video transcript

The star of the Venezuelan 2012 Tattoo Expo, "Vampire Woman". Thirty-five-year-old Maria Jose Cristerna is a former attorney who began tattooing her body after divorcing her abusive husband. And although the Vampire Woman name was intended as an insult, it has opened up doors for her. SOUNDBITE: Maria Jose Cristerna, "Vampire Woman", saying (Spanish): "'Vampire Woman' was a total put-down. I don't dislike it and, in the end, I am thankful for the nickname because, well, I overcame and can pass on my message. In other words, that wasn't my purpose. I do like vampires, but I didn't want to be one; it was just a fantasy. My transformation is, above everything, a consequence of loving tattoos and body modification." Tattoo artist Lyle Tuttle, who has been involved in the industry for over 60 years says body art is here to stay. SOUNDBITE: Lyle Tuttle, U.S. tattoo artist, saying (English): "I could have never predicted the future from there and I couldn't predict the future now, but tattooing will never die, because it's thousands of years old and it's gonna continue." As long as there's ink and willing human canvasses. Tara Cleary, Reuters.