Just as there are no two snowflakes are alike, so should the tattoos.
That's the idea, but who are we kidding? In a time defined by social
networks where every single thing must absolutely be is
shared, the chances of you having anything original is pretty slim.
This and the fact that I cannot draw, have lowered my expectations when
it comes to getting an original tattoo design. But what if you could get
someone to tweak a design for you? Isn't that option a lot better than
having something that is a 100% knock-off? Such promise (and the fact
that the place is just a stone throw away from where I live) was the
very thing that lured me to Snow Tattoo.
Snow Tattoo is a two-year old tattoo shop located on the second level of
saGuijo Cafe & Lounge. It is young compared to the more popular
(and expensive) tattoo shops but it managed to find its way to the
hearts of ink enthusiasts. In this tattoo shop, clients have the option
to get an original design. You see, Sarah is a talented artist, she can
either tweak the design that you want so it'd be your own, or sketch a
new design right off the bat.
Everything about Snow Tattoo, I love. It's like an antithesis of tattoo
shops; no loud rock music playing, no thug-looking people hanging about,
the walls were painted in white, and the place was well lit. There's a
comfy couch to accommodate the clients, interesting art pieces scattered
about, and the intricate drawings of Sarah are on display.
 |
| Snow Tattoo interiors (Sorry I'm in the picture, it's just that I have no other photo of the couch hehe...) |
There is only one artist in this tattoo shop, Sarah, so it is quite
important to get an appointment beforehand. When I mentioned earlier
that Sarah is talented, I meant it by the true sense of the word. Aside
from doing tattoos, Sarah is an indie actress, a music artist, and a
model. Oh yeah, she's a rock star, Sarah and Pao comprise the electronic
rock duo, Turbo Goth.
Imagine being inked by a rock artist, yes, I'm stoked! At first I
thought it would be awkward because it's easier to believe that
celebrities are a bunch of arrogant bastards, but Sarah and Pao are just
the opposite. They arrived with big smiles on their faces and they were
quite apologetic for being late. Sarah even kissed me on the cheek. I
was like, wow, these people are something.
I brought the design that is the inspiration of the tattoo that I want. I
stumbled upon this photo while searching for a mandala design. Mandala
is a ritual symbol in Buddhism and Hinduism, signifying the universe. |
| The inspiration |
I showed the design and told her that I want it on the edge of my
shoulder and that it should fall a little bit on the upper part of my
right arm. Upon asking what would be the damage, she answered that
something that big may cost me anywhere between 8,000 to 12,000. My
heart sank because I was only carrying 8,000 bucks. Just when I was
already thinking of leaving sans a new tattoo, Sarah asked what is my
budget. I said that I could shell out 7,000 to 8,000. To my surprise
(and utter delight), she said "okay". I appeared calm but inside I was
jumping up and down. Finally! I could get inked by Sarah Gaugler!
 |
| Negotiation |
Sarah then began working on my design. Though she was looking at the
photo for inspiration, I gave her free reign on how she could tweak it
so it wouldn't be in the exact likeness of the original. While waiting,
my companion, Christian and I talked with Pao. Pao, just like Sarah is
very nice. Sarah, from time to time would join our chitty chat.
Next step, the image transfer. After cleaning the area with alcohol, Sarah placed the stencil on my skin.
Here's the image before it was made permanent.
Sarah then started preparing the materials.
Then commenced the ouch part...
Sarah started from below and worked her way up.
 |
| Image is slowly coming together |
We we were talking during the entire procedure. Sarah wasn't selfish
about sharing some things about her like her acting career.
Coincidentally, I actually saw her in the film, The Diplomat Hotel where
she worked with Gretchen Baretto. When she asked me how did I find the
film, I froze up just a little bit. Should I tell her the truth? But
she's such a darling, I didn't want to hurt her feelings. Not sure if
Christian noticed what was happening but thank god, he talked. He said
that the review for the film wasn't exactly ecstatic, to which Sarah
agreed. For the record, I love Sarah, I'm just not too keen on the said
film.
I noticed that Sarah wasn't completely comfortable talking about her
acting career, but when it comes to tattooing, her eyes sparkled. You
could really tell that this is something that she is so passionate
about. When asked if she gets tired doing tattoo, she said no and shared
that she once told a friend that she has so many tattoo ideas in mind
it's just that her body couldn't keep up.
After two hours the session finally ended. I swear I barely noticed the
time, even the pain, because I was enjoying our conversation with Sarah
and Pao. When I had my tattoo at 55 Tinta, the artist was quiet and
since I'm not particularly fond of talking with strangers, I didn't
really mind. Now, I'd rather have an artist who talks. I realized that
talking is actually helpful because it distracts you away from the pain.
The tattoo turned out to be real pretty and I love the details that she
added and changed like the little pearl chain. My favorite would be the
rose, the image has depth, which makes it look alive.
Like me, Sarah was happy and excited to see the result of her effort.
Without a question this is now the prettiest tattoo that I have. But
more than the design, the whole experience has been pleasant because
Sarah and Pao were so nice to us. Already I am planning to go back to
get another tattoo and next time, I'm going to have an original by
letting Sarah make the design from scratch.
After posting photos of my new tat, many of my friends on FB started asking me about it. So I made an FAQ but I posted it on my other blog, Love Letters From Midori. If you too are curious, just click here to see the said post.
I only have high praises for Snow Tattoo and I am recommending it to anyone who want a design they could call their own.
