How many times have you had someone ask you about the meaning of your tattoos as if all of your secrets are somehow hidden in plain sight and they are just missing the secret decoder ring? Tattoos are a form of personal expression and can hold great significance or simply just be fun or because we got bored. With everyone and their brother curious about the meaning of your tattoos, you'll get questions. Here are some ways to answer questions about the meaning of your tattoos

1. Be sincere and serious - tell them your pre-rehearsed story about what it means to you. Omit details that are irrelevant and pretend that all of your Ink was part of your plan to begin with.
2. Be a smartass - give them a snarky response that will make them regret ever asking in the first place. "That's the question I've been asking myself. One day they just started to appear and I don't know what they mean, maybe you can help me figure it out??"
3. Be vague - say something like "it's personal" or "it's just for me"
4. Tell them the honest truth - this is probably the best option, but be aware that some people may not like hearing the harsher realities of life
5. Make up a story - if you don't want to tell them the truth or you just feel like being creative, make up a story about what your tattoo means
6. Ignore them - if you don't want to talk about it, just pretend like you didn't hear them and keep on going about your day... If they are persistent revert to #2
7. Say nothing - another option is to just stay silent. Give a little smirk and/or wink and walk away. Just imagine the stories they will be telling themselves about the mystery that is YOU.

Just like the ink you've chosen, you are in control! But now when someone asks about the meaning behind your tattoos, you'll have a few new ways of answering to try on. Whatever direction you decide to go just be authentically you and remember, Life's too short to be boring...

JESSICA WILDE IS A WOMAN YOU WANT TO WEAR PROUDLY.

With the recent release of her new book, Wilde is an inspiration- showing the world how she transformed into a badass woman out of necessity and became a social media celebrity.

The book titled, GOING WILDE: How I Became The Woman I Was Meant To Be by Creating The Woman I Am Not, draws from true stories of her past and how that turned into remarkable success. Within the book, Wilde “explores the toxic nature of social media and reveals that true happiness lies far beyond the ‘like’ button.” The truth is, Wilde would endure a long and difficult journey to discover and define the real woman behind her social media identity.

This remarkably candid memoir follows Wilde’s thoughtful struggles to untangle social media’s jungle of destructive illusions and embrace her own authentic identity. It serves as a damning cautionary tale for anyone creating a digital façade on sites from Facebook, to Instagram, to LinkedIn.

mercedestourisms, especially women, should definitely get their hands on this book. 10/10 DO recommend. Which is our reason for highlighting the re-release of our Jessica Wilde x INK designs. A badass woman, a badass design, and a badass book. What more could you ask for? Shop the Jessica Wilde x INK design available in various styles now!

10 BADASS REALISM TATTOO ARTISTS

Though classic realism has been a part of the fine art since as far back as the Renaissance, it only found its way to the world of tattoos recently, cropping up around the latter half of the 20th century. Since then, this new tattoo style has become increasingly refined and extremely popular. As it now stands, you can find jaw-dropping color and black and grey portraits of pretty much any celebrity you can think of as well as realistic depictions of nature and just about anything else imaginable, even the surreal.

-- Justine Morrow "Essential Guide to Realistic Tattoos"

Many realism tattoo artists use the foundation built and inspired by Pop Art.

Using the technique of mapping shadows in photographs, realism tattoos are created.There is not one specific style or visual to realism tattoos. Practically anything can be turned into a Realism tattoo—from video stills, photographs, animals, flowers, paintings, and even memes, there is an artist out there who can do virtually anything. Below we have cultivated a list of some of our favorite Realism tattoos and artists. We know you guys are willing to go just about anywhere for your next ink, so check them out and get inspired!

From left to right, top to bottom:
@yunusonergenc
@snuffy.nyc
@comma_ttt
@shooby_tattoo
@antmikes
@ponywave
@douglasprudentetattoo
@robdansontattoo
@mihail_kogut
@fountain.nyc

1. To Express Yourself

You’re a really awesome person with cool likes and interests, and you want to express yourself in a permanent, easily recognizable way.

2. To Honor Someone’s Memory

You lost someone close to you and want to keep a part of them with you forever as a reminder of who they were and how much you loved them.

3. To Commemorate Important Events

You had an unforgettable time on vacation in France getting to see the Eiffel Tower for the first time, you fell in love with your child on the day they were born, or you persevered and are celebrating one year being sober. You want to remember the moment forever.

4. To Bond With Friends or Loved Ones

You and your bestie want to hold each other close for years to come with matching tattoos and the fun experience of getting them together.

5. To Cover Up Scars

You’ve got a big scar from breaking your arm, or from a surgery. You want to dress it up with a cool design so that your tattoo is the focal point instead.

6.To Stand Out From the Crowd

You’re a unique, badass individual and you want everyone to know it. Life is too short to blend in.

7. You’re Addicted After Getting One

You got one tiny tattoo just for fun and now you’re addicted and need more ASAP. We get it, it happens.