For this project, I created a zine about my tattoos. We started making our zines together in class, but I continued adding to mine on my own. I chose tattoos because I have so many of them, and I thought it would be fun to recreate them on paper. I’m not a particularly skilled artist, so I did my best to draw them as accurately as I could. Some have personal meanings that aren’t apparent to the naked eye, and without context, they’re completely open to interpretation. I think that’s part of what makes them interesting. They’re a form of self-expression that doesn’t necessarily require an explanation.
My tattoos still reflect my style. They are a permanent style, but style nonetheless. Also, my tattoos save me on the hard days when I can’t put a cute outfit together. I think this connects to Luther et al.’s discussion of DIY composition, particularly the idea of “making do.” I wasn’t working with professional artistic skills or trying to create perfect reproductions. I simply used what I had available to make something personal. The imperfections in my drawings are part of that process.
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