We Have Our First Joe Exotic Tattoo

One of the unexpected consequences of the proliferation of cable television and the myriad different streaming services is the demise of the monoculture. 

Back when there were way less things to watch, everybody bonded over the same shows. This is how the finale of “M*A*S*H” was watched by over 121 million viewers back in 1983, slightly over half of the U.S. population. 

Interestingly, even in spite of all of the different viewing options available to us right now, it seems as if the monoculture is making a bit of a comeback as the world quarantines due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As we are separated from each other we are also rallying together over a few different programs, none more notable than Netflix’s “Tiger King.” 

“Tiger King” seems to be all anybody can talk about in every chat room, every text thread and every Zoom Happy Hour. Normally when something in pop culture explodes like this it’s only a matter of time before we start to see the trend show up in tattoos. The most recent example of this is Baby Yoda. 

Yet, with “Tiger King” things are a little different—most tattoo shops throughout the United States, and many abroad, are closed due to the pandemic. So we hadn’t seen a single Joe Exotic tattoo… until now. 

Heidi Koskenmäki, from Finland, may be the very first person to go and get a tattoo of Joe Exotic. Koskenmäki had the portrait done by Kimmo Angervaniva of La Muerte Ink in Helsinki. Much like the documentary, we just can’t tear our eyes away from the majesty of this tattoo. 

We caught up with Koskenmäki to ask about her tremendous ink. Here’s what she had to say. 

Inked: What in the world made you get a Joe Exotic tattoo?

Heidi Koskenmäki: Because he is the one and only Tiger King! Lol. He is what he is. Nothing more or nothing less. He had rad glitter shirts and he is just an awesome character and showman all the way. Okey, he might had also had little obsessions about Carole and staff, but I still loved the character a lot.

After watching Tiger King, were there any other folks that you considered getting a tattoo of? Or was it Joe all the way?

It was Joe that I wanted all the way. It was always Joe <3

How have people reacted to your tattoo?

Many people say that it’s the funniest tattoo EVER. But also some people call me stupid and think that I support animal abuse. ATTENTION: I DON’T SUPPORT ANIMAL ABUSE AT ALL!!! I might be little stupid tho but that’s okay

Do you have other tattoos inspired by binge-worthy shows? Or other joke tattoos?

Yes I have some joke tattoos. One inspired by the “Breaking Bad” series with our local singer (Jari Sillanpää) who uses some meth and is literally breaking bad. I also have one famous Finnish transvestite (not so beauty queen), Markus. The same artist made all of them.

In 10 years, when nobody remembers Joe Exotic or Carole Baskin anymore, do you think you’ll regret the tattoo?

I REGRET NOTHING. NOTHING. Then it’s still a cool story. 

Lastly, but perhaps most importantly, what do you think happened to Carole’s husband?

Well, them cool cats and kittens ate him. That’s the story, bro.