Tattoo aficionados - tips on making a tattoo "jewel-like?"

[Circe]

Heeeeeeeeeeey, kids! I'm having a birthday in February, and I'm changing things up slightly: instead of getting jewelry, I want to get a tattoo of jewelry.

I have a tattoo at the small of my back that I got when I was 19. I still think it's lovely, and I don't regret having had it these last 13 years, but I want to switch it up, for a number of reasons. First off, it's definitely the tattoo I could afford at 19: it's black and white, small, and minimalist. As y'all may have noticed, I am not generally a "less is more" kind of a person. Second, while I could just get different tattoos, I chose that spot quite carefully: it's the position least likely to stretch or sag, and it can be concealed quite easily. And, most importantly, the symbolism just isn't quite right anymore.

I spent a while trying to find symbolism that seemed appropriate for where I am in life now - lotus? firebird? - but it all seemed a bit cliched, and frankly, I just couldn't find any images that appealed. And I found a few artists whose work I liked in the abstract - there are some beautiful painterly peonies and cherry blossoms out there! - but getting a tattoo that didn't have symbolic significance and was purely decorative just felt wrong to me.

So I started thinking about the tattoos out there that I'd seen that I just adored ... and I kept coming back to LGK's beautiful Lalique dragonfly (it was when I was searching for the name and location of her tattoo artist that I realized she hadn't been around in a while - LGK, if you come across this, a) you are missed, and, b) your tattoo is incredible, and, c) I hope you don't mind inspiring a fellow admirer of the Art Nouveau period). And it finally clicked: if there's one motif I come back to over and over and over again, it's the peacock ... and Lalique had some amazing peacock designs. DONE AND DONE, design chosen.

 

[Circe]

Re: Tattoo aficionados - tips on making a tattoo "jewel-like

So I've spent, like, a year wanting to do this and going back and forth on ideas and idly researching tattoo artists. One of the best ones I've found online is Holly Azzarra of Always and Forever Tattoos, up in MA: just look how gorgeous this is: http://www.hollyazzara.com/Tattoos/Coverup_Tattoos/tattoos_45758.html. But, well, by the time that I found her, I was pregnant, and now, with the baby, picking an artist I need to travel 6 hours+ to get to for a tattoo requiring multiple sessions seems ... stupid. So I just spent 48 hours obsessively researching NY artists, and I think I settled on one ... wanna tell me what y'all think? She's done Art Nouveau inspired designs and she seems to have the knack of making tattoos look 3-D on the skin ...like jewels, which is just what I want. And she's an amazing colorist who uses minimal outlining ... just what this design needs, I think.

By "what y'all think," I mean about the design, the placement, the size, whether the artist's style will suit the look I'm going for, if not, recommendations for tri-state area tattoo artists, the whole shebang. Bottom line is, I don't want it to look like a tattoo of a piece of jewelry: I want it to look as much like a piece of jewelry as possible. Go!

 

[Circe]

Re: Tattoo aficionados - tips on making a tattoo "jewel-like

P.S. - I realize this isn't exactly the typical PS topic, but ... well, first off, you're a bunch of fellow obsessives whose excellent taste I trust: second, I feel like you're likely to offer terrific aesthetic advice; and third, it IS jewelry ... of a sort. Right?

But if there's a PS for tattoos and you want to recommend that instead, BY ALL MEANS. It's hard finding qualified experts!

 

[Mike R]

Re: Tattoo aficionados - tips on making a tattoo "jewel-like

Hi, great concept! I'm not a tattoo expert at all but I do know a little so thought I could offer my opinion.

My first thoughts are that the Lalique design will work really well in the area you want it doing, the placement will flow nicely with the natural curves of a woman's body in that area. Again I personally think it will look great there but you should think about and keep in mind that the bow tie affect of the sillouette of the design might accentuate the hips, in my mind this is a good thing, others maybe not.

The colours in the piece work really well as tattoo ink and will hold up well over time.

The size you want will be great for getting all the detail in the design.

One problem I see is the area where you need the cover up to be is about where the body of the peacock will be? The cool blues and greys of the design will not cover your tattoo well so the design may need to be darkened in that area.

