Inking over the scars

It was a gruelling health battle that led Meegan Dibiase to experiment with body art.

Sitting backwards on a chair, her shirt is lifted as tattooist Vanessa carefully draws on her back at this year's Australian Tattoo and Body Art Expo in Sydney.

"I got breast cancer six years ago and I've had like 10 surgeries," Ms Dibiase says.

"I've had lots of scarring on my body and I thought I'd come to the point where that was all over with now and I just wanted all the scars covered up."

The expo is currently in its seventh year and showcases dozens of artists, including many from overseas.

People come to get inked by their favourite artists, highlighting a connection between tattooists and their clients.

"I wouldn't trust anyone but Vanessa," Ms Dibiase says.

"I've got no idea what's going on behind me, but I trust Vanessa so I'm relaxed and I'm happy with what she does."

"She's come up with the cherry blossom.

"I have blue birds and the phoenix that depicts new life."

It's a relationship that has blossomed into a friendship.

"You become comfortable with them... you know that they know you. I think that helps for you to relax and then you trust them.

"It's very much a trust thing.

"She knows my history, she knows how I have this done."