Tattoo
We’ve been talking more about the tattoo he wants me to get. Neither of us possess an ounce of artistic talent so we’re at the mercy of searching pictures and designs with just a vague idea of what he wants.
This one is going to be somewhat large, spanning across my chest and tits. (The lower-back tramp stamp is another matter yet) He likes the celtic knot-type look, so perhaps the bdsm triskelion, or something of that nature. For words, he for sure wants “Scott’s property” and possibly some of the words he had engraved on the collar tag (faith, focus, passion, honesty, strength, integrity, respect, discipline). Probably not all the words though, or I’ll look like a message board, heh. It’s important to me that it not be blatantly kinky or M/s oriented, that it at least have the illusion of passing a vanilla’s look. I don’t want locks and chains or owned slave or whatever. I think I can pass off the property remark with a simple caveman explanation. 
I like the idea of the words kind of disappearing into a background of colors, designs, whether it’s flowers or swirls or whatever. He’s fine with that, too, but I’m not sure how the idea of colors or flowers fits into a celtic design. I think maybe he should save the whole celtic thing for the back one, and have this chest one just be the words.
At least he agreed to stay away from the oriental stuff. Ugh. I was so afraid he’d go that way because he really has a thing for Japanese stuff and I really do NOT share that interest. You just know I’d end up with the symbol for “chicken fucker”. 
So anyway, any doodle-bugs or tattoo freaks out there have any images in mind?
Uncategorized | kaya | 
April 24, 2011 6:55 pm
I’m not nearly a good enough artist to want to try for something that will be permanently etched on you. That said, I have a few suggestions.
One, Celtic Knotwork goes really well with ivy, so if you are looking for noise to lose words in that’s what I would try.
Two, most Celtic knotwork has a lot of negative space in what would be the cord, so you could get a fairly nice look putting a number of words in there. To use a simple example, a Trefoil would have three arms, usually as loops that overlap each other, so each arm would have one half of the loop on top, which would be good for putting three words in (one for each arm).
Three, If he likes all things japanese, I’d suggest he consider looking at japanese Mon (Mon not Mons, though the later can be entertaining as well). These were kinda like seals used by the Japanese Daimyo’s during the feudal era of japan. Some of them are really cool (don’t worry almost none have any Kanji or Hiragana so you won’t have to worry about getting “Face Door” tattooed on you somewhere). More to the point, the BDSM Triskelion looks a LOT like a couple of the famous Mon out there. (some samples http://goo.gl/5SABd )
Finally, Fourth, if you want to try a kinda fun program for some great swooping designs, try Livebrush ( http://www.livebrush.com/ ) It’s free, fairly powerful, and easy to use. I can also recommend a bunch of other free art programs, but I’m guessing you probably just want a professional artist to put it together.
What about something like this:
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ZH5sp1oAsA4/SPbU666GqcI/AAAAAAAAHuk/OJEjV7RSWwU/s400/flower-art-tattoo-woman.jpg
You could also get a triskelion done in negative space with the words written within the bands? Like have it done with the concept of space in between the lines with the words etched inside.
I also know of someone who had a rose tattoo where the way the lines of the petals went – spelled out the word slut
Also – first – BEFORE concretely deciding on a design – look at examples of different tattoos from different artists. Find a style you like. One that when you think of the general concept of the tattoo you want – just fits.
Whether the lines are thick, thin, flowing, cartoonish. Every artist has something that he/she is more experienced at and specializes in. Don’t just look locally either. Being as important as it is, you will both want it to be “right” so being more willing to travel a few km’s might make all the difference.
Once you have found an artist that has work that “speaks” to you, approach them with your ideas. Let them know exactly what it is that you are trying to achieve with your tattoo and ask them to do up a design concept for you. (this might cost some money, but since you already have decided you like the style of the artist it is more like an investment). Don’t be shy about discussing any changes or differences in your vision and what they have interpreted from your words.
This communication will make sure you get the best fit for your idea – and hopefully will not result in deciding to do a cover up or removal later on.
I know it sounds like a lot of work? and may very well be. AND Scott could just get’er done and that is all good too. After all.. its what they DO. Make important decisions that impact the life and future of their property.
- I just wrote all that from what I feel is the best way to do it and from an amalgamation of information and advice I have gotten over the years. I have wanted the same tattoo since I was 16, but have yet to find an artist that I have felt had a style that connected with what I wanted. (again this tattoo is very meaningful and so I want it “right).
Then again – my first tattoo? I decided on a Friday what I wanted, printed a picture off the internet and went and got it done on the next day they had an opening. (I got handcuffs on my right hip
)
Its all about preference.
“I also know of someone who had a rose tattoo where the way the lines of the petals went – spelled out the word slut”
I have a tribal design on my lower back that spells out lust… and you have to look really hard to see it
http://skinu.com/store/search?search=lust&id=531# look for #31239
holy crap I have verbal vomititis tonight!
How exciting…!!! I look so forward to the day i am permentaly marked, for now we are just getting thru the piercings. The ideas and suggestions above are really great.
Any good tattoo artist can draw what he wants, all you have to do is take your idea into them. Thats what I did, and they did a wonderful job!
Do your research. See what shops have good reputations for being clean. Don’t just go off of which is the cheapest. If possible see if you can sit in on the artist you choose tattooing someone else. A lot of them don’t mind. You may have to wait several weeks for an open appointment, but keep in mind: a busy artist is probably a very good artist. Also, a good artist will work with you to draw up exactly what you’re wanting. If you go this route, it helps to bring in some reference pictures for types of flowers, shape, fonts for words, symbols, etc. Some artists will make you pay for a concept sketch, but as long as you get the tattoo done with them, a lot of them will just include it as part of the tattoo price.
Last week’s Bones had a woman with Do Not Resuscitate tattooed across her chest. I was trying to figure out why the heck she would get that. I can understand Scott’s Property or something of that nature so much better.
Second what others have said. Visit tattoo shops and look at portfolios. Definitely meet with the artist before booking. I stopped in a shop a few years ago and spoke with the artist I hoped to have do my ink. He told me “Always meet the person who is going to do your tattoo. It’s not fun getting tattooed by an asshole.” If you describe what you want, bring the reference pictures Trixy suggested, the artist will be able to make it happen. This is something you’ll wear forever, take the time to get it right. (My lotus blossom the aforementioned artist did is awesome.) Oh, and make sure that they are clean and sanitary. Single use needles and ink cups, universal precautions, and change of gloves if they touch something nonsterile.
Next time you guys are over, I’ll show you my celtic knot book. I also have a few suggestions for artists that I know and have seen a lot of their work.
Hey Kaya,
I have umm about 9 tats – most of which are celtic based – I have a back piece that incorporated flowers ( though i changed them to shamrocks) i’ll email S a pic and a few links and see if any of them appeal to you xx
There are some great ideas here. We’re really liking the idea of having the words make up either the vines or the flower petals, depending on which design he ends up choosing. Now to decide on colors, type of flower/vine, or whether it’s going to be a celtic design!
I know how incredibly excited I was when Master FINALLY … err finally decided to have me permanently marked. Even now, several years later, I still find myself turning when I get out of the shower to look at my rear end and see that mark that won’t ever be washed away.
Congratulations. Good luck with finding a suitable design.