The new tattoo artist work does look very good but it is not the best I have seen, it looks a little fuzzy and could probably do with a little more highlights and shadows to really crisp the design up. Contrast is the key to realism.
The key to making this piece look like a real jewel will be in having a realistic shadow cast tattooed as well, it will really make the piece pop!

Lalique used do do amazing watercolor renderings of his jewellery designs, google search his renderings they will help visualize what the designs will look like flat.

The other thing you could do if your looking for an artist would be to check out the tattoo conventions in your area, I'm sure great tattoo artists from all around the world regularly go to NY for conventions.

Good luck and keep us posted, I'm a huge Lalique fan.

One other small note if you want to sound cool to your tattoo artist the correct lingo for your piece you already have is "black and grey" not black and white.

 

[Mike R]

Re: Tattoo aficionados - tips on making a tattoo "jewel-like

Sorry this guy isn't in your area but thought this will show you what to look for when finding a gret artist and how "real" a tattoo can look.

http://www.davidcordentattoos.com/Site/Portfolio/Portfolio.html

 

[yssie]

Re: Tattoo aficionados - tips on making a tattoo "jewel-like

This is an awesome thread, Circe this is going to be an awesome piece (and an early happy birthday!), and Mike that is an awesome post!!

Ack. I'll be following closely! Covering tats is so interesting. I have a couple on my hip, a Ganesha outline that will hopefully stay as-is forever and a pair of drama masks - that one, my 18yo self has some angsting to account for!

Hi, great concept! I'm not a tattoo expert at all but I do know a little so thought I could offer my opinion.

My first thoughts are that the Lalique design will work really well in the area you want it doing, the placement will flow nicely with the natural curves of a woman's body in that area. Again I personally think it will look great there but you should think about and keep in mind that the bow tie affect of the sillouette of the design might accentuate the hips, in my mind this is a good thing, others maybe not.

The colours in the piece work really well as tattoo ink and will hold up well over time.

The size you want will be great for getting all the detail in the design.

One problem I see is the area where you need the cover up to be is about where the body of the peacock will be? The cool blues and greys of the design will not cover your tattoo well so the design may need to be darkened in that area.

The new tattoo artist work does look very good but it is not the best I have seen, it looks a little fuzzy and could probably do with a little more highlights and shadows to really crisp the design up. Contrast is the key to realism.
The key to making this piece look like a real jewel will be in having a realistic shadow cast tattooed as well, it will really make the piece pop!

Lalique used do do amazing watercolor renderings of his jewellery designs, google search his renderings they will help visualize what the designs will look like flat.

Circe are you thinking tattoo of the jewel like Packy's, or rending of the rendering?

 

[Circe]

Re: Tattoo aficionados - tips on making a tattoo "jewel-like

Woah, Mike, thank you so much - this is excellent information! I'd say you know considerably more than a little.

What's frustrating me is HOW to find a good artist in the area: I've Googled and Googled with every combination of search terms I can think of, and I'm just not seeing too many people in NYC. Do you think this artist could do what I wanted, or does the work look like it's just a consistent thing? I'm trying my damndest to find somebody whose style I love enough that I won't have to try to do any back-seat tatooing, as it were.

We do have a big tattoo convention in town in May, but their site just gives a list of names, no examples or links. (http://www.nyctattooconvention.com/art.html) Frustrating! The artist you recommended is amazing, btw - they genuinely do look 3D. It does give me a definite sense of what I'm looking for ....

Yssie, thanks! I didn't think I'd want to cover this one up when I got it (who does), but I've gotten the bug to "upgrade" the tat like I upgrade my other pieces. Now the trick will be to find a true mastro to do the job ... I still like the lady I found a lot, but Mike's example kind of blows everything else I've seen out of the water, and I want this to be perfect.

 

[Mike R]

Re: Tattoo aficionados - tips on making a tattoo "jewel-like

Thanks Yssie,I really enjoy tattoo art and get a lot of insertion from it so I have done some homework on the subject, and there is nothing better than original Lalique.

I didn't mean to suggest you should get a tattoo of a rendering, I just thought it would help see the designs in a painted way similar to tattoo ink rather than a photo of a 3D object.

