Inked Girl of the Month: Tayla Brings Spooky Season Vibes for October

For October’s Inked Girl of the Month, we’re celebrating spooky season with Tayla, a tattooed cosplayer who lives and breathes creativity. Born in South Africa and now based in Canada, Tayla has spent the last 14 years building a career as a professional cosplayer and costume maker while curating a tattoo collection inspired by art, music, and alternative culture.

From South Africa to Canada: Building a Life of Creativity

“My name is Tayla! I was born and grew up in South Africa but now live in Canada. I have been a professional cosplayer and costume maker for the last 14 years,” she says. Known for her dark and spooky themes, Tayla’s cosplay creations are the perfect fit for Halloween and beyond.

Discovering Tattoos Through Alternative Culture

Tayla’s interest in tattoos began when she was a teenager fascinated by the rock and metal scene. “I was always interested in alternative culture since I was a kid. I grew up listening to rock and metal and tattoos were always such a large part of that world,” she explains. “The first time I really thought about tattoos for myself was when I was around 15 or 16 and I came across some tattooed models and suicide girls and I just thought they were so beautiful. I was like ‘I want to look like that one day.’”

Her First Tattoo: A Teenage Rebellion

Like many, her first tattoo came with a little mischief. “My first tattoo I got when I was 16. My best friend and I at the time said ‘let’s go get a tattoo.’ We were definitely NOT allowed to be getting tattooed but that didn’t stop us,” she laughs. “So we went to a flea market and I got a tiny little tattoo on the back of my neck. This was the best place to hide it from my mom so that’s why I put it there. I got a slogan from an Iron Fist clothing shirt I used to wear which said ‘hide your scars.’ I still have it and it’s blown out so badly so I’m hoping to cover it up eventually with something better!”

Tattoos as a Collection of Art

Unlike some who ink deeply personal symbols, Tayla views her tattoos as part of a larger collection. “My tattoos don’t really have a specific meaning. For me tattoos are like collecting artwork, so I love to get pieces I think are beautiful and support artists whose work I admire and love and add to my collection.”

What’s Next: A Dark, Spooky Leg Sleeve

October feels like the perfect time to talk about her next big piece. “Yes! I am planning on doing a full themed leg sleeve next to match my arm. Something dark and spooky! I’m not completely sure yet what it will be but I’m excited for it.”

Life Beyond Tattoos: Cosplay, Gaming, and Motorcycles

When she’s not adding to her tattoo collection, Tayla finds her thrills in other alternative passions. “I ride a motorcycle so when I get free time I love to go riding. I’m also a gamer so I enjoy gaming in my free time and was very into Marvel Rivals for a while. As I mentioned, I’m also a cosplayer so most of my time I spend making and creating costumes!”

She adds a fun fact that fits her unique personality: “I have 2 hairless cats. And I put ice in my cereal.”

Inked Girl of the Month and Birthday Bonus

This month is extra special for Tayla. “I’m very excited to be featured! I grew up following Inked Mag so this is a full circle moment for me! It’s also my birthday this month so this is a great birthday present!”

Spooky Season Projects and What’s Next

Halloween is Tayla’s favorite time of year, which makes her the perfect October Inked Girl. “I’m working on a ton of fun Halloween costumes for this month which I’m excited to share! Spooky season is my favorite time of year.”

Where to Follow Tayla

Check out Tayla’s tattoo journey, cosplay creations, and spooky season projects here:

• Spookykins
• Kinpatsucosplay