Name or Alias: Split Lip Alvarez Occupation: Receptionist and Marketing Assistant Age of first tattoo: 19 Artist/shop/location of your favorite tattoo: Thomas Hendrix / Sink or Swim Tattoo / Upper middle back Princess Leia tattoo 1) Is there any special story to why you chose your favorite tattoo? I love Star Wars, and have always loved Princess Leia's attitude and resilience in the movies. 2) Do you have any other tattoos? If so, what do you have and where? I currently have 14. A diamond with the roman numeral II inside it on the back of my neck. 2 is my favorite/lucky number. A lotus flower tramp stamp that I got when tramp stamps were still popular. It is the one tattoo that I may eventually cover up. A peacock on the right side of my back/ribs. I grew up with two peacocks as pets at my grandmother's farm, and I have always loved them. Lady Justice Pin Up on my right arm. I have worked in legal for 8 years, and have a love/hate relationship with justice and the legal system. Several stars located in various spots on my body, a giant rose with dagger that says Daddy's Girl on my left calf, obviously because I love my Pops. A swallow with my son, Jaden's name on the banner on my left ankle, and a KCMO tattoo on the back of my right ankle. 3) How do your family and friends feel about your tattoo(s)? Have you run into any adversity or negativity because of them? Most of my friends are pretty heavily tattooed and have no issue with mine at all. My family, on the other hand, is generally not a fan. My parents have given up trying to reign me in though, as I have always followed my own path, much to their annoyance. As far as general negativity, I sometimes get looks or comments about my tattoos, but for the most part, I rarely notice anymore. 4)What's the most interesting experience you've ever had in regards to your tattoos? I think the most interesting experience I have had with my tattoos is usually people asking to take pictures of my Leia tattoo. I get stopped nearly every time I am wearing something that shows it. I don't mind though, because it is something I am very proud of.
5) What is your least favorite part of being tattooed? Do you have any stories/advice to people who are not tattooed? Every summer when I go to a public pool or water park, I have people come up and touch me. People seem to think that someone with ink should have no issues with them coming up and touching their tattoos, even if those tattoos are on a part of the body that you wouldn't normally feel comfortable touching on a complete stranger. I would advise people to ask before touching and don't assume that someone who has tattoos is ok with being basically groped by a complete stranger just because you like their tattoos. 6)What is the best tattoo after care advice you have received? I would say the best advice I have received is to keep it moisturized continuously while it is healing. Not overly moisturized, but enough that it doesn't get dried out. Also, plan your tattoos in advance so that you aren't ending up on a vacation or something where you need sunscreen because that or a sunburn, will not be good for a healing tattoo. 7)What style of tattooing do you prefer? Are you more of a black & gray collector or is bright bold traditional more your speed? I love bright, bold and new school traditional art. 8) Do you have any “cover ups”? If you do, why did your get it covered? None yet. 9) Do you have any other body modifications? Other than having my ears stretched out to 1/2 in, I have taken out most of my piercings and modifications.