I also have a small tattoo from when I was about 17

 

[Circe]

Re: Tattoo aficionados - tips on making a tattoo "jewel-like

Circe are you thinking tattoo of the jewel like Packy's, or rending of the rendering?

I didn't know she had a gem tattoo - I'm off to do a search! I haven't been able to find the watercolor of this design, but I'm leaning towards it being a tattoo of the jewel, insofar as it's possible. That said, if I find the watercolor sketch and it's stunningly beautiful, I might be swayed ... and perhaps that might be something the artist I've found could recreate with ease - it does seem in line with her style. Hm ... again, off to Google image-search ....

 

[yssie]

Re: Tattoo aficionados - tips on making a tattoo "jewel-like

A work like you're considering will be a serious upgrade And yeah, of course you'd want it to be perfect - it's not exactly something that you can just undo and start over with!

I don't actually have anything useful to add though - I'll leave that to Mike and others. Just wanted to chime in and say I hope you keep this thread going, because I wanna watch!

 

[Circe]

Re: Tattoo aficionados - tips on making a tattoo "jewel-like

Thanks Yssie,I really enjoy tattoo art and get a lot of insertion from it so I have done some homework on the subject, and there is nothing better than original Lalique.

I didn't mean to suggest you should get a tattoo of a rendering, I just thought it would help see the designs in a painted way similar to tattoo ink rather than a photo of a 3D object.

I also have a small tattoo from when I was about 17

The interesting thing about this particular design is that I've found two pics of it that are sufficiently different in coloration that I wonder if it was made twice and enameled with slight variations ... and the more vibrant image that I'm using as a reference does look more "flattened." I'm figuring the finished product will split the difference since the human back is more curved than flat ... but I definitely want to track down as many iterations as possible before I commit to anything. Attaching pics below ....

 

[Jennifer W]

Re: Tattoo aficionados - tips on making a tattoo "jewel-like

Well, I have nothing useful to say about tattoos, but can I just say, you have the most beautiful hour-glass figure. You are lovely (if that isn't too creeeeeeepy hehe).

 

[Circe]

Re: Tattoo aficionados - tips on making a tattoo "jewel-like

Thanks, Jen! Trust me, it's balm to a recently postpartum mama's wounded ego. I was wondering if I should mark the post NSFW!

 

[yssie]

Re: Tattoo aficionados - tips on making a tattoo "jewel-like

Circe are you thinking tattoo of the jewel like Packy's, or rending of the rendering?

I didn't know she had a gem tattoo - I'm off to do a search! I haven't been able to find the watercolor of this design, but I'm leaning towards it being a tattoo of the jewel, insofar as it's possible. That said, if I find the watercolor sketch and it's stunningly beautiful, I might be swayed ... and perhaps that might be something the artist I've found could recreate with ease - it does seem in line with her style. Hm ... again, off to Google image-search ....

Oh, wow. I totally made that up. A friend of a friend has an ornate Oriel window on the small of her back - it's incredible, but I don't know how I pulled Packy or jewellery into it, sorry!

That peacock is incredible

 

[Circe]

Re: Tattoo aficionados - tips on making a tattoo "jewel-like

Aaaaaaaah, okay - I was wondering how I'd missed something like that after having combed through all the PS tattoo threads!

Hey, a general shout-out for a favor ... I know some of you guys are good with the photo-shop, and once I had the photos lined up in the post, I noticed how close the size of the ornament is to the width of my back in the photos. Is there a way to overlay the one over the other to see how the tattoo would look in situ?

 

[Mike R]

Re: Tattoo aficionados - tips on making a tattoo "jewel-like

Woah, Mike, thank you so much - this is excellent information! I'd say you know considerably more than a little.

What's frustrating me is HOW to find a good artist in the area: I've Googled and Googled with every combination of search terms I can think of, and I'm just not seeing too many people in NYC. Do you think this artist could do what I wanted, or does the work look like it's just a consistent thing? I'm trying my damndest to find somebody whose style I love enough that I won't have to try to do any back-seat tatooing, as it were.

