Ian Carey: First Tattoo to Fierce Collector
Some people dip their toes into getting tattooed with one small piece and slowly build a collection over the years. Ian Carey is not one of those people. From the moment he stepped into Ink & Dagger, he went all in—and in just over a month, he racked up seven tattoos between Michel Parisay and Lilith Jacobs.
His collection is now a bold mix of traditional and traditional-inspired designs, from a Motörhead logo and Judas Priest album to a ship at sea and even a toad armed for battle,
Hooked from the First Tattoo
Ian’s tattoo journey with Lilith and Michel started on Christmas Eve with his very first piece—a Motörhead logo from Lilith.
“After that, I was hooked,” he says. “From Christmas Eve to January, I was tattooed seven times between both Lilith and Michel.” It wasn’t just their talent that drew him back so quickly—though he’s quick to point out that anyone into traditional or traditional-inspired tattooing should be able to recognize their skill.
“They are no joke,” Ian says. “But for me now it’s more than just amazing art—it’s about camaraderie. I’m not just leaving the studio with badass pieces, I’m leaving with good memories.”
The Dynamic Duo Experience
With Lilith and Michel’s chairs next to each other, Ian says multi-tattoo days are easy—and fun. “Goofing off and chatting with them makes the time fly. They’re able to joke around while still remaining highly professional. It’s the perfect balance.”
Michel has added striking, detailed designs to Ian’s collection. He has classic, traditional-inspired art like the osprey and Judas Priest eagle on his chest, a clipper ship, and a flaming sword.
The rest from Michel are heavily rooted in fantasy: a Hobbit Hole, the Eye of Sauron, and a skull wearing a knight’s helm.
Lilith has brought her dark Neo-traditional magic to pieces like the window scene, battle toad, and Ian’s beloved heavy metal band tributes to Iron Maiden, Pagan Altar, and of course Motörhead.
Together, their work creates a cohesive yet dynamic body of art.
Advice for Fellow Tattoo Collectors
For those looking to build the same kind of artist-client relationship, Ian’s advice is simple: find artists whose style matches what you’re after—but also ones who match your personality. “Having people you can joke with and connect with makes the experience even more special,” he says.
Respect, Ian adds, goes both ways. “Just because you hire someone doesn’t mean you shouldn’t treat them with dignity. Good business revolves around relationships, and that goes for any industry. I know firsthand the difference between a client who respects your time and skill, and one that doesn’t.”
He also encourages clients to leave room for spontaneity. “Trust your artist and give them some openness—you’ll end up with better results.”
A Final Word from Ian
“Life is short and imperfect,” Ian says. “Don’t take things too seriously—have as much fun as you can.”
Ready to start your own tattoo journey with Michel or Lilith?
Whether you’re dreaming of a bold, traditional piece, a dark ornamental design, or something that blends both worlds, Michel and Lilith can bring your ideas to life with the same artistry and attention to detail that made Ian’s collection unforgettable.
Browse Michel’s portfolio and Lilith’s portfolio to explore their work, then submit a booking request form to start the conversation. From your first tattoo to your fifteenth, you’ll be in the hands of artists who care about both the art and the experience.
