Sarah Rogers spends her days at work giving people something that will last a lifetime.

The tattoo artist said the personal, permanent nature of her work is what drew her in.

"I wanted to do something where I could kind of engage with people a little bit more and work with my hands and create things. So that took me to tattooing," she said.

"There's always a lot of work, hopefully, and a lot of heart and a lot of artistic passion that gets pored into the tattoos that you do."

Rogers said she often works on intricate pieces, far from simple stars and hearts. One such subject is Deborah Clarke, who came to Rogers for a Canada Goose on her lower leg.

"I find them very beautiful and I love the sound of them and I find them to be inspiring," said Clarke, who wasn't going for her first tattoo. "So when I'm getting it done I always think ‘oh my gosh this is going to be my last one' but then when it heals, what else can I do?"

In earlier times, sailor often got tattoos so they could be identified if they drowned or were killed.

Rogers said the military is still a strong customer.

"I've been doing a St. Michael versus Lucifer sleeve on this one gentleman and it's been very, very interesting to do that piece," she said.

While Rogers is in the industry for artistic reasons, she said many people still think of gangs when they see tattoos on a person – although the perception is changing.

"I remember getting a lot of visible work when I was a little younger and having people pull away from you a little bit or kind of look at you in a strange way, especially being a woman," she said. "Now it's completely different."

If you're interested in getting into the industry, Rogers said there are classes but she recommends an apprenticeship.

With a report from CTV Ottawa's Norman Fetterley

Wednesday: A day in the life of a radio host