Snakes and Feathers tattoo

Summary:

A knot of intertwined snakes and feathers, on the upper arm/deltoid.

Description:

I'm looking for a design that incorporates snakes and feathers (or wings) into a knot or geometric pattern.  The components come from the symbol for the Roman god Mercury: serpents entwined around a staff with wings (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caduceus); I'm not looking to recreate that symbol, but am open to clever reinterpretations of it.  (Clever and subtle incorporation of gemini symbology could also be good, but that might be pushing it; if in doubt, leave it out.)   The caduceus is often (incorrectly) associated with medicine, but this is not a medical tattoo.  When people ask, I will tell them that the snakes represent wisdom and the feathers represent imagination. 

I'm looking for design where the snakes and feathers are entwined.  It doesn't have to be a celtic knot design, but that is the easiest approximation to what I'm going for.  I tend to think I want feathers rather than wings, but I'm open to either, so long as it is clear that they are separate elements (that is, no snakes sprouting wings and no feathered serpents).

I'm planning to put it on my upper arm/deltoid, so a shape that fits that area would be good.  A lozenge/diamond or reverse teardrop have crossed my mind, but I'm open to whatever fits.  (I am new to tattoos, so if there is good advice on what shapes work in that area, I'd be happy to know it.)  Another potential area would be on the inside of my upper arm, on my inner bicep, but this is less likely.

I tend to like clean and simple lines (which is not to say that the design can't be complicated or complex).  Art deco could be a good style to draw influence from, but it's not my intention to force any particular style.

The snakes should be green, and in the interest of simplicity, I don't think they need scales.  Other colors in the tattoo are welcome, especially if something "cool" is done with the feathers.  (Again, new to tattoos, so any advice on colors is welcome, even if that advice is to not do it.)

These are guidelines, not a list of Musts and Must Nots.  Breaking some rules for a good design is fine! 

Additional Details:

• Contest Length: 16 Days
• Gender: Male
• Size: 3 x 5 inches
• Detail: Medium Detail Design
• Winning artist must provide stencil / line work at completion of contest

Appended Description (August 2 2012 12:09pm):

I would recommend aiming more toward the geometric/celtic knot end of the spectrum rather than the cadecueus---I have more of an idea of what I want from the knot side so I can give better feedback, but you're shooting in the dark at the cadeceus.

In terms of feathers, a lot of small feathers, or a feather pattern, is preferable to a couple of big feathers. 

Appended Description (August 5 2012 4:09pm):

Online celitc knot generators...

http://www.obyx.org/knots.obyx  (suggested settings...  5x5 or maybe 7x7, style 15-30, mirrored)  This generates random knots, so you don't get a lot of control over what comes out, but they are generally appealing.

http://w-shadow.com/celtic-knots/  This allows you more control, but the random knots it generates come out a little less appealing. 

(And don't forget to rotate them 45 degrees from square to diamond!)  Feel free to elongate the diamond, also; it doesn't have to be perfectly square.

Appended Description (August 17 2012 10:15am):

I've uploaded some examples of the kind of knot and basic shape I'm looking for.  Hope that helps. 

Example Images:

Payment Methods:

This contest has been pre-paid. The winning artist will be paid directly by CreateMyTattoo via Paypal.