Monday, July 30, 2012

a peek inside: hasma tattoo flash

hiya folks! hope everyone had a stellar weekend. friday was pretty awesome and i can't wait to share. we used film this weekend and we are just waiting for it to be developed. surprises, surprises for sure!
 i just finished up another tattoo flash for a lovely lady. she wanted a hasma design, which is a popular design in all parts of the middle east and asian. typically a sign to ward off evil or a sign of protection. i was stoked to do something totally different from what i have been doing. change is good, fun and challenging. 
i thought it would be nice to kinda walk you through what happens when you order a tattoo design from me. so...here goes.....! first i have all my clients fill out this form. the form is great because i get to know what you want, where, the size...pretty much all the important stuff i need in order to start working on a design. i have my clients always send me images of inspiration along with why they like it. this helps get a better visual for me to know what you are looking for. once that form is filled out then i send a paypal invoice and i get busy!
first i start with rough sketches

i typically do my own homework either by searching the web or books for images & composition. then i start to doodle. i do a lot of really really rough sketches to work out ideas in my head. see what works and then move one. then from there i do some larger sketches, combing things i liked from my first rough sketching and exploring other possibilities from there i pick what i like, send some images to my client and see what they think.....this is the scary part.....waiting their response.

i love getting feedback no matter what the reaction and the more you can give me the better, so i can get a good handle on what is working and what isn't. since it is over the internet, communication is key. once i get my feedback from my client, i make the needed changes and then send them another image for their approval. if all is groovy then i work on the final inked piece and send it off! this part is my favorite, seeing the design finished and pretty, knowing someone is getting this inked on their body and it is my design:)

i always send a hand written note along with these cute little vintage european match box stickers i found and spend it off in a document envelope. what i think is great about getting the finished piece is that not only was it design specially for you it is also a piece of art you can put in a frame and hang it, making it two gifts in one!


xo,
cb


26 comments:

  1. I really like this design, I know you said its African but it reminds me of Indian Henna designs also.

    Thanks for sharing some of your process with us as well - so interesting to see how you go about designing tattoos!

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    1. yea i think a bunch of cultures use this symbol. thanks trees!

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  2. Awesome post. Hamsas are big in the middle east also.

    I love it!

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  3. Interesting designs! I never knew tattoos were custom made! Cute blog by the way...glad I stopped by! Also not many people know how to cook Chard nowadays...so i must say I am quite impressed that you do! Have a fabulous week!
    May x
    walkinginmay.blogspot.com

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    1. thanks! oh yea tattoo's are pretty much always custom. i love chard, one of my favorite things to eat when i can get my hands on it! hope you have a great week too!

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  4. I love your style so much- so fun to get a glimpse into your process! I seriously wish I weren't so freaked out by getting tattoos so I could hire you to design it. I actually had a dream last night that I was getting a tattoo and had my eyes closed the whole time- but when he was done I had 2 giant robots on my legs and I was freaking out! :)

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    1. thanks lisa! i know it was super scary for me the first time but once you get over that hump there is no turning back! hehe oh man that is a horrible dream to robot legs tattooed on your legs! aaahhhhh!! no wonder you closed your eyes the entire time! you poor thing!

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  5. Very beautiful! I am sure your client will be happy!

    I love how you say rough sketches, and there is nothing rough about them! Your sketches are just as awesome as the final design! What a talent you have!

    Can't wait to see your photos from Friday!

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    1. aw thanks kristen, your so sweet! i was a bit worried about posting them but you have made me feel much better, thanks!

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  6. wow that's a lot of work but it pays off cause your designs are pretty killer. I know I want another tat soon (I've been itching for one for awhile now), I just need narrow down the spot and design...so basically everything ;)

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    1. yup, it is a lot of work but i really like doing it. yes you need to narrow it down gurl and get one done!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  7. Wow - it's lovely - I'd love to know where your client will be having this on her body? It's awesome that she gets it as a stand alone piece of art too. Sarah xxx

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    1. thanks sarah! she is getting it done on her bicep, so it will be really nice and on display :)

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  8. i want a tattoo of the dream bride. (it was totally in the shampoo aisle!)

    <3

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    1. hahahaha you should get it on your shoulder!!!! it would be AMAZING! why was it in the shampoo aisle? WHY?????

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  9. What a lovely design! I love the symmetry of it. Thank you for the look into your creative process!

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  10. I really like this design, some of the elements do remind me of tribal symbols but the overall design looks unlike anything I've seen. beautiful job!! I also enjoyed hearing your process, sounds like you've got a good hang of it. Have you ever thought of skyping? That could help if clarifying is getting tricky, although it could also be worse if someone is not being too polite and I guess sometimes people are more willing to give honest feedback not face to face.... anyway, you totally rock! Have I told you that before? It's awesome to see you following your dreams like this!
    http://dusanabotswana.com/

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    1. thanks sweetie! i would be so nervous skyping but it would make things a bit easier. no one has ever been mean when they give me feedback which is awesome but it would help more if i am working with a pre existing tattoo design.

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  11. I love this "behind the scenes" peek, great post! You are so talented, this design is very cool. ANd how cute is your packaging as well, what a good idea to make the finished piece even more special!

    xo L

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    1. thanks lisa! i thought it would be a nice change from the usual :) i know a few people that have gotten it framed :)

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  12. this is such a cool post! I love knowing the process and better: SEEING the process of developing a design tailored to a person! I can just imagine the waiting to hear back after you send a draft IS worst part, as artists we can be so vulnerable..
    I actually love all the variations you doodled!
    So.pretty.
    you are rockin this life.

    xoxo!
    Des.

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  13. another fantastic design, and thank you for talking us through your process, I love knowing how you go from someone's idea to the finished artwork. You never cease to inspire me sweetie xox

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  14. Recently I got this antique Bedouin hamsa pendant and have since really fallen in love with the mystique, beauty and history of the symbol. These are gorgeous!

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  15. so totally cool Cristie! you created such a stellar design - it's always interesting to hear plus see someones process too. must be quite a feeling to know your art will be this long lasting and beloved so much. grand job! ♥

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thanks for commenting! it fills me with joy that you have taken the time to stop by!
xo,
cb