My first Publication WIPED magazine | Page 16

YOUR TATTOO, YOUR IDENTITY Tattoos have been one of the biggest skin trends for the past 15 years, especially in Europe. Now, people don’t just use tattoos for their vanity, but instead to help hide scars, express their identity and to make a stance to something they believe strongly in. Here are three people with diverse reasons behind the ink on their skin. TO EXPRESS MYSELF Andrez Beltran, 22, uses tattoos to present strength and personal growth.“The story behind my tattoo literally lies behind my tattoo; self inflicted scars. The past few years of my life haven’t been the easiest and I fell into some bad habits and a lot of emotional distress. I incorporated my scars into the tattoo, one of the bigger more visible scars goes directly over the eye of the lion. To me that shows the battles the lion went through, his battle wounds, but he’s still here strong as ever. I am the lion.” BREAKING STEREOTYPES Kayleigh Peach, 24, u ses tatoos to make a stance against stigmas and societal expectations. “I knew getting a job with a face tattoo would be hard, but I don’t think we should have to hide our personalisty to suit others. My tattoo reminds me to be me, and to not let others opinions effect the way you think about yourself.” Kayleigh has over 30 tattoos over her body and admits “I’m a tattoo artist, so I will most proberly end up adding to them shortly.” Share your tattoos with us If this is caused any offense or has been a trigger for you, please by tagging contact Mind – call 0300 123 3393 or text 86463 (9am to 6pm on @wipedmagazine weekdays). 16 | W I P E D | Issue 01 Angelica Palaypaya, 21, uses tattoo as a form of expression. “My favourite tattoo is a quote ‘she flys her own wings’. It reminds me that I am a strong women and can do anything I put my mind to.” Angelica also has a tattoo of a lion on her forearm. “This gives me strength, lions symbolise courage and bravery whih is the way I always want to be in life. These are part of my identity and a way to remind me know I am daily.” TATTOO TO COVER SCARS