When I found Melissa’s artwork online, I knew I HAD to have a piece completed by her. Depicted in many of her tattoos is a striking red triangle placed over the third eye of different critters. I connected with this imagery, and I knew I had to have an octopus with this geometry.

I reached out to Melissa with the hopes that she would be interested in completing a thigh piece for me, but I expected that she would be booked through the next year. Luckily, for me she was available, and we set up a time for a consultation to discuss our ideas. I asked for a “visionary octopus.” We looked at some references, but I left all creative freedom up to Melis.

Notably, during our consultation, she told me that the delta represented “no progress without sacrifice.” I heard Melissa’s words, but they didn’t register. I remember saying, “Really? That’s funny. I say the word ‘progress’ to the universe multiple times everyday.” At the time, I didn’t connect the importance of that moment.

We set up an appointment and we completed our first session basically in silence. This was my first large piece and I wasn’t sure what to expect. Melissa was great at counseling me through the process and she was very patient. For me, the physical tattooing was just the beginning of the journey. The tattoo, while yes was painful, was also exhilarating. I was able to go inside myself with the assistance of Melissa and my musical guru and connect with a part of myself that I didn’t realize I was longing to connect with that day.

During the healing process, I realized that through the brief communication during our consultation, Melissa was able to channel my inner being. I asked for a visionary octopus and Melissa created a visionary work of art so personal to me. Melissa truly is a visionary artist. For instance, Melissa choose for me “the seed of life” as the main geometric imagery in my tattoo. I am a reproductive biologist. After our time together I researched the meaning of the geometry and it couldn’t have been more perfect for me. But, most importantly, as I sat and stared at my leg in the coming days, I re-heard the words Melissa spoke to me about the meaning of the triangle. “No progress without sacrifice”. As I mentioned, at least fifteen times a day, I say the word progress to the universe. I believe that if you are open to the message, the universe with give you the answers to your questions, but you must be willing to listen. I think I have heard this answer over and over again, but I ignored it, because I wasn’t ready for the response or I didn’t want to hear the answer, but I kept asking. Well, the universe made it as clear as day to me. The universe through Melissa has permanently placed the answer on my skin (in the most beautiful fashion) and I can not ignore it anymore. If I want progress, I must make sacrifices. So, Melissa, I thank you for your vision and your clarity. You truly are a visionary artist. Anyone who has the pleasure of working with you now, in the past, or in future is truly blessed. Again, I thank you for touching my life and I look forward to being on your wavelength again soon. Much love and success to you, my friend.