How to be a cool graphic designer. Project #1: Cool tattoos

I'm not even sure where to really begin with this. Many apologies for the delay. I have made the executive decision that due to my hectic schedule (full-time job, freelance projects, upcoming fashion week, training for the half Ironman, puppy, life, and now teaching an art class weekly in midtown) 2 weeks per project is insane and unrealistic. So, ebb and flow, I'm redirecting and going to shoot for 1-2 months a project.

Without further adieu, I begin with project #1: cool tattoos.

I must start by saying that the subject of large-scale, meaningful, lifetime commitment that is tattoo design was moderately overwhelming, as I over analyzed every possible outcome and argued with myself why it would or would not be a good idea. Considering the infinite options, I approached this project as if I were making a tattoo to ink on myself (don’t worry mom, it’s all hypothetical). I focused most of my time crafting a swirly, typographic tattoo, channeling the fantastical, unexplainable, irrational direction, with water flowing mermaid lines, contrasts of dark (type) and light (my pale skin). Part of the graphic ideally would dip out of the top of my shirt / shoulder as to occasionally be visible to the world.

After reconsideration, I scrapped this idea for a more kinetic approach. Since I kept modifying the design, and wanted more and more changes, I came up with a compromise that would allow for a more modular layout and future modifications.

I give you, the Tangram. Not only does this ancient chinese puzzle meet my designer-artist-interesting-shapes-abstract-ideas criteria, it also meets my personal neuroses of the lifetime decision required in tattoo artistry. Namely, the Tangram allows me to create an abstract tattoo that fits the style I wanted to achieve, while keeping in mind future add-ons and modifications. A modular tattoo of sorts, with infinite color options, and the added bonus of the alphabet, which can be created from the 7 Tangram pieces if so desired.

I love the idea that when asked, "What's your tattoo?," I could say, "It's a mermaid." OR, I could also say, in true sincerity, "I don't know, what do you think it is?" And how great is it that the Chinese call the Tangram the "Board of Wisdom" or the "Seven-Board of Cunning," which would be permanently tattooed on my back???!!

So, a rough beginning, but where else would one start? Moving onto project #2: Making the old new again.