Decisions, decisions...

[puddingcat]

I've wanted a tattoo for a while, but couldn't make up my mind for ages. Everything I thought I liked, I'd see somewhere else that put me right off the idea. There aren't many things I can guarantee still liking in 50 years, for a start (so delicate ivy wrapping around and under my collarbones was out, because those bits of skin won't *be* ove my colarbones in 50 years). Then I had a lovely flash of "But of course!" a couple of weeks ago, and I've just been hitting Google and DeviantArt for detailed inspiration.

It had to be a cat. The only other things I've been potty about for over a decade have been pure maths (which I haven't done for 13 years now, holy hell) and Iron Maiden (just NO, for a tattoo). I didn't want a traditional snarling wildcat or a cartoon, and realism doesn't work on skin. But the other designs I like are pseudo-tribal style ones - so, of course, I need a tribal cat.

This is stunning. I like the idea of having colour that isn't outlined in black, and I'd want green eyes *and* the rainbow swirl.

This would be almost perfect (I'm not sure about the diamonds down its tail), were it not watermarked and all black.

I love the body & hind legs of this one, but the front paws and face are slightly odd.

This is a bit different. I realy like the cutout look, but I'd want a domestic cat.

Given that I prefer delicate lines to thicker ones, I thought I'd like this (apart from the face) but the photo of the finished tattoo makes the fur look messy rather than part of the design.


So, given that my complaints with my two favourites were "Not original" and "no colour", I've asked redshira to design me something :) She understands tattoos and so will do a suitable design, and has an incredible talent for colour.

Now I just have to stop looking at other designs and planning a second one.

Comments

[calligrafiti.livejournal.com]

I love the lines of the second one (with the diamonds down its tail).

[puddingcat.livejournal.com]

It's beautiful, isn't it?

[claire-wain.livejournal.com]

Ooh, beautiful!
Where would you have it?

[puddingcat.livejournal.com]

That'll probably depend on the shape of the design... Shira suggested upper arm, but I'm not sure about how coverupable that would be. I want something on my ankle / foot, but I'm not sure whether to save that for something leafy later. Possibly the top of my spine...

[skibbley.livejournal.com]

http://sibelian.livejournal.com/172120.html

[puddingcat.livejournal.com]

Oh, that's nice! Not the style I'm after though - too angular - but I like it as a design :)

[karohemd.livejournal.com]

People like devalmont should be able to point you at a good tatooist in the area who might well have suggestions on their own and their might be considerations regarding your skin type/tone etc.
I like the Cheshire and Bondage cat designs, the latter because it's just brilliantly done and conveys shape and attitude with such thick lines.

[miss-s-b.livejournal.com]

IAWTO

[puddingcat.livejournal.com]

WTO? What's O?

[puddingcat.livejournal.com]

I'll probably go with Shira's recommendations, tbh. Her art is delicate enough that I'll be able to trust the tattooist not to be too heavy-handed.

And sadly, the thick lines are one of the things I'd want to change...

[karohemd.livejournal.com]

*nods* That's fair enough, I just thought the design idea was cool, not necessarily as a tatoo.

[lipstickcat.livejournal.com]

*attempt at looking at these number 2, because the first time I went "ooooh! That's a good idea and went off looking for rat ones...*

I really like the cheshire cat ones ^_^

[puddingcat.livejournal.com]

Me too! I nearly stopped looking after finding that :)

It's awfully easy to get distracted. I started wanting a phoenix as well. And maybe a peacock. And some ivy, and, and, and...

[pmoodie.livejournal.com]

I like the second one, but I'm not sure about the tail. I think the diamonds are a bit too much. But hey, it's not going on my body!

I hope redshira comes up with something that's just right for you! :)

[puddingcat.livejournal.com]

See, this is how I know I have Good Taste. I agree with Real Artists about designs!

[dragonmamma.livejournal.com]

Go you! I think that's a great idea and love some of those kitty pics. I imagine you want it somewhere fairly discreet so you can flaunt it only at your discretion, but dont worry too much about older skin. I've seen people in their 70s who had full torso tats and they still looked good. Think it's a case of looking after your skin and not gaining or losing loads of weight which is what stretches it. But I like the idea of a domestic kitty climbing the leg from the ankle. It's so what they actually do!

More inspiration?

[karohemd.livejournal.com]

Scientists' tatoos