time

I don't often post unfinished work on here but I thought I would share this. Started putting together a layout for a tattoo design for a friend, with lots of different personal touches. I am by no means a tattoo artist so I don't know if this would actually work as a tattoo but I thought I would put my own style to the piece. It's intended to cover most of the arm. Wanted to show the line work, as I might not put colour to this myself. What do you think?

script

Recently I've been interested in calligraphic type styles and tattoo style flourishes, and I decided to have a go at putting together a little design. I settled on the four "bohemian ideals" from the movie Moulin Rouge that I recently rewatched for the umpteenth time; Truth, Beauty, Freedom and Love.

inking my design up with my trusty dip pen

What I came up with is loosely based on an existing typeface that I came across, borrowing an ampersand from a different typeface for a more unusual look. I'd love to hear what you think!

summer

It's been a little while! I've had an idea in my head for the past week or so and this is kind of the manifestation of it. I've been looking at ways to use the scrollwork I've been fascinated by as well as meaning to create a piece with the phrase "one swallow does not a summer make" ever since this summer began. This led me to looking at and researching vintage tattoos, Sailor Jerry Collins style, and this was what I came up with. Really been enjoying the tattoo ink style since I did my valentine piece a couple of months ago, so I may try a few more vintage tattoo style drawings. Hope you like it!

Valentine

It's time for some new work - after my logo design that I posted a few days ago I wanted to experiment more with using my trusty dip pen and a digital collaging technique that I had started to perfect on my phone illustrations as well as my Downton Abbey poster.

So then, I suppose if I were to be brave and rich enough to have a gigantic colourful tattoo it would probably look a bit like this...

This was also inspired by my good friend Natasha as I knew she would love to see a sugar skull style drawing! I'd love to hear any comments on what you readers think of this style. 

I suppose it's also a little bit lovey-dovey in its own crazy way, so consider this my Valentine to you all and all that I love - Happy Valentine's day!