SOPHIA’S SEA SERPENT

Sophia has been a client since 2022. Over the years and multiple tattoo sessions, we developed an understanding of each other - for example, I feel like I understand the aesthetics of what Sophia’s design preferences are - and so when they asked me if I’d be open to tattooing a custom sea serpent, I was confident I could deliver! Even though I’d never drawn a sea serpent before, I felt confident to take on the brief as I love the subject matter of mythical creatures, I had an understanding of Sophia’s preferences, and I was excited to explore a new kind of beast!

Our process began with a consultation where I mapped out the design on their arm and we discussed what ‘mood’ should be conveyed with the piece. Once the drawing was ready, we organized a second consultation so I could check the fit and flow of the stencil. An adjustment was needed - the initial design didn’t wrap and flow as I has originally intended. I made that change and Sophia’s was thrilled with the update, so we set an appointment date for the first session. 

I really love how the head of the serpent sits on Sophia’s wrist and how the tail slots in amongst the other tattoos and elbow. It was important to me that the head and the tail were both visible at the same time, so I’m really happy we achieved that! I also really love how the serpents gaze is looking up to Sophia, and at how much watery-movement is conveyed from the long floaty tendrils. The placement of where the serpent wraps across the inner forearm was intentional too - I wanted to allow good space for Sophia to get tattooed above and below where the serpent wraps.

I outlined the tattoo in one session, and added the shading in another. The images below show our custom journey from start to finish!