The story behind Jillian Whurr’s tattoo

When did you get it?
It took two sessions: the first was in early February of this year, and the second was in late March.

Where did you get it done, artist’s name, costs?
I got it done at Blood Sweat Tears Tattoo on Monroe Road. The artist’s name is Jeremy Hamilton, aka Sloo (@slootattoos). His rate is about $120 per hour.

How’d it go down?
The whole process was a really good experience. I talked with Jeremy and emailed him weeks earlier about what I wanted to include, so he had something drawn for me when I arrived the day of. He put the stencil on my arm and added freehand drawings around it using permanent markers. Once it was all set, he got to work. The first session was 4 and ½ hours. It healed for about 6 weeks, and the day of my second session, I came in with an idea to fill the empty space that was left over. Jeremy drew up my idea, put the stencil on my arm, added permanent marker freehand drawings, and got to work again. He finished the leftover area from the first session, then started and finished the new idea on the empty space. That second session was another 5 hours. Jeremy did an incredible job bringing it all to life and creating a magical piece of artwork from my vague ideas.

What other design did you consider (what was your 2nd choice)?
I knew I wanted it to be fairy-tale oriented with a Disney/Harry Potter twist, so I asked Jeremy for a castle, the doe Patronus, an open book, and the word “Always.” He created the design freehand based on the space available around the pre-existing quote on my shoulder that reads, “You love me like I am and always will be the answer and the question does not and will never matter.” I loved the design he created, so there was not a second choice. I was floored by how well he spun these elements into a cohesively flowing sketch.

What’s the story behind it?
I have loved everything about Disney for as long as I can remember. My family took wonderful vacations there, so when my husband and I got engaged, I told him there was only one spot I wanted to go for our honeymoon: Disney World. And we did! It was the best week of our lives. The castle and Mickey hand are a reference to that joy and Disney’s genius. The doe Patronus, Deathly Hallows wand and symbol, and “Always” are a reference to the incredible, intricate, heart-wrenching Harry Potter series and the plot lines within. All of these elements spring from an open book, which is a reference to both Disney, Harry Potter, and fairy tales. I wanted it to be very colorful.

What’s next?
My husband has tattoos as well, so apparently it’s his turn to get one now (marriage compromise). My next idea involves the Fibonacci circle. Harry Potter makes for great tattoos too, though, so that’s always in the back of my mind. It’s true what people say– they are addicting!