Anna "Artoria" Gibbons, b. 1893

Top Five Ways She Made Her (Permanent) Mark

1. Let her husband tattoo her entire body. That's serious commitment, folks--both to art and man.

2. Beat the Depression by making her living as the "Tattooed Lady" at a number of sideshows and circuses. (FYI: In the early 1900s, teachers made $7 a week. Anna made up to $200 per week.) Genius!

3. Spent over 50 years working these gigs because she loved it--she retired when she was 87. Will I ever love my job this much?

4. No shrinking violet, she chewed out the circus owner who called her a "monstrosity" in front of the crowds. She knew she was no stranger than anybody else inside those gates.

5. Knew how to give the crowd what they wanted: when folks asked "Were you born that way?" (bless their hearts) she said, "Yes, and the doctors figure it was on account of my mother going to too many movies."