Summer Bates

Connect What inspired your most recent tattoo?

Well when my dog passed away I was very upset I didn’t really know what to do but my mom was having her cremated so I asked if she could have them get her paw prints for me so I could have it tattooed. I did it asap, the exact size of her real paw print encapsulated in a heart since I want a sleeve so she’ll always be protected.

If your ink could speak, what would it say?

I want all of my pieces to be memorable and significant. So they would probably say a few different things… strength, struggle, love for my family. I really want a Bettyboop piece for my great grandma who is actually still alive but she pretty much took care of me and my sister for a lot of our childhood. We’d spend all summer with her and our greatgrandpa. I want to get a Frankenstein tattoo that’s got some of his characteristics with the word frankenpa underneath. Thants an

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use a small amount for some new tattoos but I would want to be smart. I am 21 and purchased my own car on my 18th birthday and I almost have it paid off now. So I think honestly with the 25,000 I would start looking into a first time home buyer loan and try and build a life for myself. Lord knows San Diego is expensive but I’ve always been pretty independent and been able to do it myself a little help would be a dream.