What You See / What I Feel

The same image can tell a different story through another person’s eyes. When I develop an abstract tattoo concept from a reference, I notice movement, texture, emotion and flow.

I translate those impressions into lines and forms. The result does not need to reproduce the reference literally. It can carry the feeling that first drew me to it.

The two studies in What You See / What I Feel explore that process. They are concepts, with room to develop around a person’s story, placement and body flow.

A reference is a starting point. The composition continues to change as it becomes connected to the person who will wear it.

More work and process on Instagram — @mrinkingtattoo.

Related reading: Creating movement around the body.

Watch What You See / What I Feel on Instagram

I look for brushstroke rhythm in a reference: where a form gathers weight, breaks apart or continues into open space.