Tattoo placement

Hey all, Just looking for some feedback on some ideas I'm working on for the placement of my tattoo. I'm going to get it done by Dana Helmuth, and we've talked a bit, I just would like some additional feedback on placement from people who already have tattoos and people in the biz. I want a swan on my back, below my bra strap, one wing reaching up to the right side of my back and the other reaching down the the left, there will be water flowing around to my right thigh/hip which will encompass a lotus flower. Here's a link to my myspace where there is a very small pic of a sketch I made of my idea. http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewPicture&friendID=42054376&MyToken=1d67f9aa-ff17-42b4-9c9e-738e02ad7db9 The question is one of artistic balance. Would it look better to have portions of the wings wrap around to the front of my body... down over my left hip and up around to my ribs to balance the lotus on my hip? Does that makes sense, let me know if it doesn't? Or should I just leave the swan design solely on my back? Suggestions, comments, questions? Thanks!

Hey, I just figured out that if you click on the very small pic it gets bigger! I'm new to myspace so I didn't even know that! Dana Z

If you have a friend/ lover who has an ounce of artistic ability, have them draw an outline/design similar to what you want with a washable marker on your back/body. It doesn't have to be exactly like your design, just ink/color covering the areas you want done.Then, take a picture. Try a few different placements so you can see what the tattoo placement would look like covering different parts of your body. Now, you can mull over the pics for days or weeks at home, with your friends or whoever, and make the best decision. You'll see it in a whole different light because looking in the mirror, it can be hard to tell what's going to look the best. And, when you're at the tattoo parlor, you can get caught up in the moment and just go with whatever is drawn, and then you're commited. With this method, you'll have a clear idea of what YOU think will look good, and then your artist can work his/her magic! Good Luck~ Tima

Tima that's a great idea I think I'll give that a shot!

Tima you are so damn smart!! GREAT IDEA!!!! Wish I had thought of it! I HATE YOU! not really!!

Thanks TAz , wish I would've thought of it before my 1st one, but hey, ya live n ya learn (-;

So I got my husband to draw on me...I really should have listened to the advice about getting someone to do it that has an inkling of artistic talent cause he made it look like poo, and I didn't get a great idea of what it would look like! So, I guess I'll just have to ask Dana what he thinks when I go to see him. I would still love to hear other opinons though if you have them! Dana Z

Sorry it didn't go wonderfully with the hubby as the artist. But, maybe your tattoo artist can draw on you and take pics so you can see it from a photo viewpoint instead of a mirror. Anyways, sounds like it's going to be a lovely tattoo! Swans are beautiful and graceful. Lots of luck~ Tima

Thanks Tima...my swan is incredibly meaningful to me, I just want it to be perfect! I appreciate your advice, I like to hear other's opinions. I'll keep messing with it until it's just the way I want it. Thanks! Dana Z

I'm sure your artist wouldn't have a problem drawing some rough outlines on you for you to approve. It is a pretty damn big piece after all and for all the time and money you'll be putting into it it shouldn't even be an issue. Good luck with it and keep us updated.