INKED: Deanna Maxwell

PHOTOS BY PEAK RES

How Many Tattoos Do You Have?

"Over 30."

Tell Us About Your First Tattoo!

"My first tattoo was an initial [that] I [had] tattooed onto my ankle. I was 15 and 'in love'... I definitely do not recommend that!" she said. "I was 18 when I got my first shop tattoo and I did not do my research about the shop or tattoo artist. I had this vivid picture of a unique butterfly that I wanted and knew where I wanted it. The artist didn't like my style and did what he wanted to make it a butterfly he liked. It looked like a moth and I ended up trying to scrub it off my skin. I eventually had it covered up years later." 

Tell Us About One of Your Favorite Tattoos. 

"I have a tattoo of my son's footprints from his birth certificate. It is the most sentimental tattoo I have and a reminder to me that God's plan is bigger." 

Describe the Feeling of Getting a New Tattoo. 

"Tattoos, for me, are a form of therapy. Tattoos are an outward expression of emotions, seasons, and events in my life. Even though I hate needles, a good tattoo session is soothing." 

What's a Myth You Want to BUST About Tattoos and Business?

"Never judge a book by its cover. Tattoos are great conversation starters."

How Many Total Hours Has an Artist Spent on Your Tattoos Combined?

"75 hours, give or take."

What is One Piece of Advice that Has Served You Well in This Industry?

"Set boundaries. Be honest, be you, be real... actions speak louder than words."