Now the manager of n8tiv Ink Merriwa, Mrs McIvor embarked on a career as a tattooist six years ago after moving to Perth, much to her parents’ ‘disgust’.
‘I’ve always been fascinated by it (and) I won art awards in high school,’ she said.
‘I love my job: you get to talk to people and they pay you at the end of the day.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOW‘It’s really rewarding when your clients have good reactions to what you do.’
Mrs McIvor said she drew many of her own tattoo designs, including one of popstar Pink on client Kerrie Harris’ back, which took three and a half hours to ink last month.
She and a colleague will be demonstrating their skills at the Australian Tattoo and Body Art Expo this weekend.
Mrs McIvor said that last year she spent nine hours working on one tattoo that wrapped around a client’s leg, and this year she hoped to do something similar.
With more than 200 tattoo artists taking part, the expo will also feature pin-up models, burlesque and custom-made motorcycles.