We do have a big tattoo convention in town in May, but their site just gives a list of names, no examples or links. (http://www.nyctattooconvention.com/art.html) Frustrating! The artist you recommended is amazing, btw - they genuinely do look 3D. It does give me a definite sense of what I'm looking for ....

Yssie, thanks! I didn't think I'd want to cover this one up when I got it (who does), but I've gotten the bug to "upgrade" the tat like I upgrade my other pieces. Now the trick will be to find a true mastro to do the job ... I still like the lady I found a lot, but Mike's example kind of blows everything else I've seen out of the water, and I want this to be perfect.

Thanks Circe,
I didn't recognize any of the names on the convention list, so sorry no help there.
I know the artist I linked to travels a lot, he was in Australia for a convention last year, so you could check with him.

One other guy that might be really helpful in tracking a great artist down would be a guy called Todd Weinberger, you can find him on Facebook. He's in NY and is the creative director of Inked magazine, I have spoken to him a few times and he's a really helpful nice guy. He will know the best of the best in your area.

You know I really don't like to put another artists work down, but I'm not sure your artist could do what you want. Like Yssie said this really needs to be done well and although I think her work looks good I lacks a realistic look. If you look at the rosary tattoo the beads look flat and without a realistic shadow the piece looks stuck on.

I'll see what I can dig up in the way of reference material for you, I have heaps of books on Lalique and lots of reference material for making painted gems look three dimentional also.

 

[marymm]

Re: Tattoo aficionados - tips on making a tattoo "jewel-like

What's frustrating me is HOW to find a good artist in the area: I've Googled and Googled with every combination of search terms I can think of, and I'm just not seeing too many people in NYC. Do you think this artist could do what I wanted, or does the work look like it's just a consistent thing? I'm trying my damndest to find somebody whose style I love enough that I won't have to try to do any back-seat tatooing, as it were.

I don't know if you've already looked at Rising Dragon (http://www.risingdragon.com/index.php) -- in particular, check out the tattoos done by artist Wendi -- they are quite painterly and I love her color work (http://www.risingdragon.com/category.php?artist=wendi&category=tattoos). (I traded emails with her last summer but then put the tattoo plan aside for a while - she's who I'll go to though...)

I really love your Lalique peacock idea - beautiful design!

 

[SweetAsscher]

Re: Tattoo aficionados - tips on making a tattoo "jewel-like

I found this:

http://www.tattooguns.net/metallictattooink.html

However it doesn't seem like there is much testing or data on this so who know the possible future effects. It does mention that 14k gold ink might be less likely to cause allergic reaction. I would guess the more pure the metal the better?
Anyway, seem interesting and the photos of metallic tats are amazing! another option to make it more jewel-like is to place dermal piercings in key spots?

 

[iheartscience]

Re: Tattoo aficionados - tips on making a tattoo "jewel-like

Have you checked out Yelp yet? Might be a way to winnow down the many tattoo artists in NYC. I have a couple of friends with tons of tattoos and I'll ask if they have any recommendations for a tattoo artist in NYC for a super detailed piece. I agree that the sample images you posted don't seem quite detailed or crisp enough for the tattoo you want. Let me ask around and I'll get back to this thread when I hear back from my friends.

Also-that tattoo is going to be amazing!

 

[iheartscience]

Re: Tattoo aficionados - tips on making a tattoo "jewel-like

Okay, got a couple responses from my tattooed friends already, and both of them recommended Michael Moses. He's from Richmond and used to tattoo at a great place there, and recently moved to NYC. Website: http://thedrowntown.com/home.html

I'll update if I get any other recs!

ETA IMO this one makes Mike Moses seem promising as an artist able to do your tattoo: http://instagr.am/p/U4b9f/

 

[yssie]

Re: Tattoo aficionados - tips on making a tattoo "jewel-like

Aaaaaaaah, okay - I was wondering how I'd missed something like that after having combed through all the PS tattoo threads!

Hey, a general shout-out for a favor ... I know some of you guys are good with the photo-shop, and once I had the photos lined up in the post, I noticed how close the size of the ornament is to the width of my back in the photos. Is there a way to overlay the one over the other to see how the tattoo would look in situ?

