Jeanne Sun (right), owner of Jeanne Tattoo Studio in Beijing, works on a large tattoo on a customer's back. Sun became interested in tattoos when she was 16-years-old and was the first to open a tattoo shop in Tianjin at age 18.  Provided to chinadaily.com.cn

Celebrity ink

Inked to compete

There are no catalogs on coffee tables in Jeanne Sun's shop and said she's not there to replicate other artists' works. She meets with customers several times and gets to know them before creating a personalized "piece of art" for their body.

Although China is opening up to tattoos, she said not everyone on the streets of Beijing appreciate her art.

"People will always judge you for having a tattoo," she said, taking a drag from a cigarette.

"That's why it's important to do something interesting, something that reflects who you are and shows your personality."