Research the history and conventions tattoos and body art – as well as the modern ranges, look at the designs from the past and other cultures.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Decide on how complex your design will be and whether you will be using colour.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Draw up your design on a large scale, mindful that it will be smaller both on a body and the card.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n I began this exercise, as suggested in the brief, by researching the history and conventions of tattoos. The resources I used can be found in the References section below. I created a mind-map with all the key points that I considered most interesting and relevant. <\/p>\n\n\n\n I was quite surprised how much I enjoyed researching tattoos and learning about how different cultures have used them for various reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The brief did not provide much detail regarding the requirements for the design. I felt it would have been useful to have at least the following information:<\/p>\n\n\n\n I then decided to try and find some typical examples of ‘mum’ tattoos. I looked both on Pinterest <\/a> and Google Images. I was not really inspired by many of the examples I came across as they all seemed a bit obvious or ‘cheesy’ for my preferences (which I had to go by as I did not really know what my ‘friend’ was asking for in terms of taste). I wanted to try and come up with a design that was more subtle and symbolic in its meaning rather than spelling it out. I knew that I do not currently have the ability to create a design based on lettering (I would certainly not want someone to have my attempt inked on their skin for life!).<\/p>\n\n\n\n I preferred designs that were mostly black(or another single colour) ink such as these examples<\/a>. I also decided that I wanted to use an animal as a symbol for motherhood. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Next I started sketching out some rough ideas that I hoped to be able to build on. I quite liked the idea of having a mother and baby fox curled up in a circle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I also considered trying to create a more realistic design and, as I quite like lion tattoos, had a go at drawing a lioness (to represent a mother). I was quite pleased with the outcome, but was realistic in understanding that it would take a great deal of time and skill to create a design from this that would be worthy of a tattoo. I did enjoy this unexpected detour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I then went back to thinking about which animals are most symbolic of motherhood and came across the turtle<\/a>. I discovered that the turtle is considered by various cultures to be a symbol of motherhood (and Mother Earth). Additionally I found that turtles have been attributed qualities that I associate with motherhood including: patience, wisdom, peace, protection, grounding, inner strength, perseverance and resilience. I decided the turtle was the perfect animal to represent the word ‘mum’.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I began to create the design by sketching out a turtle. I was not sure at first whether to include a baby turtle as well, so this was included in the initial drawing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I then scanned the sketch into Illustrator and began making a digital version. Initially, I tried to make it look too perfect and regular (on the fins and head), which just did not look right at all. I changed to using more irregular shapes, which looked much more realistic and visually interesting. I learnt that most turtle shells have 13 sections on them and was pleased to find I had replicated this before I even realised it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The final design can be seen below. I was quite pleased with the result as during the process of creating it I did have some doubts, but I particularly liked the simplicity. I was conflicted about what colour the tattoo should be, but decided that as this could easily be changed in Illustrator, it would be up to my ‘friend’ to make the final decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I also created a version with more ‘realistic’ colours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I then sourced an image that I could use to see what the tattoo might look like on the body. It was quite hard to find an open source image for this purpose and I decided to opt for the back as the body part to be tattooed. I also went with a red version as I though it looked better on the body. This also made me think about how different skin tones might affect the colour choice for tattoos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I genuinely was not expecting the design to look very good as a tattoo, but I was pleasantly surprised and I thought it was particularly suited to the position shown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I also tried the design on the shoulder blade, but I think the above was a better position for the tattoo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I then created a mock up of a Mother’s Day card using the tattoo design, which I also was not expecting to be very successful. I changed the colours and although most people would probably be a bit bewildered about having a turtle on the card, I felt the final result looked perfectly acceptable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I was not expecting to enjoy this exercise as much as I did. I have always had an interest in tattoo design from a distance, but I really enjoyed the research of this practice, particularly learning about the historical and cultural relevance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n I was a bit lost at first as I felt the brief was very open and I was pleased to have decided not to go for an obvious ‘mum’ design and explore the symbolic aspect instead. I created a design that is suited to my taste and although I do like the more complicated designs, I knew my limitations in terms of time and skill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I liked that the final design is quite thoughtful in its meaning and it would have personal meaning to the individuals involved and likely to require an explanation to most ‘outsiders’.