It takes considerable thought to purchase art, especially when it’s a tattoo and the body serves as canvas. That introspection takes place before clients enter Vanity Rites Tattoo in Southington.

“There’s a lot of different factors that inspired my tattoos,” said Margaux Martinez, back for her fifth tattoo which on the shoulder. It tells the world in no small terms that she is a force to be reckoned with. “A tattoo represents a state of mind. Each one symbolize different periods of my life.”

“Emotions play a big part – some are the result of heartbreak, others are declarations of love. It matters to me that I’ve made my own choices and tattoos are a reminder of that every day,” Martinez said.

Tattoo artist George Aronis, who handles many customers at the downtown Southington parlor, said they work with their customers to find the right tattoo. Many enter with an idea of what they want, and for those who don’t have the entire picture, Aronis and staff provide a consultation to make sure they get something they can be proud of and not just some “flash art.”

Client Brandon Fernandez wanted a skull applied on his calf.
His selection of a design was just a starting point. Aronis took the idea and embellished the main art by surrounding it with flames. That would take up more room on his leg and would require more time.

“It’s the most personal kind of art between artist and client,” said Aronis. “There’s a lot of give and take. You can be the most talented of artists, but when you work as closely with people as you do, you need to like people. It’s a different experience than working alone on a canvas or even doing graphic arts on a computer.”

“Being aware of someone’s threshold for pain is important,” said Rapisarda. “An ointment is applied repeatedly to soothe the skin throughout the entire process. The ointment also acts to keep the area clean.”

For larger designs, repeated trips to the palor are required after the design outlines are drawn during the first consulation.

“Tattoos can be great conversation starters, but ultimately you’re doing it for yourself,” Martinez said.

While Fernandez motioned he was feeling the effects of the needle on his calf he described an idea for his next tattoo. It would be a tribal design with arrows which he’d like to cover his entire back.