Photos by Mattie Stafford

Of all of Allison Wilt's tattoos, only a few have personal meaning. There's a portrait on her left forearm of a young boy in a far away land that's dedicated to her grandfather's adventurous spirit. A sugary sweet cupcake sits just above, scribed with the name of Wilt's sister, "Molly Kay." A tribute-in-progress, the outline of an airplane stretches across the opposite shoulder, a love note to her father and brother who both fly airplanes. And completing the family ties is a replication of a Shel Silverstein illustration, meant to forever remind Wilt of a poem her mother read her as a child.

The rest of 'em, which she estimates to be "between fifteen and forty," are really just for kicks.

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In Ink Spot, Amy Price stops strangers in Dallas to shoot, and learn about, their body art.

Twenty-three-year-old Twisted Root bartender Melissa MacDougall frequently gives out those "best body parts" discounts from the behind bar, but if there was a discount for "most awesome tattoos," she'd get her meal for free.

See also: This Guy's Lip Tattoos Are Admittedly Freaking Us Out a Little (Photos)

MacDougall's most ironic tattoo is her chest piece that reads "Born to lose," a tribute to the Ramones' song. Surrounding the words are items known for bring good luck and fortune -- a rising star behind a horseshoe, dice, and an 8-ball. "It's contradicting because of all the lucky stuff around it and I feel like sometimes I'm handed the short-end-of-the-stick."

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In Ink Spot, Amy Price stops strangers in Dallas to shoot, and learn about, their body art.

Needles, blood, piercing flesh and beautiful body art always remind me of my favorite Dallas piercer, 28-year-old Steven Haddad at Last Angels. And while he is a phenomenal peircer, he can make any painful piercing feel more at ease through his wit and on-the-edge humor. A glimpse into his not-so-politically-correct banter can be seen throughout his tattoos.

See also: A Barcadia Bartender Shows Off Her Many Tattoos (Photos) (NSFWish)

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Photos by Leslie Minora

David Sena creates firework art in the courtyard of Gallery Interiors.

Some of his pieces burst with a spectacle of vibrant color while others find their power in the absence of any hue at all. Burnt, swirled, carefully prodded and calculated with the precise hand of tattoo artist, David Sena's art pairs scientific measure with impulsive creativity. His mark-making instruments of choice include smoke bombs, fireworks and lighters -- all burning, coloring, singeing and crafting shapes and charred holes.

After 18 years in New York, the Brooklyn-based artist who started East Village tattoo shop, North Star Tattoo, is finally showcasing his honed talent in his old hometown of Dallas, and it's about damn time. His work will be on display at Gallery Interiors on Preston Road until July 31.

Walking into the shop full of plush beautiful furniture, it's easy to think you've made a mistake, but once you wind through the displays and into a room toward the back, you'll find a make-shift gallery that's a perfectly comfortable place to browse, both more homey and beautiful than the starkness you've become accustomed to.

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Derek Dilday is a really big Mavs fan. He recently got the above tattoo. Here he is talking about why:

The inspiration came from being a huge Dirk fan, obviously. Knowing how much Dirk wanted this championship and the struggles he has been through with this team for the past 13 years made me want this championship for him more than I've wanted any other sports championship. Once they got to the Finals, especially against the Miami Heat, I may have got a little too excited and posted on Facebook that I would get Dirk's face tatted on my ass if they won it all. I got quite a few comments back from friends, so I knew that if they did win it all I would kind of have to do it. When Dirk lifted the Larry O'Brien and the MVP trophy it was the greatest sports moment of my life. I sports-cried, called a high school friend that does tattoos and have been on a Dallas Mavericks championship high ever since. Now I realize that I will be sitting on a big German man's face for the rest of my life.