Beyond Skin Deep: The Bold Life of Australia’s Most Tattooed Influencer

For most, a tattoo is a singular work of art or a symbolic gesture etched onto the skin. For Blue Valentine, a 28-year-old from Melbourne, Australia, it became a lifelong passion and a way to express her identity — one that would eventually cover nearly every inch of her body.

Valentine’s fascination with tattoos started in her early twenties, though she waited until she was 23 to take the plunge.

“I always saw myself as someone who’d eventually be covered in tattoos, but I wanted to do it right, not rush in and regret it later,” she shares. Her first piece, a small flower on her ribs, was a cautious experiment to test her tolerance for the infamous pain of tattooing.

Far from being discouraged by the discomfort, Valentine soon found herself embracing the process, and within a week she was planning her first full sleeve.

What began as a tentative step quickly evolved into an ambitious project: to create a themed ‘bodysuit’ of ink, inspired by the vibrant imagery of 1950s pin-up culture.

Over the past five years, Valentine has collaborated with several local artists, transforming her body into a tapestry of diner scenes, vintage circus acts, military motifs, and more.

Each area of her body tells a different story, unified by a deep appreciation for the art and aesthetics of another era.

“I love the organization and intentionality of working with themes. It turns each tattoo into a chapter in a larger story,” she explains.

Planning plays a crucial role in her approach. Valentine carefully sketches her ideas on a tablet, gathering references and mood boards before entrusting them to her tattooists.

“Tattooing isn’t just about the moment — it’s a whole process. There’s the design, the anticipation, the pain, and finally the reward of seeing it come to life.”

But this journey hasn’t come cheaply — or easily. With each marathon session lasting up to seven hours and costing hundreds of dollars, she estimates her total investment has surpassed $33,000. And yet, Valentine insists the rewards far outweigh the costs.

“Tattoos have completely changed how I feel about myself,” she says. “I’ve never felt more confident or comfortable in my own skin.”

Still, not everyone sees her ink the same way. Working in bar management, Valentine faces her share of intrusive questions and unwanted attention.

“People make assumptions, or ask inappropriate things. I get harassed pretty much every night on the job. But I don’t let it get to me — I did this for myself, and I’m proud of it.”

Support from loved ones has been crucial. Her partner stands by her, sharing her enthusiasm for body art and creativity.

Some of her most treasured tattoos pay tribute to her family — portraits of her parents, siblings, and even her dogs woven into the larger narrative on her skin.

With her transformation nearly complete, Valentine says only her feet, ears, and face remain untouched — and she’s adamant about leaving her face a blank slate.

“Your body can be your own gallery. I want to celebrate that, while keeping a part of me untouched, as a reminder of where I started.”

For Valentine, every tattoo is a reminder of her journey: a testament to courage, self-expression, and the power of turning vision into reality.