Once upon a time female tattoos were rare, shocking, remarkable.

Tattoos were for dangerous men only: outlaw bikers and career criminals.
They made tough men look tougher.
Final tattoo quality was wildly varied, and hygiene standards were not even discussed.
Tattoos could turn out looking pretty rough… AND lead to infection or disease.

So for a long time, tattoos on women were hardly ever seen.

But way, way back in the middle of those dark ages, I turned 21.
And I decided I should mark this big birthday by getting a tattoo…