Artistry of Mike Harmon A.K.A. "NECKBONE"

conveying tattoo design to your artist

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 13:20:00 +0000

Have you ever tried to guess what somone is thinking. Well thats what its like for your artist when a client is giving a vague description of their brilliant idea for their next tattoo.specifically when the description includes " i want it to look beautiful" or "I want it to pop", beauty is a matter of opinion or is in the eyes of the beholder. in other words, one persons idea of what is beautiful or visually appealling can and will vary from one person to the next.

The best thing you can do is bring reference pictures that visually convey's what you consider to be beautiful, etc... This way the artist has a clearer understanding of what your trying to describe and not guessing what is in your minds eye, if we could read minds we wouldnt be tattooing for a living.also, if your able to sketch the general layout of your design it can be helpful for the artist to gain the basic concept of your brilliant idea.

Practice these simple steps toward your tattoo design and your less likely to fustrate your artist. the last thing you want is a pissed off tattoo artist making permanent marks on your body, in return pissing you off because you didn't get what you are looking for in a brilliant tattoo.

Tattoos & Symbolism

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 01:34:00 +0000

I will post, (with research references), traditional and commonly tattooed symbology information. Hopefully if you are entertaining one of these subjects as a tattoo, this information may be useful in deciding if it's right for you.

Chinese Dragons

The dragon is an important and revered symbol in China.

A 19th century engraving of a Chinese Dragon, color engraving on wood.

The Chinese dragon is a symbol of wisdom, power, and luck in Chinese culture. Unlike western dragons, oriental dragons are usually seen as benevolent and kind. Dragons have long been a symbol in Chinese folklore and art. Temples and shrines have been built to honor them.

Through the symbol of the dragon, many Chinese see divine attributes which they aspire to themselves. In fact, the Chinese are sometimes referred to as "descendents of the dragon." The dragon is held in reverence and respect in Chinese culture. It is unseemly to defile a depiction of a dragon. Dragons are referenced by several Chinese proverbs.

Chinese dragons control the rain, rivers, lakes, and sea. They can ward off wandering evil spirits, protect the innocent, and bestow safety unto all. They are called lung or long in the Chinese language.

They fly in the sky among clouds. Most pictures of Chinese dragons show them playing with a flaming pearl. Legend has it that the pearl gives them their power and allows them to ascend into heaven.

An image of a red Chinese dragon.

The Legend of the Carp says that a carp able to leap over the mythical Dragon Gate will become a dragon. Many have sought out the true location of this Gate, but none have found it. Several waterfalls and cataracts in China are believed to be the location of the Dragon Gate. This legend is an allegory for the drive and effort needed to overcome obstacles.

Physiology

An image of a black Chinese dragon.

Chinese dragons have serpentine bodies, four legs, and are usually without wings. They are said to be a composite of various other animals-the body of a snake, the antlers of a deer, the talons of an eagle, the soles of a tiger, the scales of a carp, and the eyes of a demon. It is said that Chinese dragons have 117 scales.

They are usually depicted with four toes. In the traditional symbol of the emperor, the dragon is depicted with five. In Japan, dragons are depicted with three toes.

Types

A mosaic of a Chinese dragon.

There are nine types of classical Chinese dragons. They are as follows:

1. Tianlong, the Celestial Dragons, are the celestial dragons who pull the chariots of the gods and guard their palaces.

2. Shenlong, the Spiritual Dragons, control the wind and the rain.

3. Fucanglong, the Dragons of Hidden Treasures, are underworld dragons which guard buried treasures, both natural and man-made. Volcanoes are said to be created when they burst out of the ground to report to heaven.

4. Dilong, the Underground Dragons, are earth dragons whose task it is to preside over rivers and streams. According to some accounts, they are the female counterpart of the Shenlong and they fly only in order to mate.

5. Yinglong, the Winged Dragons, are the oldest of all eastern dragons and the only kind with wings.

6. Qiulong, the Horned Dragons, are considered to be the mightiest dragons.

7. Panlong, the Coiling Dragons, are water dragons believed to mostly inhabit the lakes of the Orient.

8. Huanglong, the Yellow Dragons, once emerged from the River Luo and presented the legendary Emperor Fu Hsi with the elements of writing. They are known for their scholarly knowledge.

9. Lóng Wáng, the Dragon Kings, are rulers over each of the four seas, those of the east, south, west, and north. Although their true form is that of a dragon, they have the ability to shapeshift into human form. They live in crystal palaces guarded by shrimp soldiers and crab generals.

politics - famous quotes

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 01:27:00 +0000

Feel free to add famous quotes relating to politics

"Educate and inform the whole mass of the people... They are the only sure reliance for the preservation of our liberty."

—Thomas Jefferson

Tattoo Design Choice

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 05:26:00 +0000

The best thing you can do is ask yourself why you want a particular design. The more thought that goes into a tattoo design, The less likely you are to regret it later in life or not so later. Do not get one on impulse, it is a lot more permanent than you think, even with painful laser removal. Also, not all ideas or art work will make a good tattoo. run your idea or art work by the tattoo artist to head off any disappointment if your tattoo idea isn't workable.