Computer Arts

spring 2017 tattoo design

computerarts.creativebloq.com

chi’s illustrations often feature fine

lines abstract female forms and

serpent-like shapes.

chi “grew up in a bookstore” and was

surrounded by narrative art from a

young age which is perhaps what

sparked her interest in illustration.

Nomi Chi

How do you think

illustration is different

to tattooing?

“i don’t see the differences between

working on skin or off skin as

limitations; they’re just different

mediums with different strengths and

contexts. of course skin offers some

unique challenges: my favourite is how

it atrophies over a lifetime and how the

artwork changes with it. i find it quite

beautiful when a tattoo is obviously

lived-in and faded but that’s just me.”

1. Keep it simple
   “As with any brief whether tattooing or
   illustrating you need to design with the size
   and location of the area being covered in
   mind” says Ollie Munden. Another thing
   to consider is that tattoos blur over time
   so it’s important to make sure the line work
   has room to breathe and you’re not trying
   to pack too much detail into a small space.
   “I’ve had quite a few people come to me
   with endless ideas that they want all
   compressed into one tattoo which won’t
   stand well” states Munden.


2. Respect tRadition
   After failing to understand why so many
   people had similar imagery on their tattoos
   Munden has learned to respect traditional
   tattoos. “I used to wonder how more
   contemporary illustrative and graphic work
   would look tattooed but the more I’ve
   researched drawn and learned the more
   I’ve fallen in love with classic designs” he
   says. Munden has now added his own
   twists on the ‘classics’ and says he finally
   understands how they got their name.


3. Be B old
   Whether you’re illustrating or tattooing
   the end result should be bold striking and
   make a statement says Munden. “At the
   end of the day I want all my artwork to
   be a strong piece of design so I’ve learnt
   to try and strip back ideas into the bare
   essentials and always have a focused eye
   on the end result being bold eye catching
   and cool looking” he explains.

Ollie Munden shares his

advice On tatt OO creati On

tips for

designing

tattoos