Tattoo Ideas/revolution

sbwood888

What about a tree or flower that is dry / dead / shriveled at the bottom with a beautiful flower or leaves that are blooming from the "dead" part. Showing that what was once "dead" is now thriving?? Maybe over the top, but sounded good to me.

catysthename

Don't know how religious you are but, the tree of life and death. The one Adam and Eve ate from with the serpent showing the trials and temptations.
Or a loom. Don't know how cool that'd be. But it could be done up in a way to represent a new chapter (new threads) of your life. In mythology there are Furies which create the fate of all humans.
http://xsmyth2012.wikispaces.com/file/view/furies.jpg/149803129/furies.jpg
You could put the Furies in some kind of orb to represent that YOU own your fate.


So many ideas!

MissMe2morrow

I have a question. If I go into a tattoo place and have them draw me a tattoo. I can opt out of it but can i take their drawing as a reference? Also does it cost money for them to draw something???

Mike

^^No. Very bad form. They are taking time, energy, and creativity to put together something you like with the intention that you are a collaborative team. Why would you take the image and leave? To get it tattooed somewhere else? If there are pieces of the image that you like but parts that you don't like, they are happy to alter it until you are in love with the piece.

Funny I should run across this thread. I JUST finished up getting a phoenix up my right side (hip to armpit) and ran into some of the same trouble you're having-- I looked up some images and nothing really amazing jumped out. What *did* jump out were themes and segments that I either liked or disliked. For example, I liked the flow of some more than others and although I first intended to have the phoenix flying upward from my hip, I found that I really liked the shape and flow of the ones moving downward, so when I talked with my artist, I mentioned that problem and he came up with a solution when he drew it up. I also told him parts I didn't like about some of them.

Here's my two cents, for what it's worth: Do a TON of research on who you choose as your artist and plan to spend some big bucks-- this is permanent art on your body and skimping on quality should not be in the equation (mine was $1250 by the time I was done). Most artists have portfolios online and you can look at their line work, shading, coloring, and creativity at manipulating images. Find someone whose work you absolutely love. Then go through LOTS of pictures and find things that you like and don't like about them. Set up a consultation with the artist you've chose (don't plan to be able to just walk in--my artist books 2-3 months in advance) and discuss the kind of piece you'd like-- I emailed my artist about 10 images with descriptions of what I liked and didn't like about each. Your artist should be able to take all that information and come up with something very personalized for you. Good luck--I'm sure whatever you choose will be amazing! :-)

qtpiesmom

As I said you could use either tree, and another choice is you could have half the tree dead half regrowing from the tears

MistyMtnMan

Ok so I have some suggestions. I'm an artist who also happens to have a lot of tattoos so I think I'm good for some advice. You should be more conceptual with your idea on rebirth or new beginnings. The way I would start any design is to gather a lot of ideas. Start by simply writing a list of words that relate to the idea of new beginnings. Just brainstorm and think of all kinds of ideas for example a sunrise/new day, dawn, growth, refining, cleansing, flying, breaking away, seasons, etc. Just take all these words and think of visuals for them. What comes to mind when you think of these words.

Once you've done this take all the things you want this tattoo to represent and the tattoo artist should be able to interpret it into a sweet design if they are good. I think this is the best way to come up with the most unique tattoo.

Jade_Butterfly

How about an Egyptian ankh, a symbol of eternal life.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ankh

No offense, but GOD is eternal life!:bigsmile:

Jade_Butterfly

Ok so I have some suggestions. I'm an artist who also happens to have a lot of tattoos so I think I'm good for some advice. You should be more conceptual with your idea on rebirth or new beginnings. The way I would start any design is to gather a lot of ideas. Start by simply writing a list of words that relate to the idea of new beginnings. Just brainstorm and think of all kinds of ideas for example a sunrise/new day, dawn, growth, refining, cleansing, flying, breaking away, seasons, etc. Just take all these words and think of visuals for them. What comes to mind when you think of these words.

Once you've done this take all the things you want this tattoo to represent and the tattoo artist should be able to interpret it into a sweet design if they are good. I think this is the best way to come up with the most unique tattoo.

That is so awesomely stated!

Jade_Butterfly

I have a question. If I go into a tattoo place and have them draw me a tattoo. I can opt out of it but can i take their drawing as a reference? Also does it cost money for them to draw something???

Mike

^^No. Very bad form. They are taking time, energy, and creativity to put together something you like with the intention that you are a collaborative team. Why would you take the image and leave? To get it tattooed somewhere else? If there are pieces of the image that you like but parts that you don't like, they are happy to alter it until you are in love with the piece.

