Wrong on Paper, Right on the Body?! Fireside Tattoo Network

Wrong on Paper, Right on the Body?!

[25:06] “When you’re dealing with complex changes, like finishing a sleeve over a shoulder, onto a backpiece, it’s a deliberate change in plane. If [the design] travels onto the back you can’t see the first part anymore, that doesn’t have any significance on a flat piece of paper.”

— Jake Meeks

When showing sketches or drawings to clients, it can be challenging to convey how a shape will wrap and curve around their body. Non-tattooers may struggle to visualize the design in three dimensions, and transitions that look seamless in realityr can appear jarring on paper. As a tattoo artist, it's crucial to think about objects or elements in-the-round and how they interact with different parts of the body. The slope of a shoulder, a muscle dip or curve, or even the shape of a kneecap can create strange movements that may impact the design.

Consider the shape of your client's body and how to fill the space in an interesting way. The neck, for instance, might require contours, curves, and swoops rather than a simple straight edged design. By taking the time to think about the design's placement on the body and how it will interact with different contours and movements, you can create a more cohesive and visually stunning tattoo.

Watch the full episode:

Large Scale Like A Champion | Ande Chambers