Phoenix

The Pheonix was created utilizing: graphite, colored pencils & ink.
I then scanned the final piece---isolated the creature, and digitally added the ball, background, & logo with Photoshop and Illustrator.
*I maintained the integrity of the drawing by specifically NOT adding any computer enhancements, modifications, or touches to the scanned original. ~Digitally rendered for presentation & print resizing purposes*

Special thanks to my client for contracting me to create a custom design of a Phoenix.

© 2000 M. Faith Furst
________________________________________ ________________

A little background regarding this piece:

• I was commissioned to design a custom tattoo for my client.
• His request was to create “a depiction of the inner struggle” of his own personal (human / spiritual) conflict that resonated in his soul.
• We started out with demons and angels in battle. They formed themselves to resemble roman figures in a cyber/ historical/ intellectual/ unspoken emotional and pre-physical struggle (I don’t really know how else to describe it).
• The “battle" did not seem to work with him “internally”.
• After 8 (or so months) Bata-Bing-Bata-Boom = He wanted a Phoenix that represented the strength of its mythological survival. *Not to enhance the fact that it once burned or was tortured to ashes~ but the to enhance the fact that the Phoenix (in this case him) wore strength, honor and vigilance to his personal emotions and experiences. *
• Once I tattooed it on him ~ he no longer felt he needed to be concerned of this inner conflict.
• Since I had to tattoo this complicated “technical vortex” (note: I could not make one single error while grazing his skin , , ). I drew the puppy several times until I imbedded it into my brain.
• This man I speak of wears this mark on his sleeve now. “Closest to his heart”.

The reason I spent so much time on my clients designs is due the fact that I contract to not ever tattoo the image again. I believe it is their “Sacred Marking”. Besides I would have never drawn this if they did not work with me to give birth to their Sacred Passage.

• *The contract binds this honor & I keep the rights to the original art work*

***I know that I have posted this and I understand how many out there can utilize this image in some manipulative form without honoring the © & the individuality of this man I speak of***

I just ask that we all honor our own individuality and respect our own human soul. I would question someone if they chose to find their own identity by making a “Carbon Copy” of someone else’s.

There is plenty of "flash” [link] out there for that soul purpose. And there is nothing wrong with using royalty free artwork as an expression of individualism.

Several tattoo artists find great honor and even consider it a blessing to customize a tattoo~ just ask them. They are artists and will take the opportunity to be creative and escape the mundane repetition of their daily “job/work”. You might make their day and yours. One does wear it forever.
Bauhaus - All We Ever Wanted :[link]