You're stupid, baby, when you're sane.

This is the first tattoo concept I created for my new friend. After watching me aimlessly doodle and sketch throughout the nine hours of class one day, he asked if I could come up with a concept for this tattoo he wanted to honor his late grandfather. It started out as just a star, then it evolved into a cross with a star somehow incorporated. My first few attempts at that seemed a little too gothic/demonic/dark for a commemorative piece. I worked it out, though, obviously. The trick was not having the star be an actual part of the crucifix. The star has a lot of stigma about it and when you add it to a cross you get something very witchy/satanic looking. Definitely inappropriate for our purposes. I did not expect my new friend to actually take my concept and have it tattooed on his body. I did not expect that all.



My friend's friend, the aspiring amateur tattoo artist who inked the piece, is still learning the art of tattooing. I think at the time it was only his fourth tattoo and only his third on another person. The lines are somewhat crooked and shaky in places. I was still excited, but not entirely satisfied with the result. Fortunately, by the time the outline healed enough to be shaded in, he had gained more experience.



Definitely more satisfied with the final result. I can live with the imperfections that are noticeable. I actually like it. I like it even more because it's something I created and is now forever a part of someone. That's an incredible concept. Since then, I've created three additional concepts which have yet to be inked into flesh. But, I know with absolute certainty that it's only a matter of time. The only concept I was unsuccessful at was a tribal piece he wanted. I can't do it. It's too abstract. My brain can't process it. It seems like an incredibly simple piece to create - and it probably is for most people, but not me. I can't do tribals, which is just as well since I think they're ridiculous anyway.



I'm also amused whenever I meet someone even crazier than me who doesn't make any attempt whatsoever to conceal it. It's absolutely wonderful and I get to help decorate.