Fearless Femmes: The Surprising Narrative of Women with Tattoos

This printed editorial was a bound, large-scale editorial publication that explores the relationship between women and tattoos in the United States. Presented in the form of a timeline, we look at the female “side show freaks”, Native American women and socialite tattoos of the late 19th century before moving on to the practical tattoos of the early 20th century. Common tattoo locations and trendy fads including the “tramp stamp” and the small tattoos that became popular in the 2010s will also be explored. Societal judgements, specifically perceptions of promiscuity and the power, of tattooed women are investigated as well. The editorial focuses on the reasons women make the decision to get tattoos (past and present), what their tattoos symbolize and how these artistic symbols of self-expression can help to motivate, empower and encourage women.