While I was in the process of moving I was also working on a tattoo design commission for Katie Toomey. She loves the Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien and requested I incorporate some of the LOTR elements into the design. I also added a few video elements since she is a video editor by profession.
Here are the initial sketches I made for the characters:
Sam and Frodo with some Lembas
I loved the idea of turning the hobbits into bunnies (Hobbunnies!) to make them appeal more vulnerable and cuddly.
Legolas, Arwen, Aragorn and Gandalf
I ended up increasing the number of tails for Legolas and Arwen because I wanted to make them a bit more special since they are supposed to be elves in the story. This way they kind of look like Kitsunes. Aragorn is depicted as a black wolf here and Gandalf as a cat (with a beard!). Also had the idea of adding a big film reel in the center.
Final illustration and lineart
I sent Katie printed copies of the final colored version and also of the line-art to make it easier for the tattoo artist to draw the outlines. I also added in a signed print on special paper as a present for Katie so that she can frame it. I’m glad she loved how everything turned out and I can’t wait to see the tattoo!
