Creating A Tattoo Drawing

A tattoo drawing is definitely in another genre of art that you may not have considered getting into. If you are just starting out on your artist ventures you may not be able to even conceive of someone asking you for a tattoo drawing but once you develop your skills it is almost inevitable that it will happen. When it does you have a few things to consider.

Tattoos are FOR-EV-OR!

If someone asks you to design a tattoo take it as a compliment. A tattoo is a personal piece of artwork for sure and every artist has their own style and techniques. When you are drawing or designing a tattoo keep these things in mind.

The Idea

Most people will come to you with at least some concept or idea that they have in mind. Sure some people just come in and pick a design off the wall but most people have specifics in mind when they commit to getting a tattoo.

Since all tattoos are personal and intimate for the recipient in some way or another you will want to get into the head of your subject.

They may have a few concepts, but it is up to you to pull it all together into a bad ass tattoo. That can be a lot of pressure especially if it is your first design. Unless you are "A student in the art of sub-dermal pigmentation" as my good friend Randal Keeler would say, then you will want to look at as many tattoo drawings as possible to get a good idea of the types of art and styles out there. A lot of common tattoos are heart drawings, cross drawings,and flowers such as roses. The tribal tattoo is also very popular.

Where is it Going?

Tattoos can go anywhere on the body. There are however a few common places to consider placing them.

The most obvious place is the arm; but they can go anywhere from the back, to the chest, the thigh, to the top of the foot(ouch!)

They even show up on the inside of the lips and inner fingers. The only limitations of where they will go is the limitation of the receiver and perceived pain areas.

Remember that the tattoo is going to be on that person for life and they want something that they can be proud to wear. You want it to be something that you can also be proud to say is your work. Everybody has seen a bad tattoo and nobody wants to be a part of that, not even the person who drew it.

Do you accept the Honor?

If you are ever approached to create a bad ass tattoo drawing in the future you can use this quick checklist. Just stick to the Five W's.

Who is it going on?

What is it going to be of?

Where are you putting it?

When are you getting it done?

Why are you wanting the tattoo?

These Five W's will help you and the one receiving the tattoo come up with a tattoo drawing you can both be proud to be a part of.

 

Popular Tattoo Imagery

Cross Drawings
They have been around for longer than most realize and they are ever evolving. Find out the differences and how to draw them.

Rose Drawings
Learn to draw the most widely used image in tattoos and what the different colors means.

Skull Drawing
There are many ways to interpret a skull. Learn the basics and how to create your own style.

Tribal Drawings
Learn what the original tattoo was and the most popular designs today.

all tattoos images courtesy of Randal Keeler -The Body Shop Tattoos