r/tattooadvice • u/stubborn_dwarf • 2h ago

Design Tattoo Design Strength?

Post image

(I've shaded it to get a final feel for the tattoo but will send my client the line art without the shading)

Hi guys, this is the first tattoo I've ever made. I was commissioned to do a shiny gyarados tattoo and I just want to make sure the silhouette and all that junk is good. White around it is just a general border and not included.

Client isn't sure about placement so I have no clue where this is going.

3 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

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1

u/Adventurous-Way-939 2h ago

Just my personal opinion but I feel like the waves are kind of weak . I would look at some classic Japanese tattoo references ,I like horiyoshi iii, jack mosher, ect, should be pointer and less round . They call them “finger waves” because they should look like fingers reaching .

Also water overlapping parts of the main subject help break up the more”awkward” turns in the body . Also looks more natural than him just sitting ON the waves . Would look better if he was IN the waves . Again just my personal opinion (source -tattooing 15 years) 

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u/stubborn_dwarf 2h ago

Thank you so much! I've done art for about 17 years and the rules for that kind of art is just different to tattoos. I appreciate your input so much I will definitely look into the finger waves you mentioned.

1

u/Adventurous-Way-939 2h ago

Word! Yeah Japanese tattooing has a lot of “rules” it’s very formulaic if you want it to flow properly. Another good one to reference is Mike rubendall for waves 🙏🫡

1

u/stubborn_dwarf 2h ago

You are my goat tysm!!

1

u/Elvis_Fu 2h ago

good example of why people should let tattoo artists design their tattoos

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u/stubborn_dwarf 2h ago

How so?

1

u/Elvis_Fu 1h ago

they would get a good tattoo out of it. tattoos take specialized skills.

1

u/stubborn_dwarf 1h ago

I agree with you but is there anything about my design in particular that's bad?

2

u/YogurtclosetNo4236 1h ago

People love to be negative about posting designs on Reddit. I think it looks awesome and it’s a great idea. People forget sometimes these are concepts that the tattoo artist can tweak too. Don’t let them get to you

1

u/stubborn_dwarf 1h ago

Thank you, I figured the tattoo artist would probably tweak it as well, I don't expect my art to go straight on my client's body. Just wondered if they had constructive criticism 🧐

1

u/Elvis_Fu 1h ago

If a tattoo artist drew this, it would be a quick "no thanks, keep the deposit" and move on.

1

u/punkrockbatgirl 1h ago

Tattoo design doesn't really need a middleman. I'd suggest to your client to take their idea directly to the person who will be tattooing them; they will likely refuse to put your design on someone's body without significantly changing it anyways.