Thanks for the explanation! I have to say, havingf just go married, trhat when I llokat my wife, I cannot think of any improvements I'd want to make with my own hand (in the tatooing sense, you understand!). But if it works for others, that's great.

How about doing something with a 'new' feeling, rather than the 'retro' - i.e. old parchments and things...? Just a thought. What is the tattoo of the 21st century going to look like?

Interesting idea...the tattoo of the 21st century...

I definitely want to explore new and unusual ideas. The main reason that many of my pieces tend towards somewhat-traditional tattoo images is simply because I'm trying to show my own spin on classic tattoo designs for my portfolio. I've been told that it's good to show a knowledge of and ability to work with the standards of tattooing when trying to find an apprenticeship.

However, I have been trying to break out somewhat, even if it's only as simple as adding little tweaks to the idea (making the koi more cartoonish, making the traditional parchment banner into spray paint, etc).

I think you raise an interesting question, and an artistic challenge!

I agree with Nancy post about the Superman one. It is really appealing to me too. It would make a great tat.

Thanks! It's nice to know that the pieces are working on the level of something that would be desirable for a tattoo, since making my drawings "tattooable" was something I struggled with for a while. Tattoos tend to have a common aesthetic element that I lacked for sometime in my pieces.

I loooove the first one. Looks like we both like red. :)

man i love that first one but they are all awesome! great work!

pinkie, it does appear that way! I'm quickly becoming a fiend for colors...anything bright and contrasting!

ariekitten: thanks for the kind words. It's nice to get feedback on my work, since creating these is a large, large part of my life.