Torch and/or Stairway

Summary:

Looking for a visual representation of the poem "Invictus" by Henley

Description:

Hey, 

First off, thank you so much for taking a moment to check out my contest!  I am looking for a half-sleeve (left arm, average muscularity) design.  Essentially I am looking to capture the poem Invictus visually (pasted at bottom of description, also check out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Invictus for various clarifications of the diction).  The main themes I wish to be portrayed include destiny (in terms of various roadblocks can be pitted in front of you in life, but life will go on and there is a predetermined end) and resilience (battling adversity).  No real single event in my life has inspired this tattoo with this meaning, rather, it is a culmination of all the events that have transpired in my life thus far (i'm 20) to bring me where I am today which can be summarized by the themes described.  

Design:  I'm pretty set on either (or hopefully both in one) a torch and a stairway with the lights of the heavens shining down upon it (maybe overlay one on the other or something?).  I really like the overall feel of the tattoo attached with the stairway and thorns around it; I think it'd be interesting to see if any thorns or vines can be incorporated.

Style: I'm very open to seeing any sort of interpretations.  I've thought about a cloudy/erie feeling to the tattoo (see attached sleeve of castle (i think?) for what i'm talking about: the style towards the bottom and towards the top).  I've also thought it would be interesting to see a tribal-inspired version (ie various parts of the tattoo have thick clean lines in the tribal style, but not the entire design).  Although it is very important to me that there is texture (whatever it may be) in the tattoo in that I dont just want a simple picture tattooed on my arm, rather more of an abstract/symbolic art piece.

Colors:  Counterposing black/white in the background with colors and/or highlights in the foreground would be very interesting (preferable).  Wouldn't be opposed to seeing full color either, just not completely black/white.

Text: I want a reference to the poem in the tattoo be it the word Invictus or line(s).  Haven't really thought of how they'd be worked in, but important parts to me in the poem are italicized.  Though I want the main emphasis of the piece to be the visual depiction (for lack of a better word), not a bunch of lines, therefore I think if you could get the word invictus in the design, this would be the best.

Once again, thanks so much for your time!

Regards,

Steve 

Invictus:

Out of the night that covers me,

Black as the pit from pole to pole,

I thank whatever gods may be

For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance

I have not winced nor cried aloud.

Under the bludgeonings of chance

My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears

Looms but the Horror of the shade,

And yet the menace of the years

Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,

How charged with punishments the scroll,

I am the master of my fate:

I am the captain of my soul.

Additional Details:

• Contest Length: 14 Days
• Gender: Male
• Size: 5 x 9 inches
• Detail: High
• Winning artist must provide stencil / line work at completion of contest

Example Images:

Payment Methods:

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