Maria José Cristerna, the woman who holds the Guinness World Record for most physical transformations, has issued a stark warning to anyone who would try to emulate her. Known as the “living vampire” because of her striking appearance, Maria has dedicated much of her life to building an impressive tattoo collection. She got her first tattoo when she was just 14 years old. With a total of 50 physical transformations, the Mexican artist secured a place in the 2022 Guinness Book of Records. Her unique modifications include implants in her arms and forehead, numerous piercings, a forked tongue, and an extraordinary selection of tattoos that cover almost her entire body, even her eyeballs.
Speaking to Guinness World Records, Maria revealed that her father initially disapproved of her desire to get a tattoo, but eventually supported her by taking her to the tattoo shop for her first piece. “Art runs through my veins”, she explained of her lifelong passion for creativity. She views her transformations as a response to a decades-long, abusive marriage, and hopes to inspire other women who have faced similar issues. “The only way to escape violence is to learn to love yourself. We are here to find happiness”, she explained. Each of her physical transformations symbolizes courage and resilience, with the implants in her arms and the pigmentation in her eyes being the most painful procedures she has had to undergo.
Maria celebrates her Guinness World Record title and encourages others to pursue their dreams. “You can achieve anything. There are no limits”, she declared, adding: “Nothing is impossible if you just put your mind to it”. Her goal is to eventually cover 100% of her body with tattoos and boldly proclaims: “I don’t care what others think. I prioritize myself. Knowing who I am is the most important thing”.
However, she also offered cautionary advice for young people considering similarly dramatic changes. “You have to think carefully about it because it’s irreversible”, she advised. Maria admits that while she loves the way she looks, many young people allow themselves to be influenced by trends, potentially leading to regret later on. “It’s important to think carefully about your choices so that you can embrace and defend them for life”, she stressed.
Despite her warnings, the “living vampire” continues to get tattooed and recently shared a photo of her latest work in progress on Instagram. In the caption, she mentioned adding another stripe in honor of her brother Rene Camarena and his tiger Laus Satanus. Share this story with friends and family and let us know what you think in the comments!
