Alitia Thoburn, a woman from Bristol, has made headlines for her bold decision to get a face tattoo on an impulse, despite facing criticism and judgement from strangers. At 20 years old, Alitia has always had a passion for tattoos, which she developed since she was just eight years old. Her journey into the world of tattoos led her to getting a face tattoo, an unusual choice that has sparked both admiration and condemnation.
The decision to get a face tattoo was a spontaneous one, as Alitia and her fiancé, Jonathan Saunders, were getting inked by a tattoo artist. The design, which starts on the right side of her face and extends down to her collar bone, is a large brush-like stroke of ink that seamlessly connects with the rest of her tattoos. Despite facing backlash and being labelled as “stupid” and a “criminal” by strangers, Alitia stands firm in her belief that tattoos can be a form of self-expression and art.
Alitia’s journey into the world of tattooing started at a young age when she began practicing on herself at 14 years old. She eventually pursued a formal apprenticeship at 18 and now works full-time at a studio in Oxfordshire. With up to 50 hours of tattooing sessions on her body, Alitia got her first face tattoo in May 2023, marking a significant step in her body art transformation.
While Alitia has received negative comments online and in person, with some telling her she has “ruined her face” and predicting that nobody would want to be with her, she remains unfazed by the criticism. Alitia’s determination to cover her entire body in tattoos, creating a cohesive and personalised body suit, reflects her commitment to self-expression and individuality.
Despite the societal stigma attached to face tattoos and the challenges of navigating public perception, Alitia remains resolute in her choice. She embraces the uniqueness of her body art and sees it as a form of empowerment and personal meaning. Alitia’s story challenges conventional norms and stereotypes surrounding tattoos, encouraging others to embrace their self-expression and authenticity, regardless of external judgements.
As Alitia continues her tattoo journey, she plans to integrate flowers into her face tattoo to soften its appearance and create a more feminine aesthetic. Her dedication to creating a seamless body suit of tattoos highlights her vision of a unified and expressive canvas. Alitia’s story serves as a reminder of the power of self-expression and the resilience needed to defy societal expectations.
In a world where conformity often reigns, Alitia’s story stands out as a testament to individuality and self-assurance. Her unwavering commitment to her tattoo artistry showcases the transformative nature of self-expression and the beauty that can emerge from embracing one’s uniqueness. Alitia’s journey is a reminder that true empowerment comes from owning and celebrating every aspect of oneself, regardless of societal norms or opinions.