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One issue that I did have to consider was how different cultures use various symbols as I would not want to be disrespectful to their beliefs. I felt confident that my design was not particularly related to a specific culture in style or meaning and was created with positive and respectful intentions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ancient Symbols, (n.d.). Motherhood Symbols<\/em>. [online] Available at: https:\/\/www.ancient-symbols.com\/motherhood-symbols.html <\/a>[Accessed 30 November 2020].<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bhupathiraju, K. (2020). 30 Best Ever Animal Tattoo Designs & Their Meanings<\/em>. [online] Styles at Life. Available at: https:\/\/stylesatlife.com\/articles\/animal-tattoo-designs<\/a>\/<\/a> [Accessed 30 November 2020].<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cass, J. (2014). How to Use Animal Symbology in Design and Inspirational Showcase<\/em>. [online] Just Creative. Available at: https:\/\/justcreative.com\/2014\/10\/07\/animal-symbology-in-web-design\/<\/a> [Accessed 2 December 2020].<\/p>\n\n\n\n History of Tattoos, (n.d.). History of Tattoos – Meaning and Origin<\/em>. [online] Available at: http:\/\/www.historyoftattoos.net<\/a> [Accessed 30 November 2020].<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hunter, D. (2019). The History and Origin of Tattoos<\/em>. [online] Authority Tattoo. Available at: https:\/\/authoritytattoo.com\/history-of-tattoos\/<\/a> [Accessed 30 November 2020].<\/p>\n\n\n\n Morrow, J. (2016). A Beginner’s Guide: Popular Tattoo Styles Briefly Explained.<\/em> [online] Tattoodo. Available at: https:\/\/www.tattoodo.com\/a\/a-beginners-guide-popular-tattoo-styles-briefly-explained-6969 <\/a> [Accessed 30 November 2020].<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mukherjee, C. (2020). Turtle Meaning \u2013 Symbol of Good Omen and Positive Fortune<\/em>. [online] The Mind Fool. Available at: https:\/\/themindfool.com\/turtle-meaning\/<\/a> [Accessed 2 December 2020].<\/p>\n\n\n\n Olson, A. (2010). A brief history of tattoos<\/em>. [online] Wellcome Collection. Available at: https:\/\/wellcomecollection.org\/articles\/W9m2QxcAAF8AFvE5<\/a> [Accessed 30 November 2020].<\/p>\n\n\n\n Petrovic, M. (n.d.). Beautiful Mom Tattoos to Appreciate Your Mother<\/em>. [online] Tattoo Stylist. Available at: https:\/\/tattoostylist.com\/mom-tattoos\/<\/a> [Accessed 30 November 2020].<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pixabay, (n.d.). Man Sitting Back Skateboard Steps<\/em>. [online] Available at: https:\/\/pixabay.com\/photos\/man-sitting-back-skateboard-steps-1030859\/<\/a> [Accessed 30 November 2020].<\/p>\n\n\n\n Stevenson, A. (2008). Probing Question: What is the history of tattooing?<\/em> [online] PennState News. Available at: https:\/\/news.psu.edu\/story\/141345\/2008\/06\/20\/research\/probing-question-what-history-tattooing<\/a> [Accessed 30 November 2020].<\/p>\n\n\n\n Stuart, B. (2012). 30 Lovely Mom Tattoos<\/em>. [online] Design Press. Available at: https:\/\/designpress.com\/inspiration\/mom-tattoos\/<\/a> [Accessed 30 November 2020].<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tattoodo, (2020). Top 250 Best Blackwork Tattoos<\/em> (2020). [online] Available at: https:\/\/www.tattoodo.com\/tattoos\/bestof\/2020?style=blackwork<\/a> [Accessed 30 November 2020].<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tattoos with Meaning (n.d.). Tattoos and Their Meanings<\/em>. [online] Available at: https:\/\/www.tattooswithmeaning.com\/tattoo-meanings\/<\/a> [Accessed 30 November 2020].<\/p>\n\n\n\n Vanishing Tattoo, (n.d.). Tattoo History Museum<\/em>. [online] Available at: http:\/\/www.vanishingtattoo.com\/tattoo_museum\/index.html<\/a> [Accessed 30 November 2020].<\/p>\n\n\n\n What’s Your Sign, (n.d.). Symbols for Mother and Motherhood<\/em>. [online] Available at: https:\/\/www.whats-your-sign.com\/symbol-for-mother.html<\/a> [Accessed 2 December 2020].<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wikipedia, (n.d.). Cultural depictions of turtles<\/em>. [online] Available at: https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Cultural_depictions_of_turtles<\/a> [Accessed 2 December 2020].<\/p>\n\n\n\nResearch<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.beaniebopdesigns.com\/Caroline517443OCA_KSI\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/mindmap_tattos.png\")
<\/a>Ideas<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/a>Creating the Tattoo Design<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Final Design<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nFinal Thoughts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
References<\/h3>\n\n\n\n