How long is It ?

[ddgvive1]

On tails or other designs that wrap around the arm . How do you determine how long . How do you fit it on paper ? Can it be "for shortened " if it is a repeated detail ?

[JSH]

On tails or other designs that wrap around the arm . How do you determine how long . How do you fit it on paper ? Can it be "for shortened " if it is a repeated detail ?

I don't think I'm sure what your asking? Can you elaborate and give us an example? However, you ask 'how do you fit it on paper"? which hints to me that everything you draw you draw to the size the client has requested.. I for one don't do this I will draw it smaller and then resize it on the computer.. This saves you time, plus you know for sure the design is going to be tattooable..

[wildheart]

I've wondered the same things many times, and have simply not entered contests because of this. The only thing I have found that really answers these questions, is good communication with the CH. If they want their tattoo to wrap around their arm several times, and have the size listed as 10" x 10", that doesn't make sense as far as how to draw the design. I have requested that the CH measure the length of their desired design by using a cloth tape measure and wrapping it around their arm, following their desired end result, to give a better idea of the actual length of the drawing. Some will do this, others won't. If I can't figure it out, I usually just don't enter the contest in question, as I feel it's wrong to expect the CH to take a design to a tattoo parlor and expect the artist that is applying the ink to do a complete remake of the design so it will fit them. A few touch-ups and slight modifications to colors are one thing, a complete re-do in my opinion is just wrong, and a lot to ask for.
Oh, and the other thing I try to always do in these types of contests: When I enter a design that is obviously not the 10" x 10" square they were asking for, but is drawn in a long narrow strip is to explain to the CH why the drawing is put together that way.
(My response is not in reference to any specific design, but rather to a lot of design request that fit the description)

[Pencil-Chewer]

If they want a full wrap you need to take measurements of the circumference of their arm at key points.

At the armpit, halfway between the pit and the elbow and at the elbow. then from the bend of the elbow to the top of the shoulder, also the bend of the elbow to the pit. This is so you know how far to extend the design above the pit. Do the same for the forarm if they want a full sleeve.


It will never be perfect doing it over the internet. There is nothing better then doing it with your client in person. but this will atleast give you a template to start with. Also where the design meets or is cut, dont put any key details, because if the design doesn't wrap properly and you've cut a womans face in half and there is a blank gap now. The design stencil will need to be redrawn and cut in a different spot.

I rarely do wraps over the internet for these issues.