Thread Newbie with Filler/Shading Question

[Ezra]

Hey All,

New to the thread, but not ink, and was hoping to crowd source some ideas for filler/shading to link two tattoos together on my arm. They are both music lyrics and have definitive meanings outside the original content for me, so I'm not looking to add a bunch of hokie music notes or something in the background. Also, I'm not really concerned with linking the tats as much as I am closing out this section of my arm. I used two different phenomenal artists here in Dallas, TX where I live and I highly value their opinions. That said, I am pretty meticulous about what I want and like to get advice from a multitude of sources and inspirations before I go in and consult. Right now, I'm pretty stumped as to what would work. I do agree that the negative space isn't a negative so to speak and just slathering clouds, dots, stars, etc isn't always the most creative avenue. So, here I am and I'm open to any thoughts that the pro's (both artists and collectors) may have. Photos attached for reference.

Thanks All!

Ezra

[el twe]

Welcome, Ezra. Those tattoos look just fine as is on your arm, I think it might just be time to get some more tattoos around them!

[Joe Stratford]

Agreed, once you have some more tattoos surrounding it it won't stand out as much!

[SeeSea]

Welcome!

"Closing out this section" of your arm? Not sure I understand your plans - are you trying to make this a quarter-sleeve and not tattoo any lower on your arm?

I agree throwing in stars or dots won't look great with these tattoos. I like it fine the way it is now. If you have phenomenal artists, I'd suggest talking to them. You don't have to do what they suggest.

[Graeme]

Welcome. Check out this thread:

http://www.lastsparrowtattoo.com/forum/tattoo-designs-books-flash/818-tattoo-silhouette-negative-space.html

[The Tig]

Welcome!

If it were me, I'd be afraid to fill in too close around the text since that could make it less legible and lose definition. Maybe some very light grey wind bars or swirl undertones to tie it all together.

[CABS]

Welcome, Ezra. Those tattoos look just fine as is on your arm, I think it might just be time to get some more tattoos around them!

I agree. I think it looks fine.

[SStu]

Me, too. Unless you've decided you aren't going any further down toward your wrist, I wouldn't be worried about filler at this stage.

[Ezra]

Thanks everyone for the feedback! I think I'll probably look at getting something up on my shoulder area to maybe cap it off, but I would just get a smaller piece for that. Everyone's responses and support were immensely helpful.

[JaySpike89]

My advice would be to talk to your artist and ask them for their input, too. You should never be afraid to consult your artist when the prospect of having work done is the subject matter - I have a half sleeve around my first tattoo (which was a reaper's head) that the artist free-handed onto my skin and then when we both agreed, he went to work on it and it came out just fantastic! If you have any ideas in mind, always try to communicate with your artist - you guys should be a team :)

[Ronald]

I realized a lot of what I read in the thread "Tattoo silhouette and negative space" makes sense and now I am rethinking what I want to do.