My introduction into the body modification community started while I was young. Both my parents are tattooed and I never viewed it as something that was taboo. The reasons behind it seemed simple to me until Venesa became my best friend. I began to question why people chose to pierce their flesh, inject ink into their skin and all the various other things you can do. I began watching shows on body modifications, learning about its history and it’s societal meaning. My passion for the subject began forming itself on my own body once I turned 18. This book is not about me, it’s about all the other people who have taken the journey to turn their bodies into their journals.