INKED IDENTITY

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Lighting up your smile, dancing across your skin and floating through your mind,
your identity is inked. In whatever form that may be; a tattoo, the way you dress, the music
you listen to or the space you inhabit. All of these things construct the person you are and the
things that you do. No matter how you choose to express yourself, the catharsis found in the
carving out of your individuality is an act of true, self-love.
Inked Identity is a community that finds home in tattooing. For the outcasts and the freaks,
for those who have marched through life often alone, seeking solace in art and self-expression.
This is my love letter.
Tattooing, both simple and profound
When you etch my soul upon my skin
My truest self is found
And to adorn others' skin for a living,
A privilege that forever aligns.
To those I've met along this path,
who believe and trust in my craft.
You mean more than words can convey,
In your faith, I will continue to find my way.
This community I now find myself a part of,
Of all that’s good, a guiding light.
I count my lucky stars everyday.
Between the pages that follow is my heart and soul.
And all I hope is that you find a piece to hold.
It’s taken me a long time to find my people but I
know I’ve found my home. For the people that have
held me up. For the people that have taken me in &
loved me without condition & for myself, for never
being afraid to be who I am. From the bottom of my
heart… Thank you.
Inked Identity is here because of and for you.
FOR THE BODY,
THE MIND
& the art that adorns.
Founder & Creative Director
of Inked Identity
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@josephjdhouse
Musician & Sales Executive
@ Good People Agency
@afeni.prevost
Illustrator & Model
@cherrygurlgemz
Tooth Gems, Studio
Manager @ Soteria Studies
&Socials @ y2kwholesale
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inked
identity’s
community
@badcatclub_
Tattoo Artist
@tommy_corbridge
Professional Skateboarder
@bunnystattoos
Tattoo Artist
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“14 years of being
tattooed, listening to
the stories of each artist
and being able to take
that piece of work with
me, along my own
journey. I am grateful
for each and every
piece, each having
their own story... really
making me feel a lot
more confident about
my body.”
- Meg Rees
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Tattooing has changed my life. That’s it.
Inked Identity has changed my life.
This is not my book. It’s ours.
kiss from
a rose x
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Alyssa Mullings is a photographer and videographer based in London. At least, that’s what her
LinkedIn profile would say. But if you were to ask me, “Who is Alyssa Mullings?”, I would tell you: she
is my best friend, my right hand, the person who makes me laugh until I cry, my creative partner, my
everything. Alyssa, I adore you.
There is no one else in this world I would rather have on board as the photographer for this project
than her. I trust her wholeheartedly. She respects me as a creative and has only ever encouraged me and
helped bring my vision for Inked Identity to life. The imagery that adorns the following pages is all her.
She is an absolute talent, and I can’t wait to see where this crazy life takes her.
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MULLINGS
the photographer ALYSSA

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BUNNYS
TATTOOS
Meg Rees
Meet Meg, also known as Bunny—a vibrant force
in the world of tattoo artistry. As the owner of the No
Cure For You tattoo studio, her style is characterized by
intricate line work with a playful twist. She believes that
tattoos should evoke feelings and memories, serving as
a form of self-expression and reminding people not
to take life too seriously.
Meg’s creativity extends beyond tattooing.
She hosts her own podcast, “You’ve
Gotta Be Joking,” where she explores
the complexities of love and dating.
Additionally, she is an accomplished
painter, passionate about creating art that
resonates with others.
An angel with the kindest heart, Meg
brings joy to everyone who knows her. Her
openness and optimism are among life’s
great wonders.
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WHY
COMMUNITY
?
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Community provides
diverse perspectives on selfexpression,
helping you
discover who you are whilst
finding a home amongst those
who help you flourish even
more beautifully.
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Community is the heartbeat of selfexpression.
Through collaboration, we
connect and grow, discovering new facets of
our identities. At Inked Identity, we celebrate
this vibrant communal spirit, showcasing
the myriad ways we express ourselves—from
tattoos to fashion, and beyond. Together, we
evolve, reflecting the ever-changing journey of
who we are.
