DrawWithMike.net

Afternoon dear friends.
Couple days ago I was doing the Swallow bird on my friend’s hand.
It’s my first bird tattoo, and first on the hand
Everyone has complimented this so far, I think it’s looking alright as well - but I’m always looking for flaws in my work, and I’m always thinking how could it been better done
I’ve tried my best to make it as nice as possible, and do some shading matching the reference as close as possible.
I can tell it isn’t photo copy, and I’m wondering if this is a bad thing…
Sometime I’m following the reference, but then the final product is made my way (sort of)
Thank you for watching

It’s lovely Artur! I’m amazed at the level of detail you were able to get, especially in the wings. Where the tattoo is located on the hand, it can’t be more than 2 to 3 inches long!!

As for not creating a photocopy….I’m laughing my friend. You’re an artist. You will always introduce your own creativity to any project you undertake. That’s how you have built a reputation and a following! Never change that about yourself!!

Laurene wrote: Fri Nov 07, 2025 11:30 pm As for not creating a photocopy….I’m laughing my friend. You’re an artist. You will always introduce your own creativity to any project you undertake. That’s how you have built a reputation and a following! Never change that about yourself!!

I'd go further and say you HAVE to interpret it in YOUR way. You're not an automaton or inking-machine, you are, as Laurene said, first and foremost an ARTIST.

Only YOU can tell what will and will not work on that hand or other area. Only YOU can make alterations that will improve it for use in that location. The originating artist was just creating a good-looking Swallow, with no idea of where it might be used.

And, ultimately, it's YOUR expertise and vision that people are paying for.

And - even though it's not on my hand - I think your swallow looks wonderful!

Laurene wrote: Fri Nov 07, 2025 11:30 pm It’s lovely Artur! I’m amazed at the level of detail you were able to get, especially in the wings. Where the tattoo is located on the hand, it can’t be more than 2 to 3 inches long!!

As for not creating a photocopy….I’m laughing my friend. You’re an artist. You will always introduce your own creativity to any project you undertake. That’s how you have built a reputation and a following! Never change that about yourself!!

Thank you very much for keen words
Yes, the tattoo isn’t large enough to make the feathers nicely textured, but I’ve tried do it anyway…
Let see how it heals, in few weeks time I might have to correct some spots maybe, then I’ll try to improve some details if possible
I haven’t realised, that my own way of making tattoo could be a positive matter - thank you.
At some point I know it’s good thing to develop unique style, on the other hand of the client comes with desired design to have - I thought I have to do a photo copy, to please the client…
I think it can depend of how much of freedom the client is likely to offer
Anyway… - all comments I’ve received for this bird were very positive and complimenting
I’m so happy for such positive feedback
Thank you Laurene.

Mike Sibley wrote: Sun Nov 09, 2025 9:12 pm

Laurene wrote: Fri Nov 07, 2025 11:30 pm As for not creating a photocopy….I’m laughing my friend. You’re an artist. You will always introduce your own creativity to any project you undertake. That’s how you have built a reputation and a following! Never change that about yourself!!

I'd go further and say you HAVE to interpret it in YOUR way. You're not an automaton or inking-machine, you are, as Laurene said, first and foremost an ARTIST.

Only YOU can tell what will and will not work on that hand or other area. Only YOU can make alterations that will improve it for use in that location. The originating artist was just creating a good-looking Swallow, with no idea of where it might be used.

And, ultimately, it's YOUR expertise and vision that people are paying for.

And - even though it's not on my hand - I think your swallow looks wonderful!

Thank you Mike a lot
All you’ve said is very true.
I like you’ve mentioned the artist created that bird has had not idea whether it’s gonna be used for tattoo reference or not at all…
In that matter it’s up to an artist to make the reference fit for the purpose
Thank you very much for keen words - I’ll try to repost it when the tattoo will be healed
Best wishes