Name: Rowanne

Social Media Handle/Username: Bekindtattoo

Introduce Yourself/Tell About Yourself: I’m Ro, a 22 year old aspiring tattoo artist. I feel like it’s hard to describe myself because at this age I feel like I’m changing everyday. I’m basically trying to constantly improve myself, learn more and just be better I guess. That sounds a bit pretentious haha but I mean it!

I’ll tell you some things I love, art, creating art, getting to know new people, listening to sad indie artists, the summertime, fashion, make up, films (right now Portrait of a Lady on Fire!!), my lovely supportive boyfriend, my also lovely and supportive best friends, my attention seeking cat, tea and podcasts.

I’m listening to The Blind Boy podcast at the moment it’s just great! Right now I’m reading Audre Lorde, I’m striving to read things by great people. I get a nice feeling knowing I’m expanding my perception of the world.

What Inspires You Every day? : Other people for sure. I see other artists being amazing and working hard at their practice everyday and it inspires me to do the same. I know people who are so knowledgeable and are always trying to broaden their horizons and I think that’s a lovely goal. I love talking with them about interesting topics!
People in the wider world trying to change things. Even if they don’t have the biggest voice they’re trying their best to do something about the injustices of the world. I think we can all feel a bit hopeless and those people overcame that I think that must take a lot.

What is some words of wisdom you live by?: You can’t control what happens to you, but you can control how you react to it.

That’s a paraphrase I can’t remember the exact quote! I think this helps me a lot with my anxiety because when I feel anxious I feel out of control. Remembering I can take what’s happening and almost take control of it by deciding how I’ll react is very powerful. Though it’s easier said than done!

What is your ultimate goal in life? : To be content! I talk about this with my boyfriend a lot actually, he kind of put it into words for me. We all strive to be happy and that’s just not feesable. Life is constant changes and ups and downs. All we can really do is aim to be content, content is a good kind of neutral nice feeling. Things are okay, at their core. That and to just try to do what I want in life and try not to let my anxiety get in the way of me living it either. I want a career in tattooing, I want to be happy in my body, I want a home and life with my boyfriend, some pets, to be healthy. Basically like I mentioned I want to keep improving myself for my own sake and to have better relationships with the people around me.

How have you been during the pandemic and how has it affected you? : Oo tough question. Best way to answer is good and bad. First lockdown meant I didn’t see my boyfriend for 3 months as we don’t live together yet. Apart from the occasional walk by eachothers houses! But it felt like nothing. That bothered me the most, I cried a lot. The lovely weather really helped though. I’ve been lucky enough to maintain my retail job so I’ve been furloughed every lockdown and got to enjoy the sun. The last 2 lockdowns were mainly hard because it was just dark and cold and I was truly stuck indoors that time.
It’s been a scary time for sure, but my family and friends are all healthy still which I’m so grateful for. I feel like I really can’t complain as it’s basically gone as well as it could have despite the circumstances. The worst that happened is I was meant to go to Paris with my boyfriend in April 2020 and of course that didn’t go ahead.
But still the worst I’d say is working in a customer facing job and dealing with the maskless and inconsiderate. It’s scary, you fear constantly you could get covid and pass it on to those you love.
I’m getting my vaccine in 2 days and I feel so grateful for that.
But I feel like the pandemic and the lockdowns gave me lots of time to think and basically have a break. I have anxiety and haven’t been dealing with it for too long so I think being away from work massively helped me to really understand it a bit more.

What is a message you would like to give others? : To be honest it’s a message I’m trying to remind myself of!
But basically it’s I know it’s really scary and sad times not just because of the pandemic. That can make us feel a bit hopeless and like what’s the point? But I think we forget no change has come about soley from one person but by many people joining together. Basically you’re not powerless and you can change things if you want to. It’s worth it. We shouldn’t be outcome driven but rather driven by doing what we’re able to now! Because an outcome won’t come right away. And also just love yourself. I’m really really trying to and I know it’s because in the end I don’t want a life where I constantly put myself down. Cause I’m kind tired of it! And also be kind 🙂

What else would you like to tell others about you or your life?: If you come across this interview, and I am now a tattoo artist please consider coming to get a tattoo and let me know you saw my interview! I feel like this is a message in a bottle type of thing and I’d like to know when it’s been found!

Also I’m a bisexual woman!! I feel like it’s an important part of me that I like to celebrate. I love being part of the LGBTQ community and I hope any queer peeps reading this know that you are loved!

And finally watch Inside by Bo Burnham it’s very good.