The Ink Link – Brandon Marsh (Friendship trumps everything!)

The Ink Link is an ongoing project at CN&CO that showcases tattoos in the workplace. One of the great things about a tattoo is it goes against the commonly-held viewpoint that “what you see is what you get”. There’s a misguided belief in certain quarters that in order to be a working professional, it is categorically *impossible* to have a tattoo… because how can someone with a tattoo be a professional? We are putting paid to that perception through the stories showcased in the Ink Link. This month we feature Pam Golding estate agent Brandon Marsh, the son of one of Penny’s friends who, with his brother Nolan, has many, many amazing tattoos. 

As many in the CN&CO family know, our admin goddess Penny is not only a machine at admin, at keeping Carel on track, at baking, at bridge, at – well, at many, many things – she is also an inspiration when it comes to friendships. Penny and her husband Mel have known each other since they were teenagers and many of their friends also date from those years. The length of these relationships is testimony to how caring, loyal, fun and supportive Penny is as a friend.

Of course, with all those positives, Penny must have one or two negatives! One is that she really dislikes writing for our blog. But since these are part and parcel of our CN&CO Lifestyle business, she has little option. For this blog, she got the info and bullied Carel into doing some editing. Here goes:

How many tattoos do you have?

I really wouldn’t know how many tattoos I have! But I’ve been getting tattooed since I was 20 years old. So far I have my arms full of tattoos, my legs, thighs, stomach, chest, ribs, my back and a little one in my mouth!

Will you get more tattoos?

I’m always planning on more. Hopefully next month I’ll get a few appointments in.

When did you get your first tattoo?

I was 20 years old when I got my first tattoo with my twin brother Nolan. We were in America travelling together. We got them on our bottom lips so my Dad couldn’t see! Many of our tattoos are similar.

Why did you decide to get a tattoo?

The reason I got a tattoo is because…. Well, just because I guess! Half of my artwork is Japanese. I love the Japanese culture and what the artwork stands for – for example, two gold fish together means to wish upon prosperity and wealth. The koi fish is a symbol of luck. The lotus flower represents the expanding of the soul and spiritual awakening – so these tattoos have deeper meanings for me.

Who does your tattoos?

Many different shops – Fallen Heroes, Jaded in, Roger Harris from Five Knives – and many all over the world.

A note from Carel …

While this blog doesn’t focus on Brandon’s work, I love the fact that Penny suggested we feature Brandon – someone she has known his whole life. We all know a variety of people and all of them contribute to our lives. And with his amazing tattoos, Brandon has certainly inspired me to get a few more!