Lora S. Irish - Great Book of Tattoo Designs, Revised Edition: More than 500 Body Art Designs

Revised Edition

Revised Edition

Lora S. Irish

2007, 2013 by Lora S. Irish and Fox Chapel Publishing Company, Inc., East Petersburg, PA.

Great Book of Tattoo Designs, Revised Edition (ISBN 978-1-56523-813-8, 2013) is a revised edition of Great Book of Tattoo Designs
(ISBN 978-1-56523-332-4, 2007), both published by Fox Chapel Publishing Company, Inc. Revisions include new patterns. The illustrations and patterns contained herein are copyrighted by the author. Readers may make copies of these patterns for personal use. The patterns themselves, however, are not to be duplicated for resale or distribution under any circumstances. Any such copying is a violation of copyright law.

eISBN 978-1-60765-140-6

ISBN 978-1-56523-813-8

To learn more about the other great books from Fox Chapel Publishing, or to find a retailer near you, call toll-free

800-457-9112 or visit us at www.FoxChapelPublishing.com .

Note to Authors: We are always looking for talented authors to write new books. Please send a brief letter describing your idea to Acquisition Editor, 1970 Broad Street, East Petersburg, PA 17520.

Printed in the United States of America

Second printing

Because using the artwork shown in this book inherently includes the risk of injury and damage, this book cannot guarantee that creating the designs in this book is safe for everyone. For this reason, this book is sold without warranties or guarantees of any kind, expressed or implied, and the publisher and the author disclaim any liability for any injuries, losses, or damages caused in any way by the content of this book or the readers use of the tools needed to complete the designs presented here. The publisher and the author urge all readers to thoroughly review the designs and to understand the use of all tools before beginning any project.

eBook Version 1.0

Introduction

The first edition of this book was a surprise seller. Lora S. Irish is a noted graphic designer and a successful design book author in her own right. Her work was entirely new to the field of tattoo art, and the fresh new portfolio found an eager audience among tattoo artists around the world. The book is even available in Russian and Japanese editions.

Weve added 36 new patterns to this revised edition to replace designs that no longer fit todays styles and interests. In particular, youll find wonderful new steampunk, Mayan, Native American and tribal designs inside this edition.

Working with the author, Ive always been impressed by how she throws herself into each and every design. Its not enough for her to just draw a few handsome dragons. For example, if youve read her Great Book of Dragon Patterns , youll see that she delves deep into the history and mythology of both Eastern and Western dragons, creates color and anatomical studies, and does much, much more.

Part of what makes this book so popular is the balance of art and craftsmanship contained in each design. The subjects are drawn with the eye of an artist, but are also carefully crafted so they can be turned into functional art. Too much detail in the design and it would become a blob on the skin. Too little detail and the design would lack impact.

Body art carries a powerful message about an individual: It is an expression of individual creativity, a way to tell the world who you are and what you believe, a visual language with specific cultural meanings and social values.

Your choice of tattoo design is a powerful statement for the rest of your life. Whatever your age, sex, social status, or reason for getting tattooed, youll want to select high quality art for this permanent display.

Inside this volume, youll find more than 500 beautifully drawn line and shaded tattoo designs worthy of being a permanent personal statement on human canvas.

Use them in their original format or mix and match elements to create something more personal. Envision the possibilities!

Sincerely,
Alan Giagnocavo, Publisher

P.S. Since choosing a tattoo is such a permanent and personal decision, Id love to hear which design you choose (with or without a picture of the actual tattoo). Please write or email Attn: Tattoo Art. As a thank you, everyone who writes in will be sent a few new tattoo designs that didnt make it into this edition.

Fox Chapel Publishing
1970 Broad Street
East Petersburg, PA 17520

Fantasy

Fantasy figures are found in countless cultures from Celtic to tribal to Asian. For those wishing to make a commanding individual statement, the fire-breathing dragon can represent good (hope, purity, women as creators, protection against hostile spiritual forces) and evil (Satan, rage, raw power, jealousy, maleficence). Other fantasy figures are more whimsical. Fairies can symbolize the nurturing and maternal nature of women or the power of the human spirit. Green men, creatures whose faces are surrounded by or made from leaves, personify nature and are symbols of rebirth.