Step-By-Step on Making Preliminary Dark Tree and Rain-Spattered Leaf Tattoo Designs
Before branding a client’s skin with a permanent tattoo, it is critical that we produce detailed preliminary tattoo designs beforehand. Once we have created the preliminary designs, we then submit those designs to the client for his or her approval. One client wanted a tattoo depicting a tree standing under darkening sky, while another client wanted a rain-spattered leaf tattoo branded on her back.
So, here are the preliminary tattoo designs I made for the clients along with the methods I use to create those designs, explained in step-by-step. I created these on a couple sheets of practice tattoo skin.
So, here are the preliminary tattoo designs I made for the clients along with the methods I use to create those designs, explained in step-by-step. I created these on a couple sheets of practice tattoo skin.
Dark Tree Preliminary Design
The value of the darkening sky is near identical to that of the oak. Unless you're very careful, the tree and the sky will wind up running together.
How to keep those two from running together, then?
Well, the way to solve this is to simply keep the sky lightest near the horizon and behind the tree, then gradually darkening it as you move up and outward.
Step 1
Sketch the tree with heavy, dark strokes. Once the color is put down, you'll need to see your drawing through the dark tattoo ink. As you sketch, pay close attention to the tree's shape. Indicate the outline formed by the crown. In this tattoo drawing, the shape of the oak is gently rounded and composed of strong, stout branches that nearly come into contact with the ground.
Step 2
When you're applying in a graded ink like this, it's always easier to work from light to dark. Turn the paper upside down so the lightest area — the horizon— is on top as you work. Begin with the warmest colors—here alizarin crimson and cadmium orange. Make the color tone the very lightest around the tree to create a halo effect. Check out the darkest parts of the sky. Those are actually rendered with cerulean blue and ultramarine tattoo inks.
Step 3
As the ink dries, prepare the paint you wish to use for the tree and foreground. The color should be dark of course, yet do not make it overly stark. Here Payne's gray and sepia inks are darkened with a bit of ultramarine, which is a good tattooing color to try whenever you're tempted to use black. As you begin to ink, indicate the trunk and major limbs. Also, do not forget to establish the tree's overall shape. The horizon must not get excessively fussy, so go easy on that.
Exercise I’d recommend to Novice Tattoo Artists
First of all, I would recommend you pick a very simple scene. Make sure it does not contain way too many details. Next, perform a few real quick tattoo ink sketches of that particular scene at different times of day, especially at dawn and dusk. Spend around 5 to 10 minutes on each preliminary design.
Only one color is all you need for this exercise. A good choice is a fairly neutral color such as Payne's gray. As you work, become aware of how the light changes from minute to minute as the sun rises and sets. Once you've begun to control your lights and darks, you're ready to broaden your inking color choices.
Only one color is all you need for this exercise. A good choice is a fairly neutral color such as Payne's gray. As you work, become aware of how the light changes from minute to minute as the sun rises and sets. Once you've begun to control your lights and darks, you're ready to broaden your inking color choices.
Rain-Spattered Leaf Preliminary Design
The biggest challenge with this design is without a doubt, the raindrops. They are awfully difficult to depict in a tattoo. Raindrops are three-dimensional yet transparent. In this case, it is made even tougher on the account of the brightly colored leaf they hover on is lying on a mass of dark-colored fronds.
Solving this Design Challenge
First of all, don't overly concern yourself with the contrast between the fronds and the aspen leaf. After all, those raindrops are responsible for making this particular tattoo design highly interesting. You have to channel your concentration on them. Figure out how each seemingly transparent drop is created of shadows and highlights.
Working around the aspen leaf and fronds, ink the very darkest areas in the background. Once those shadowy areas are dry, you can begin adding in the fronds. Working out their basic colors is the first step. The next step is texture them with the aid of a dry needle. This is the part where the fun begins. For the aspen leaf, try a graded tattoo ink that shifts from yellow to red. Keep the colors clear and bright in order to develop contrast with the dark background.
When the leaf is dry, start working on the raindrops. For each one, put down a little dab of dark color. Once you have done that, using a fine needle moistened with clear water, soften the color and start pulling it around the base of the drop. To achieve maximum visual appeal, vary the size and the shape of the drops.
Note:
Shadows and highlights play about on the surface of these shimmering raindrops. Notice how the color that forms the dark, shadowy area toward the bottom of each drop gradually turns paler as it is pulled upward. When it reaches the top, it nearly vanishes.
To be really good at this technique, a very light touch is required. It’s a good idea to perform a few sample raindrops before you start to apply the tattoo ink. After making each drop, clean your ink before you turn to the next one. Always remember to moisten the needle with clear water after you've put down the initial small amount of color.