Summer McInerney chose to get a ‘half sleeve tattoo’ on her right arm in July 2015 because she wanted to stand out and thought it would give her a hardcore look, as she explained to Daily Mail Australia. What started as a small decision turned into a massive art project that now covers a large portion of her body. Over the course of almost two years, the 23-year-old from Brisbane has dedicated around 127 hours (equivalent to 15 full days) and nearly AUD $20,000 to getting inked.
Summer McInerney decided to get a half sleeve tattoo on her right arm in July 2015. (See image above)
Ms McInerney had no idea that this simple decision would ultimately result in a stunning art project that now adorns most of her body.
Nearly 24 months later, the model in the image has dedicated around 127 hours to getting tattooed, which equals 15 full days, and has spent nearly AUD $20,000 on her ink. Ms. McInerney explained that she initially planned for only a half sleeve tattoo, but after working with her current tattoo artist, Coen Mitchell from Auckland, she couldn’t resist getting more. “After Coen completed my sleeve, I fell in love with it and found it to be truly unique,” said Ms. McInerney. “I immediately knew I wanted more, and luckily, he had a fantastic idea for my upper thighs and buttocks.” Before she knew it, Ms. McInerney was adding intricate designs to her stomach and chest. “Although getting my stomach and chest tattooed was a significant moment for me, surprisingly, they weren’t the most painful,” she shared.
After getting her first tattoo on her half sleeve, Ms McInerney was hooked and found herself eager to collaborate with her talented tattoo artist, Coen Mitchell, on more ink work.
When asked about her stomach and chest tattoos, she admitted they were a significant experience, but surprisingly not the most excruciating. Ms. McInerney revealed that her sternum tattoo was actually the most painful part of the process.
When discussing how people respond to her tattoos, Ms. McInerney expressed that the reaction can be quite overwhelming. She explained that she decided to get tattoos for herself because she wanted to transform her body into something one-of-a-kind.
“I once had a person in their seventies approach me and say, ‘I’ve never been a fan of tattoos, but yours really do look like a masterpiece.’ It was a really meaningful moment,” she reminisced.
Currently, she is working as a full-time model, gracing the pages of editorial shoots and magazines. When asked about how she perceives pain, the 23-year-old stated that if she can recall it, then it must have been quite intense. One of her most excruciating experiences was getting her sternum tattooed, but she also found the pain in her feet to be quite uncomfortable. Despite this, she is eager to get her foot lasered so she can complete the sleeve on her leg. Her foray into tattooing has garnered her a substantial following on social media, which she finds both exciting and overwhelming. For her, getting tattoos was a personal journey to transform her body into something truly unique. She is thrilled to have so many people admiring her ink, from young fans to those in their seventies who have complimented her tattoos as resembling works of art.
Although she has intentions to finish her right leg tattoo and continue with her left leg, Ms. McInerney is clear that she has her limits, drawing the line at getting a face tattoo.
Her suggestion for those wanting to transform their bodies into something unique and exceptional, like she has achieved, is to conduct thorough research.
“Choose the artist who will provide the best service for your body and invest in their work without any guilt,” she advised.
I’ve invested roughly $20,000, not including travel expenses to New Zealand, to get tattoos from Coen. These tattoos will be a permanent part of my body, so I see it as a worthwhile investment.
While I have plans to finish my right leg and get my left leg tattooed as well, I do have boundaries. I will stick to completing my right leg and opt for black and grey realism on my left with Coen. Though I’m open to getting tattoos on my throat, getting my face inked is where I draw the line.
For those considering transforming their bodies with tattoos like I have, my advice is to do thorough research. I spent two years researching different artists before choosing Coen. I trust him completely, and every piece he has done on my body complements it perfectly.
Choose an artist who will enhance your body in the best way possible, and be willing to spend the money without feeling guilty. These tattoos are a lifelong commitment, so it’s important to invest in quality work.
Feel free to connect with me on Facebook and Instagram for more updates. You can also follow Coen Mitchell on Facebook to see more of his work.
