It all started with a dress. You know, that darling black dress that is just exactly what you're always looking for, that speak volumes about who you are and what you're all about while at the same time making you feel beautiful and irresistible. I found said dress while shopping one day, which is such a rare occurrence in it's self that it's remarkable any of this even came about in the first place. I put on this elegant, funky black dress, covered in lace and otherwise gothrockish glory, and realized, "MY GOODNESS. I really need some more tattoos."
I really am that kind of girl.
Now, I definitely consider myself an artist. It reaches down to the core of me and brings it's self out in incredible ways in my every day life, and I'll even go so far as to say that I'm fairly skilled with drawing as well... but no where near the skill level that I would like to have tattooed on me. I have a ridiculous time trying to design a concept in my mind and execute in on paper with fluidity and flourish. SO I decided, what better place to commission an artist than ETSY?!
I placed a request detailing several vague designs I was after and got a handful of bids. The highest bid (as in, most expensive) was undoubtedly the best. A phenomenal water color artist that works mainly through commissioned pieces. I wasn't really looking to spend so much... but seeing as the image above was her sample "sketch" (inspired from a photo of my synth dreads, if anyone is thinking "I might have seen something like that before...") I was clearly sold.
We're expanding the design to include the fully body of a mermaid, going wilder and bigger with her hair (I want that of course to be the main focus) and having her swim amongst 1-2 fanciful jellyfish. I'm kind of excited.
What's kind of interesting is after she and I had decided on the elements of this design, I got a bid from another artist who's work is much more simple BUT who came up with almost the EXACT depiction of what I was looking for on her own, with a few slight variations. I caved and commissioned her as well, and I can't wait to see what comes out of all this. I will absolutely post many pictures!!
Please check out Amber Moran's art on Etsy: Amber M. Moran's Original Paintings, Prints and Invites
as well as some of the adorable accessories WhisperinSeattle sells on Etsy: Crowgirl Creations
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I love the bit about the dress! I know that feeling all too well. I have no tattoos myself but many plans for some and the ever growing dire NEED to get them nowish without the money to fund them. I absolutely LOVE the idea of using Etsy for designs! There's a piece I have been wanting that I don't want done in my own style and this is an amazing idea. Thank you so much for posting this!
ReplyDeleteI feel like such an ass that I've only JUST NOW realized this comment was left, two whopping years later. If you ever do see it, I'm so glad you got a kick out of it, and commissioning Amber was the best idea I even had! My mermaid tattoo will be two years old in June, and I just love it to death!
ReplyDeleteThank you for reading and commenting, so very long ago!