Tattoo for a Symbolic Year/Accomplishment

[lovelygamer]

This is a great tattoo idea and a fantastic family story. If you find a good artist (there are many) they can draw you a unique design combining the two things your interested in. I have had that done before. If you go to an artist and ask them to draw it and don't like it, usually they work with you to tweak it to your liking.

The purple and yellow will look lovely together. Good Luck!

[OakLeaf]

I love your idea and the story behind it. Congratulations, what a great way to commemorate your year.

You said "chain" but posted pictures of chainrings. Is chain what you really want? You could incorporate that into outlines, leaf veins, stems ... ? I would think a tattoo artist could help you with your design.

[gnat23]

1. Do some people watching. When you see someone with a tattoo of the sort of "style" you like, ask where they got it and, if local, who the inker was. By style, I mean: are you looking for something full color and full of detail and shading? or something with solid color and straight lines? Photorealistic? Iconic and feminine?

2. When you've got a few names of people you like, go to their studios and flip through their book. Ignore all the stuff on the walls or posters, go straight to what looks like a photo album. In there should be real people, smiling, with puffy red skin and brand new tattoos.

3. If you like the look of most of what's in the book, schedule some time to meet with the tattooist. See if you like that person's vibe. Talk about the symbols you'd like to incorporate and what they mean to you. Even point out the things on the clip art inspiration that you *don't* like. Give some non-negotiables ("It *has* to be a 53-tooth ring" or whatever). It's also good to have a general idea of where you'd like it to be and how big.

4. Put down a deposit (usually goes towards the cost of the tattoo) and give your artist some time to draw. You should be able to go back in a week or two and he or she should have some mock-ups. Make any final modifications. Sometimes you can even get a ditto of the line art as a test-placement on your skin to see how you like the shape and location.

5. Get your ink like a pro! Congrats on your achievement!!

-- gnat! (Great, now I'm thinking about my next one)

[BodhiTree]

Gnat's post is perfect!

I did pretty much what you are thinking of: went in with some ideas and asked the artist to create it. There was more time spent creating the tattoo than actually applying it to my body. Be ready to pay part of the cost up front, as the artist is working on the drawing.

My artist made a few dittos and took lots of time with me getting the placement just right. Don't be afraid to ask for even the tiniest change.

A tattoo that has meaning is simply delicious. Your tattoo idea sounds wonderful! Have fun!

[indysteel]

Wow, Amanda!! What a great way to celebrate your amazing accomplishments (congrats btw!!!) and honor the wonderful women on your life. It's very touching. I don't have anything to add on the creative front. I imagine there ate some awesome tattoo artists in Austin. Be sure to post pics once the work is done.

[Aggie_Ama]

Oak- I meant chainring.... I really should proof read.

Thanks for the suggestions, I have a great starting plan now. My cousin (and Mammaw's grandson) has some very nice work including one in the last year I really like the style as far as the shading, that might be an artist to start with. I have a few friends with some that are good but not what I want, the shading is what I don't like as it isn't how I vision the shading I want. I am not sure if that is the artist or what they wanted.

My idea is the pansy centered in the chain ring and the phrase around the outside. I don't know if my wrist is big enough, if not I will put CNC in it somehow which I will understand.