Story of My Life

What My New Tattoo Means

By Sarah Aterrado - July 02, 2024

While my first tattoo (a compass) was and still is significant to me because I love to travel, I told myself that if ever I will get another one, it has to be drawn and designed by me. You see, I used to work as an illustrator and a graphic/web/software/UIUX designer. I designed all our business logos and promotional materials, our wedding invitation, my children's birthday posters—anything I deem personal. A tattoo should not be any different.

I had my first tattoo in 2016, and since then, I've discovered new hobbies and interests, pursued my passions, survived trials, and celebrated milestones in my life enough to warrant a permanent mark on my skin. But if I had done so, I’d probably be covered in ink by now. In 2022, after I gave birth to our third child, I had envisioned a tattoo in my mind—it covers every significant thing about my life. But it was only this year when I finally had the time to draw. 

I decided to have my tattoo done at InkGie Tattoo since they have a medical doctor and a paramedical tattooist. This ensures that the studio is clean and everything they use is sterile and medical-grade. No doubt, I will be in good hands. 

Miss Gel, my tattooist who is also a registered nurse, did a great job. I enjoyed the entire tattoo session because it was almost painless. I must have a high tolerance for pain, or she has exceptionally light and steady hands—or perhaps it’s a bit of both.

I highly recommend InkGie not only for their artistry and professionalism, but every staff is friendly and accommodating as well.


@sarj.a Every part of it has a meaning ❤️ @inkgietattoo #inked #tattoo ♬ Live Your Beautiful Life - Lights Follow

What my tattoo means



🔐 The lock represents my heart, which can only be opened by four keys that represent my husband (key on the left) and our three (3) children.

🗓️ I requested to replace the names on the keys, as shown in the original design, with their birthdates instead, as these are the dates that I was truly blessed. Yep, including Jan's birthday. I believe I was already blessed with his existence even before I was born. The blessing just manifested 28 years later.

💎 The gemstones on each key are my children's birthstones, while on the husband's key is a heart. 

🌷The flowers on the lock are lilies. In the original design, these are red lilies that symbolize love and passion. But I gave the artist the freedom to choose another color because the red lily isn't standing out against the red heart. She made it better with gold. And now, I like to think of them as yellow lilies that symbolize gratitude and happiness.

🎗️The ribbon that connects the lock and keys forms the letter A, the first letter of our family name; SJ, which are my initials; and an infinity sign. It is blue because it's my favorite color.

I know everything you see is corny but I've thought of each part well and I took my time to draw it carefully. I am so happy how it turned out, and I would not want it any other way. 😊😊😊

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