This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American
Ink and bones. Depictions of rocky matrix embedded under the skin. Time for a peek at some science tattoo designs, including one I have not shown before:
Some of the most rewarding work I do from time to time is designing science-inspired tattoos. The Tylosaurus above was a clear vision from the client: they knew what they wanted. The version I am sharing here is a variation I particularly like. I attempted to pattern the shadows like the underwater pattern of surface waves moving over the fossil.
When sitting down to to start, I find it's best to go back to basics and get some life drawing done. Even if the sketches aren't ultimately incorporated into the final drawing, I like to have a feel for the correct structure, whether it's for an extinct predator's skull or a caffeine molecule. Start with accuracy and then allow artistic style to go a little crazy and bite the edges.
On supporting science journalism
If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.
Back in university, one of my roommates was in theatre and the other was in dance. I remember how we all agreed it was essential to know the classical foundations of our art practices before we started to break rules. You have to know where the boundaries are to push against them.
I first met author and blogger Brian Switek at ScienceOnline in 2009, and enjoyed his blog Laelaps before that. The chance to work with him on something as badass as a dinosaur skeleton tattoo -! How could I pass that up?
This Torvosaurus is the 3rd Morrision Formation predator I have designed for Brian and once again, Heart of Gold Tattoos in Utah has done a spectacular job.
When Brian came asked me about the first tattoo design, an allosaurus in the classic curled-back death pose, I was actually a little skeptical. The pose seemed at odds with how people commonly read a dinosaur shape. While in the midst of working on it, I realized how much the curve of the death pose combined with the detailed vertebrae spoke to my love of rendering spirals and s-shapes with teeny details.
Next was Switek's Ceratosaurus ink commission, and by the time we got to this Torvosaurus, I was just enjoying myself.
I think I need a dinosaur skeleton tattoo. A dilophosaurus in combat boots?
- - -
Heart of Gold
Brian Switek
See more of Glendon Mellow's work-in-progress science tattoo design posts onThe Flying Trilobiteblog.
