Hummingbird Tattoo
Ta-da! My new tattoo is almost healed. This was my first time getting inked, and in Taiwan no less!
So, a little about my new tattoo:
The original design for the tattoo was based off the artwork of Si Scott, a graphic designer and illustrator from Manchester.
The Hummingbird Tattoo
I chose the hummingbird as a reminder to myself to always seek the joy in life. Hummingbirds are thought to represent peace, love, and happiness. These tiny little birds are often called new world birds because they are native to North America, Central and South America. I really liked the idea of getting a tattoo that represents my North American heritage.
The ancient pagans believed that hummingbirds were sacred because of the tireless energy. They remind us to find the good in life and to seek beauty each and every day.
Hummingbirds are also incredible travelers, and have been known to fly as far as 2000 miles to reach their destination. This quality teaches us that we should always show persistence and determination in following our dreams and living out our lives to the fullest.
Where to go if you want to get inked in Taiwan:
There are dozens of tattoo studios in Taipei, including a special area of tattoo studios in the back alleys of Ximending. However, I chose to go with Needle No 8 Tattoo Studio, because they came recommended by Craig’s wife. She had a stunning tattoo done on her back last year and I didn’t need much convincing after I saw hers.
I went in knowing the original design had too much detail for a tattoo, so I asked the artist, Benjamin, to leave in as much detail as possible. I also wanted bright jewel tone colors incorporated into the design mainly because I’m planning to add a peony to it within the next year. Mason did the actual tattoo work in under four hours. A word to the wise, while Mason doesn’t speak any English, Benjamin’s spoken English is quite good. He will be the first to tell you that he doesn’t speak English, but be persistent. I promise, he knows far more than he lets on. He’s just a little shy.
As it turned out, I arrived on the evening of my appointment just as Benjamin and Mason were finishing up with their latest customer. After chatting with him for a few minutes, he revealed that he was from Brunei and the ONLY reason he was in Taiwan was because he wanted his tattoo done by Mason and Benjamin. Apparently, these guys are well known throughout Asia for their artwork and expertise. Hearing his story was like music to my ears.
Needle No 8 Tattoo Studio
No.5 Alley 29.Lane205. Sec.4, Chung Hsiao E.Rd., Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
Taiwan, Taiwan
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This tattoo looks really good! And I like what it represents, that it has such a great meaning to it. Tattoos that stands for something meaningful are the best ones. I wouldn’t want a tattoo only because it looks beautiful, I want it to stand for something, to act as a reminder – like your hummingbird.
And these guys Benjamin and Mason sounds awesome. If I ever visit Taiwan (which I hope), I know exactly where to go for my next tattoo!
So, when will you get your next one…? Or was it a one time thing?
Erica Johansson´s last blog ..Music That Makes Me Happy: Enjoy Ya Self
Hi Erica,
I’m surprised at the number of people who get tattoos that don’t have any meaning. This tattoo was a rite of passage for me in many ways and yes, there is more to come. The second part of it involves my favorite flowers, peonies. This one will be a tribute to the women in my family, and will also have meaning because my grandmother grew champion peony bushes in her garden, and my mother grows them as well.
Peonies have a long history rooted in Chinese and Japanese culture, so I believe it’s an appropriate symbol to use as it will represents how I have flourished in Chinese culture over the past seven years. Peonies represent prosperity, success, and romance, and also a daring or devil-may-care attitude – a symbol to remind myself to always take a chance in the things I most deeply believe in.
Dear Carrie,
That is one awesome tattoo! Reading your article is really convincing me to get one for myself. And it is lovely that you explained the original meaning of the hummingbirds. I think it suits your in any way.
Kelly
Thanks Kelly. You’ll have to let me know if you ever decide to get one. I’d love to see what you come up with!
I love it!! It’s beautiful!! Congrats on getting your first tattoo, it’s quite a transformative process.
Sarah´s last blog ..‘We have broken the speed of light’
OMG! What a badass you are! Lol. I can’t even imagine how painful that was. No pain, no gain – right? I agree with Erica. Tattoos are a form of self-expression and it’s something that should be timeless.
Wow thats a big tattoo for your first time, I have 4 now and I still havent gotten one that big
Very cool! I don’t have the guts to get inked, but I’m definitely digging your new tattoo. Beautiful colors.
@JoAnna @Fighting Windmills Thank you!
