“This Ain’t Your Moms Titty Rose!”

- HOLLY JANE

I believe that when you know, you know! When I got it in my mind that I wanted to tattoo, it was life-changing. There are moments like these a few times throughout life; that is this compelling. This happened to me around the age of 15. I realized I wanted to tattoo. Unfortunately, at that time, tattooing was illegal in Massachusetts, where I am from. That didn't stop my dream, however. I would get all the tattoo magazines and re-draw every design to practice.

Thanks to Stephan Lanphear, in 2001, Massachusetts was lucky enough to see the tattoo ban lifted. He sued the state for 10 years for us to have the right to Tattoo and be tattooed. We all owe him a huge thank you! During the summer of 2002, I had opportunities to travel to Martha's Vineyard to visit Stephan and work at his shop out in Western Mass. Shortly after that, I got an apprenticeship with Little John Bury in North Carolina. That is where I got one of the most valuable tattooing experiences. Working in such a high-volume walk-in studio in Greensboro, NC, built a solid foundation. That period will always be very special to me. It was an honor to work for both of these men - and a special honor to be Little John Bury's last apprentice. We all love and miss John every day.

In June of 2009, I moved back to Massachusetts, to retreat and heal from multiple traumatic experiences and put my energy into building a studio I had talked about with John before he died. The studio is named Always and Forever Tattoo and is located in Watertown, MA, right outside Boston and I am proud to be entering my 11th year here. A&F Tattoo is Watertown's first tattoo studio EVER, I am proud to bring the art form I love to this beautiful community! In the 20+ years of my career, I have found it essential to challenge myself and stay well-rounded as a tattoo artist, as a result, I can work in almost any style (I said almost, I still dislike drawing dragons). I especially enjoy color, black and gray, traditional, realistic, roses, flowers, skulls, cats, birds, etc. I take pride in hybrid techniques that help create my unique custom works. I feel that being able to work in various styles is important as a tattoo artist, a variety of tattoos means a variety of clients and opportunities to learn and grow as a human and artist.

The process of collaborating with my clients and bringing their ideas to life is what I enjoy most about tattooing. It's not about me as an artist; it's about you and how this Tattoo will make you feel. It's your body; it's your Tattoo. I'm here to help you figure out all your options, help open your possibilities and help find the best approach for you. There is nothing more satisfying than helping the most basic tattoo concept evolve into a client's large-scale design. Or a unique, one-point tattoo that evokes good memories.

All tattoos I work on are tailored to fit YOUR body and YOURS alone.

The joy I get seeing someone look at their new Tattoo while that happy smile comes over their face is why I put all the care and detail into my work. There's a lot of good, self-empowerment, and healing that can come through getting tattooed, and I think that is a special privilege to be able to share with you. I absolutely love being a tattoo artist and appreciate everyone's trust in their ideas and skin!!!