How to Design Your Own Celtic Tattoo
Celtic tattoos consist of intricate knot work based on tribal designs and crests. Many people with Celtic tattoos are of Irish, Scottish or Welsh descent and choose the designs to signify pride in their ethnic heritage. Celtic designs are often based on images from the Irish Illuminated Manuscripts, particularly the Book of Kells. Images range from simple knot work circles to zoomorphic designs with animal heads and limbs. Celtic imagery signifies the continuum of life, love and spirituality, imbuing it with deep meaning for those who choose it for their tattoos.
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Instructions
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Look through the Book of Kells and other Irish Illuminated Manuscripts to familiarize yourself with styles of knotwork and the symbolism behind them. Make note of the design that appeals to you both visually and symbolically.
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Photocopy images from the books and print out others from Celtic design websites. Begin to compile a selection of images to take with you to your tattoo artist.
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Talk to others with Celtic tattoos to find out where they got them. Ask if you can look at their work up close to get ideas for your own. If you can draw, carry a sketchbook with you and make a quick sketch of pieces you particularly like. The more visual reference material you can collect before your tattoo appointment, the better.
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Take a trip to the tattoo shops in your area and look at artists' portfolios. Most artists who have been tattooing for any length of time will have Celtic designs in their books, as they are quite popular. Chat with the artists if possible to find one with whom you really connect.
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Give your sketches and printed images to your tattoo artist and allow her to redraw the piece before tattooing it on you. Trust her to know how to amend your design so that it translates well to the area of the body you have chosen and your skin tone.
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Tips & Warnings
Always go to a reputable artist with an immaculately clean shop. Because Celtic linework is so intricate, you will need an artist with a steady hand and thorough knowledge of how to keep lines from "blowing out" or becoming fuzzy. Be prepared to spend some money to get a tattoo that will look good for years to come. Remember that tattoos are a prime example of the old adage "you get what you pay for."
References
Resources
- Photo Credit celtic cross image by Alison Bowden from Fotolia.com
