chance to get away from everything. By the time the
tattoo is done, I feel a thousand times better about my day.
What’s your most significant tattoo and why?
My Nikki Sixx autographs are probably it for me. I grew up
listening to nothing but 80’s hair bands, thanks to my dad, and Motley Crue has
been a favorite of mine since before I can remember. I had 2 tattoos for Nikki
by the time I met him so I got him to sign his name under the one. I had hopped
on a plane the next morning and went right to my tattoo artist to get it
tattooed. I had gotten 3 more after that so when I met him again I had him sign
under another one since he only wrote his last name the first time. I rushed to
my artist once again to make that one permanent as well. I know a ton of people
who adore and idolize famous people, but they never get a chance to meet them.
I have met him numerous times and I am grateful for each time, so to be able to
show people and actually be able to say that he himself signed me, feels
awesome.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to get their
first tattoo?
Research. Not only the piece you want to get, but the artist as
well. There are some shady people out there with tattoo machines and you don’t
want to get stuck with something that looks nothing like what you wanted. Money
isn’t an option when it comes to a good tattoo, so save up as well!!
Will you be getting anymore?
Absolutely. I’m running out of room at this point on places
I’m willing to get tattooed. I refuse to tattoo my chest and stomach so once I
finish my arm and my back I will be just about out of room!
What’s your biggest inspiration, what keeps you going?
My family. They really taught me growing up that nothing is handed
to you and if you want something you have to work for it. They are my biggest
fans and every day they inspire me to be the best I can and to go for what I want
and not settle for anything less than the best.
Do you have a favorite quote?
I’m not really a quote person per say. I live and breathe music,
so if anything I have a favorite line from a song. I have a line from a
Sixx A.M. song on my right rib cage and it says, “Just open your eyes and see
that life is beautiful.” I’ve been through a lot in my life and the song holds
true. I lost my best friend 7 years ago in an accident and even in my
darkest time I had to remember that everything happens for a reason. I have to
continue to live my life for her. It’s been a struggle, but every day I thank
her for giving me the strength to continue on and be successful with everything
I do.
Photographer's Credit:
LMDB Studios - 1,2,4,5,7,8,9,10.
Jim Wringley Photo - 3,6.