Funny I should run across this thread. I JUST finished up getting a phoenix up my right side (hip to armpit) and ran into some of the same trouble you're having-- I looked up some images and nothing really amazing jumped out. What *did* jump out were themes and segments that I either liked or disliked. For example, I liked the flow of some more than others and although I first intended to have the phoenix flying upward from my hip, I found that I really liked the shape and flow of the ones moving downward, so when I talked with my artist, I mentioned that problem and he came up with a solution when he drew it up. I also told him parts I didn't like about some of them.

Here's my two cents, for what it's worth: Do a TON of research on who you choose as your artist and plan to spend some big bucks-- this is permanent art on your body and skimping on quality should not be in the equation (mine was $1250 by the time I was done). Most artists have portfolios online and you can look at their line work, shading, coloring, and creativity at manipulating images. Find someone whose work you absolutely love. Then go through LOTS of pictures and find things that you like and don't like about them. Set up a consultation with the artist you've chose (don't plan to be able to just walk in--my artist books 2-3 months in advance) and discuss the kind of piece you'd like-- I emailed my artist about 10 images with descriptions of what I liked and didn't like about each. Your artist should be able to take all that information and come up with something very personalized for you. Good luck--I'm sure whatever you choose will be amazing! :-)

That is really good advice. I only have one tat but if I were to get another one. I would definitely go about it the way you did.

mkskippy24

I have a question. If I go into a tattoo place and have them draw me a tattoo. I can opt out of it but can i take their drawing as a reference? Also does it cost money for them to draw something???

Mike

As a tattoo shop owner, our artists do ask for some cash to draw your idea. Our artist ask for between $20 and $50, and are very commited to thier pieces, so it could take them anywhere from 4-10 hours to work out all the drawing details and itricacies that make for a beautiful tattoo piece. That cost comes off the total cost of your tattoo if you choose to get it, but if you decide to get nothing, then that $$ goes to the artist for thier time and effort.

No artist will let you take thier piece of artwork with you when you leave either. It's kinda cruel to have someone draw up something, take it with you have another artist tweak thier work and have someone else tattoo it. Each artist has a different design style and outlook on life, so if you like what they offer great.... if not, the pic also stays. Even more, if you don't like the price they offer for the tattoo, it's double uncool to take their pic and try and find someone else to do it cheaper. So most artist's will not let you take artwork with you, you pay for their TIME, not the actual art..... that comes with the tattoo.

GOOD tattoos ARE NOT CHEAP. CHEAP tattoos ARE NOT GOOD!

My adivce is, do the work, the legwork and research of what you want. Then do the work to check out shops and artists near you, and check out their work. Find an artist that speaks to you, your style, your personal feel.... then work with them to get what you want.

OH.... and if you never had a tattoo before, just know the side is BRUTAL. And you'll need to sit, and sit well and still or else the "bad artwork" might not be the artist's fault!

mkskippy24

I have a question. If I go into a tattoo place and have them draw me a tattoo. I can opt out of it but can i take their drawing as a reference? Also does it cost money for them to draw something???

Mike

^^No. Very bad form. They are taking time, energy, and creativity to put together something you like with the intention that you are a collaborative team. Why would you take the image and leave? To get it tattooed somewhere else? If there are pieces of the image that you like but parts that you don't like, they are happy to alter it until you are in love with the piece.

Funny I should run across this thread. I JUST finished up getting a phoenix up my right side (hip to armpit) and ran into some of the same trouble you're having-- I looked up some images and nothing really amazing jumped out. What *did* jump out were themes and segments that I either liked or disliked. For example, I liked the flow of some more than others and although I first intended to have the phoenix flying upward from my hip, I found that I really liked the shape and flow of the ones moving downward, so when I talked with my artist, I mentioned that problem and he came up with a solution when he drew it up. I also told him parts I didn't like about some of them.

Here's my two cents, for what it's worth: Do a TON of research on who you choose as your artist and plan to spend some big bucks-- this is permanent art on your body and skimping on quality should not be in the equation (mine was $1250 by the time I was done). Most artists have portfolios online and you can look at their line work, shading, coloring, and creativity at manipulating images. Find someone whose work you absolutely love. Then go through LOTS of pictures and find things that you like and don't like about them. Set up a consultation with the artist you've chose (don't plan to be able to just walk in--my artist books 2-3 months in advance) and discuss the kind of piece you'd like-- I emailed my artist about 10 images with descriptions of what I liked and didn't like about each. Your artist should be able to take all that information and come up with something very personalized for you. Good luck--I'm sure whatever you choose will be amazing! :-)

Well said!! I wish all our client were like you!

mkskippy24

Ya I'm a pretty dramatic person so its always the whoa is me, but you know I don't really have it as bad as I could. I just need some more positive faces(MFP) to keep me on track. I feel like everyones posts are wonderful, and I'm really sold on that phoenix crying. Not sure on the oak tree though, really wanted to represent the cherry blossom tree, but the tears giving life to the surroundings of the tree sounds sweet.

