Tattoos Inspired by Sedona, Tolkien, and Anthony Bourdain

If someone's thinking about getting a tattoo, ignore everybody. There's no right or wrong way to get a tattoo. Do what makes you happy. If you want to get it, get it.

Welcome to Episode 17, where you’ll meet C.C. Chapman, an author, a brilliant marketing strategist, and a Professor at Wheaton College, where he prepares and educates the next generation of marketers, business students, thinkers, mavericks, changemakers, and misfits.

C.C.’s ink story begins in Sedona, Arizona, where he was vacationing with his wife. He was so inspired by the area and a well-known artist, that he spontaneously stepped into a tattoo studio, shared his vision for the design, and got his first tattoo.

It took years before C.C. ventured into getting his second tattoo. The longing for more ink was there, but he wanted to choose the right design.

After careful consideration, C.C. chose two inspiring quotes for each forearm – one from J.R.R. Tolkien – not all who wander are lost; the other from Anthony Bourdain – travel changes you.

Here are the full quotes:

“All that is gold does not glitter. Not all those who wander are lost. The old that is strong does not wither. Deep roots are not reached by the frost.” ~ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship Ring

“Travel changes you. As you move through this life and this world you change things slightly, you leave marks behind, however small. And in return, life — and travel — leaves marks on you.” ~ Anthony Bourdain

C.C. is very clear about his next tattoo – a tribute to his favorite musician, Prince.

In fact, C.C. has a special request to anyone in the New England area: if you know a talented tattoo artist who specializes in watercolors, please let C.C. know!

From his nervous first tattoo experience (he almost passed out!), to the meaningful art that adorns his body today, you will enjoy hearing C.C.’s inkspiring tattoo stories.

Thank you for tuning in and being a part of the Your Ink Story community. Together, we're celebrating and amplifying the power of self-expression through tattoos!

Be sure to join us over on Instagram @tellmeyourinkstory to see the video showcasing C.C.’s INKsirational quote tattoos.

A special shoutout to C.C.’s talented tattoo artist Dan Bythewood at Ghost in the Machine tattoo studio in Boston, MA. 

Please rate and review this podcast wherever you are tuning in, and if this episode inspired you, please share it, so we can bring more people together, inspire connection, and ignite conversations that go beyond the surface.

You can also share your thoughts and INKspirations from these conversations in the comment threads wherever you’re tuning in … or over on Instagram @tellmeyourinkstory.

Waving from Boston and wishing you a delicious day,

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