Bird Lady, by Kelly Doty from Off the Map Tattoo. The design is based on an image (from a manga called Alichino) I have kept on my computer for more than 7 years. I figure since I still love it so much after all these years, I should get it tattooed on me.
The original image is a black-and-white outline with minimal shading. I handed it to Kelly, and she modified it a bit (eg. roses were drawn bigger) and chose the colors.
I live 3+ hours away from her studio, and drove all the way there and back by myself (worth it but never again!). The tattoo was done in one 5.5 hour session, with a small break for a late lunch. I finished most of a novel during that time!
I am absolutely blown away by the colors and gradients that Kelly has done for Bird Lady. I love it (and her) to death and I think I couldn’t have chosen a better artist to do this tattoo.