Also, just remember with every item and detail you add, you add to the SIZE of the tattoo. Phoenix's are generally done pretty large if you want them to look good/amazing. To incoporate the tree as well, you are increasing the size. If you're doing you're WHOLE side, you prolly have room. But, as the piece get's bigger, so does the amount of work and possibly sittings you'll need to complete the tattoo..... so it will be pricey.

Just know what you want, where exactly you want it, and how much you are willing to spend. I know full SIDE pieces depending on color, detail, etc, have cost people anywhere from $500-$1000 which is usually anywhere from 5hours to 15 hours of work. This is at my shop. I know that $$$ is different even by town, county, state, or coast.

chris0912

I have a question. If I go into a tattoo place and have them draw me a tattoo. I can opt out of it but can i take their drawing as a reference? Also does it cost money for them to draw something???

Mike

It's pretty uncool to work with an artist and have them spend time drawing something up, only to walk out and not use them. Most artists will not charge you for the consultation and rendering, so they're essentially working for free (with the unspoken promise of work to come). Be completely honest and tell them that you someday want to have this done and offer to pay them for their time!

chris0912

GOOD tattoos ARE NOT CHEAP. CHEAP tattoos ARE NOT GOOD!

Can I get an AMEN and a HALLELUJAH?

manettaMikey

A lot of great ideas here. So i'm looking to probably spend a grand if I do the side tattoo and it has a lot of color yes? I really like qt's idea about having a phoenix cry on half dead tree while the tears are repairing the other half. BUT I still want my tattoo to show that through these trials that I've gained my independence that I once lost. So the phoenix hits me at rebirth, but still need that independence to show.

MissMe2morrow

A lot of great ideas here. So i'm looking to probably spend a grand if I do the side tattoo and it has a lot of color yes? I really like qt's idea about having a phoenix cry on half dead tree while the tears are repairing the other half. BUT I still want my tattoo to show that through these trials that I've gained my independence that I once lost. So the phoenix hits me at rebirth, but still need that independence to show.

Given that you are tall and have a lot of surface area to cover, I'd think you're looking at more like $1500 for a decent job and it will have to be over at least two, if not three, sessions. As far as ideas, you've been offered a lot of great advice on how to go about imagery and if you follow it, rather than trying to get a solid, concrete idea right off the bat without looking through portfolios, web images, photography sites, etc, then I think you'll be in good shape. I know it's exciting to think about ink, but give yourself time and allow the images evolve as you take in more information-- the more time you give it, the more likely you are to be happy with the result, IMO.

qtpiesmom

So youve broken away from something you could have a set of old style shackles on the phoenix leg one on and one open dangling?

treytrey13

My side didn't hurt that bad at all and I sat for 6 hour straight. (And I have a ton of tattoos..big ones..so I know what I'm talking about lol) If you are doing a piece that big, your artist might take it easy on you as far as $$ goes but you really can't get an accurate estimate from anyone but the artist. And if you don't like the picture they drew you, they can change what you don't like about it until it is what you want.!

ChelseaRW

Japanese Cherry Blossoms represent rebirth as well. They are beautiful too. You could get a cherry blossom tree up your side or on your back.

I just looked some pics up on google...the cherry blossom tattoos are beautiful...I don't have a tatoo but if I got one..that's probably what it would be...gorgeous and meaningful!

Tamstar1985

whatever you get, research it properly.

and please don't get chinese characters or japanese phrases tattooed on your body without making sure A) you know exactly what they mean and they will be written on your body CORRECTLY. i cringe when i see people strutting around with tattoos and they are convinced the characters read "beauty" or somesuch thing, but actually read "vegetable" or "goat" or something equally ridiculous.

clarityvskarma

In regard to getting a tattoo draw up and then taking it as reference... No. That art is the property of the artist until it's drilled into your skin forever. They might sell it to you for a ****load of money, though.

clarityvskarma

OH.... and if you never had a tattoo before, just know the side is BRUTAL. And you'll need to sit, and sit well and still or else the "bad artwork" might not be the artist's fault!

Truth. I literally slept through my 8 hour back piece, and cried through every sitting for a big sugar skull on my side. Most painful tattoo experience. I think the runner up would be the foot, oddly.