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Becky Hare, a dynamic hair colourist at Brooks & Brooks salon in London,
stands out as a passionate artist with a career full of achievements. Becky’s
work offers an enriching display of self-expression, with her innovative
hair designs providing fresh perspectives on personal styling and
complement tattoo artistry.As a member of the ClubStar Art Team for 2024,
Becky’s journey is one of innovation, having assisted on photoshoots for
Narsissist and supported celebrity hairdresser Marlon Hawkins. She also
participated in Colour World, making the final for the Rising Star award
further showcases her influence in the industry.
Talking about self-expression, Becky believes,
HAIR BY
HARE
“It isn’t about
being loud, it’s
about being
unapologetic.
It’s doing what
feels right and
looks right to you
without having
to compromise
yourself in any
way.”
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Robyn’s tattoo style, known for its intricate linework and textures, draws inspiration from the
beauty in the mundane. Documenting her journey on social media has garnered her a loyal following,
with clients seeking her unique artistry. Reflecting on her own tattoos, Robyn describes them as a
personal scrapbook, capturing different phases of her life. Her tattoos have influenced her fashion
choices, boosting her confidence and becoming integral to her self-expression. Committed to her
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BAD CAT
CLUB
Robyn
Topps
Robyn Topps, aka Bad Cat Club is a talented
tattoo artist who began her journey during the
lockdown. Starting with hand poke tattoos, she
quickly moved into guest spots around London and
now co-runs No Cure For You alongside Bunny.
creative vision, Robyn’s talent and
compassion makes her a force to be
reckoned with.
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Olivia Dodman, also known
as Bibbi Nails, is a nail artist based
in Hackney, East London. With a
reputation for creating stunning and
innovative nail art, Olivia’s work is a
testament to her belief in the power of
self-expression through art.
Her approach to nail art goes beyond
mere aesthetics; it’s a collaborative
process that starts with understanding
her clients’ visions and translating
their ideas into bespoke designs
that makes them feel confident and
authentic. Her work has empowered
individuals to express themselves
confidently through her art. For
Olivia, self-expression means
staying true to her own artistic
identity. She continually seeks growth
and evolution as an artist, drawing
inspiration from a variety of sources,
and infusing her personal style into
each creation. No matter the design,
Bibbi’s Nails represents a dedication to
celebrating individuality and creativity
in every stroke.
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All Images shot
by Olivia Dodman
(Dodman, 2024)
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“As a nail artist, self-expression
is about celebrating
individuality and creativity
by creating nails that reflect
individual personalities,
moods, and styles. Selfexpression
in my work involves
understanding my clients’
visions and translating their
ideas into nail art. It’s about
listening to their preferences,
understanding their lifestyles,
and creating designs that
make them feel confident and
true to themselves. For me,
self-expression also means
staying true to my artistic
identity. It’s about continually
growing and evolving as an
artist, taking inspiration from
various sources, and adding
my personal style into each
design.”
- Olivia Dodman

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TOMMY
CORBRIDGE
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Tommy Corbridge, a skateboarder from Milton Keynes, is a formidable
presence in the London skate scene. Through his technical prowess on ledges and
manuals, Tommy conveys his creativity and personal style. When not skating,
Tommy is often found at the gym, where he continuously trains to improve his
skateboarding. His unique style and approach to skateboarding not only define
his place in the London skate scene but also tell his story in a language only
understood by those who share his love for the sport.
