Influencer Who Dished Out $33K on 250 Tattoos Reveals How the Transformation Impacts Her Daily Life (Exclusive)
An Australian woman has gone viral on social media for showing her 250 tattoos, which cover nearly her entire body, from her chest to her feet (and yes, her butt)
Over five years, she's spent around $32,600 on her themed ink, which she reveals are done over multiple seven-hour tattooing sessions
Speaking about her transformation, she reveals how her appearance has impacted her confidence and everyday interactionsThis woman's love for tattoos is permanent.
Melbourne, Australia-based content creator Blue Valentine has garnered a following online for sharing her tattoo journey, which, today, includes around 250 works of art that've cost her $50,000 AUD (which is approximately $33,000 USD).
"I always knew I wanted tattoos," says the 28-year-old, who describes herself as "an all-or-nothing kind of person."
Still, when she decided to get her first tattoo five years ago, she approached the process slowly and steadily.
"I was initially scared I wouldn't be able to handle the pain, as I don't like regular needles or taking blood. I did a small traditional tattoo flower on my ribs, so if I tapped out, I wouldn't have to look at it too much." But that wasn't the case.
Despite the "horrible" pain that occurred during that very first session, she wasn't deterred. "As I left the studio, I got over it and booked in my first sleeve about a week later."
There's more than what meets the eye with what Valentine calls her "body suit" (because the majority of her lower half — including her chest, stomach and butt — are, in fact, covered in tats).
Each sleeve and collage are designed in different themes: Diner, Military, Sailor, Circus, Garage, Western and Vintage. The one thing they have in common? Illustrations inspired by 1950s pin-up culture, which also influences how Valentine dresses day to day.
"I knew I wanted to do themes straight away. I like the organization of it. I picked my top themes, assessed which ones had the most images I wanted and they got the larger portions of my body," she explains.
"My favorite tattoo is my throat tattoo. [It reads] 'Not your Valentine', Valentine being my last name. I think it's a bold statement and is a strong representation of my personality. My others would be the ones I have representing my family, such as images of my parents [she revealed in a TikTok tattoo tour that she has an depiction of them as "conjoined twins" as a part of her circus-themed sleeve], brother, grandparents and dogs. 'All Bark, All Bite' across my chest is also another favorite of mine," she says.
Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
While Valentine's tattoo count may be mind-boggling, she puts thought into every single one she gets. First, she sketches her concepts on an iPad, then gives her moodboard of sorts to her tattoo artists. She's worked with three Australian-based artists, Ben Tuckey, Ben Koopman and Allegra Maeva, over the years (but has never done a tattoo on herself).
Then come the time-consuming — and pricey — tattoo shop visits. "I would book six to seven-hour full-day sessions and go either weekly or bi-weekly until we completed whatever sleeve or themed section we were on. I'd then take a month break or so to draw up the next sleeve if I didn't already have it ready. Usually in a full day you could get two big pieces or three medium pieces [completed]. There would also be full-day sessions just focused on filler pieces to close up any gaps, which were usually just free-handed by the artist."
She says she's dished out around $800 AUD or $522 USD per session.
is now available in the Apple App Store! Download it now for the most binge-worthy celeb content, exclusive video clips, astrology updates and more!
Valentine's transformation has cost her much more than money. She tells PEOPLE that her appearance sometimes receives negative responses from people she meets in real life.
"Men definitely stare and ask inappropriate questions. I also work in a bar so there's not a night that goes by without some form of harassment and comments made towards me and my tattoos," says Valentine, who works in bar management. "I don't take anyone's opinion of it seriously, as my tattoos are everything I planned out and wanted. I'm very proud of what me and my artists have achieved, and I've become incredibly confident in my skin because of it." She also says she has a loving partner who supports her tattoo journey as she does hers.
That means she really (yes, really) doesn't have any regrets about her ink. "I'm so glad I waited until I was 23 to start getting tattooed or, my god, I would have some shockers! Everything was planned and everything worked out the way I envisioned thanks to my artists," she says.
The lingering question: Does she have any more room for a few more tattoos? "I only have the bottoms of my feet, face and ears free," she says, though getting her ears done is next on her to-do list. She does have one body part that's absolutely off limits: "I want to keep my face naked."
