Archive of The Story Behind the Tattoo
Friday, February 5th, 2010
Evolution of a tattoo, from concept sketch to completed half sleeve. Sunflowers were the central theme, one for each of his daughters with a glowing star for his wife. But there were a few other considerations as well because he really wanted a half sleeve and wanted to avoid something “too” floral while having a piece flowed naturally with his arm. I sketched the concept art (see left), using movement, flow and color to set off the sunflowers. A few sessions later this sweet half sleeve was complete.
Tuesday, October 13th, 2009
When I complete a tattoo and it walks out the door on the person wearing it, I am constantly aware that whether I ever see the artwork again remains to be seen. Tattooing is an artistic medium unique from any other in that these images are living, breathing, moving pieces of that live life in every moment with us. With that in mind, it was great fun to revisit a tattoo I completed a year ago on a mother celebrating the first birthday of her first child. At that time she brought with her the original of her newborn daughter’s footprints which we reproduced in their actual size and with realistic detail, as a permanent memento of the imprint becoming a mother has made on her life and a tribute to the journey they share.
It was great fun to revisit this tattoo a year later when she stopped in with her daughter to drop off this beautiful portrait taken on her daughters second birthday, to see that the tattoo is looking just as realistic and detailed as it did a year ago… and of course, to pass happy wishes on to the birthday girl. (By the way, props to photographer Jessica Wilson at Kiddie Kandids in the Bloomington, MN Babies R Us for the great photo.)
Next week I’ll begin a three week series highlighting cover up work… you know… changing that old, tired, outdated (or just really unfortunate) tattoo into something that you are once again in love with. Cool stuff. Check it out.
Monday, July 27th, 2009
I often describe tattoos serving as bookmarks in life. In this weeks blog I’m highlighting a beautiful example of celebrating a milestone and family. These shark tattoos mark a tenth wedding anniversary as well as honor the growth of this family from two to six over the last ten years… Happy Anniversary!
Sunday, July 5th, 2009
Yesterday I had the honor of celebrating the 4th of July by spending the day tattooing an Iraq Veteran who is celebrating his first 4th back in the U.S. in two years. I tattooed him two years ago prior to his shipping out, and was relieved to hear that he has returned home safely along with everyone in his unit. Thank you, Nathan for your service.
