Baby Elephant Concept

[SadSam]

So I did this in Photoshop for a friend. She wants a baby elephant tattoo when I eventually start using my machine, but I'm not happy with it.
I have no idea what the machine will behave like or what lines and shading will actually work in real life.
Its not even my art style, I'm just trying to emulate other artists.
As the last post said "I feel Stuck"

 

[TexasPT]

It's a great, simple picture. Wouldn't be hard to pull off from a line work standpoint but to get blends that smooth over such large ares you'll be challenged a bit. That's the one thing I don't care for in photoshop.

 

[SadSam]

Yes I tried to keep the lines simple. There is only 2 different line widths and its not as "sketchy" as I normally would draw something.
As for the shading, should I make it darker and more concentrated (more contrast) or just skip it altogether when using Photoshop?

 

[TexasPT]

I think what you have is good to work from. in areas that big I'd do more than just shade off the head. I'd probably shade off the edges of the ears too...like you might on the folds of a flower...to break up the big space and give them a little more shape.

 

[SadSam]

Edit: I toned the shading back a bit as you recommended.

 

[TexasPT]

this is 30 seconds with a mouse...but break up the shading a bit to show the actual folds and creases an elephant would have. You could still keep it real subtle with a light wash but it would give the piece a bit more depth. obviously the one I've pasted is not the same style...but the idea behind shading translates.

 

[MalligaMallan]

Can be a grand tattoo with your design idea, and with the shading Mark suggests ?????? Just make sure to keep those lines straight.

 

[SadSam]

yes I see what you mean. I was going for something more simple because I haven't done an actual tattoo yet. I think I might redo the entire piece to fit the shading style you suggested. Something more realistic.

 

[TexasPT]

avoid this one if you haven't done an actual tattoo yet...start smaller

 

[SadSam]

oh don't worry I'm not planning on tattooing this on anyone. It's just a fun project for a friend and trying to practice some stuff. She will want one eventually but not this one.
I will tattoo myself with something simple for my first tattoo.