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@KOZMOORE
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@KOZMOORE
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All Images shot by @mozzo
(Mozzo, 2024)
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I get up in the evenin’
And I ain’t got nothin’ to say
I come home in the mornin’
I go to bed feelin’ the same way
I ain’t nothin’ but tired
Man, I’m just tired and bored with myself
Hey there, baby, I could use just a little help
You can’t start a fire
You can’t start a fire without a spark
This gun’s for hire
Even if we’re just dancin’ in the dark
Messages keeps gettin’ clearer
Radio’s on and I’m movin’ ‘round my place
I check my look in the mirror
Wanna change my clothes, my hair, my face
Man, I ain’t gettin’ nowhere
I’m just livin’ in a dump like this
There’s somethin’ happenin’ somewhere
Baby, I just know that there is
You can’t start a fire
You can’t start a fire without a spark
This gun’s for hire
Even if we’re just dancin’ in the dark
You sit around gettin’ older
There’s a joke here somewhere and it’s on me
I’ll shake this world off my shoulders
Come on, baby, the laugh’s on me
Stay on the streets of this town
And they’ll be carvin’ you up alright
They say you 12
Come on now, baby, gimme just one look
You can’t start a fire
Sittin’ ‘round cryin’ over a broken heart
This gun’s for hire
Even if we’re just dancin’ in the dark
You can’t start a fire
Worryin’ about your little world fallin’ apart
This gun’s for hire
Even if we’re just dancin’ in the dark
Even if we’re just dancin’ in the dark
Even if we’re just dancin’ in the dark
Even if we’re just dancin’ in the dark
Hey baby
- Bruce Springsteen “Dancing in the Dark”
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CHERRY GURL
gemz
All Images by Sophia
(Sophia, 2024)
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“To me, self expression
means to be
unapologetically yourself.
It is important to hold onto
the moments and quirks
which make you yourself,
especially amongst
a society which can
feel oversaturated and
judgemental.”
- Sophia aka Cherry Gurl Gemz
Tooth gem artist Cherrygurlgemz, also known as Sophia, has built her brand
on creating “icey smiles for bad bitche$.” Based in East London at Soteria
Studios, Sophia is transforming smiles, one dazzling tooth at a time. With
her unique flair, she’s making self-expression shine brighter than ever
before. Smiling has never been this bold, this stylish, or this easy.
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All Images by Sophia
(Sophia, 2024)
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FENI
Afeni Prevost is a London-based model, illustrator,
and printer, who recently graduated from King’s College
with a degree in Religion, Politics, and Society. Her
modelling career is marked by a striking presence at
Genesis Models, while her illustrations and prints are
full of intricate details. Afeni’s unique blend of creative
and intellectual pursuits continues to inspire and make
a significant impact on those around her. A bright light
that never shies away from being her truest self.
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beneath the surface
tattoos,
a short term phrase for such craft,
stories spead across skin
disguised as a song that’s saved a life,
or a loved one leaving a mark in more ways than one,
our own physical copy of photographic memory,
what you would call a little sneak peak of the mind, heart and
soul
your body’s very first museum with art outside it’s doors,
the cover art for what’s beneath the surface
tillie rae
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PICA
JEWELLERY
Handmade in EAST LONDON
MADE TO ORDER
Founded by Evie McKenna in East London, PICA was born from a fascination
with jewellery's symbolism, with each piece crafted as a cherished addition
to an individual's collection. Reflecting the owner's style, personality,
and heritage, PICA's designs are inspired by ancient relics and nature’s
imperfections. Each collection aims to build on the last all whilst continually
drawing inspiration from the earth and organic forms.
All Images by Evie McKenna
(McKenna, 2024)
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“Self-expression, to me, is
deeply intertwined with
the essence of PICA and
my first collection. It began
from a profound fascination
with jewellery’s symbolism,
viewing each piece not
just as an accessory, but
as a cherished addition to
an individual’s personal
collection. Each persons
jewellery collection is
personally curated to
reflect the owner’s style,
story, and heritage - a
fascinating and discreet
way in which we express
ourselves to the world. You
can tell a lot about a person
by the jewellery that they
wear.”
- Evie McKenna
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SOPHIA
As a freethinker and multi-talented creative, Sophia brings sparkle to every
aspect of her work. Through @cherrygurlgemz, she decorates smiles with
dazzling tooth gems, showcasing her passion for individuality. Sophia is also
the studio manager and social media coordinator at @soteria_studios, ensuring
smooth operations and fostering artistic innovation. Additionally, she curates
engaging content for @y2kwholesale. Sophia's vibrant personality and diverse
talents inspire those around her to embrace their true selves.
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To be able to express yourself is complete
freedom. Self expression allows me to
portray my uniqueness into tangible,
wearable piece of love and connect with
others.
Creating through self expression is crucial
for my mental wellbeing. It gives me
purpose and being able to share that with
the world is a gift.
- Hayley, Founder of
Dega Studios
Founded by Hayley Chaplin, Dega
Studios is a custom handbag brand based
in Hackney Wick. With “An ode to take life
slower”, Dega is a brand rooted in creativity.
