Got Ink: Matt Mueller
azcentral.com
Sept. 7, 2007 12:00 AM

Name: Matt Mueller
Age: 31
City: Avondale

Who designed your tattoo?

My father.





Where did you get your tattoo done (name of tattoo shop, city, state)?

Hot Rod Tattoo in Chandler, Arizona.

Where on your body did you get your tattoo and why did you choose that location?

Left arm/shoulder. I chose this location because it would be more visible than on my back.

What makes your tattoo special? Describe your tattoo.

My father passed away in January '04 due to ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease). Prior to being diagnosed with this debilitating and incurable disease he spent eight months to a year working on remodeling his home on his own with my mother. The largest project that he undertook was the tiling of his entire house. At the end of the project and with my mother's helpful eye they created a beautiful mosaic sun entrance way into their home. Shortly after completing this back-breaking and time-consuming project he was diagnosed with the early stages of ALS.

What made the experience memorable?

My father was never big on tattoos. However, after I received my first one when I was 18 he started to have a change of mind. He still would not get one himself, but I don't think he disliked them as much. Once he completed the entrance way and we all received the word of his illness I knew right away that this would be my next tattoo.

How bad did it hurt? Describe the pain...

Not that bad at all. The outline took a while and there are always going to be those sensitive areas where you are going to feel it. However, after time, the pain will go away and then you are left with a lifetime of memories.

Do you have any regrets?

The only regret is that I did not get it done sooner. I did not finally get my sun tattoo until last year.

Would you change anything about your tattoo?

No, not really. In time I will probably add more to it. However, I would not change the design for anything.

Do you have other tattoos? If not, will you get another one?

I have a total of four tattoos. I have a hawk on my right shoulder that I got when I turned 18. I have a tribal band on my right arm that I got when I took my youngest brother on his 18th birthday. I also have a Chinese symbol of the word friendship on my right arm that I received with my wife and four other friends at the same time (all matching tattoos).

What is your plan for further tattoos?

Not sure yet. I would like to add another tattoo to my right arm/shoulder. However, I have not finalized the design just yet. I like to have a meaning or reason for each of the tattoos that I get so I can remember a time, idea, or feeling. So I know that I will get another one just not sure of what, yet.

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