
Joy Shannon of Paper Crane Studio is one of those artists. She gives us her unique perspective on the renewal of this ancient practice.
Traditional Intentions
Each ritual tattooer has their own unique process, informed by their personal beliefs, cultural ties, and life experiences. Joy begins with a consultation in which she discusses the meaning of the tattoo. It’s here that she goes over both the tattoo design and the actual tattoo session, in order to create a truly personalized experience for each client. “The session itself often consists of Reiki, or energy healing work, combined with an intention set for the tattoo. Then we do the actual tattoo, and sometimes energy work after the piece is done.”
Highly Personalized…
Whatever your beliefs or personal reasons for a ritual tattoo, you can rest assured that Joy will create an experience that is an authentic reflection of yourself and your intentions.
…and Deeply Personal
Tattoos in general are demanding on a physical and mental level. Ritual tattoos can have an added intensity, vulnerability, or emotional intimacy that Joy finds can be particularly draining. “I do have to limit how many I do per day and take care of myself,” she explains, “but honestly, I feel so lucky to have the clients I do, because even when I do a light-hearted or fun tattoo without a ritual, we have the loveliest time! My ritual tattoos are especially meaningful, though, and I am so grateful for those clients’ trust and openness with me. I learn so much every day from doing this professionally.”
Come As You Are
As for the physical aspect, Joy shares an interesting insight: “I have heard from some clients that the ritual tattoos heal faster or heal the best out of all their tattoos. I cannot prove this, but I love to think the energy healing work helps the body heal itself after the session.”