Zackary Flake

What inspired your most recent tattoo?

My most recent tattoo is a lock with a peering evil eye, an outstretched hand with a skeleton key and flames dancing out of the lock. When I consulted with my artist Garret Weber I wanted a tattoo that was not only an invitation to look deeper into my story, but also a warning that within lies pain. It’s also reminiscent of my feelings of spirituality as I don’t believe in God but I have experienced near death events where I got lucky that feels mystical in nature.

If your ink could speak, what would it say?

It would be a reflection of myself. Some people wear their heart on their sleeve, I wear mine on my skin. My first tattoo speaks of what I don’t want to forget. My second speaks to who I am and I wear both proudly.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I received $25,000, I would use it to continue my college career. My father is a 100% disabled veteran and after retirement has started building a company to help veterans with transitioning to civilian life. I believe in his work and want to get a bachelors in business so I can hopefully help build a program that will help military families be successful. I had to watch my parents struggle with that transition and if I could help people avoid the pitfalls we experienced, it would complete me