The time has come, the Walrus said…oh wait, that’s not what this is about!
To answer your question – my tattoo work is being done by an awesome guy over at Metamorphosis located in Broad Ripple (Indy of course) named Jeff Foti. Find him on Twitter or see his Metamorphosis bio/portfolio. He’s not only amazing at what he does, but has been real easy/fun to chat with during the course of many few hours long sessions, great at adapting on the fly to adjust colour tones, and does a damn fine job of making it the least painful as possible haha. Really been a pleasure and recommend him all around.
I realize my tattoo sleeve may be a bit off Post/Editing topics, but now and again it’s good to get in a bit of fun to my blog. I know some people were curious about the design of the tattoo. I wish I had more of an overall layout to show you, but instead I’ll link the designs in their colour version so you can get an idea about it. This is a collection of art that I truly love, pretty much speaks to me in that it’s kawaii but has a dark edge to it. I love that it’s playfully twisted and unusually cute. There’s a story behind the characters. Everybody likes cute things, even if they don’t admit it :3 So this is a way to add some cheer everyday. I absolutely love art in itself. Avid collector, especially ACEO’s those mini 2.5 x 3.5 art cards. So much fun and personality in such a small size.
Here’s a visual representation laid out for you to see it’s progress, scroll down to see details about each session n such :3 this is for those that just want a fast scan of it:
Halloween characters - love the pirate bat, skelly/psycho panda, zombie doggie etc. :3 He's going to pull those out and use the candy jelly beans, candy corn, gumdrops etc to float around
Some characters that are to be added in next session include ones from this cute Halloween print. Also, to link the various designs I’ve already got outlines completed, they are as follows:
This one is on my outer forearm. love the expressions on the ice cream and the lil ghostie and sprinklies.
This one is on my upper arm, near shoulder. :3 One of my favs! Gotta give some cupcake <3 and it's so twistedly cute.
This bun's colour is probably going to change, but it's a lil bun filled with red bean paste usually, sometimes painted like a peach xD This is on lower upper part of arm.
Looove this one. 😀 it is now on my under arm on the upper arm area
Note for the sleeve design: all the swirlies and floaties of random schtuff is going to tie all the images together in the end, it’s going to add a nice pop of fun and colours too.
Other images that might be possibly implemented if room allows but in smaller size would be: Kawaii Onigiri Kawaii Bun Happy
Pictures will be posted next to the appointments to give you an idea of how it’s coming along for those interested 😀
People wonder often how long a sleeve can take. I’m documenting my appointments to give you an idea of what to expect. This obviously depends on the skill of your artist also, but a general good idea is to inquire what total amount of hours is required for your design. Be careful to track these hours against work done. Most artists want to do a good job and at a decent pace, but look out for going massively over projected hours or artists that complete way too fast. However, most of all use good judgement. If it takes a little longer on a detailed area, then it takes a bit longer – it is going on you for good, so might as well make sure it’s awesome 😀
Sleeve Sketch/lightly outlined 😀
November 30th, 2011 – 4 major pieces of the sleeve sketched on/lightly outlined. 2 1/2 hours. PIC: http://instagr.am/p/X3O2N/ and see left pic
December 7th, 2011 – Plans to complete smaller characters, possible colour/shading begins PIC: http://instagr.am/p/X5O7h/ and http://instagr.am/p/X5XiB/
December 28th, 2011 – Shorter appt. but colour work done on top shoulder tattoo (cupcake design) PIC: http://instagr.am/p/cvB5G/
January 5th, 2012 – Outlines + colour work done on outer forearm tattoo (ice cream sundae) PIC: http://instagr.am/p/evE4Q/ and http://instagr.am/p/esGob/
January 19th, 2012 – Outlines + colour work done on 2 lower forearm tattoos: mummy bunnie/pirate bat 🙂 PIC: http://instagr.am/p/iunjd/ and http://instagr.am/p/ipMu2/
February 16th, 2012 – Shading on choco bun (owwieeee, big space of shading) + finish outline, complete other elements of kawaii sundae minus fine lines, touchups on black and purple ink on macaroon and bat. PIC: http://instagr.am/p/HFNxo0HUKy/ and http://instagr.am/p/HF16FoHUBC/
March 1st, 2012 – Cat cauldron outlining + shading begins (owwww, back/under arm :c…) PIC: http://instagr.am/p/Hpkc5fHUKw/
March 16th, 2012 – OWIE. Inner arm tattoo, the worst of the very worst pain but so WORTH it. PIC: http://instagr.am/p/JBdJdDnUC3/
Am I missing an appt here? I have no clue >.< Will update if I did OOPSIE. x3
April 19th, 2012 – Floaties and filler work begins. Really pops with details and colours even more! :O He’s doing amazing!! PIC: http://instagr.am/p/JpQpqZnUJw/
April 30th, 2012 – More floaties, two super duper adorable happy kawaii clouds. One on top of wrist and one underneath.
May 10th & 24th – Combination last two sessions for finishing up floaties, touchups, adding franken-pup (So adorbs!@) and finalizing sleeve. There is a possibility in the future I may look to add in super small floaties in a few spots, or a very light colour wash, but I’m pretty damn happy with it. Can’t wait to start on the right arm in the fall. :3 PIC: http://instagr.am/p/LLQBhYHUK5/
There you have it! 🙂 Will update this blog for the future if anyone’s interested in living vicariously through and/or observing the needlework 😀