Read the original article on People
Solve the daily Crossword
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Buzz Feed
an hour ago
- Buzz Feed
32 Summer Products For Homebodies
A portable 120-inch screen bringing the cinematic experience of a drive-in to you. Set it up with a mini Bluetooth projector (compatible with TV sticks, gaming consoles, laptops, your phone, and more) and enjoy entertainment under the stars with family and friends (or solo). A lightweight, hypoallergenic heat-absorbing cooling blanket — one side is made of 100% Egyptian cotton, while the other has "Arc-Chill" cooling fibers that absorb your body heat and wick away moisture, instantly cooling you by 4–9 degrees. It's perfect for hot sleepers who love to snuggle but hate waking up sweaty! A 10-foot USB-C cable so you can continue scrolling deep in the TikTok vortex without worrying about your phone's battery entering the red zone. With this gloriously long piece of charging magic, you can stay snuggled in your "you-shaped" dent without ever having to budge. (Oh, and if you're rocking an older iPhone model, here's a version for that!) A cool-to-the-touch bamboo fabric sleep set that'll have you counting down the minutes until you can slip into it. Made with light, breathable fabric, this set is perfect for anyone who always runs hot and needs a little extra help staying cool and comfortable in bed. A bestselling double cotton hammock so you can kick back in your own cozy cocoon without a care in the world. This sturdy steel setup is your quick fix to the age-old "no trees to hang a hammock" problem, making your dream of lounging in a hanging haven a reality. An oscillating tower fan that's apparently so good, one reviewer crowned it "THE GLACIER." This fan has six different speeds and can blow cool air up to 30 feet away. Plus, it comes with four modes to choose from, so you can customize the breeze just how you like it, and reviewers rave about how incredibly quiet it is. No more annoying fan noise while you're trying to relax or sleep! A set of waterproof, rechargeable "flaming" Bluetooth speakers perfect for unwinding with some soothing lo-fi beats as the sun sets — they even have a flame lighting mode that makes them flicker like real torches. You can place them on your table, dangle from a ceiling or tree, or stake them into the ground. A Ninja Slushi maker slushifying literally anything you can dream of — wine, coffee, soda, juice, even chocolate milk. Just pour your liquid of choice in, pick one of the five preset settings, and let the magic happen. It's the perfect excuse to invite your pals over for a movie marathon, with frosty, delicious creations in hand. Frozen margs on demand in this heat? Um, YES PLEASE!!! An inflatable pool if you're anything like me and ready to bust out the swimsuit as soon as the temperature hits 65 degrees. Now you can kick back and sip on a glass of lemonade while cooling off, even if you've only got a tiny backyard. An outdoor fan just waiting to be mounted in a corner of your deck, sending the perfect breeze your way. Someone's asking if you want to hit up that crowded rooftop bar? Just say, "Nah, I'm good right here," and keep enjoying your chill vibes. A copy of Small Batch Bakes, which helps you create delightful treats perfectly portioned for one to six people at most, so even if you're not leaving the house or baking for a crowd, you can satisfy your sweet tooth. We're talking scrumptious delights like zesty lime and coconut macaroons, creamy mango pudding, and the sweet bliss of peach crumb cake. Plus, with minimal equipment required, you can whip up these goodies with ease, making it perfect for a relaxing day inside. Along with a fun reverse coloring book so you can showcase your inner Picasso by drawing lines around colors that are already there. If your dream day involves cozying up with a snack stash and zero plans, this is your ticket to creative bliss without any haunting adult pressures. And a set of vibrant 120 acrylic paint markers that glide on like a dream and blend effortlessly, turning anything you doodle into a masterpiece that'll have you clearing wall space for your very own gallery. An LED light net to give your pergola, deck, carport, or gazebo the magical effect of a starry night sky. With eight different lighting modes available, you can switch up the atmosphere to suit your mood. Plus, the timer and memory functions mean you can set it up once and let it do its thing — it'll operate on a schedule using your preferred setting. A padded chaise lounge chair equipped with a genius "face cavity" that lets you lie flat on your belly so you can sunbathe comfortably. There's five adjustable back positions and three footrest settings, ensuring you find your *perfect* lounge angle, plus a handy cup holder and zippered side pocket for stashing items. Along with an adjustable mister made to cool you (and your surroundings) off by up to 20 degrees. Whether you're catching some rays on a lounge chair or just chilling on your patio, this mister can stand on its own or wrap around a structure