Cody Bates

Connect What inspired your most recent tattoo?

My ten year old daughter has picked three of my tattoos: lumiere outline from beauty and the beast (which is what we are), expelliarmus being cast from Harry’s wand, and my marauders map on my chest. My left arm has always been ready for fun tributes and my right for music. I have the in utero anatomy of a fallen angel and stickman from Pearl Jam’s first release. I would love to get a Bob Dylan, a John Coltrane, and a Nas, etc. My daughter and I have bonded over so many things.

If your ink could speak, what would it say?

“Feed me more ink!” As someone with a negligible amount of tattoos, but a love affair that runs deep, I feel like I have failed in my journey so far. There’s a long way to go and I’ll find the right pieces a long the way. It really releases so much of my emotion while living with borderline personality disorder. “Express yourself through me!”

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would get a side portrait of Bob Dylan on my right bicep, 11 band names in their scroll, surrounding a portrait of Nas and Notorious B.I.G., finish my grunge area. Tribute to universal monsters on my left a long with my favorite movies with my daughter. Back to the Future, Ferris Bueller, etc. Wildlife on my chest and torso. If there’s any money left. Donate to animal charities. Ask Alexandra Fische what would help the most. She is queen for a reason.