Carla Rodriguez

Two years ago, I was in the darkest place I’ve ever been—mentally & emotionally. I was planning to end my life, feeling completely overwhelmed & alone, like no one truly understood what I was going through. Climbing out of that space took strength, courage, & a lot of hard work. My latest tattoo is a symbol of that journey. It’s a reminder to keep pushing forward, to stay positive even when it feels impossible. It represents survival and growth.

If my ink could speak, it would say: be expressive, in whatever way feels right to you. It’s okay to be human—to love, to trust, to cry, to feel. You are your own person, and there’s never a reason to be ashamed of that. Ink is art, it’s bold, it’s sexy, and it’s a beautiful way to show the world who you are without saying a word.

If I were to win the $25,000, I would absolutely put it toward purchasing my very first home and investing in my dream art studio. This space would be more than just a place to draw and tattoo—it would be a creative sanctuary where I can teach others how to draw and express themselves freely. I envision it as a welcoming, positive environment where people can come to unwind, be inspired, and experience the joy of art in a stress-free way.