How big were you thinking? Here's a quickie -

 

[Amys Bling]

Re: Tattoo aficionados - tips on making a tattoo "jewel-like

i really dont have anything to add- but I am definitely interested in seeing what you do

 

[princesss]

Re: Tattoo aficionados - tips on making a tattoo "jewel-like

Okay, got a couple responses from my tattooed friends already, and both of them recommended Michael Moses. He's from Richmond and used to tattoo at a great place there, and recently moved to NYC. Website: http://thedrowntown.com/home.html

I'll update if I get any other recs!

ETA IMO this one makes Mike Moses seem promising as an artist able to do your tattoo: http://instagr.am/p/U4b9f/

I was wondering why you posted that!!!

 

[iheartscience]

Re: Tattoo aficionados - tips on making a tattoo "jewel-like

Okay, got a couple responses from my tattooed friends already, and both of them recommended Michael Moses. He's from Richmond and used to tattoo at a great place there, and recently moved to NYC. Website: http://thedrowntown.com/home.html

I'll update if I get any other recs!

ETA IMO this one makes Mike Moses seem promising as an artist able to do your tattoo: http://instagr.am/p/U4b9f/

I was wondering why you posted that!!!

Ha, this is why! Had to add a disclaimer that it wasn't me so my mom didn't freak out! Yes, she would freak out (probably just a little) about me getting a tattoo even though I'm 30.

 

[packrat]

Re: Tattoo aficionados - tips on making a tattoo "jewel-like

Oooo tattoos! That would make a kick ass tattoo Circe! I understand about wanting to upgrade it..I'd like to redo my feet but..yanno there's not a lot to work w/there!

Sadly, no cool gemmy tats here..

I agree about that artist not seeming like a good fit. It's amazing the things they can do w/shading and highlighting, how things look *real* isn't it? I've got one in mind for hopefully soon that is a paisley koi fish..hopefully that can be pulled off!

 

[wakingdreams53]

Re: Tattoo aficionados - tips on making a tattoo "jewel-like

Nothing constructive, just commentary on how awesome of an idea this is!!
And if you don't mind sharing, when's your birthdate?

 

[Circe]

Re: Tattoo aficionados - tips on making a tattoo "jewel-like

Picture me singing: you guys are aweeeeeeeeeesome!

Mike, thanks you again for offering a plethora of helpful tips! I think I'll definitely try to get in touch qith Todd - hopefully he won't think it's completely bizarre or presumptuous to have a stranger asking him for tattoo advice (I am guessing he must get it a lot, somehow ....). If the first artist won't work, could you tell me what you think of Holly Azzarra? (ex.: http://www.hollyazzara.com/Tattoos/Color_Tattoos/tattoos_52389.html) She's my first choice so far for the quality of the shading, though David Cordent is now tied. What I like about DC is how 3-D everything looks: what I like about HA is how glossy and deep her colors are - perfect for a piece rich with enamel and gemstones. Now, if only one or the other was closer to me! But if I do have to travel out of state ... hm. Tough call ....

P.S. - Found the sketch! Not in a format I can copy, alas: http://www.flickr.com/photos/toastsnatcher/3627926503/lightbox/. But this auction from Christie's would seem to indicate that it was a design that Lalique played around with frequently: http://www.christies.com/LotFinder/lot_details.aspx?intObjectID=4528420

SweetAsscher, that is SO COOL. Given the gist of the article, though, I don't know if I have the sand for it. I might have to go with plain 'ole ink now, and have it touched up with the metallic once a little more research has been done ...

Thing - oooo, thank you! He looks incredibly talented. One thing that's a hang-up for me judging from his portfolio and that of almost every artist I come across, though, is how almost every tattoo is outlined by these thick, heavy black lines - it makes everything look almost cartoony. What I love about LGK's - and, dude, seriously considering saving this until I can book an appointment with her artists and fly across the country, if that's what it takes - is how all the depth and dimension is achieved through shading, with minimal linework. There HAS to be somebody on this coast who can do that ... right?