Encouraging self-expression through
personalised accessories, each bag offers a
tangible piece of uniqueness for every wearer
to use throughout their day to day life.
Customisable clothing and accessories offer
each individual the opportunity to express
themselves in any way they see fit, Hayley
gives people the opportunity at Dega to
become artists in creating themselves.
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All Images by
Hayley Chaplin
(Chaplin, 2024)
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JOSEPH
HOUSE
Joe is a dynamic force in both
the music and fashion worlds,
emphasising the importance of
self-expression in all he does. As
a musician in the band Outlander,
he brings energy and passion.
Showcasing his dedication and
desire to connect with people on
a deeper level. In addition to his
musical pursuits, Joe excels as
a sales exec for the Good People
Agency. Through music, Joe
channels his inner emotions
and creativity, while in fashion,
he helps others showcase their
individuality and style. His unique
blend of artistic and professional
skills make him a true advocate for
the power of self-expression.
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music to my ears
i call it music to my ears,
speaks when words are not enough,
provides company in the bittersweet silence,
creator of emotions you didn’t know existed
i call it music to my ears,
an auditory example of explaining a feeling,
whether it’s the cinematic experience of the guitar solo,
the story telling of a bass line,
or the deafening silence left by lyic
i call it music to my ears,
could be the difference between a sob,
stauned pillowcase
or an escape of everything you never got over
it’s what i like to call music to my ears
tillie rae
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The Nostalgist
By Ellie Gallacher
It is a vicious cycle. Stuck in a place and time that she will never truly belong to.
Nostalgia: "a sentimental or wistful affection for a period in the past." The word is not
becoming enough. It is almost belittling to the feeling.
An old soul is what one would describe her as. For as long as she can remember, this is
how she has been known. The girl, who is on a perpetual journey for something that
has already happened. The endearing yet hopeless desire to live another life. Things
created before her time are her catharsis. Understanding these feelings of belonging to
another place and time is all-consuming. And yet there is nothing she can do.
The angels must have got it wrong. She is not meant to be here. She belongs to before.
How can you fulfil a life that does not belong to you? She is a pastiche, the muse of
another time, another place. Send her there, bags packed. Ready and waiting.
Is it a case of misunderstanding? It could be. Perhaps.
There is a fire inside, a burning desire to get out. To live another life, a life so far from
her own. It calls, and it beckons. Her entire being craves it.
The journey begins within. A desire so bright, it could light a thousand candles.
Her destination is the end of a rainbow. So close, yet so far away. The closer she gets,
the further away it becomes. Because you can not live in the past.
“To live in the past is to die in the present.” These are the thoughts that plague her
mind.
I am her. I was born when and yet my heart is stuck then.
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With a full heart, and one final turn of a page, we kiss goodbye. Although the journey of
self-expression is never ending, this chapter ends here. Throughout the zine, you have
met beautiful people, all of whom offer even more beauty for you to take with you.
As I said at the beginning, I hope you’ve found at least a part of what you were looking
for. Life comes in waves and you’ve just gotta keep on groovin to your own beat. Find
joy in the mundane, celebrate your friends, kiss your lover and most importantly, never
apologise for being you.
It’s been a hell of a ride. Taking shape in many forms, individuality is more than just
tattoos, more than what you wear, it's about finding yourself & your community. Whatever
makes you feel like the most authentic version of you, hold it tight. Life’s too short
to waste a moment. With the wind in your hair and the sun on skin, your identity will
forever be inked...
FOR THE BODY,
THE MIND
& the art that adorns.
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Founder, Creative Director & Editor
Ellie Rose Gallacher
Head Photographer
Alyssa Mullings
Models
Meg Rees, Robyn Topps, Joseph House, Afeni Prevost,
Tommy Corbridge & Sophia
Contributors (In order of appearance)
Hair by Hare aka Becky Hare, Bibbi Nails aka Olivia
Dodman, Tillie Rae, Koz Moore, Mozzo, Pica
Jewellery aka Evie McKenna, Cherrygurlgemz aka
Sophia & Dega Studios
From the bottom of my heart, thank you all.
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