TONY employee tattoos

Photographs: J. Ruben

Heather Moore, copy editor
It’s for my mom, who died a little more than ten years ago from multiple sclerosis. Her ashes were scattered and she has no marker at the spot, so I like to think of this as her memorial. It’s a traditional-style heart with a banner, surrounded by forget-me-nots.

Raven Snook, TONY Kids Web editor
I got the wreath of roses on my left breast in 1988 because, being 17 in the ’80s, it seemed like a rebellious thing to do. I originally asked for a skull and crossbones, but happily the artist—who went on to be a great friend, and briefly, a lover—nixed that idea. I still like all my tats, not because they’re great pieces, but because they remind me of who I was at the time.

Ally Millar, online business coordinator
The one on my arm is my most recent tattoo, which I got it in April 2007. I was living in Washington, D.C., and I was bored with every aspect of the city. Over drinks with my now boyfriend, we decided we should go and get giant, involved tattoos for the hell of it. I took this phoenix a friend drew, did the color design and went for it. My boyfriend got a giant political cartoon from the 1800s plastered on his chest. Between the two of us, it took six hours, but it was fun. The guys working the desk at the parlor kept playing “Will It Blend?” clips on YouTube, and there was a bar right next door so we could rid any residual pain with bourbon. I still love it and get compliments on it all the time.

Carly Guarino, brand-solutions production manager
The stars on my wrists were done last December by Katja Ramirez at New York Adorned (47 Second Ave between 2nd and 3rd Sts; 212-473-0007, nyadorned.com). I have always had an attachment to stars. These guys are there to remind me to stay true to myself, and be the best person I can be. Also, that I’m a superhero.

Monika Fabian, assistant to the president
I got my first tattoo, the flaming ying-yang sun on my left calf, in 1997. I went to a hole-in-the-wall tattoo parlor in (the then-sketchy-as-all-get-out) Williamsburg. I chose it purely on aesthetics—what can I say, I was 16! It took four hours to complete. Right at my halfway break there was a commotion outside and everyone went to see what it was. Turned out somebody was stabbed at the corner!

Evan Morgenstern, finance clerk
I got my lizard tattoo when I was 17 and was visiting my sister during winter break. We went to a place in the East Village, and they didn’t ask me my age or have me sign a waiver until afterward. I said I was 19. The lizard was in honor—and now memory— of my iguana, Hootz.

Roberto De Luna, photo editor
I have a lot of names tattooed on me. Most are family members, some are not. Even if I don’t really have that person in my life anymore, it’s nice to have the name. I don’t regret any of them, they just make me want more, more, more.

Shaina Park, account manager
I got my tattoo in Austin, Texas, the day I graduated from college. I knew I wanted a diamond shape to follow the contours of my foot, and I’ve always been attracted to mehndi designs. I still love it—thank God!

Alex Schechter, receptionist
My tattoo doesn’t really mean anything. When I look at it, I see the ocean, a setting sun and a moon sliver. One person said he saw a pair of breasts. So it’s open for interpretation. That’s why I like it.

Stephanie Gussin, photo intern
I got my tree tattoo at Addiction NYC (27 Saint Marks Pl between Second and Third Aves; 212- 420-1313, addictionnyctattoos.com) two years ago, but I had the idea in mind for years. The tree reminds me to stay grounded, bend without breaking, and reach ever upwards towards the light and air. The roots grow from my vein—I’m very cerebral, and it reminds me that I’m always rooted in my body.

David Fear, film editor
I wanted to get something that had to do with my daughter. We didn't know her sex prior to her birth, and when we talked to her in utero, my wife and I always called her Super Tiny Baby. Adam Fulrath, our art director, whipped this up for me. I'd always wanted a tattoo in that '70s future-analog Rollerball-style font.

Samantha Terry, marketing manager
I got my tattoo when I was 18, about a week before I left for college. Yes, it's a cheesy symbol of "freedom," "spreading my wings," etc. I'm also girly and just think it's pretty. My mom has a butterfly on her back too. I love it. I have no regrets, and I never get sick of it. Since it's on my back, I rarely see it and sometimes even forget it's there. I thought really hard about where I could get a tattoo that won't look wrinkled and ridiculous when I'm old— unlike Eve's cleavage paw prints. 

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