Brighton is known as a town that encourages and accepts ideas that fall outside the boundaries of ‘conventional’ thinking, in turn fostering individuals who strive for something different. Laura grew up in Brighton and found herself immersed in this melting pot of creativity; her artistic leanings were keenly encouraged by her parents, but it was ultimately a trip to California that set out her life’s path…

Tell us something about your childhood, what ambitions you had, where did you grow up and what has inspired you?

Unfortunately my childhood was not a happy one to begin with. My parents separated when I was five and my dad took custody of my older sister and me.

Looking back, I respect how much he put into making our family survive at the time. As well as working an important full-time job, he cooked, cleaned and ensured we had a good education. My dad remarried a few years later but sadly the family dynamics were not as perfect.  

I hate going into this part of my childhood as it was so unhappy, but let’s just say, my stepmother made my life a living hell and I no longer had the father I once had. My older sister also fell pregnant at 15, which I felt made me drift further away from my family, as I suddenly felt replaced. My stepmother threw me out when I was 14 and went to live with my real mum. Although she isn’t a saint herself, I finally felt part of a family and was able to express my opinions and feel safe in my home.   

Thankfully within a couple of years, my dad divorced and remarried a wonderful woman, who has made him the man he is today and reconnect our family. I have always lived down by the sea in the Brighton area, which I think sparked my enthusiasm to be different. Most of the kids I hung out with at school and college were the punk rock-type, who loved their music and wanted to be artists or performers.

What made you pick your particular career?

I actually fell into my career choice, nursing. My parents had always pushed me to be a photographer or illustrator, and I went to college thinking I would be one or the other. A once in a life time trip to live in Los Angeles changed all that, as when I came home, I no longer had the desire to study art at university and instead I embarked on putting my energy into caring for people in my community. I started my nursing course in 2006 and now only have a few months till I get my registration.

Do you do any modelling in your spare time or have you ever considered becoming a full time model?

I did do a lot of modelling when I was a bit younger and still help my boyfriend out now and again, who is a photographer. I would never want to be a full-time model though, as I know from friends, it’s not a guaranteed income and it doesn’t last forever.

Where did you get your tattoos done? What made you go to these particular
artists over others?

I got my first tattoo done by Jason Mosseri, of Into You.  It was actually my dad who made the appointment, as he was into tattoos at the time and didn’t want me coming home with something shit, that I would later regret, as at the time, I was just 18.    

Lester, formally of Temple Tatu, then did my stomach this time suggested by my stepmum, who was having pieces done at Temple.   

A chance meeting at a club, made me fall into Woody’s world. I became very good friends with his wife, Leah, and he has become my tattooist of choice for most of my pieces, as he is a top guy and a wonderful artist. A friend of mine from Leeds then introduced me to Diego, of Made with Love Tattoos, and I have been hooked on his bold style and his unusual takes on ideas ever since.

Do your tattoos have any particular meaning or symbolism behind them? what made you get them?

My first few tattoos don’t really have any meaning and I am happy to admit that.   

It wasn’t until I got my feet done, that I started to put meaning into my tattoos. These were done for my parents, as I wanted to show how much I loved them and how much pain I was willing to go through for them. My mum had 2 heart attacks just after my tattoos and I was really glad I got them done, as now every time I look at them, it reminds me how important family is. Diego has kindly done my left arm for me. The first piece based on a Japanese chop head, but less brutal and more girlie. Unfortunately with my profession there is no way I could get way with having something so violent on my arm, so Diego drew something, which fools people into thinking it beautiful and only when they look closer, it’s a girl with a dagger through her head, surrounded by sakura.   

The top part of my arm is an owl with a Time Turner, which is there to represent my inner child and love of the Harry Potter books. Finally I have a jellyfish tattooed on my leg, to remind me of the time I spent living in Lost Angeles and my best friend, who lives there.

Do you have any future tattoos planned? What artists do you hope to have
tattoo you?

I have my chest booked into be done this year by Woody and I would love my arm to be finished by Diego in the near distant future. I also really want to have a nurse tattooed on me after I qualify to represent my profession and love of caring for those around me.