Steffen Paustian

What inspired your most recent tattoo?

A nun with bleeding eyes, an upside-down cross on her forehead, and “FTW” on her knuckles symbolizes rejection of blind faith, religious hypocrisy, and societal judgment. The bleeding eyes reflect the pain of seeing harsh truths, while the cross marks rebellion against dogma. “FTW” captures the raw emotion of feeling alienated and defiant. Altogether, it’s a bold statement of spiritual independence and refusing to conform to a world that never understood you.

If your ink could speak, what would it say?

My tattoos tell the story of my life in bold trash polka style. Some reflect my faith in Norse mythology, a path that’s shaped my beliefs and strength. Others remind me never to judge a book by its cover, showing that there’s always more beneath the surface. Each piece marks a moment of my journey, tied together through a raw, expressive style that speaks to everything I’ve been through and everything I stand for.

What would you do with the $25,000?

With $25,000, I’d pay off my debt to free myself financially before transitioning out of the military in four years. That freedom would give me the stability to start building my own business—something I can grow while I’m still in and fully commit to once I’m out. It’s about setting myself up now so I’m not starting from scratch later—turning the next chapter of my life into something I own and control.