Tyler Snead

Connect What inspired your most recent tattoo?

For the last couple of years, it has felt like I have been treading water trying to keep my head above… graduated from nursing school, separation in my marriage, and  enduring a long-winded custody battle - my body recounts the story of personal battles. On my arm, there is woman grasping for hope even though she’s entangled in perpetual hopelessness, metaphorically, she’s a vessel being carried down into the flames but continues to struggle.

If your ink could speak, what would it say?

Every piece painted on my “canvas” preserves a sense of mental clarity. As the sharks persevere through turbulent waters… the turtle has sought joy in riding the currents of life and eventually reaches an octopus - the tentacles are a reminder to continue reaching for a multitude of things that are worth fighting for. The woman signifies hope as she fights through her pain and fear, remembering to trust herself as she navigates ways to overcome life’s obstacles.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Financial freedom is a blessing that not many of us have, I could finally set myself free from years of unhealthy and emotionally damaging relationships. My “freedom” to use this money towards bettering myself, for my son, would mean the absolute world to me. In the face of adversity, trying to put on a brave face for my son and to be the role model he deserves and needs from his father. Showing him that no matter what, when life kicks you down - you get up, and keep fighting