Grace Gummer’s Tattoo is a Reminder to “Stay True”

Grace Gummer has made a name for herself with her skillful and memorable performances. In addition to acting, the 27-year-old has also found success as a writer and producer of television shows like The Leftovers and American Horror Story: Hotel. Grace’s impressive resume is only the beginning of her creative life and we’re excited to see what she creates next. Through it all, Grace remains grounded and humble, which is what we love most about her. She’s also an artist in many ways, whether it’s singing, dancing or writing poetry. Her latest venture? Getting inked! We sat down with Grace to discuss grace gummer tattoo and its symbolic meaning behind staying true to who you are as a person.

What was the inspiration behind your tattoo?

The grace gummer tattoo is a line from a poem by Pablo Neruda called “The Moment.” The poem was a gift from a friend of mine after I signed on to do a movie. And be present in the moment we are in, and not to take it for granted. The poem talks about how the moment is everything, and that it is what we are, which is completely true.

That line “the moment is a caught fish” is perfect – it’s like your life is in a fishbowl, and every moment is kind of like that caught fish: it’s there, and it’s everything. We don’t always have a lot of control over what is happening in our lives, but we do have a lot of control over how we choose to look at what is happening.

Why did you decide to get a tattoo?

I have been thinking about getting a tattoo for a long time, and I feel like I have been putting it off because I didn’t want the version of me that doesn’t have a tattoo to end. It’s a strange thing to say, but I really wanted to feel authentic about it – I wanted to be sure it was something I would like for the rest of my life, and that it was something that really meant something to me.

I was on set for another tattoo show, and I was talking to one of the makeup artists about it, and she said she had a friend in town who was an incredible tattoo artist. We set up a meeting, and I told her what I wanted and we just went from there. I feel like I have a pretty clear sense of who I am and what I want.

Where did you get your tattoo and who did it?

I got the tattoo on my right forearm from a very talented artist. He works out of a shop called the Shamrock Social Club in Los Angeles. It was a very collaborative process and was one of the most fun and special experiences. I’m not an artist by any stretch of the imagination. I have a lot of respect for artists, and I just enjoyed being able to bring something to the table.

Tattoo Process

I got the tattoo on a Tuesday, and they first put on a stencil. It was a very collaborative process, and I was actually able to adjust some of the words that I wanted on it. I also met with the artist before we started too. After we had decided on exactly what we wanted. He gave me a numbing cream to put on 10 minutes before we started, which helps take the edge off.

The process itself felt like a pinch, like someone was brushing the inside of your arm with a paintbrush. It was really great and not as painful as I was expecting. After the tattoo was done, the artist and I sat down with a pinwheel and looked at the design. Which was nice because I was able to see the design.

What does your tattoo mean to you?

The grace gummer tattoo is a line from a poem by Pablo Neruda called “The Moment.” I think it’s important to always be yourself, and to remember that even if you’re in the worst moment of your life, it will pass.

Stay True

This is a reminder to stay true to who you are as a person. It’s a reminder to stay in the moment and not take anything for granted. A reminder to take care of yourself, and to not let other people’s expectations govern your life. To do what is right for you, and not for other people.

Check out Grace’s tattoo

We hope you enjoyed this inside look at Grace’s tattoo. As grace gummer tattoo mentioned, tattoos are a permanent decision, so it’s important to choose a design that you love and will want to keep with you forever. If you’re thinking about getting your first tattoo, don’t forget to check out our Tattoo.