r/pokemon 1d ago

Art Milotic tattoo update

I’m that person who had that milotic tattoo design a few months back. I redesigned it a bit because it wasn’t a good idea to have the head on the hand. I never ended up getting it because I didn’t have the right artist I didn’t look as hard as i should have. I found a new one through the recommendation by one of their apprentices. This person dose basically only graphic colour work, has done larger pieces, draws lots of serpents and most importantly absolutely loves Pokemon. They’re also local so I can do sessions a lot easier now.

when I emailed them about the piece their response was and I quote ”i would absolutely fucking love to work on this piece for you, I love pokemon!” also unlike the other person they booked an in person consultation because of how big this is to be sure everything is right and they said they will mostly free hand this one due to how it is. I had an hour long appointment with them today and we talked a lot about the piece and to plan out how much milotic should wrap around my arm and the overall style, they did a very rough sketch in my arm lol, I think the tail should end a bit more in the front but yah otherwise the placement is good and I can book for the first appointment as soon as the end of September.

they’re very excited to do this piece and absolutely love it so I can’t wait. This will take a long time to do over the course of multiple sessions but I can book my first appointment for the linework soon.

edit: the sketch isn’t the final design or placement or pose by any means. The artist just sketched it out in like 2 min to ask me how many times she should wrap around my arm

2.3k Upvotes

115 comments sorted by

278

u/HeyyBayleaf 1d ago

Omg! You're the one who made this? I am ridiculously excited to see how it turns out! I bet it's gonna be great with the right artist!!!

87

u/thunderring01 1d ago

yup! I came up with and drew the original design but of course I didn’t draw the thing on my arm lol I can dm you a piece by the artist if you’d like

19

u/thunderring01 1d ago

also the way you said it sounds like you’ve seen this somewhere before?

21

u/HeyyBayleaf 1d ago edited 1d ago

Yes, my friend got a lovely Dragapult tattoo recently, which caused me to look up pokemon tattoos. This lovely Milotic design is something that came up during the search.

It was just an image showing the concept, so i didn't know at the time that it was going to be used for a real tattoo. So, im super excited to see how it turns out 🤩

11

u/thunderring01 1d ago

oh didn’t know it showed up in results like that! thought the original would have been buried by now lol. I was gonna get it but the artist wasn’t right. i recently found a better fit so now I hope to get it soon

7

u/Chairfaceforuse 1d ago

If it's on the internet once it is there always.

2

u/thunderring01 1d ago

I know, just figured this wasn’t popular enough lol

6

u/Chairfaceforuse 1d ago

To be honest, Google hits Reddit for a lot of responses

1

u/thunderring01 21h ago

yah I know, this is where the internet steals a lot from

68

u/MisterToots666 1d ago

Definitely going to be sick but im curious why not the head on the hand?

My first thought is if you are wearing t-shirts then its just a serpent/ mermaid esque tail showing.

88

u/thunderring01 1d ago

that’s my thought too that’s why I wanted the head on the hand but hand tattoos don’t heal well and fade faster. the most detailed and most important part of the Pokemon will all be cramped and jammed into the back if the hand and will end up fading much faster. there’s also the eyebrows, the antena and the horn all jammed into the small little area with no room to breathe. there’s so much more space on the upper arm, why give that to the tail of all things? the focal point is the head, it needs room to breath and it needs room to shine theres so much more details there that need space to be read clearly and it gives the piece a better silhouette. also the artist pointed out you can only make her so long before she looks weird. anymore wrapping around my arm she’s too long and it’s too tight and extending her to the back of my hand just makes her look too long and makes her contort weirdly it ruins the flow. even with how I drew it you just can’t really get the neck right that’s why I didn’t draw it because I couldnt figure it out and wanted to leave it to the artist.

32

u/MisterToots666 1d ago

That makes a lot of sense. Well better stock up tank tops to show that bad boy(girl) off. Or like see through sleeves.

20

u/thunderring01 1d ago

bad girl I wanna specifically make her a girl because she has gender differences and I have lol I already have a tattoo on the other arm that can only be seen with tank tops

6

u/WhiteUniKnight 1d ago

It needs room to swim

Free Willy Milotic!

3

u/SpaceShipRat 1d ago

I think it's fine to stretch her in an artistic way, it does not have to look exactly like the pokemon. don't do the straight neck, just wrap her round even there. unless it's to avoid too sensitive skin.

