Black and Grey Phoenix Upper Arm Tattoo

The phoenix rises through the centre of the upper arm with both wings open and the long tail feathers dropping below the body. I kept the head and chest compact, then let the feather shapes widen as they move out, so the bird holds its shape on the curve of the arm.

It was finished in one four-hour session. The darkest black sits through the body and inner feathers, while the open tips stop the wings from becoming one heavy block. The photograph shows the tattoo fresh after the appointment.