with ease. A Dazzle Dry Mini Kit, because sometimes the best summer plans involve chilling at home doing your nails. This kit includes everything you need for a flawless mani: a nail prep solution, a base coat, a chic nail polish color, a top coat, and a special "reviving solution" to keep things fresh. And! The polish dries in under five minutes, so you don't have to awkwardly fling your hands arond to make them dry faster. A Biodance overnight collagen mask if you'd rather skip the scorching sun and enjoy in some self-care instead. Starting off as a milky hydrogel, it magically turns clear as it works its magic on your skin. It's packed with three kinds of probiotics, plus low-molecular-weight collagen and hyaluronic acid that dive deep to boost elasticity, refine pores, and smooth those fine lines. An automatic ball launcher so you can turn your backyard into a private pickleball court, sparing you the wait at crowded gyms. With three adjustable angles and four different speeds, plus an oscillating feature, this gadget is like your personal coach, ready to help you master those forehands and backhands. It releases a ball every four seconds and can hold up to 19 balls. An unbelievably fast and easy-to-use Yonanas soft-serve maker so you can whip up your own oat milk ice cream and create a Choco Taco without trekking to Cold Stone. This nifty gadget is great if you have any specific dietary needs or preferences (like avoiding dairy or nuts), live with a picky eater, or just want a healthier alternative to ice cream that's still cold and refreshing and satisfies your sweet tooth. An Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K allowing you to stream all of your favorite watching every season of Love Island for 10 hours straight. You can also use voice commands to control settings with ease, and (pro tip) you can even order pizza! A PopLite personal popcorn maker that can churn out eight cups of that buttery, crunchy goodness in just two minutes. This bad boy is so easy to use, you could probably do it in your sleep. Just pop in some kernels, press a button, and boom – fresh, hot popcorn that's ready to devour straight out of the built-in serving bowl. A deluxe Cup Cozy to become the new HQ for your phone, TV remote, and your trio of bevs, because you always need your iced coffee, lemon water, and your *fun juice* close by. You need options, am I right? And thanks to the supportive material, it keeps those precious drinks safe from any accidental spills. And an eight-compartment snack box that's basically a treasure chest of your favorite goodies, ready to be devoured. When you can't settle on which treat you want for your bed snacking, reach for this and you can just have them all — instant happiness in the form of chips, chocolate, or whatever floats your snack boat. An inflatable pool cooler if you've ever been lounging in your pool on a hot day, only to realize you have to get out and trudge back to the house to grab a cold drink or snack. This cute, nifty thing will keep all your essentials chilled *and* afloat so you can continue relaxing in your pool without a care in the world. A sunshade triangle that creates a shaded area for when you need to escape the blazing hot sun. Hang it over a section of your pool or strategically place several to transform your patio into a cozy retreat. A "Nap Guardian" doorbell cover — a godsend for all the parents, pet owners, and nap aficionados out there. This helps prevent your doorbell from being rung at the most inconvenient time, interrupting your peace and quiet. Your little ones can snooze soundly, your overly excited fur babies can stay blissfully on the couch, and you? You can finally get that glorious shut-eye you've been dreaming about! A chic cooler designed to keep your drinks ice cold and at your fingertips while lounging outside. As a bonus, just close the lid up and the cooler becomes a sleek side table. A rechargeable mosquito repellent patio shield creating an invisible 20-foot barrier, keeping those pesky skeeters away without the need for bug spray or citronella candles. Think of it as having your own personal force field that lets you actually enjoy your time outside. A set of blackout thermal curtains designed to help insulate your room, blocking out that hot, glaring sunlight while keeping in your cool air as your AC works its magic. Bonus: No more being woken up with the sun if you like to sleep in on the weekends. A gaming/reading/laptop pillow so you can prop your hands up and play video games, type, or read on your Kindle or iPad from bed or the couch in an ~ergonomically friendly~ way that won't catch up with you (or your joints) a few years down the line. It even has a little side pocket ideal for stashing things like your remote controls, glasses, and emergency treats. A nifty little book tracker bookmark so you can keep track of all the literary worlds you've explored without having to actually leave your cozy little nook. This can also motivate you to tackle that ever-growing pile of unread books so you can fill out your cute "bookshelf."
