Writing with Tattoo Ink: Composing that Gets Under the Skin

Phillips describes the process of tattoo compositions as a collaborative writing process that occurs between an artist and a client. For the client, the composing process involves making decisions about what she wants her tattoo to communicate to other people about her. For the tattoo artist, the composing process involves making informed decisions about placement, effect, design, ink, and color based on the client’s request. Ultimately, the process of composition, no matter the medium, involves learning about a new genre, making informed decisions, revising, and considering the trajectory, or path, of a text whether it’s in the skin or on a page.