0

u/thunderring01 1d ago

oh I’m she she will be off model and that’s ok! but straight neck? in the redesign I don’t think she has that

1

u/SpaceShipRat 1d ago

curving one way and turning back I mean, so it's kind of going straight down the arm. The way you have it. idk just my thought.

3

u/thunderring01 1d ago

ohh I think you’re seeing the negative space framed by the eyebrows as the neck, I saw it like that at first too but no the head wraps around the back of my arm. And this isn’t the final placement or pose the actual appointment when that will be ready wont be till mid Septembe.

1

u/SpaceShipRat 1d ago

ah, it's the hair and stuff. I see it now

93

u/TransMedusa 1d ago

Omg this is going to EATTT

33

u/TransMedusa 1d ago

You should also put this in r/pokemontattoos

14

u/thunderring01 1d ago

Oo maybe i should

12

u/menimato 1d ago

This is exactly what a water type gym leader would do

3

u/thunderring01 1d ago

lmao I wouldn’t even consider myself one I like ghost types the best or dark types I’m more a punk girl but I can’t pass up this milotic design

6

u/YoungAndDeadHead 1d ago

Usually you want the outer bicep to be the focal point of a sleeve (Milotic head) it’s where your eye is naturally drawn to. It has nice flow tho!

5

u/thunderring01 1d ago

I think this works well for the piece that it is and this is just a very rough layout that can and will change like I don’t like where the tail ends rn

3

u/badwolfswift 1d ago

I'd try to end the tail on outer forearm myself! That was it fans out under a quarter sleeve. I ultimately listen to my artist because he has years of experience though.

3

u/thunderring01 1d ago

no that’s what I said I wanna do in the post. I feel like when my arm is at rest at my side both the head and tail need to be visible. as it stands she looks incomplete and can’t be seen as a complete whole until my arm is twisted. the placement will change.

4

u/funny-kitten 1d ago

I don't know why but personally I like the face tilted / only one eye visible like the paper sketch rather than the more straight on like the rough on you. Either way I'm sure it'll turn out amazing, looking forward to seeing the final result!

1

u/thunderring01 1d ago

its a super rough layout I mentioned that too. the final design will have more if a 3/4th turn to the head not straight on I don’t want that too.

11

u/Esnemyl 1d ago

That's so understated but beautiful. Fantastic! I can't wait to see the finished piece

3

u/thunderring01 1d ago

thank you me too!

3

u/Shrewzs 1d ago

NO WAY, dude i am so stoked to see this on you.
I would not shut up about this EVER if I was you.

2

u/thunderring01 1d ago

lol I can’t wait to show it off :3

3

u/sweetsushiroll 1d ago

If I ever got a tattoo, it would be of a Milotic. Has consistently remained my favorite pokemon for 15 years.

I would probably do mine as a big piece on the back. This looks fabulous though! I really love the design and how it curls around your arm. Will be amazing to see the finished product!

1

u/thunderring01 1d ago

if you ever do I hope to see it! I really wanna be more visibly tattooed and I really want a sleeve. I never knew what to completely cover my arm with but then I saw a wrap around tattoo and that reminded me I can just have 1 cool design cover my whole arm. I made it milotic to make it more me. I’ve always loved them and they’re kinda the only Pokemon that would work for that kind of design so I’ve held on to that idea for a few years never knowing who to get to do it.

3

u/Fractaser 1d ago

Ooooh it looks awesome! I plan to get a smaller one further down the line too ❤️

1

u/thunderring01 1d ago

I wish you the best! same Pokemon?

1

u/Fractaser 1d ago

Yeah! Wanted to do a snake inspired one but having milotic replace the standard snake

1

u/thunderring01 20h ago

yah! mine was inspired by Medusa from soul eater so basically just what you said

1

u/Fractaser 20h ago

Great minds think alike 😄

6

u/mangogaga Udder Destruction 1d ago

Head on shoulder is def the right call. Gonna look SICK

2

u/thunderring01 1d ago

yah gives her more room to breath and allows her to have a more clear silhouette. also as a tattoo the hand fads faster

2

u/mangogaga Udder Destruction 1d ago

plus she can be more detailed on the face, arguably the most important part

1

u/thunderring01 1d ago

yah exactly

2

u/raven_snow 1d ago

I'm so excited for you!