WOW! It is gorgeous, Carrie! I love that so much of the detail was retained and the reasons why you chose it are perfect.
Excellent, Carrie. I will keep this place in mind. I would like to get another tattoo. I know a great tattoo artist in Hong Kong but the idea of going to Taiwan just for ink is rather exotic.
Steve,
Please do! How can you possibly pass up a photowalk with Taiwan’s best photographers and the chance to be inked by a great artist? Dinner and drinks are on me when you come!
Amazing tattoo, I love the story behind it as well. I think the hummingbird suits you very well.
Thanks Michelle!
i love hummingbirds too, its a very feminine tattoo, with a spiritual meaning:)
Hi Carrie, that looks gorgeous! The colours are beautiful and the design is very pretty, much nicer than the standard hummingbird tattoos I’ve seen before. This one is delicate yet at the same time powerful, I’m checking out the artist’s site next! I also love your story behind the tattoo, it certainly beats my coworker’s “drunken bachelor night” tweety bird tattoo… So, did it hurt much?
Hi Kim,
Thank you! I’m glad I decided to go with color. I was thinking for the longest time that this would be more of a tribal tattoo, but one look at Benjamin’s color sleeves convinced me that color is exactly what this piece needs. I thought the whole process would be a lot more painful than it was. It hurt, but it was completely bearable. The day after I felt like I had been hit with a bat, but whenever I looked at it, it all felt worth it.
What a beautiful tattoo! Watch out, it can be addicting. I thought I would just get one, and here I am with two. I know where I’ll go for my third now, if I ever get a third. =)
Cahleen´s last blog ..Belly Pic #1
Cahleen,
So they say. My brother and sister are both ink addicts. My sister was just starting a full back piece last December and I got to see the completed project when I was home last month. I think this is her 5th or 6th piece and she admitted that she probably only had one more in her. My brother, on the other hand, seems to have a new one every time I see him.
[...] Carrie Kellenberger gets inked at the Needle No 8 Tattoo Studio in Taiwan. [...]
The design is great and the colors came out well. Sometimes the artists go light on women and the colors don’t come out as bold.
Gorgeous – simply gorgeous! As Anil said, the colours seem to have taken well. Awesome! (Good placement too)
Nora, Anil, Matt, and Peder,
Thanks for dropping by and complimenting, er, commenting.
that’s an AWESOME tattoo and I normally hate tats!
Nomadic Matt´s last blog ..Of Shopping Malls and Supermarkets: Visiting the Unvisited
Very cool Carrie, and my sympathies for your grandmother.
Peder´s last blog ..In Which an Old-Fashioned Writer Praises New Media
Dear Carrie,
That’s an awesome tatoo! I’ve never seen a more beautiful one!!
My condolence too to you and your family who have lost your beloved grandmother! What a sweet series of pictures you posted to remember her. She’d smile!
that is a beautiful tattoo and they did a great job doing an intricate job.
hope you’ll vote on the best of taipei restaurants poll on my blog when you have time!
Looooove the new tat, sweetie. I’m glad you finally took the plunge. I want to get some work from your artist. My own massive arm piece is still a work in progress. Am planning to get more done to it in Singapore.
You go girl!
JSBellllllizeeeeee!
Joshua Samuel Brown´s last blog ..Belize Day Three: On the Wings of a Dove
Josh,
Ahem. It would be cool if we could finish our video series and follow up on a tat story when you come back. We have much to discuss, my friend!
Very nice tatto, I think it looks great. I love on the first line when you say that the hummingbird is a reminder to “seek the joy in life.” That is an awesome attitude to have when doing just about anything.
Hi Mark,
It’s true. These are words to live by.
I love the brilliant colors. It came out very well. It is amazing that hummingbirds can go 2 miles must less 2000.
KewlGadget ´s last blog ..Multi-Directional Drive Car – The Nissan Pivo 2
Kewl Gadget,
Thank you! Yes, I was also surprised to learn this fact.
nice tattoo,how much did you pay for that tattoo ?
Nice ink! I’ve been thinking about a hummingbird tattoo as well — but using the cover of Leonard Cohen’s album “The Future” as inspiration. Agreed that colour was the way to go!
Daniel´s last blog ..Looking Back: Saigon
Hi Daniel,
I look forward to seeing it when it is finished. I know exactly which album you’re talking about. It’s the perfect piece for a tattoo!