Yssie - you are a QUEEN among WOMEN. Thank you! That's basically what I have in mind (right down to the angling on the upper hip!), though maybe a little smaller, and a little lower so it's the body of the peacock that covers the original tat. My figure didn't change too much with this pregnancy, and while I'm hoping to have more ... gotta live in the moment, and if it stretches and needs a touch-up down the line, so be it. That said, no need to complicate my hypothetical tattoo artist's life more than need be ....

Amy, Packrat, WakingDreams - thank you! I'm looking forward to brainstorming and chronicling it. This is quite as much fun as an actual piece of jewelry (though perhaps a tad frustrating, since we don't have the same list of references at our fingertips!) And I'm a cusp baby - Feb. 21st. Why do you ask?

P.S. - PAISLEY FISH? For an Aquarius/Pisces, gotta say, that sounds awesome ....

 

[armywife13]

Re: Tattoo aficionados - tips on making a tattoo "jewel-like

I don't have any tips....my only tattoo is poorly done definitely will be doing a a new tattoo over it when I can get some of my pre-baby body back(if only).

But.......I can't wait to see yours once it is done! I bet it will look fantastic. I love the tattoo that Yssie photoshopped on!

 

[Mike R]

Re: Tattoo aficionados - tips on making a tattoo "jewel-like

Picture me singing: you guys are aweeeeeeeeeesome!

Mike, thanks you again for offering a plethora of helpful tips! I think I'll definitely try to get in touch qith Todd - hopefully he won't think it's completely bizarre or presumptuous to have a stranger asking him for tattoo advice (I am guessing he must get it a lot, somehow ....). If the first artist won't work, could you tell me what you think of Holly Azzarra? (ex.: http://www.hollyazzara.com/Tattoos/Color_Tattoos/tattoos_52389.html) She's my first choice so far for the quality of the shading, though David Cordent is now tied. What I like about DC is how 3-D everything looks: what I like about HA is how glossy and deep her colors are - perfect for a piece rich with enamel and gemstones. Now, if only one or the other was closer to me! But if I do have to travel out of state ... hm. Tough call ....

P.S. - Found the sketch! Not in a format I can copy, alas: http://www.flickr.com/photos/toastsnatcher/3627926503/lightbox/. But this auction from Christie's would seem to indicate that it was a design that Lalique played around with frequently: http://www.christies.com/LotFinder/lot_details.aspx?intObjectID=4528420

That's great you were able to track down the original sketch, that will be great for tracing the stencil. It's nice and clear and there won't be any distortion of the design caused by photographing the curved 3D jewel.

I like the look of some of the pieces on www.hollyazzara.com , I think this one of the avocado is representative of a good realistic look.
The highlight on the pip/seed is nice and crisp and the subtle shading on the skin of the avocado is really good also (lots of depth)
http://www.davidcordentattoos.com/Site/Portfolio/Portfolio.html

I have sorted out the reference material for the gems, this is what I used to learn to do jewellery rendering, I'm sure it will be helpful to the tattoo artist. I still have to look through my Lalique books. I won't be able to upload the picks until I'm back at work next week, I'm on an iPad now and I'm not sure it will work for uploading the images.

Great photoshop skills Yssie, looks great! I agree a little lower would be better.

 

[iheartscience]

Re: Tattoo aficionados - tips on making a tattoo "jewel-like

Honestly if I were you I would use the same artist as LGk too. Totally agree about the black outlines on Mike Moses' stuff-it's awesome and the color is gorgeous, but the outlines wouldn't work for your tattoo. Most of my friends have stuff in that style (including ones by him!) so I'm not sure if they'll have any info on a tattoo artist who could do the style you want.

The only thing with booking a tattoo artist who's far away is that you may need to do a couple of sittings. All of my tattooed friends walk around with black outlines for a while before they go and get the color. Not sure if there's a specific reason for waiting to do the color (I'm tattooless so no idea!) but that seems to be the norm.

That said, it's permanent so definitely worth the wait and PITA factor, IMO! Oh-sometimes famous tattoo artists will tattoo at conventions-there must be tattoo conventions in NYC, right? LGK's tattoo is so awesome I'm assuming the artist is famous!