getting a tattoo soon... need artistic help

[Mr.E]

Well im turning 30 this year, and my wife and I have decided this is the year to do it. She's picked something out for her. Me, I had to go and put thought and shit into it : so here's the problem: I need someone creative to help illustrate why I've got in my head, since my hands can't. I like old compasses and clovers. In fact, I've literally found hundreds of 4 leafers over the years. Kinda my thing I guess.

So im trying to incorporate both in the tat. Something like a flat face open compass with a 4 leaf clover as the compass rose maybe? But somehow make it mesh well and look like it should be together. Also, the needle must be 7 degrees north by northwest off of due north. Anyone think they can shed some light on the idea? No, I don't want to pay money, just looking for some rough sketching or advise from the inked masses here. You guys rock, been wanting a tat for years!

 

[alexmac]

you get what you pay for...

 

[goose705]

As someone who has alot of ink I suggest the following. Research tattoo artists in your area or anarea your willing to travel. Consult them and book an appointment. Give them your ideas and how you see it laid out including where on your body you want it. They will typically take a small deposit when you book your appointment(this tends to prevent cancellations-artists need money just like the 9-5 crowd).
The deposit you leave will get them motivated to draw up a pic or two for you, go see it or have them email it to you. Make changes as necessary before your appointment. If you don't like the stencil your not gonna' like the final product uless they are great at free hand ink(many are).
Preparation is key. If you don't find an artist willing to do what I have mentioned above-keep searching for another one! : ) Have fun.

 

[goose705]

No, I don't want to pay money, just looking for some rough sketching or advise from the inked masses here. been wanting a tat for years!

Tattoos are not free, the artist drawing up something from your idea and their imagination is part of the process. Don't be cheap. Art on your skin is forever, be confident in the person you choose and don't worry bout' the dough. BTW a good artist is typically booked a month or two in advance unless you get lucky with a walk in. If you are serious and not a tattoo tire kicker get on it boy ; ) Happy dirty thirty!

 

[Flugtechnik]

I can't help you with the art, but goose is right. The tattoo artist should design it for you if you can not. Besides, it seems like it would be better if they were inking their own design.

I have a friend of mine working on one for me. He is working at a shop in Spartanburg. I also have some good references for places in Asheville.

 

[Mr.E]

Thanks guys. I did want to clarify that im not seeking a finished piece of art for free, its just that even drawing stick figures is a challenge for me. And Flug, which shop in spartanburg do you know of? I know of diamond thieves tattoo in Asheville, they seem pretty good for what i've seen.

 

[Flugtechnik]

My friend works at the Tattoo Warehouse in Spartanburg. His name is Kevin and he is like the office manager and is apprenticing. I think the owner's name is Michael.

A friend of mine recommends Danny Reid at Hot Stuff Tattoo in Asheville. Here are some pics of her and her tattoos that he did.

http://www.ericpaluch.blogspot.com/2011/01/waiting-for-her-man.html

 

[Redbird]

E, google search out pics of old compasses and clovers, print them out, find a combo that you like, and bring them with you to the tat shop. The artist will be able to marry the two ideas into something that'll work for ya.
I'd also discuss cost with the artist as well. That way you know what to expect ahead of time, in both art and expense. I've had an artist tell me "I hate to put a monetary figure on (the piece I wanted done), because it stifles my artistic flow, and I hate to get into a groove and have to reel it back in to meet a number...".
Uh... I can appreciate that, but my wallet has different ideas on the subject. And it wasn't willing to shell out $600+ for a silver dollar sized tat.
I usually ask up front, "What's this gonna run me? So I don't show up short on cash".

 

[rock2d2]

Let your tattoo artist draw it. If you bring him some google image results and tell him this is what you want, you've essentially turned an artist into a tracer. Let them BE an artist. If you don't like parts of his drawing, tell him. He will change it without a problem. He knows what's at stake.

I'm sleeved up and I have always gone to my artist with ideas, concepts, general guides, and let them go from there.

 

[1fasgsxr]

Got a new tattoo while I was on vacation in Hawaii....she took 2 that I liked and made it into 1 cool tattoo..she drew them up while I was waiting and nailed it the 1st try too.She also said she will never do the same tattoo twice..it took longer than I expected, so much longer that my ride to the airport had to leave me there to go return the rental car...caught a ride from the apprentice and cut it close to my fight leaving ......Just find your shop and talk to them and trust them....they know what they are doing and usually are really kick ass people, after all you are the income for their business..

 

[Mr.E]

Thanks again guys, I've got a few places to call around tomorrow I think. Im sure it will run a couple hundred bucks too. Actually the first one I am getting will be my wedding ring. I can't wear it at work much because its silver with a lot if knotwork. And my hands take a daily beating. So I may end up getting that done and the other outlined and then color later. Money is a tad tight, but at least its there!

 

[kowalski]

Let them BE an artist. If you don't like parts of his drawing, tell him. He will change it without a problem. He knows what's at stake.

That's what I did when I got my chest piece, and I love it. Just get a good tattoo artist and let them work their magic. If you really are on the fence about the whole thing, don't it. I knew I wanted a big freak'n chest piece with a heart, wings and roses on my shoulders when I got mine, and I couldn't be happier with it. I guess just know "what" you want and get a good artist.