E-Book Overview
Learn how to create bold, original designs from a master tattoo artist! Tattooing is an art form like no other . . . indelible, wearable paintings, each on a one-of-a-kind, ever-moving «canvas.» Step into the parlor with master tattoo artist Fip Buchanan as he shares more than thirty years of experience and the secrets to killer tattoo design. In these pages, you’ll learn the practical considerations of placement, flow, and color choice, as well as the art of conceptualizing the kind of powerful, personal, out-of-the-ordinary designs worthy of being on a body for life. You’ll even find inspiration for taking the look of tattoo art off -skin and into the realm of graphic design. • Nine step-by-step demos reveal the author’s creative process, from initial consultation and concept to finished tattoo • Covers popular subjects (snakes, dragons, portraits, hearts, roses and more) along with discussion of the symbolism behind them • Features a chapter that explores tattoo styles applied to graphic art • A gallery showcases the diverse styles of nine additional top tattooartists Whether you aspire to join the profession, are a graphic designer looking to expand your portfolio, or simply have a passion for tattoos, this bookoffers a rare inside look at the cutting-edge world of tattoo art.
E-Book Content
Drawing & Designing Tattoo Art Creating Masterful Tattoo Art From Start to Finish Fip Buchanan with photography by Marc Balanky Cincinnati, OH impact-books.com 2 Thank you for purchasing this Artist Network eBook. Sign up for our newsletter and receive special offers, access to free content, and information on the latest new releases and must-have art resources! Plus, receive a coupon code to use on your first purchase from NorthLightShop.com for signing up. or visit us online to sign up at http://artistsnetwork.com/ebook-promo 3 Contents Special Offer Introduction What You’ll Need CHAPTER 1 The Consultation Meeting the Client Sketching and Placement Keys to a Good Composition Adding Interest Location Matters Overcoming Common Obstacles CHAPTER TWO From Sketch to Tattoo Planning Your Composition From Sketch to Tattoo 4 Adding Interest to the Composition Black and Gray Tattoos Unifying Design Elements Adding to Existing Tattoos Iconic Images Asian Style Tattoos CHAPTER 3 Tattoo Style Art Transfer Designs Angel Wings CHAPTER 4 Artists’ Gallery Chris Walkin Craig Driscoll Jen Lee Juan Puente Kahlil Rintye Shawn Barber 5 Mary Joy Scott Robert Atkinson Shawn Warcot Fip Buchanan About the Author Dedication Acknowledgments Copyright 6 Introduction I began tattooing in 1979 and it became my career in the fall of 1984, right after I graduated from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. I have drawn all my life and was inspired by my mother in that direction at a very early age. I do 7 remember asking my mother what a tattoo was as a child and she responded “Don’t ever get one of those, you’ll get blood poisoning!” Well, I’ve gotten way more than one of “those” and still don’t have blood poisoning! Fortunately the health aspects of tattooing have much improved through the passage of time, and those risks are way less than they were in days gone by. Now most health departments require that tattoo artists get blood-borne pathogen training, along with having strict guidelines about sterilization and sanitation that every tattoo shop has to follow. Tattooing has evolved a great deal since I’ve been involved with it. There are so many styles and trends that have come and gone, and some of the better ones have stayed. The language of tattoo design has expanded tremendously, which is one of many reasons why tattooing has become so popular. In the good old days of tattooing, the imagery was very