Zero To 60

I once knew a man who had gone his whole life without a tattoo. At age 60, he did not have a single piece of ink. His life had been spent in the government sectors, where tattoos were neither fashionable nor accepted in corporate and government-based careers. He had always admired the art of tattooing from afar but had refrained from getting any due to professional constraints. However, upon nearing retirement, he decided to embrace this long-suppressed desire.

"When I fell into the dark muck of depression around age 59, that pushed me to finally stop stalling and get my 1st tattoo which was aimed at me rebalancing my life and wanting permanent reminder of my need to balance."

Starting at 60, he began an extraordinary journey that saw him transform from a clean slate to a canvas of intricate artistry. The first tattoo marked the beginning of an astonishing metamorphosis. By the age of 65, this man, who had never before experienced the sting of a tattoo needle, had covered 90% of his body with stunning works of art. It was an incredible feat, not just because of the sheer amount of ink but because he did it in such a short span of time.

I had the honor of tattooing his entire left leg, a project that kicked off our professional relationship and blossomed into a deep friendship. His leg became a tribute to the ocean's mysteries, featuring majestic whales, playful dolphins, and deep-sea divers exploring the underwater world. As we worked together, session after session, we delved deeper into his passion for marine life, each tattoo bringing us closer and forging a unique bond.

The most ambitious project was his back, a massive canvas that we dedicated to a dramatic scene of maritime lore. This piece featured a fearsome kraken emerging from the depths, a wrecked ship caught in it's tentacles, and men struggling in the water, embodying a timeless tale of the sea's perilous nature. This back piece extended onto his ribs, making it a challenging yet exhilarating endeavor. It was a testament to his resilience and commitment, as well as his willingness to endure the pain that came with such an extensive and detailed work of art.

It was remarkable to witness his transformation, not just physically but also in terms of his self-expression. He wears his tattoos with pride, each piece a part of a larger narrative that spoke to his new found freedom and passion for the art form. His journey is unique, as it’s uncommon for someone to start tattooing at such an advanced age and then go on to nearly cover their entire body. The dedication he shows is inspiring, as is the joy he finds in each new piece added to his collection.

By the winter season of 2024, we aim to complete both the intricate leg and the epic back piece. Despite the occasional aches and discomfort that come with the process, he always approaches each session with enthusiasm and a positive attitude. We’ve captured his journey in a series of photos, documenting the progression from his first tentative tattoo to the nearly finished masterpieces. It’s incredible to see how far he has come, and these images serve as a visual diary of his transformation.

This remarkable journey wasn't just about getting tattoos; it was about reclaiming a part of himself that he had kept hidden for years. It was a celebration of his freedom, his interests, and his courage to defy norms and embrace what he truly loved. The financial investment, around $25,000 in just two years, was significant, but it was a testament to the value he placed on this artistic and personal exploration.

To my dear client and friend, Rene, you are a giant among tattoo collectors! Your story is an inspiration, a testament to the idea that it's never too late to start something new and beautiful. Your journey is unique, not just because of the volume of ink but because of the passion and pride with which you wear it. It's been an honor to be a part of this transformative chapter in your life.

Now that we have shown the leg through it various sessions. Let us switch gears to the back and rib piece. I love this tattoo and mostly because the Kraken was freestyle as well as my eyeball signature and the kraken cave. When you have a relationship you get to take risk and get that reward. The back piece is not done, but we got far this past season.

You will need to come back in the 2024 winter season to see us finish this back piece. We will finish up the ribs and go onto the stomach. The overall image is now down and now the detail layers and blending come. The real magic is yet to be seen. So head back right here to see the conclusion of this back as well as the leg we still have to finish.

Hope you enjoyed this one. Leave some comments and make sure to like the post.

Peter Bogdanov