Lexington Tattoo Expo

Heres a design I originally made for a tshirt that I used in my music project Toppi. When I originally layed out the image it was for two color screen print while I was working in a print shop so I didnt take the drawing as far as I wanted in hopes of keeping the print cleaner on the shirts. Shirts came out fine but I still wanted to spend some more energy on this design so I chose it to be my new show banner for tattoo conventions and trade shows.

This was originally drawn in procreate and then formatted for the banner in photoshop. From there I went back into procreate and doubled the line work by hand to offset the uniform digital brush marks. Overall I think it feels more organic and hits a manga mark that I really enjoy.

I've been in a surrealist approach to composition for a while now and try to just let ideas happen oranically while exploring marks and shapes. The clouds where the result of needing balance but they feel like they inforce a narrative thats never spoken. Orbs fall from the sky and the air is filled with electricity. Does the raven protect or is it signaling bad omens? Can the home survive?

I like this composition a lot more now.

I'll be at the Lexington Tattoo Expo July 2nd through the 5th. I have a few appoinments but plenty of time for walk ups as well as a couple designs on the table up for grabs. Come see me and don't forget to ask to enter the tattoo giveaway.

Love yuns.

joe