#35018
sardinita24
Participant
@sardinita24

Earlier this year, my younger cousin took his own life. It was a huge shock to everyone in the family as well as his friends. I want to get a tattoo in honor of him. I know my title said “memorial” but that’s only for a lack of a better word. I want it to be more of a form of inspiration for those times when I’m at my lowest or am losing hope. More of a reminder of someone who has inspired me to never take a day for granted and make the most out of my life. But I’d also like to include my grandparents in the tattoo. They are my two pillars, always supporting me and always lending a helping hand even when it is not needed or asked for.
Now that you have a little bit of back story for the tattoo, here are my ideas:

For Kris, my cousin, his favorite movie was always the Fox and the Hound. The last thing he ever said to the world was posted on facebook, “remove my collar and return me to the woods.” I think a fox would represent him perfectly. More importantly, a fox with wings. As for my grandparents, I would love to have two small butterflies to represent them. They are from a Mexican heritage and in many ancient Mexican tribes, butterflies symbolize the souls of those who have passed away, which is why they are so important during dia de los muertos. Along with these two, I would like the quote “You will find me in the next life, if not in this one.” I think it fits well both with the idea of the tattoo and my belief that life doesn’t just end. I’m not saying there is reincarnation but my belief is that this is just one stage of our lives. I can’t decide if I want the quote in spanish or english though. My only worry about getting it in spanish is that the translation will be off. I’ve asked many people fluent in the language and “me encontrarás en la próxima vida, si no en ésta” seems to be the best translation. But any suggestions on which I should get would help.
As for the placement, that’s what I can’t decide on as well. I originally thought of my ribs but I do eventually plan on having kids and the thought of the tattoo becoming stretched out and looking horrible after having kids seems like a waste of time and money. I’ve been thinking lately of getting it on my right shoulder blade or even lower back (either center of my lower back or off to the side). Any ideas would be great and help out a lot. I don’t want it to be huge. Approximately 6 inches tall and 4 inches wide. Again this is an estimate because I don’t have an exact design drawn out.
I’ve added some pictures of examples for the fox and butterflies. I won’t be copying these at all but instead they will be used more as examples of what I’m looking for. I’m not sure how I want the fox positioned, sitting, stretched out, standing up on his legs, etc. Any ideas? Also ideas on placement in general would help. Thanks everyone!

http://Amiante.deviantart.com/gallery/#/d1h8gmj
http://akarui.deviantart.com/gallery/#/d2f0vi
http://Ashwings.deviantart.com/gallery/#/d866s8

#94306
xxTOPDOGxx
Participant
@xxtopdogxx

My suggestion would only be: don’t get a memorial tattoo as a Tramp Stamp.

#94308
ppornan
Participant
@ppornan

Hello and welcome to the forums. Sorry to hear about your friend. It sounds like you have already put a lot of thought into your ink. To me you have a lot content to cram into a 6×4 space. I’m my opinion this would look better if you were to go bigger. Do some homework and find a tattooer that fits your style. What part of the world are you on, maybe someone here can recommend someone. Good luck.

Patrick

#94311
sardinita24
Participant
@sardinita24

I’m in San Francisco, Ca. I’ve been looking into two artists in particular. Both Corey Miller at Six Feet Under in Southern California and Nick Chaboya at Seventh Son Tattoo here in SF. Both I think are amazing artists and would do an amazing job. Cost isn’t an issue for me and no I’m not considering Corey Miller just because he’s been on La Ink or to get on tv. I just enjoy his work. Nick Chaboya is much closer though and I’d be able to get it done cheaper because of less of a commute as well as being able to go in ahead of time to talk to him about my idea and get feedback.
I’m actually glad you mentioned how much will be going into a small space because I forgot to mention it in my original post. That is also a concern. I’ve debated making them two separate tattoos or going larger but I don’t want it to take up my whole back. Here are some examples of placement and about as large as I would like to go:
http://t0x1c-d0LLy.deviantart.com/gallery/#/d1w8zlk
http://primitive-art.deviantart.com/gallery/#/d2xk6r2
and if not on my shoulder blade than maybe here:
http://L0ne.deviantart.com/gallery/#/d1ztaqj

Keep in mind I have a tattoo already:
http://ohheartbreak.deviantart.com/#/d2bheaz

#94312
ppornan
Participant
@ppornan

Unless you want it specifically from cory miller, you should stay in the AR area. There are so many talented tattooers there. Nick Chaboya is fucking amazing. There is another member here, Gsouder, that is currently getting a full sleeve from him. You should check out his post because that thing is crazy. As far as placement, I like the low back/rib area you had in mind.

Patrick

#94313
sardinita24
Participant
@sardinita24

I’ve been looking into both artists for a few months now but I saw the plague sleeve a few days ago and that’s what got me to join the forum because now I’m starting to lean more towards Chaboya. I’m going to send e-mails out to both artists and talk to them about my idea, cost and about how long their wait list is. I know Miller’s would be seriously long and seriously expensive as well as a pain to drive out to so cal while Chaboya is so close. Thanks for the suggestions though.

#94314
ppornan
Participant
@ppornan

Are you going black and gray or color? What style do you think you will get?

Patrick

#94315
sardinita24
Participant
@sardinita24

right now I’m leaning a little more towards black and gray. I’ve always loved black and gray, it just looks very classy to me.

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