People who love to get tattoos come in all different shapes and sizes, which London-based photographer Alan Powdrill proves in his new Covered photo series. The people in his series, many of whom are tattooed chin-to-toe, are all walking, breathing works of art.

To drive the point home, each of Powdrill’s photos comes with a brief comment from the sitter about their history with tattoos. Some are extraordinarily late bloomers who started getting tattoos at 40 or 50, while some are life-long enthusiasts who’ve been getting tattoos since before they were of legal age.

Powdrill has tons of great photos of interesting people in his portfolio, so if you like this photo series, be sure to check out his other work on his website! His photos will be on display in London on November 11th as well, so if you’ll be in the city, check out his site for more info.

More info: alanpowdrill.com | Facebook | Twitter (h/t: ufunk)

Graham, 58

“I was 51 when I started and my father was already dead and my mum didn’t say anything as she was in the early stages of dementia”

Lillianna, 23

“I don’t feel my opinion will change on my tattoos, I doubt I’ll have any regrets regardless of my age”

Dave, 66

“I started in 1963 when I was 14 and I don’t think I’ll ever stop”

Victoria, 37

“My tattoos are part of who I am and I’ll always love my bodysuit now and when I’m 80. The love I get for what I look like is what it’s all about”

Alex, 49

“Me mum wasn’t happy at all about the swallow on my hand so I said ‘Look mum it’s not like I’m on the street doing heroin”

Izzy, 48

“I love being different and everyday I’m asked about them. Good tattoos aren’t cheap, cheap tattoos are not good”

James, 33

“I was 16 and got a small lizard on my hip. My parents said ‘how would I ever get a job!'”

Kimmy, 29

“My Kiss tattoos are my favourites, the pain was incredible but it feels good to show my ultimate dedication to the band”

Peter, 38

“They have given me confidence in life since my Crohn’s illness, I will love them in the future like I do now”

Michelle, 53

“Can’t say what age I’ll stop. While there’s still space to fill, It’ll get filled. I don’t think my attitude will ever change”

Bill, 59

“I love the fact I’m middle aged, have a professional job, am surrounded by straight people and I have ‘No Fucking Way’ tattoed on my chest”

Patrick, 34

“My first tattoo was at 13 and was a secret for 10 years. It’s a part of me and I’m never going to get old”

Chris, 25

“If I ever forget who I am I take my clothes off and look in the mirror and find out who I am again”

Kenny, 27

“I love my tattoos, it’s a way of life and part of me. I’ll carry on getting them for as long as I can”

Ness, 40

“I’m loving how they change as my body gets older and the creases and wrinkles change how they look When I’ve got no space below my neck I’ll stop”

Simon, 47

“As long as I get to the toilet and piss on my own, I don’t care what I look like when I’m older. I never intended to get this many but I had an addictive personality”