As most artists' will know, commissions are almost always part of the job at some time or other. We often are asked to do things we simply can not do, because we are an artist. I don't know if it is a lack of understanding, but it is something I have been thinking about more since getting this new work started.
What you can see is the beginning of a cover up. Something long overdue, and mulled over for the best part of 6 years. Where the subject of commissions comes in is here - you see, I didn't really know what I wanted...well I did, but not being a tattoo artist, my ideas, and what was actually possibly didn't line up exactly. So, I commissioned my artist to come up with a design, incorporating elements which I suggested based on his own interests as well, his style and what I could hear and see him being excited about. Because that is what a commission is. You ideally go to an artist (insert appropriate folk here) whose personal work you like. Then you trust that they will take what you want and bend it to a shape that suits their own style. And if you have gone to the right person, that painting or tattoo or piece of music or poem, will be everything and more than you had imagined.
If I had to sit down and design this particular piece, it would NEVER have come out this way. The layout alone completely blows my mind as do the little details like the mouses' tail, all the gorgeous circles (i love circles) and the extra designs on Ganesha's trunk.
This is only the first stage...I get so excited when I think about seeing it in it's next form!
And that's my spiel on commissions. Go to someone who's work you already love. Be open and trust that they will make something beautiful for you and you can't go wrong.
