Tattoos, there is no denying that over the last few decades the popularity of them has increased at a rapid speed. The entire industry has grown and has become an art form all by itself. People search for months looking for an artist who can really bring something special to their body, travelling the length of the globe for the perfect tattoo. Force in the Flesh by Shane Turgeon (and its sequel), showed Star Wars fans that even they were following this trend of having their skin inked with their favourite franchise.
I always assumed at some point I would get a Star Wars tattoo, I already have a couple of surf related ones on my arm. Surely, getting a Star Wars tattoo would be an obvious step to show my love for it. Of course, I had daydreamed about it. I thought I would have something focused on the Rebellion, perhaps the Rebel logo with images contained within this iconic symbol. It is a symbol of hope, freedom and the power to do good in the galaxy, not a bad message to have on your body for the rest of your life. Little did I know the power of the dark side…
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On May the fourth I was scrolling through the offers available for Star Wars. I had just brought a huge amount of comics digitally on ComiXology when there was an advert for Star Wars tattoos in celebration of the day. Amongst the designs were Grogu, Ahsoka, and Stormtrooper, but it was one in particular that caught my eye, Darth Vader. There was something so familiar yet unique about the design that called to me. That was when I messaged Sophie Jennings at New Identity. She let me know that it was available, and we could begin it at the start of June. I paid my deposit and eagerly awaited the date.
Now I should say that I have watched Sophie’s career closely since she began tattooing a few months ago. Yes, you have read that right, months. Sophie is an apprentice and if I do say so myself an extremely talented one. Her work has always amazed me with its style and attention to detail, so although some would say going with an apprentice is risky, I felt confident that I would be ok in Sophie’s hands. She also said that she was eager to ink something geeky as she hadn’t had a lot of opportunity to do any up till now.
So, the start of June arrived and I walked into New Identity in Pelsall, UK ready to go. Our first step was to have my leg shaved (an experience in and of itself) and having the stencil of the design placed. The piece would be going on the side of my right leg so I made myself comfortable as Sophie started. We began talking about Star Wars and what was really cool, was that Sophie is a true fan. Discussing favourite characters, she told me one of hers was Anakin, quickly adding Anakin from The Clone Wars not the prequels. A sure sign of someone who knows what they’re talking about. From there, we discussed the films, Rebels, The Mandolorian and everything in between. During this time, she mentioned that she would love to do an Ahsoka tattoo at some point.
For the first sitting, Sophie was there for six hours inking my leg. At one point I couldn’t help but notice a smile on her face and she confirmed to me she was really enjoying herself. As I caught momentary glances while she paused, I was able to see just how amazing her work was. The dark lord was taking shape on my leg right before my eyes. Some may ask about the pain but this was never issue; trying to stay comfortably sat for that long was! But seeing the result, even unfinished, was beyond any of my expectations. As Sophie finished up for the day, I stood looking in the mirror and couldn’t believe my eyes. The detail, the shading, it all made my jaw just hang open before a smile came across my face. I could tell Sophie was really happy with her work as well.
So, I came away to let the work heal before I go back to have the work completed. Gazing at Vader (and gazed at it I have) I can’t get over the detail in the piece. The grill piece, the chain and those eye lenses. Sophie still wants to finish the top of the helmet, the hand, and the red streaks, but even so, you can see the quality and expertise that Sophie has. Again, as an apprentice! To say that Sophie is an artist to watch is an understatement, as her skill far outstretches the time she has been doing tattoos. It might not have been the symbol of hope I initially was thinking, but when a piece calls to you, I think its best to follow your instincts. I’m so glad I did!
Sophie has stated that she would love to do more tattoos like this one, I can’t wait to see them when she does. As someone who is a fan, you can see that she really puts her fandom into her work to create a wonderful piece. To follow the updates of the tattoo and Sophie’s work, you can find her on Instagram and also see the incredible work she has already done in the short time she’s been inking. And that Ahsoka piece Sophie really wanted to do? Well, I might have some space next to Vader.