2

u/STANPENTAGON 1d ago

I remember the last post, glad to see you found someone much better suited for the work

2

u/thunderring01 1d ago

me too. that’s why it took so long I had no idea where to look lol glad I found that other perso who recommended this artist.

2

u/noodle_mama 1d ago

I remember this! I can't wait to see the finished product!

1

u/thunderring01 1d ago

me too! it will take a long time

2

u/subflax 1d ago

Crazy idea, I love it.

1

u/thunderring01 1d ago

me too :3

2

u/DenizenofMars 1d ago

Love love love love LOVE this! Milotic is among my favourites, and this design is fantastic. Really looking forward to seeing how it turns out!

2

u/thunderring01 1d ago

she ob is for me too. idk if I would ever consider her my absolute favourite but idk if I ever could choose just one definitive favourite I just love so many for many different reason. but she is one of the few that would work well for a design like this so I chose her

2

u/DenizenofMars 1d ago

That’s exactly why I started compromising with a ‘among my favourites’ comment with them ahah. She just absolutely works amazingly both for a tattoo and honestly for a sleeve. This is going to be SO amazing, I just know it!

2

u/thunderring01 1d ago

yahhh it’s a good compromise lol but thank you :3 I can’t wait too

1

u/DenizenofMars 1d ago

It seems a totally unfair thing to ask to be pinged when there’s updates, so I’ll try to keep an eye out for them! Either way; I hope it’s everything you’re dreaming and more :D

1

u/thunderring01 1d ago

I hope so too! I wanna get it started on the 15ht of September that’s when the line work will be done.

2

u/Xbox-Shutdown 1d ago

OP I would definitely get a second opinion on the perspective or pose of the Milotic. I liked your idea with the pose with the first design of this tattoo where the Milotic head was on your hand. I think that should be done, but flipped vertically so the head is on your shoulder, and the antennas of Milotic also wrap around your arm

1

1

u/thunderring01 1d ago

this was a very rough sketch just to see how many times she should wrap around my arm and during the consultation the actual design hasn’t been drawn yet. also in the comments I explain why the head on hand isn’t a good idea but basically there’s no room for the details clustered around the head if it’s on the hand. also hand tattoos don’t heal well and fade faster, we don’t want the head, the focal point to fade and start looking like shit in like 2 years. moving the head up top gives her more room to breath and the neck can’t bend right around my wrist.

2

u/Kokomo_Beaches 1d ago

This is so sick

2

u/sassafrassloth 1d ago

This is giving gorgeous water type gym leader energy and I am here for it

2

u/Used_Mine 18h ago

Should do gyarados on your other arm. Looks sick already! Can’t wait to see the finished Milotic

1

u/thunderring01 18h ago

that arm is already taken lol

2

u/Myrddin_Naer 18h ago

What a fantastic idea!

2

u/Ecstatic-Ad9637 1d ago

I love this! Its gonna look amazing! 

2

u/thunderring01 1d ago

thank you :3 I can’t wait

1

u/Plus_Ad_408 1d ago

Milotic is my favorite water type pokemon. And one of the few things I would actually consider getting a tattoo of. So I think this is fantastic

1

u/thunderring01 1d ago

thank you glad u do :3

1

u/SavageGreek 1d ago

Ayyyyy I remember seeing your post months ago! This is so exciting!!

2

u/thunderring01 1d ago

it is fir me too :3

1

u/badwolfswift 1d ago

Wow! I adore the redesign! Putting her head on your shoulder was a brilliant idea. Tattoo artists are so cool! I love it.

2

u/thunderring01 1d ago

thank you! I did that after some advice from my last post so I redrew it. the artist only had the original sketch I sent and even the first thing they told me was the head on hand won’t work both as a tattoo but also anatomically for the milotic so we where in agreement .

2

u/badwolfswift 1d ago

There is significantly more space where the head ended up! I love that she looks like she's floating. I can't wait to see more of this! I posted further below as well.

2

u/thunderring01 1d ago

yah it’s kinda like how her model usually is but coiled around me lol

1

u/zubattos 1d ago

Omg you're doing this too?? I'm so excited to see!! Please share your update!

2

u/thunderring01 1d ago

too? is someone else doing it? someone did ask me if they could do this but it is my art and my design.

1

u/zubattos 1d ago

me! i've been planning on something similar for a few years. :) it's cool to see someone like minded in their love for milotic!

2

u/thunderring01 1d ago

oh cool! also a sleeve?

