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Tattoos have more or less become my thing, which is weird considering no one in my family has them. I didn't even think about getting one until my 22nd birthday. Don't know about you, but I was feeling 22. I’ve been an avid collector for 7 years now, during which I’ve amassed 20-something of varying shapes, sizes, and colors. Plus I'm a big fan of the artwork and artistry that goes into creating them. You can usually find me at tattoo shows/conventions cruising around just snagging paintings or flash sheets. There are some HELLA talented tattoo artists out there.
People are always asking about the stories behind my artwork… while subsequently stroking my arm like they’re made of braille. Comes with the territory. So let’s make a series out of it. VH1: Behind the Ink! And what better place to start than at the very beginning... ![]()
The year: 2009.
The place: A semi-shady spot in Billerica, MA - Sugar Skull Tattoo. The reason: Because I’m 22 and it will look sweet. There I am trying to think of what I want for my very first tattoo. “Well Vic, it has to be something you love! Something you care deeply about and holds great symbolic value. Something you will cherish for the rest of your life and proudly show off to your future grandkids. No regerts. Stories will be written about this tattoo in the history books. ‘THE MAN WITH THE RADDEST INK EVAH KEHD!’ OK I got it!” “A TRIBAL HAMMERHEAD SHARK!” I do love sharks… I did go to school for marine biology. I literally google ‘tribal hammerhead shark tattoo’ and print the first picture I come across. To Sugar Skull we go! The ink on the printer paper was still hot as I handed it over to the man who would do the deed. To protect his identity he will be referred to as 'The Butcher'. ![]()
Swung for the fences and went right for the tit. Two painful, selfie-filled and sweaty hours later it was done! The Butcher had tripled my chances at picking up chixxx on OkCupid.
“OH MY ISH DUDE SIQQQQQQQQQ!” I stared at that thing for hours in the mirror, flexing my non-existent upper pec like I was Arnold Effing Schwarzenegger. “GET TO THE CHOPPAH!! PUT THE COOKIE DOWN! DILLLLLLLLONNNNNNN!” ![]()
Flash forward to May of 2012. After three years of tattooage and a bit of reconnaissance work, I decided it was time to say goodbye to Mr. Sharky-Poo. I wouldn't say I regretted the shark tattoo… I just realized that it was a complete waste of prime canvas space. Had I initially placed it on my leg or something it may still be there today. But...It was time to move on to greener pastures (and significantly better artists/artwork).
With the help of a very talented tattoo artist by the name of Jebb Riley, we made the shark disappear and become part of something more elaborate and unique. I’ve always liked traditional style tattooing and opted for something big, bold, detailed and colorful. After two brutal 6 hour sessions (holy nipple burn Batman!), the task was complete!
End result: A beautifully detailed panther headdress. If you look closely you can see how the shark was weaved into the final image of the panther dude. What was once my lamest tattoo is now quite possibly my favorite of the bunch.
R.I.P. In Peace Mr. Sharky-Poo. Gone but never forgotten.
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