Eagle Head Upper Arm Tattoo

The feathers need distinct edges and shadows to keep their shape. I darkened those around the neck to bring the head forward. The eye and the beak carry the highlights, and everything else is built to lead back to them.

The upper arm curves in two directions, so I angled the head to sit with the muscle instead of wrapping around it. I left the top open into soft grey rather than putting a hard border on it, which is what lets it sit beside other work without a seam. I used strong contrast to separate the fine feather detail, allowing for some softening as the tattoo settles. The completed piece took 4 hours in one session. This was shot at the end of the session.