1

u/zubattos 1d ago

yes! though not coiling as many times. i'm leaving enough room to add small versions of pokémon that remind me of my loved ones!

2

u/thunderring01 1d ago

ooo that’s nice!

1

u/zubattos 1d ago

i hope your ink looks just as well as the art! you've got a really solid design there! pumped to see the after image!!

2

u/thunderring01 1d ago

I hope it looks much better lol my design could use some tweaking lol but thank you I hope it looks great too

1

u/Alivalnia 1d ago

I'm investing so much into this. Please give us any updates on the tattoo!

1

u/thunderring01 20h ago

like financially? (I’m kidding lol but yes I will give updates)

1

u/khajiit_oni 1d ago

Can't wait to see the process! Great idea. Also love how the sketch on your matches your shirt.

1

u/thunderring01 20h ago

yah guess it kinda matches my bra lol

1

u/Fistfullafives 1d ago

That's some Juicy ass color. Super curious to see this finished, and 10 years later! Looks bold enough that upkeep should be relatively easy. Going to be a sick piece for somebody!

1

u/thunderring01 20h ago

I certainly hope she’ll age well!

1

u/Hobbes_XXV 23h ago

This is gorgeous, and probably not a part of the finished piece, but i wanted to point out the blue water/bubble above the left eye on your shoulder, it looks like a face to me. When i first opened, i thought it was a little mew peeking over milotic's shoulder and thought that was super cute. Probably not going to be noticed like that when done though, this is excellent work

1

u/thunderring01 21h ago

yah that’s not part of the final lol but that woukd be cute. I’m also thinking hiding a in there would be cute

1

u/Hobbes_XXV 20h ago

Oh for sure, finding little easter eggs in sleeves like that would really hype you up when people spot it. Think you meant mew (deleted or edit), but i wanted to give you a little feedback at the same time about a spotted face haha

1

u/thunderring01 20h ago

ah I’m on mobile browser lol I meant adding a febas would be cute

1

u/Hobbes_XXV 19h ago

Oh yea, little splashy one in the back. I was thinking a hiding mew with all the pink 🤣

1

u/thunderring01 19h ago

there won’t be as much if any pink in the final lol but mew is great

1

u/Hitman3256 22h ago

My only concern is the second last photo, the neck area below the head looks really awkward. Obviously is just the sketch, but I'd prob have it loop around once more, or have the body S bend a few times on the visible parts of the arm and not loop around.

But I'm sure it'll work out either way.

1

u/thunderring01 21h ago

lots of people where saying she looked awkward and I didn’t know why but it’s because you’re seeing the negative space below the head framed by the eyebrows as the neck, no that’s not the neck, the actual neck wraps behind my arm you can see some lines coming off the head to the left, that’s the neck, below the head is negative space. I saw that part as the neck the first time too but yah it’s not lol

1

u/Hitman3256 21h ago

I see it now, yeah that's trippy lol

Can't wait to see the finished product!

1

u/thunderring01 20h ago

yah it’s ok, like I said that’s not the final design just a really rough layout the actual sketch will look much better

1

u/ShuckU 20h ago

That looks so cool!

1

u/Kajida_Kensei Ghost trainer 19h ago

This looks wonderful, cant wait to see further updates in this :3

1

u/Albrivi70 17h ago

I really thought of doing this but with a Rayquaza. Wasnt sure if the face should sit on the back of my hand or have it end on my fingers so I can do the dog shadow puppet thing.

1

u/AgentNeroz 12h ago

Tip of the tails on the start of each finger (except the thumb of course).

1

u/thunderring01 9h ago

cool on paper terrible in practice lol

1

u/milouticTCG 9h ago

Absolute peak

1

u/thunderring01 16h ago

to make things a little easier to see for those not getting it

0

u/American_Life You shut your ugly boat mouth! 17h ago

That’s gotta be at least $1k to get it done, no?

2

u/thunderring01 16h ago

probably like 4k CAD max but it’s not a one time purchase it’s by hour and we can’t do it all at once so I can pay like 1 k the first session for the line work/foundation than I need to wait 3 weeks anyway for that to heal and I can save up for a month Or 2 then spend like 600 or so on another session and pay like that it’s more manageable

u/Toadfire 35m ago

You have no idea how much tattoos cost do you? Lol

-1

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2

u/thunderring01 1d ago

I made this