Characters and pop culture
A lot of people come to me with a character from a show, movie or game they love. I’ve tattooed Finn and Jake from Adventure Time as worms, the Blue Spirit mask from Avatar: The Last Airbender, the Ouroboros from Fullmetal Alchemist, the Deathly Hallows and Pennywise.
I redraw characters in a tattoo-friendly way so they read well on skin, and I can mix them with your own ideas.
Fantasy and horror
I love drawing fairies, mushrooms, frogs, snails and ghosts, and I also tattoo darker pieces like skulls, devil cherubs and horror characters. Many of my flash sheets are full of these designs.
What to send as references
Good references make a better design. When you request an illustrative piece, send:
- Screenshots or images of the character or subject
- A few tattoos you like the look of
- Anything you want included, left out or changed
- Where it’s going and roughly how big
Style options
Illustrative pieces can be black and grey with stipple shading, bold traditional color, or fine line. The ghost with a black cat is black and grey, while the Hello Kitty cherries and Adventure Time worms are in color.
Matching tattoos
Matching tattoos with a friend or partner work well in this style: two halves of one design, or the same character drawn two ways. I’ve done semi-matching sun and moon pieces, and they’re a fun way to share a tattoo without getting the exact same thing.
How to book
Fill out the request form on my booking page with your idea, where it’s going, roughly how big, and any reference photos. I read every request myself and reply with any questions, a price estimate and open dates. I tattoo at Revival Tattoo Studio, 5911 Meredith Dr, Urbandale, Iowa.
Questions about illustrative
Can you tattoo a character exactly like the show?
I redraw characters for skin instead of copying a screenshot line for line, so the tattoo stays clear as it ages. It will still look like the character.
Do you do horror tattoos?
Yes. Pennywise, skulls, grim reapers and darker fantasy pieces are all in my work.
Can you combine two fandoms in one design?
Yes. Tell me what you want to combine and I’ll work out a layout that fits your placement.