Tattoo Design Bounty 0.5 BTC

[BitDollars]

Calling all designers, typographers, lettering experts and calligraphers!!

I’ve been trying to get a tattoo designed for the past few years. Each iteration has come closer to my vision, but it’s not quite right yet. I’m turning to the bitcoin community to see whether it can be done. The tattoo should have the words “Alêya Lovi Thai” with the date “21.1.12”. Here are some pictures of what is closest to what I want.

http://imgur.com/nUdOZPr First version
https://i.imgur.com/LCf6HOl Second version
http://imgur.com/HUxrFuM Feedback on second version

The first version is the closest to what I want. The font is Buttermilk but you can use another similar font if it works better with the overall design. The second version is too basic but I’ve provided it for reference. I’ve also given feedback I provided to the designer on the second version so with specific feedback on changes I wanted.

The reason I don’t like the first/second version is the background and the words are not integrated. It does not flow well. The designer has used the background sourced from the internet and slapped the words in front of it. Also the background is a bit too busy for the first version and too sparse in the second version.

I prefer the overall design to look cohesive, interconnected and unified. I like this http://imgur.com/qx5PUBX in terms of how the letters trail off into swirls and I like this http://imgur.com/oPiKjo0 in terms of overall use of white space.

I am offering 0.5 BTC and the bounty is closes 30 April 2014. The best one gets the half coin. PM any questions or post on this thread.

Go!

[resonance]

I'm going to start working on this to see what I can come up with. 
First, I think it's best to hand sketch this out then get it onto photoshop to clean it up a bit. 
I'll keep you posted with any results!

[resonance]

https://i.imgur.com/oMPoGb8.jpg



If you liked it, Tips welcome

1Fs638AMmaoFvY1gQAGUyUMD3SfimRDyaC

[resonance]

Here's the update after including the dates in the heart

https://i.imgur.com/0V6Py5Y.jpg

[d2dtk]

I have a friend who is a professional tattoo artist in her own shop. I'll forward these images and what you're looking for and let you review it.

[counter]

Oh man it is threads like these that make me kick myself for not sticking with my artistic talents as a youngster.  Especially now that I see what a graphic designer can make around here.  All the best finding a design that suits you and I look forward to seeing what people come up with  !

[resonance]

Oh man it is threads like these that make me kick myself for not sticking with my artistic talents as a youngster.  Especially now that I see what a graphic designer can make around here.  All the best finding a design that suits you and I look forward to seeing what people come up with  !

Hey, it's never too late to use your artistic talent, if you have it, then you always will.  Invest some time into it now, and I'm sure you'll go far

[BitDollars]

great start.
here is my feedback
http://imgur/JTiJN5Q

[BitDollars]

ooops. let me rectify the error of my way
http://imgur.com/JTiJN5Q

[resonance]

Okay, I'll take your feedback and try to improve it a bit for you
I'll post back here when I've done so

[counter]

Oh man it is threads like these that make me kick myself for not sticking with my artistic talents as a youngster.  Especially now that I see what a graphic designer can make around here.  All the best finding a design that suits you and I look forward to seeing what people come up with  !

Hey, it's never too late to use your artistic talent, if you have it, then you always will.  Invest some time into it now, and I'm sure you'll go far

truth be told I have thought about doing just that and I really do appreciate the excellent suggestion.  Always nice to get some positive inspiring advice from a kind stranger.

[medUSA]

The first version is the closest to what I want...
The reason I don’t like the first/second version is the background and the words are not integrated...
The designer has used the background sourced from the internet and slapped the words in front of it...
Also the background is a bit too busy for the first version and too sparse in the second version...

I see what you mean...

The background of the first version looks really good from a distance. On close up, you can see hard curves and awkward branching. The original designer may have cut and pasted lots of bits together, but you should give him credit for there is no unevenness and no particular part stands out too much.

My worry is, once you start to clean up this background, the heart shape will loose its fullness, or it will look too symmetrical. How do you feel about adding small leaves on the vines?

About the names in the "change 4" example, do you mind if they are slanted upwards like "version 1" or you prefer them to be level?

...the bounty is closes 30 April 2014. The best one gets the half coin.

Well, lucky we've got time. Will experiment on the vines... Will post here if I have something to show you 

[BitDollars]

Here are more samples of what I dont like
http://imgur.com/m5lnkfV
http://imgur.com/NNadPAB

[BitDollars]

This is a version i made myself.  I made it in powerpoint so I couldn't really do anything fancy
https://i.imgur.com/M4jKa1k.png

Also here is some nice lettering I like the look of
https://i.imgur.com/Wc8GmHZ.png

[BitDollars]

I see what you mean...

My worry is, once you start to clean up this background, the heart shape will loose its fullness, or it will look too symmetrical. How do you feel about adding small leaves on the vines?

About the names in the "change 4" example, do you mind if they are slanted upwards like "version 1" or you prefer them to be level?

I don't mind the leaves on the vines as long as it doesn't look too busy. I'm after overall coherence and a good use of white space with an eye for flow and seamlessness between background pattern and the letters.

As for "change 4", I don't mind if its slanted or at the same level.  I think realistically you will need to play with the spacing and i'll be surprised if your able to keep it at the same level.  I'm relying on your creativity to find a good solution.

[mymenace]

hope my design is to your likning





if you can get it done with shading i think even better





cheers

[BitDollars]

i like the connection of words and patterns but the heart shape is essential. i'm getting the designed tattoed on my chest where my heart is so its kinda symbolic.

[likehiro]

You have a PM

[Triswardhani]

I'm not really sure or not... just curious if someone who post the pic and u like it will get paid or not.... cause u use it for tattoo... maybe somehow u already pick and  made it for tattoo one of the pic from here. u can say I didn't find the the great design for tattoo yet...we never know. The idea is expensive dude.

[BitDollars]

i will pay the one i like the best regardless of whether or not i am completely satisfied.  i will announce which one is the winner at the end of April on this thread and pay the winner so you can check the transaction.

if people wish to have the 0.5 bitcoins in escrow or some sort of arrangement to ensure i am genuine then i am happy to submit to that process.  i have already paid four different designers for drawings i am not completely satisfied with which is why i am using a bounty process rather than commissioning an individual.