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Jack Conan reveals video from Katie Taylor inspired Lions before second Test win
Jack Conan has revealed that an inspiring video from Irish boxing great Katie Taylor helped the British and Irish Lions find the resilience needed to close out their series against Australia. Taylor, an Olympic gold medal winner and current undisputed world super lightweight champion, sent the good luck message to Andy Farrell's squad in the build-up to Saturday's second Test at Melbourne Cricket Club. The 39-year-old's words on the ability to dig deep turned out to be prophetic as the Lions emerged 29-26 winners after fighting back from an 18-point deficit. 'The video was unbelievably poignant and powerful. It spoke about being prepared to win with skill, but also being ready to win by will,' said Ireland number eight Conan, who like Taylor hails from Bray in County Wicklow. 'That was something that was massively summed up in the game because we were not at our best at all. 'It's huge because she comes from the town I'm from. I'm incredibly proud of where I come from and I know Katie is as well. 'She's gone on to achieve incredible feats in the boxing world. To be such a superstar, incredibly humble and driven is something that we leant on as well because we knew that Australia are a hugely proud nation and they showed it in spades. 'Everyone loved it, even the English and the Scottish boys and the Welsh boy – it resonated with everyone. It was unbelievably poignant, it was class. It really hit home for us.' It took a beautifully-taken try by Hugo Keenan with 51 seconds remaining to separate the rivals in one of the greatest Lions matches ever played. Remarkably, Keenan's touchdown was the first time they led in the match. Conan admits that victory tastes all the sweeter for having been taken to the wire as Australia raised their game to a whole new level a week after starting the series with a whimper in Brisbane. 'We were not at our best by any measure, but physically the lads dug in unbelievably well,' he said. 'It was disappointing how we played, but we played for 80 minutes. Hugo getting over the line in the last minute was just unbelievable. 'It wasn't my best game. A lot of us weren't at the races at all, but we stuck in there. You can't fault the effort. I thought the defensive sets we put in, just whacking people and just staying in there, was unbelievable. 'It's something that will go down in history. They won't be writing the history books about how s*** we were, but they'll say that we won and that's all that matters. 'Everyone's over the moon. To be part of a Lions winning series team is incredibly special. The celebrations in the changing room wouldn't have been the same if we'd won by 20.'
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Gethin Jones suffering after witnessing 'absolute spectacle' while on break from BBC Morning Live
Welsh TV presenter Gethin Jones has admitted he's 'feeling a bit dusty' after what he described as an unforgettable night for Welsh sport, watching two huge wins unfold back-to-back. The BBC Morning Live star is currently in Melbourne, where he caught both the Wales Women's rugby victory over Australia and the British & Irish Lions' dramatic series-clinching win at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) - a night he dubbed an 'absolute spectacle'. Taking to Instagram, Gethin shared his excitement and also hinted at the celebrations that followed. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter READ MORE: Harry Redknapp's wife Sandra, 78, hospitalised READ MORE: John Torode gives update on marriage with Lisa Faulkner, admits 'changes' He wrote: 'What a night in Melbourne. Watching the women's @welshrugbyunion beat Australia… and then the absolute spectacle at the @mcg – @britishandirishlions clinch the series in dramatic fashion! 'Hats off them! (Wish I had) A bit dusty this morning!' Their win was partly down to Jac Morgan, who helped secure their dramatic win by clearing out Australia's Carlo Tizzano at the breakdown in the dying moments, allowing the team to retain possession and set up Hugo Keenan's match-winning try. You can read more about this here. Gethin is a passionate supporter of Welsh sport and often shares updates from matches, training camps, and major fixtures. But even by his own standards, Saturday night seemed like a night to remember, as Wales Women also stunned the Wallaroos in a nail biting game before the Lions sealed their series. Gethin shared a picture of himself in the crowd alongside some friends, as well as a selfie taken in a bar, with him and two others all beaming at the camera. It's been a busy week for the Welsh presenter, as he visited Cardiff just a few weeks ago to talk about his new role as the Chef de Mission for Team Wales ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Speaking about his latest venture, he said: 'To be trusted in this role is a huge responsibility and the focus I've seen in the last few months since I've come on board has been mind-blowing. 'Everyone striving for excellence from performance to organisational operations and everything in between has been amazing.' He continued: 'When I see someone achieve their very best performance, when it really matters under pressure, that's what inspires me. 'That will go with us into Glasgow, and of course as it has been the case for the last few cycles as well, what truly matters is how we hold ourselves.' You can read more about his thoughts taking on his new role, and how he is balancing everything here.
