Question:
I'm contemplating getting a tattoo on either my chest or shoulder.
For the design, I'm looking for something a design that includes a heart,
and the name Viki. Or a heart with a cool design around it and the name
Viki above or below the heart, or the name Viki in cool lettering with a
design half encircling the name with a heart on the end of it. Or even just
something someone feels like making up, that includes the name Viki, a heart
and looks like it would be a wicked tattoo.
Just wondering if anyone who has experience with graphic design programs and
art could give me a little help.
Answer:
- As someone who has worked in the piercing and tattoo industry for nearly 10
years, let me say this:
Follow the advice given here and go see an experienced, talented, reputable
tattoo artists in your area. I understand where you are coming from with you
search/query here. But, I will say this based upon my experience (take that
for what it's worth): many "designs" and much "artwork" that people bring
into tattoo shops that they have designed themselves or had someone else
design, very often do not make good tattoo designs.
Putting a design on the body comes with it's own very unique set of
considerations. While you may not have to worry about the specifics of the
printing process that will be used, the paper stock the design is going on
or the final output resolution, you do have to worry about things like
details vs. size, shape in relation to the part of the body it is going on
and whether the design you have in mind is going to still look good 5, 10,
50 years from now.
Even the most talented graphic designer in the world isn't going to be able
to help you with these considerations. Unless of course they also happen to
be an experienced tattoo artist. It may require a little more time, effort
and research on your part, but actually going and speaking with a tattoo
artists about the design you have in mind will ultimately result in a much
more satisfying tattoo for you in the long run.
And, from what you have described, it is likely that you will find at least
a basis for the style of design you want at most tattoo shops. Taking in
some reference materials as far as basic style, look and fonts you like is
always helpful to a tattoo artist. While part of their job is to help people
come up with a design they are happy with, they certainly aren't mind
readers, either. And as they say, a picture is worth 10 or 20 words.
- Before you get flamed for asking for free design services, why don't you go
to some tattoo parlors and describe what you want to the artists there? I
bet they would be totally cool with sketching something for you, and
probably totally cool if you said "Thanks, but that's not what I'm looking
for, I'll try somewhere else." But I'd still offer a tip for their time,
even if you don't like the design.
Oh, here's another idea, research some free clipart and font sites, and if
you find a font you like, download it, type "viki" and bring that to the
tatoo artist, likewise if you find a heart you like. Even if it's not
exactly what you want, it would still give the tattoo artist an idea.
- I'll take your advice and look for some fonts/graphics online myself. I
just asked here for something that I felt could be done very simple and in a
very short time by someone who works with graphics professionally. And also
was wondering if anyone wouldn't mind doing it sometime on their free time
when they have nothing else to do and might be a little bored. Just a
harmless question